UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 |
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO |
Commission File Number: 001-33551
The Blackstone Group L.P.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 20-8875684 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(212) 583-5000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x |
Accelerated filer ¨ | |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ |
Smaller reporting company ¨ | |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The number of the Registrants voting common units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of April 29, 2011 was 359,303,409. The number of the Registrants non-voting common units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of April 29, 2011 was 109,083,468.
Page | ||||||
PART I. |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|
||||
ITEM 1. |
4 | |||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements March 31, 2011 and 2010: |
||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 |
4 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 |
6 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 |
7 | |||||
9 | ||||||
ITEM 1A. |
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION |
43 | ||||
ITEM 2. |
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
45 | ||||
ITEM 3. |
96 | |||||
ITEM 4. |
99 | |||||
PART II. |
OTHER INFORMATION |
|||||
ITEM 1. |
100 | |||||
ITEM 1A. |
101 | |||||
ITEM 2. |
101 | |||||
ITEM 3. |
101 | |||||
ITEM 4. |
101 | |||||
ITEM 5. |
101 | |||||
ITEM 6. |
102 | |||||
103 |
Forward-Looking Statements
This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as outlook, believes, expects, potential, continues, may, will, should, seeks, approximately, predicts, intends, plans, estimates, anticipates or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and in this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report and in our other periodic filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
1
In this report, references to Blackstone, the Partnership, we, us or our refer to The Blackstone Group L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to the ownership of Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, our founder, and other Blackstone personnel include the ownership of personal planning vehicles and family members of these individuals.
Blackstone Funds, our funds and our investment funds refer to the private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation (CLO) vehicles, and closed-end mutual funds and management investment companies that are managed by Blackstone. Our carry funds refer to the private equity funds, real estate funds and certain of the credit-oriented funds (with multi-year drawdown, commitment-based structures that only pay carry on the realization of an investment) that are managed by Blackstone. Our hedge funds refer to our funds of hedge funds, certain of our real estate debt investment funds and certain other credit-oriented funds (including three publicly registered closed-end management investment companies), which are managed by Blackstone.
Assets under management refers to the assets we manage. Our assets under management equals the sum of:
(a) | the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds plus the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds pursuant to the terms of their capital commitments to those funds (plus the fair value of co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners of our funds in portfolio companies of such funds and on which we receive fees or a carried interest allocation); |
(b) | the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds and our closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies; |
(c) | the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts; and |
(d) | the amount of capital raised for our CLOs. |
Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Our hedge funds generally have structures that afford an investor the right to withdraw or redeem their interests on a periodic basis (e.g., annually or quarterly), in most cases upon advance written notice, with the majority of our funds requiring from 60 days up to 95 days notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to separately managed accounts may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days notice.
Fee-earning assets under management refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management and / or incentive fees. Our fee-earning assets under management equal the sum of:
(a) | for our Blackstone Capital Partners (BCP) and Blackstone Real Estate Partners (BREP) funds where the investment period has not expired, the amount of capital commitments; |
(b) | for our BCP and BREP funds where the investment period has expired, the remaining amount of invested capital plus binding investment commitments; |
(c) | for our real estate debt investment funds (BREDS), the remaining amount of invested capital; |
(d) | for our credit-oriented carry funds, the amount of invested capital (which may be calculated to include leverage) or net asset value; |
(e) | the invested capital of co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners of our funds in portfolio companies of such funds and on which we receive fees; |
(f) | the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds (except our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies) and our closed-end mutual funds; |
(g) | the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts; |
2
(h) | the gross amount of underlying assets of our CLOs at cost; and |
(i) | the gross amount of assets (including leverage) for our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies. |
Our calculations of assets under management and fee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel, regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.
For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereas fee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments or the remaining amount of invested capital at cost plus binding investment commitments, generally depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired. As such, fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.
This report does not constitute an offer of any Blackstone Fund.
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 455,811 | $ | 588,621 | ||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
648,612 | 790,399 | ||||||
Investments (including assets pledged of $71,601 and $62,670 at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively) |
12,676,464 | 11,974,472 | ||||||
Accounts Receivable |
379,827 | 495,893 | ||||||
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
229,723 | 181,425 | ||||||
Due from Affiliates |
768,749 | 795,395 | ||||||
Intangible Assets, Net |
738,465 | 779,311 | ||||||
Goodwill |
1,703,602 | 1,703,602 | ||||||
Other Assets |
253,356 | 293,194 | ||||||
Deferred Tax Assets |
1,394,158 | 1,242,293 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 19,248,767 | $ | 18,844,605 | ||||
Liabilities and Partners Capital |
||||||||
Loans Payable |
$ | 7,325,138 | $ | 7,198,898 | ||||
Due to Affiliates |
1,939,129 | 1,762,287 | ||||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits |
685,080 | 821,568 | ||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
209,666 | 116,688 | ||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities |
658,939 | 691,807 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
10,817,952 | 10,591,248 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies |
||||||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
671,164 | 600,836 | ||||||
Partners Capital |
||||||||
Partners Capital (common units: 458,559,767 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2011; 416,092,022 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010) |
4,122,841 | 3,888,211 | ||||||
Appropriated Partners Capital |
295,544 | 470,583 | ||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
3,101 | 4,302 | ||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
893,290 | 870,908 | ||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings |
2,444,875 | 2,418,517 | ||||||
Total Partners Capital |
7,759,651 | 7,652,521 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Partners Capital |
$ | 19,248,767 | $ | 18,844,605 | ||||
continued...
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
The following presents the portion of the consolidated balances presented above attributable to consolidated Blackstone Funds which are variable interest entities. The following assets may only be used to settle obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and these liabilities are only the obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and they do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone.
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
$ | 510,304 | $ | 707,622 | ||||
Investments |
7,526,788 | 7,424,329 | ||||||
Accounts Receivable |
22,074 | 22,380 | ||||||
Due from Affiliates |
37,743 | 30,182 | ||||||
Other Assets |
22,132 | 19,823 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 8,119,041 | $ | 8,204,336 | ||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Loans Payable |
$ | 6,302,695 | $ | 6,154,179 | ||||
Due to Affiliates |
348,212 | 304,969 | ||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other |
266,423 | 330,675 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
$ | 6,917,330 | $ | 6,789,823 | ||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees |
$ | 412,738 | $ | 354,820 | ||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||
Realized |
96,203 | 54,049 | ||||||
Unrealized |
512,401 | 131,779 | ||||||
Total Performance Fees |
608,604 | 185,828 | ||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||
Realized |
12,783 | 5,726 | ||||||
Unrealized |
107,395 | 149,220 | ||||||
Total Investment Income |
120,178 | 154,946 | ||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
9,490 | 8,895 | ||||||
Other |
2,259 | (3,250 | ) | |||||
Total Revenues |
1,153,269 | 701,239 | ||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||
Compensation |
659,483 | 924,950 | ||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||
Realized |
14,543 | 7,741 | ||||||
Unrealized |
162,525 | 54,600 | ||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
836,551 | 987,291 | ||||||
General, Administrative and Other |
129,386 | 106,379 | ||||||
Interest Expense |
13,803 | 7,185 | ||||||
Fund Expenses |
11,124 | (141 | ) | |||||
Total Expenses |
990,864 | 1,100,714 | ||||||
Other Income |
||||||||
Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities |
(45,191 | ) | 171,804 | |||||
Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes |
117,214 | (227,671 | ) | |||||
Provision for Taxes |
38,850 | 9,635 | ||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
78,364 | (237,306 | ) | |||||
Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Non- Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
22,025 | 23,969 | ||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
(93,081 | ) | 135,966 | |||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings |
106,716 | (275,864 | ) | |||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. |
$ | 42,704 | $ | (121,377 | ) | |||
Net Loss Per Common Unit, Basic and Diluted |
$ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
Net Income Per Common Unit, Basic |
$ | 0.10 | ||||||
Net Income Per Common Unit, Diluted |
$ | 0.09 | ||||||
Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding Basic and Diluted |
333,433,864 | |||||||
Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding Basic |
447,742,389 | |||||||
Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding Diluted |
457,652,916 | |||||||
Revenues Earned from Affiliates |
||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees |
$ | 70,038 | $ | 38,767 | ||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Operating Activities |
||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
$ | 78,364 | $ | (237,306 | ) | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: |
||||||||
Blackstone Funds Related: |
||||||||
Unrealized Depreciation (Appreciation) on Investments Allocable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
(20,698 | ) | (198,141 | ) | ||||
Net Realized (Gains) Losses on Investments |
(179,148 | ) | (29,801 | ) | ||||
Changes in Unrealized (Gains) Losses on Investments Allocable to Blackstone Group |
(89,106 | ) | (146,597 | ) | ||||
Unrealized Depreciation on Hedge Activities |
561 | (852 | ) | |||||
Non-Cash Performance Fees |
(375,102 | ) | (99,172 | ) | ||||
Non-Cash Performance Fee Compensation |
177,069 | 62,341 | ||||||
Equity-Based Compensation Expense |
426,280 | 723,145 | ||||||
Amortization of Intangibles |
40,846 | 39,512 | ||||||
Other Non-Cash Amounts Included in Net Income |
14,806 | 6,503 | ||||||
Cash Flows Due to Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: |
||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
141,787 | (37,117 | ) | |||||
Cash Relinquished with Continuing Liquidation of Partnership |
395 | 3,562 | ||||||
Accounts Receivable |
130,920 | (12,112 | ) | |||||
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
(48,298 | ) | | |||||
Due from Affiliates |
(984 | ) | (52,798 | ) | ||||
Other Assets |
32,723 | (1,906 | ) | |||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits |
(273,284 | ) | (92,748 | ) | ||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
93,711 | 248 | ||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities |
(273,956 | ) | 23,089 | |||||
Due to Affiliates |
22,307 | (30,073 | ) | |||||
Short Term Investments Purchased |
(733,450 | ) | (313,507 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Sale of Investments |
708,437 | 239,918 | ||||||
Blackstone Funds Related: |
||||||||
Investments Purchased |
(1,953,083 | ) | (515,269 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Sale of Investments |
2,520,410 | 689,581 | ||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
441,507 | 20,500 | ||||||
Investing Activities |
||||||||
Purchase of Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements |
(5,710 | ) | (6,974 | ) | ||||
Changes in Restricted Cash |
321 | (146 | ) | |||||
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities |
(5,389 | ) | (7,120 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities |
||||||||
Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities |
(135,412 | ) | (37,040 | ) | ||||
Contributions from Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities |
118,434 | 3,773 |
continued...
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Purchase of Interests from Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders |
$ | (2,056 | ) | $ | (152 | ) | ||
Net Settlement of Vested Common Units and Repurchase of Common and Holdings Units |
(6,823 | ) | (9,489 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Loans Payable |
2,246 | 972 | ||||||
Repayment of Loans Payable |
(17,713 | ) | (26,735 | ) | ||||
Distributions to Unitholders |
(371,994 | ) | (269,548 | ) | ||||
Blackstone Funds Related: |
||||||||
Proceeds from Loans Payable |
200 | | ||||||
Repayment of Loans Payable |
(155,810 | ) | | |||||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities |
(568,928 | ) | (338,219 | ) | ||||
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
(132,810 | ) | (324,839 | ) | ||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period |
588,621 | 952,096 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period |
$ | 455,811 | $ | 627,257 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information |
||||||||
Payments for Interest |
$ | 635 | $ | 663 | ||||
Payments for Income Taxes |
$ | 17,611 | $ | 24,281 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Operating Activities |
||||||||
Net Activities Related to Capital Transactions of Consolidated Blackstone Funds |
$ | 1,721 | $ | 2,288 | ||||
Net Assets Related to the Consolidation of CLO Vehicles |
$ | | $ | 217,631 | ||||
Transfer of Interests to Non-Controlling Interest Holders |
$ | (1,111 | ) | $ | (11,778 | ) | ||
Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.s Ownership Interest |
$ | (5,772 | ) | $ | (5,551 | ) | ||
Net Settlement of Vested Common Units |
$ | 4,369 | $ | 22,969 | ||||
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Units to Common Units |
$ | 137,961 | $ | 53,678 | ||||
Exchange of Founders and Non-Controlling Interest Holders Interests in Blackstone Holdings: |
||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset |
$ | (176,013 | ) | $ | 83,403 | |||
Due to Affiliates |
$ | 142,212 | $ | (63,497 | ) | |||
Partners Capital |
$ | 33,801 | $ | (19,906 | ) | |||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
1. | ORGANIZATION |
The Blackstone Group L.P., together with its subsidiaries, (Blackstone or the Partnership) is a leading global manager of private capital and provider of financial advisory services. The alternative asset management business includes the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation (CLO) vehicles, separately managed accounts, publicly traded closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies (collectively referred to as the Blackstone Funds). Blackstone also provides various financial advisory services, including financial advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Blackstones business is organized into five segments: private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, credit businesses, and financial advisory.
The Partnership was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 12, 2007. The Partnership is managed and operated by its general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., which is in turn wholly-owned and controlled by one of Blackstones founders, Stephen A. Schwarzman (the Founder), and Blackstones other senior managing directors.
The activities of the Partnership are conducted through its holding partnerships: Blackstone Holdings I L.P.; Blackstone Holdings II L.P.; Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. (collectively, Blackstone Holdings, Blackstone Holdings Partnerships or the Holding Partnerships). On June 18, 2007, in preparation for an initial public offering (IPO), the predecessor owners (Predecessor Owners) of the Blackstone business completed a reorganization (the Reorganization) whereby, with certain limited exceptions, the operating entities of the predecessor organization and the intellectual property rights associated with the Blackstone name were contributed (Contributed Businesses) to five holding partnerships (Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and Blackstone Holdings V L.P.) either directly or indirectly via a sale to certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and then a contribution to the Holding Partnerships. The Partnership, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the sole general partner in each of these Holding Partnerships. The reorganization was accounted for as an exchange of entities under common control for the component of interests contributed by the Founders and the other senior managing directors (collectively, the Control Group) and as an acquisition of non-controlling interests using the purchase method of accounting for all the predecessor owners other than the Control Group.
On January 1, 2009, the number of Holding Partnerships was reduced from five to four through the transfer of assets and liabilities of Blackstone Holdings III L.P. to Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. In connection therewith, Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. was renamed Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings V L.P. was renamed Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. Blackstone Holdings refers to the five holding partnerships prior to the January 2009 reorganization and the four holding partnerships subsequent to the January 2009 reorganization.
Generally, holders of the limited partner interests in the four Holding Partnerships may, up to four times each year, exchange their limited partnership interests (Partnership Units) for Blackstone Common Units, on a one-to-one basis, exchanging one Partnership Unit in each of the four Holding Partnerships for one Blackstone Common Unit.
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP)
9
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in audited financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) so that the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership, its wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, the consolidated entities which are considered to be variable interest entities and for which the Partnership is considered the primary beneficiary, and certain partnerships or similar entities which are not considered variable interest entities but in which the general partner is presumed to have control.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Restructurings within consolidated CLOs are treated as investment purchases or sales, as applicable, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation as follows:
|
In January 2011, Blackstone separated its Credit and Marketable Alternatives segment into two new segments: Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses. The Hedge Fund Solutions segment, which is comprised primarily of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management, an institutional solutions provider utilizing hedge funds across a variety of strategies, and the Indian-focused and Asian-focused closed-end mutual funds. The Credit Businesses segment, which is comprised principally of GSO, manages credit-oriented funds, CLOs, credit-focused separately managed accounts and publicly registered debt-focused investment companies. This change in Blackstones segment reporting aligns it to its management reporting and organization structure and is consistent with the manner in which resource deployment and compensation decisions are made. Blackstones segment results have been retrospectively presented for all periods reported. |
|
As of March 31, 2011, Blackstone elected to aggregate changes in assets and liabilities relating to hedging activities within Unrealized Depreciation on Hedge Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Previously, amounts relating to changes in hedging instruments had been presented in Cash Flows Due to Changes in Operating Assets and LiabilitiesOther Assets. The reclassification of amounts in 2010 had no impact on Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. |
Consolidation
The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner is presumed to have control. Although the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in the Blackstone Holdings partnerships, the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the presumption of control by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings.
In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (VIE) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest.
10
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to (a) determine whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnerships involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment. Variable interest entities qualify for the deferral of the consolidation guidance if all of the following conditions have been met:
(a) | The entity has all of the attributes of an investment company as defined under AICPA Accounting and Auditing Guide, Investment Companies (Investment Company Guide) , or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but it is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the Investment Company Guide, |
(b) | The reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and |
(c) | The entity is not a securitization or asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special purpose entity. |
Where the VIEs have qualified for the deferral of the current consolidation guidance, the analysis is based on previous consolidation guidance. This guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnerships involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the variability of the entity. Under both guidelines, the Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and reconsiders that conclusion continuously. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Partnership and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entitys status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of The Blackstone Group L.P. are separately presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Blackstones other disclosures regarding VIEs are discussed in Note 9. Variable Interest Entities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial
11
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:
|
Level I Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price. |
|
Level II Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs, and certain fund of hedge funds investments in which Blackstone has the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. |
|
Level III Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-oriented funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, collateralized loan obligations, certain over the counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs and certain funds of hedge funds which use net asset value per share to determine fair value in which Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date if an investee fund manager has the ability to limit the amount of redemptions, and/or the ability to side-pocket investments, irrespective of whether such ability has been exercised. |
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnerships assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.
In certain cases, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments.
In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist;
12
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
managements determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate managements own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for non-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties or certain funds of hedge funds. The valuation technique for each of these investments is described below:
Private Equity Investments The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are unaudited at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company such as EBITDA by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Private equity investments may also be valued at cost for a period of time after an acquisition as the best indicator of fair value.
Real Estate Investments The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (cap rates) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will also be considered in support of the investments carrying value.
Funds of Hedge Funds Blackstone Funds direct investments in funds of hedge funds (Investee Funds) are valued at net asset value (NAV) per share of the Investee Fund. If the Partnership determines, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with its valuation policies.
Credit-Oriented Investments The fair values of credit-oriented investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In some instances, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method.
Investments, at Fair Value
The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the Investment Company Guide, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the Portfolio Companies), at fair value. Blackstone has retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated Blackstone Funds. Thus, such consolidated funds investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount 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 (i.e., the exit price).
13
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Blackstones principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).
For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt and equity securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. Fair valuing these investments is consistent with how the Partnership accounts for its other principal investments. Loans extended to third parties are recorded within Accounts Receivable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Debt and equity securities for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded within Investments. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-oriented and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.
In addition, the Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of certain CLO vehicles that are consolidated as of January 1, 2010, as a result of the initial adoption of variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Partnership has also elected the fair value option for CLO vehicles consolidated as of April 1, 2010 and July 20, 2010, as a result of the acquisitions of CLO management contracts. The adjustment resulting from the difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities for each of these events is presented as a transition and acquisition adjustment to Appropriated Partners Capital. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held by non-consolidated affiliates. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such assets and liabilities is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, and credit-oriented investments. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income subsequent to adoption are presented within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. Amounts attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities have a corresponding adjustment to Appropriated Partners Capital.
Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. Fair Value Option to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Security and loan transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.
Equity Method Investments
Investments where the Partnership is deemed to exert significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Partnerships share of earnings (losses) from equity method investments is included in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The carrying amounts of equity method investments are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As the underlying investments of the Partnerships equity method investments in Blackstone Funds are reported at fair value, the carrying value of the Partnerships equity method investments are at fair value. Other equity method investments are reviewed for impairment.
14
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Securities purchased under agreement to resell (reverse repurchase agreements) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), comprising primarily U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt, represent collateralized financing transactions. Such transactions are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their contractual amounts and include accrued interest. Repurchase Agreements are included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The Partnership manages credit exposure arising from repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements by, in appropriate circumstances, entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties that provide the Partnership, in the event of a customer default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterpartys rights and obligations.
The Partnership takes possession of securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements and is permitted to repledge, deliver or otherwise use such securities. The Partnership also pledges its financial instruments to counterparties to collateralize repurchase agreements. Financial instruments pledged that can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty are recorded in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased consist of equity and debt securities that the Partnership has borrowed and sold. The Partnership is required to cover its short sale in the future by purchasing the security at prevailing market prices and delivering it to the counterparty from which it borrowed the security. The Partnership is exposed to loss in the event that the price at which a security may have to be purchased to cover a short sale exceeds the price at which the borrowed security was sold short.
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Derivative Instruments
The Partnership recognizes all derivatives as assets or liabilities on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. On the date the Partnership enters into a derivative contract, it designates and documents each derivative contract as one of the following: (a) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), (c) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or (d) a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument (freestanding derivative). For a fair value hedge, Blackstone records changes in the fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is highly effective, changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, in current period earnings in the same caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments caused by factors other than changes in the risk being hedged, which are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized in current period earnings. For freestanding derivative contracts, the Partnership presents changes in fair value in current period earnings.
The Partnership formally documents at inception its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge
15
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
transaction and the Partnerships evaluation of effectiveness of its hedged transaction. At least monthly, the Partnership also formally assesses whether the derivative it designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in estimated fair values or cash flows of the hedged items using either the regression analysis or the dollar offset method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.
Blackstones other disclosures regarding derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments.
Affiliates
Blackstone considers its founder, senior managing directors, employees, the Blackstone Funds and the Portfolio Companies to be affiliates.
Distributions
Distributions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements when paid.
Recent Accounting Developments
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance on improving disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires additional disclosure on transfers in and out of Levels I and II fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for such transfers. In addition, for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level III), the reconciliation of beginning and ending balances shall be presented on a gross basis, with separate disclosure of gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements and transfers in and transfers out of Level III. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosures on the fair value hierarchy to disaggregate disclosures by each class of assets and liabilities. In addition, an entity is required to provide further disclosures on valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for fair value measurements that fall in either Level II or Level III. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level III fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Adoption of the guidance, including the gross presentation of activity in Level III, did not have a material impact on the Partnerships financial statements.
In December 2010, the FASB issued enhanced guidance on when to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The updated guidance modifies existing requirements under step one of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires step two to be performed if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnerships financial statements.
In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance on disclosures around business combinations for public entities that present comparative financial statements. The guidance specifies that an entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. As the Partnership has not had any business combinations since January 2011, adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnerships financial statements.
16
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
In April 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance for agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity. The amendments remove from the assessment of effective control (a) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and (b) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Blackstone enters into repurchase agreements that are currently accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. Adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Partnerships financial statements.
3. | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The carrying value of goodwill was $1.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value of the Partnerships operating segments substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.
In January 2011, Blackstone separated its Credit and Marketable Alternatives segment into two new segments. Goodwill previously allocated to the Credit and Marketable Alternatives segment has been reallocated to the Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses segments. Goodwill has been allocated to each of the Partnerships five segments as follows: Private Equity ($694.5 million), Real Estate ($421.7 million), Hedge Fund Solutions ($172.1 million), Credit Businesses ($346.4 million) and Financial Advisory ($68.9 million).
Intangible Assets, Net consists of the following:
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets / Contractual Rights |
$ | 1,370,255 | $ | 1,370,255 | ||||
Accumulated Amortization |
(631,790 | ) | (590,944 | ) | ||||
Intangible Assets, Net |
$ | 738,465 | $ | 779,311 | ||||
Amortization expense associated with Blackstones intangible assets was $40.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and $39.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Amortization expense is included within General, Administrative and Other in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Amortization of Intangible Assets held at March 31, 2011 is expected to be $122.5 million, $108.6 million, $57.0 million, $52.2 million, and $50.3 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
17
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
4. | INVESTMENTS |
Investments
Investments consists of the following:
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds |
$ | 8,439,789 | $ | 8,192,327 | ||||
Equity Method Investments |
1,924,913 | 1,921,665 | ||||||
Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies |
923,351 | 896,367 | ||||||
Performance Fees |
1,359,470 | 937,227 | ||||||
Other Investments |
28,941 | 26,886 | ||||||
$ | 12,676,464 | $ | 11,974,472 | |||||
Blackstones share of Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds totaled $526.5 million and $500.2 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, consideration was given as to whether any individual investment, including derivative instruments, had a fair value which exceeded 5% of Blackstones net assets. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no investments exceeded the 5% threshold.
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations include net realized gains (losses) from realizations and sales of investments and the net change in unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in the fair value of the consolidated Blackstone Funds investments. The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Realized Gains (Losses) |
$ | 70,101 | $ | (23,524 | ) | |||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
(134,890 | ) | 184,684 | |||||
$ | (64,789 | ) | $ | 161,160 | ||||
18
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The following reconciles the Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Blackstone Funds presented above to Other Income (Loss) Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Blackstone Funds |
$ | (64,789 | ) | $ | 161,160 | |||
Reclassification to Investment Income (Loss) and Other Attributable to Blackstone Side-by-Side Investment Vehicles |
| (17,453 | ) | |||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue Attributable to Consolidated Blackstone Funds |
19,598 | 13,676 | ||||||
Investment Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest Holders |
| 14,421 | ||||||
Other Income Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities |
$ | (45,191 | ) | $ | 171,804 | |||
Equity Method Investments
The Partnership recognized net gains (losses) related to its equity method investments of $89.3 million and $132.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Blackstones equity method investments include its investments in private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds and other proprietary investments, which are not consolidated but in which the Partnership exerts significant influence.
The summarized financial information of the Partnerships equity method investments are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Other (a) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income |
$ | 32 | $ | 11,402 | $ | 40 | $ | 108,537 | $ | 1 | $ | 120,012 | ||||||||||||
Other Income |
311,265 | 846 | 10,570 | 37,735 | 16,103 | 376,519 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(1,613 | ) | (2,050 | ) | (67 | ) | (8,220 | ) | | (11,950 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other Expenses |
(7,773 | ) | (12,451 | ) | (11,881 | ) | (15,022 | ) | (8,951 | ) | (56,078 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain from Investments |
1,075,350 | 1,836,566 | 202,242 | 425,243 | | 3,539,401 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 1,377,261 | $ | 1,834,313 | $ | 200,904 | $ | 548,273 | $ | 7,153 | $ | 3,967,904 | ||||||||||||
19
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income |
$ | 5 | $ | 6,139 | $ | 64 | $ | 133,227 | $ | 139,435 | ||||||||||
Other Income |
151,778 | 38,252 | 15 | 10,539 | 200,584 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(1,553 | ) | (733 | ) | (38 | ) | (19,076 | ) | (21,400 | ) | ||||||||||
Other Expenses |
(5,037 | ) | (21,051 | ) | (20,471 | ) | (15,704 | ) | (62,263 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain from Investments |
2,852,369 | 1,181,963 | | 70,411 | 4,104,743 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 2,997,562 | $ | 1,204,570 | $ | (20,430 | ) | $ | 179,397 | $ | 4,361,099 | |||||||||
(a) | Other represents the summarized financial information of equity method investments whose results, for segment reporting purposes, have been allocated across more than one of Blackstones segments. |
Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies
The portion of Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies included in Investments represents the Partnerships liquid investments in government and other investment and non-investment grade securities. These strategies are managed by third-party institutions. The Partnership has managed its credit risk through diversification of its investments among major financial institutions, all of which have investment grade ratings. The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments held by Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Realized Gains (Losses) |
$ | (301 | ) | $ | 1,443 | |||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
629 | 2,758 | ||||||
$ | 328 | $ | 4,201 | |||||
Performance Fees
Performance Fees allocated to the general partner in respect of performance of certain Carry Funds, funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds were as follows:
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Performance Fees, December 31, 2010 |
$ | 573,042 | $ | 65,477 | $ | 9,534 | $ | 289,174 | $ | 937,227 | ||||||||||
Change in Fair Value of Funds |
114,226 | 356,252 | 4,130 | 88,951 | 563,559 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign Exchange Gains |
| 1,292 | | | 1,292 | |||||||||||||||
Fund Cash Distributions |
(83,987 | ) | (12,242 | ) | (5,911 | ) | (40,468 | ) | (142,608 | ) | ||||||||||
Performance Fees, March 31, 2011 |
$ | 603,281 | $ | 410,779 | $ | 7,753 | $ | 337,657 | $ | 1,359,470 | ||||||||||
20
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Other Investments
Other Investments consist primarily of investment securities held by Blackstone for its own account. The following table presents Blackstones realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) in other investments:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Realized Gains (Losses) |
$ | | $ | 1,179 | ||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
949 | 470 | ||||||
$ | 949 | $ | 1,649 | |||||
5. | NET ASSET VALUE AS FAIR VALUE |
Certain of the consolidated Blackstone Funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investees investment generally provide for minimum holding periods or lock-ups, the institution of gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side-pocket investments, at the discretion of the investees fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the reporting date. A side pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side pocket cannot be estimated. A summary of fair value by strategy type alongside the consolidated funds of hedge funds remaining unfunded commitments and ability to redeem such investments as of March 31, 2011 is presented below:
Strategy |
Fair Value |
Unfunded
Commitments |
Redemption
Frequency (if currently eligible) |
Redemption
Notice Period |
||||||||||||
Diversified Instruments |
$ | 264,434 | $ | 3,891 | (a | ) | (a | ) | ||||||||
Credit Driven |
203,846 | 3,871 | (b | ) | (b | ) | ||||||||||
Event Driven |
123,014 | | (c | ) | (c | ) | ||||||||||
Equity |
162,808 | | (d | ) | (d | ) | ||||||||||
Commodities |
41,936 | | (e | ) | (e | ) | ||||||||||
$ | 796,038 | $ | 7,762 | |||||||||||||
(a) | Diversified Instruments includes investments in hedge funds that invest across multiple strategies. Investments representing 98% of the value of the investments in this category are subject to redemption restrictions at the discretion of the investee fund manager who may choose (but may not have exercised such ability) to side-pocket such investments. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had elected to side-pocket 15% of Blackstones investments. The time at which this redemption restriction may lapse cannot be estimated. The remaining 2% of investments within this category represent investments in hedge funds that are in the process of liquidating. Distributions from these funds will be received as underlying investments are liquidated. |
(b) |
The Credit Driven category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international bonds. Investments representing 68% of the value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Investments representing 28% of the value in the credit driven category are subject to redemption restrictions at the discretion of the investee fund |
21
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
manager who may choose (but may not have exercised such ability) to side-pocket such investments. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had elected to side-pocket 4% of Blackstones investments. Investments representing 3% of the value within this category represents an investment in a fund of hedge funds that is in the process of liquidation. Distributions from this fund will be received as underlying investments are liquidated. The remaining 1% of investments within this category are redeemable as of the reporting date. |
(c) | The Event Driven category includes investments in hedge funds whose primary investing strategy is to identify certain event-driven investments. Withdrawals are not permitted in this category. Distributions will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated. |
(d) | The Equity category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international equity securities. Investments representing 66% of the total value of investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 34% are subject to redemption restrictions at the discretion of the investee fund manager who may choose (but may not have elected such ability) to side-pocket such investments. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had not elected to side-pocket Blackstones investments. |
(e) | The Commodities category includes investments in commodities-focused hedge funds that primarily invest in futures and physical-based commodity driven strategies. Withdrawals are not permitted in this category. Distributions will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated. |
6. | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
Blackstone enters into derivative contracts in order to hedge its interest rate risk exposure against the effects of interest rate changes. Additionally, Blackstone and the Blackstone Funds enter into derivative contracts in the normal course of business to achieve certain other risk management objectives and for general investment purposes. As a result of the use of derivative contracts, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds are exposed to the risk that counterparties will fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. To mitigate such counterparty risk, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds enter into contracts with certain major financial institutions, all of which have investment grade ratings. Counterparty credit risk is evaluated in determining the fair value of derivative instruments.
Fair Value Hedges
The Partnership uses interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its fixed rate borrowings. The Partnership has designated these financial instruments as fair value hedges. Changes in fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is highly effective, changes in the fair value of the hedged liability, are recorded within General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the derivative instrument is reflected within Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Freestanding Derivatives
Freestanding derivatives are instruments that Blackstone and certain of the consolidated Blackstone Funds have entered into as part of their overall risk management and investment strategies. These derivative contracts are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Such contracts may include foreign exchange contracts, equity swaps, options, futures and other derivative contracts. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments held by consolidated Blackstone Funds are reflected in Net Gains from Funds Investment Activities or, where derivative instruments are held by the Partnership, within Investment Income (Loss), in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of freestanding derivative assets are recorded within Investments and freestanding derivative liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
22
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The table below summarizes the aggregate notional amount and fair value of the derivative financial instruments:
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional |
Fair
Value |
Notional |
Fair
Value |
Notional |
Fair
Value |
Notional |
Fair
Value |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hedges |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
$ | 450,000 | $ | 13,516 | $ | | $ | | $ | 450,000 | $ | 26,192 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blackstone |
39,647 | 193 | 193,884 | 1,263 | 67,288 | 339 | 380,078 | 996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds |
30 | 8 | 22 | 21 | 409 | 2 | 212 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
39,677 | 201 | 193,906 | 1,284 | 67,697 | 341 | 380,290 | 998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 489,677 | $ | 13,717 | $ | 193,906 | $ | 1,284 | $ | 517,697 | $ | 26,533 | $ | 380,290 | $ | 998 | ||||||||||||||||
The table below summarizes the impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from derivative financial instruments:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Fair Value Hedges - Interest Rate Swaps |
||||||||
Hedge Ineffectiveness |
$ | (567 | ) | $ | 925 | |||
Excluded from Assessment of Effectiveness |
(7,423 | ) | 7,019 | |||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses) |
224 | (298 | ) | |||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
(1,448 | ) | (122 | ) |
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Partnership had not designated any derivatives as cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
23
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
7. | FAIR VALUE OPTION |
The following table summarizes the financial instruments for which the fair value option has been elected:
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Loans and Receivables |
$ | 14,034 | $ | 131,290 | ||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
||||||||
Corporate Loans |
6,550,729 | 6,351,966 | ||||||
Corporate Bonds |
106,074 | 157,997 | ||||||
Other |
15,987 | 12,076 | ||||||
$ | 6,686,824 | $ | 6,653,329 | |||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
||||||||
Senior Secured Notes |
$ | 6,023,892 | $ | 5,877,957 | ||||
Subordinated Notes |
567,436 | 555,632 | ||||||
$ | 6,591,328 | $ | 6,433,589 | |||||
The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments on which the fair value option was elected:
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Realized
Gains (Losses) |
Net Change
in Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
Realized
Gains (Losses) |
Net Change
in Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
|||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables |
$ | | $ | | $ | 81 | $ | (80 | ) | |||||||
Debt Securities |
| | (16 | ) | | |||||||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate Loans |
42,232 | 50,219 | (5,687 | ) | 63,685 | |||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
2,047 | (29 | ) | (42 | ) | 14,876 | ||||||||||
Other |
480 | 5,375 | 702 | 828 | ||||||||||||
$ | 44,759 | $ | 55,565 | $ | (4,962 | ) | $ | 79,309 | ||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
||||||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes |
$ | (5,395 | ) | $ | (239,958 | ) | $ | | $ | 16,685 | ||||||
Subordinated Notes |
| (24,057 | ) | | (19,602 | ) | ||||||||||
$ | (5,395 | ) | $ | (264,015 | ) | $ | | $ | (2,917 | ) | ||||||
24
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The following table presents for those financial instruments on which the fair value option was elected, the uncollected principal balance on the financial instruments that exceeded the fair value and the fair value and principal balance on the financial instruments that were more than one day past due:
As of March 31, 2011 | As of December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For Financial Assets Past
Due (a) |
For Financial Assets Past
Due (a) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Excess
(Deficiency) of Fair Value Over Principal |
Fair
Value |
Excess
(Deficiency) of Fair Value Over Principal |
Excess
(Deficiency) of Fair Value Over Principal |
Fair
Value |
Excess
(Deficiency) of Fair Value Over Principal |
|||||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables |
$ | 79 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,391 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Loans |
(158,774 | ) | 5,400 | (1,972 | ) | (244,233 | ) | 5,393 | (2,164 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
123 | 5,834 | (1,832 | ) | (1,545 | ) | 5,630 | (2,082 | ) | |||||||||||||||
$ | (158,572 | ) | $ | 11,234 | $ | (3,804 | ) | $ | (244,387 | ) | $ | 11,023 | $ | (4,246 | ) | |||||||||
(a) | Past due Corporate Loans and Corporate Bonds within CLO assets are classified as past due if contractual payments are more than one day past due. |
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no Loans and Receivables on which the fair value option was elected were past due or in non-accrual status.
8. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
The following tables summarize the valuation of the Partnerships financial assets and liabilities by the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively:
March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a) |
||||||||||||||||
Investment Funds |
$ | | $ | 1,801 | $ | 794,237 | $ | 796,038 | ||||||||
Equity Securities |
105,543 | 22,332 | 136,423 | 264,298 | ||||||||||||
Partnership and LLC Interests |
| 27,053 | 532,634 | 559,687 | ||||||||||||
Debt Instruments |
117 | 131,980 | 14,879 | 146,976 | ||||||||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
| 6,409,271 | 263,519 | 6,672,790 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments of Blackstone Consolidated Funds |
105,660 | 6,592,437 | 1,741,692 | 8,439,789 | ||||||||||||
Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies |
446,036 | 477,315 | | 923,351 | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds |
110,467 | | | 110,467 | ||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
| 193 | | 193 | ||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Used as Fair Value Hedges |
| 13,516 | | 13,516 | ||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables |
| | 14,034 | 14,034 | ||||||||||||
Other Investments |
7,310 | 661 | 20,970 | 28,941 | ||||||||||||
$ | 718,854 | $ | 7,034,741 | $ | 1,776,696 | $ | 9,530,291 | |||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a) |
$ | | $ | | $ | 6,591,328 | $ | 6,591,328 | ||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
600 | 663 | | 1,263 | ||||||||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
541 | 209,125 | | 209,666 | ||||||||||||
$ | 1,141 | $ | 209,788 | $ | 6,591,328 | $ | 6,802,257 | |||||||||
25
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a) |
||||||||||||||||
Investment Funds |
$ | | $ | 2,333 | $ | 723,583 | $ | 725,916 | ||||||||
Equity Securities |
133,483 | 24,007 | 136,614 | 294,104 | ||||||||||||
Partnership and LLC Interests |
| | 500,162 | 500,162 | ||||||||||||
Debt Instruments |
107 | 138,518 | 11,481 | 150,106 | ||||||||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
| 6,291,508 | 230,531 | 6,522,039 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments of Blackstone Consolidated Funds |
133,590 | 6,456,366 | 1,602,371 | 8,192,327 | ||||||||||||
Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies |
442,700 | 453,667 | | 896,367 | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds |
165,957 | | | 165,957 | ||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
13 | 326 | | 339 | ||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Used as Fair Value Hedges |
| 26,192 | | 26,192 | ||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables |
| | 131,290 | 131,290 | ||||||||||||
Other Investments |
6,852 | 362 | 19,672 | 26,886 | ||||||||||||
$ | 749,112 | $ | 6,936,913 | $ | 1,753,333 | $ | 9,439,358 | |||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a) |
$ | | $ | | $ | 6,433,589 | $ | 6,433,589 | ||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives |
19 | 977 | | 996 | ||||||||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
531 | 116,157 | | 116,688 | ||||||||||||
$ | 550 | $ | 117,134 | $ | 6,433,589 | $ | 6,551,273 | |||||||||
(a) | Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership is required to consolidate all VIEs in which it has been identified as the primary beneficiary, including its investments in CLO vehicles and other funds in which a consolidated entity of the Partnership, as the general partner of the fund, is presumed to have control. While the Partnership is required to consolidate certain funds, including CLO vehicles, for GAAP purposes, the Partnership has no ability to utilize the assets of these funds and there is no recourse to the Partnership for their liabilities since these are client assets and liabilities. |
There were no significant transfers between Level I and Level II during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
The following table summarizes the valuation methodology used in the determination of the fair value of financial instruments for which Level III inputs were used as of March 31, 2011.
Valuation Methodology |
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Third-Party Fund Managers |
| | 44 | % | | 44 | % | |||||||||||||
Specific Valuation Metrics |
18 | % | 22 | % | | 16 | % | 56 | % | |||||||||||
18 | % | 22 | % | 44 | % | 16 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||
26
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The following tables summarize the changes in financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value for which the Partnership has used Level III inputs to determine fair value and does not include gains or losses that were reported in Level III in prior years or for instruments that were transferred out of Level III prior to the end of the current reporting period. Total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level III investments are reported in Investment Income (Loss) and Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Level III Financial Assets at Fair
Value
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||
Investments of
Consolidated Funds |
Loans and
Receviables |
Other
Investments |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 1,602,371 | $ | 131,290 | $ | 19,672 | $ | 1,753,333 | ||||||||
Transfer In to Level III (b) |
6,555 | | | 6,555 | ||||||||||||
Transfer Out of Level III (b) |
(21,732 | ) | | | (21,732 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases |
128,099 | 6,228 | | 134,327 | ||||||||||||
Sales |
(62,965 | ) | (122,180 | ) | | (185,145 | ) | |||||||||
Settlements |
(4,933 | ) | (1,370 | ) | | (6,303 | ) | |||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses), Net |
7,851 | | | 7,851 | ||||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date |
86,446 | 66 | 1,298 | 87,810 | ||||||||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 1,741,692 | $ | 14,034 | $ | 20,970 | $ | 1,776,696 | ||||||||
Level III Financial Assets at Fair
Value
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 |
||||||||||||||||
Investments of
Consolidated Funds |
Loans and
Receviables |
Other
Investments |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 1,192,464 | $ | 68,549 | $ | 46,578 | $ | 1,307,591 | ||||||||
Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a) |
166,487 | | | 166,487 | ||||||||||||
Transfer In to Level III (b) |
24 | | | 24 | ||||||||||||
Transfer Out of Level III (b) |
(20,364 | ) | | | (20,364 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases (Sales), Net |
(39,222 | ) | (2,575 | ) | (29,216 | ) | (71,013 | ) | ||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses), Net |
967 | 81 | 454 | 1,502 | ||||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date |
71,345 | (83 | ) | 391 | 71,653 | |||||||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 1,371,701 | $ | 65,972 | $ | 18,207 | $ | 1,455,880 | ||||||||
27
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Level III Financial Liabilities at Fair Value
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized
Loan Obligations Senior Notes |
Collateralized
Loan Obligations Subordinated Notes |
Total |
Collateralized
Loan Obligations Senior Notes |
Collateralized
Loan Obligations Subordinated Notes |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 5,877,957 | $ | 555,632 | $ | 6,433,589 | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||
Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a) |
| | | 3,271,228 | 261,544 | 3,532,772 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuances |
200 | | 200 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(161,442 | ) | (12,253 | ) | (173,695 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||
Realized (Gains) Losses, Net |
5,395 | | 5,395 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized (Gains) Losses Included in Earnings Related to Liabilities Still Held at the Reporting Date |
301,782 | 24,057 | 325,839 | (16,685 | ) | 19,602 | 2,917 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 6,023,892 | $ | 567,436 | $ | 6,591,328 | $ | 3,254,543 | $ | 281,146 | $ | 3,535,689 | ||||||||||||
(a) | Represents the transfer into Level III of financial assets and liabilities held by CLO vehicles as a result of the application of consolidation guidance effective January 1, 2010 and as a result of the acquisition of management contracts on April 1, 2010 and July 20, 2010. |
(b) | Transfers in and out of Level III financial assets and liabilities were due to changes in the observability of inputs used in the valuation of such assets and liabilities. |
9. | VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES |
Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership consolidates certain VIEs in which it is determined that the Partnership is the primary beneficiary either directly or indirectly, through a consolidated entity or affiliate. VIEs include certain private equity, real estate, credit-oriented or funds of hedge funds entities and CLO vehicles. The purpose of such VIEs is to provide strategy specific investment opportunities for investors in exchange for management and performance based fees. The investment strategies of the Blackstone Funds differ by product; however, the fundamental risks of the Blackstone Funds have similar characteristics, including loss of invested capital and loss of management fees and performance based fees. In Blackstones role as general partner or investment advisor, it generally considers itself the sponsor of the applicable Blackstone Fund. The Partnership does not provide performance guarantees and has no other financial obligation to provide funding to consolidated VIEs other than its own capital commitments.
28
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition are as follows:
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
VIEs | VIEs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consoli-
dated CLO Vehicles |
All Other
Consoli- dated Blackstone Funds |
Total |
Consoli-
dated CLO Vehicles |
All Other
Consoli- dated Blackstone Funds |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
$ | 451,475 | $ | 58,829 | $ | 510,304 | $ | 662,776 | $ | 44,846 | $ | 707,622 | ||||||||||||
Investments |
6,672,789 | 853,999 | 7,526,788 | 6,522,038 | 902,291 | 7,424,329 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable |
21,976 | 98 | 22,074 | 21,669 | 711 | 22,380 | ||||||||||||||||||
Due from Affiliates |
| 37,743 | 37,743 | | 30,182 | 30,182 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets |
20,965 | 1,167 | 22,132 | 17,651 | 2,172 | 19,823 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 7,167,205 | $ | 951,836 | $ | 8,119,041 | $ | 7,224,134 | $ | 980,202 | $ | 8,204,336 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable |
$ | 6,290,750 | $ | 11,945 | $ | 6,302,695 | $ | 6,144,490 | $ | 9,689 | $ | 6,154,179 | ||||||||||||
Due to Affiliates |
300,578 | 47,634 | 348,212 | 289,099 | 15,870 | 304,969 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other |
260,939 | 5,484 | 266,423 | 311,965 | 18,710 | 330,675 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities |
$ | 6,852,267 | $ | 65,063 | $ | 6,917,330 | $ | 6,745,554 | $ | 44,269 | $ | 6,789,823 | ||||||||||||
There is no recourse to the Partnership for the consolidated VIEs liabilities including the liabilities of the consolidated CLO vehicles. The assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs comprise primarily investments and notes payable and are included within Investments, Loans Payable and Due to Affiliates, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The Partnership holds variable interests in certain VIEs which are not consolidated as it is determined that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary. The Partnerships involvement with such entities is in the form of direct equity interests and fee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss represents the loss of assets recognized by Blackstone relating to non-consolidated entities, any amounts due to non-consolidated entities and any clawback obligation relating to previously distributed Carried Interest. The assets and liabilities recognized in the Partnerships Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to the Partnerships interest in these non-consolidated VIEs and the Partnerships maximum exposure to loss relating to non-consolidated VIEs were as follows:
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Investments |
$ | 177,058 | $ | 89,743 | ||||
Receivables |
90,595 | 178,719 | ||||||
Total VIE Assets |
267,653 | 268,462 | ||||||
VIE Liabilities |
| 168 | ||||||
Potential Clawback Obligation |
17,218 | 4,717 | ||||||
Maximum Exposure to Loss |
$ | 284,871 | $ | 273,347 | ||||
29
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
10. | REVERSE REPURCHASE AND REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS |
At March 31, 2011, the Partnership received securities, primarily U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt, with a fair value of $228.7 million and cash as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements that could be repledged, delivered or otherwise used. Securities with a fair value of $209.3 million were repledged, delivered or used to settle Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased. The Partnership also pledged securities with a carrying value of $71.6 million and cash to collateralize its repurchase agreements. Such securities can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty.
11. | BORROWINGS |
On April 8, 2011, indirect subsidiaries of Blackstone entered into an amendment to the $1.02 billion revolving credit facility (the Credit Facility) with Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The amendment extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility from March 23, 2013 to April 8, 2016. As of March 31, 2011, Blackstone had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The fair value of the Blackstone issued notes as of March 31, 2011 was:
March 31, 2011 | ||||
Fair Value | ||||
Blackstone Issued 5.875%, $400 Million Par, Notes Due 3/15/2021 |
$ | 398,132 | ||
Blackstone Issued 6.625%, $600 Million Par, Notes Due 8/15/2019 |
$ | 608,216 |
Included within Loans Payable and Due to Affiliates are amounts due to holders of debt securities issued by Blackstones consolidated CLO vehicles. At March 31, 2011, the Partnerships borrowings through consolidated CLO vehicles consisted of the following:
Borrowing
Outstanding |
Weighted
Average Interest Rate |
Weighted
Average Remaining Maturity in Years |
||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes |
$ | 6,371,919 | 1.42 | % | 4.7 | |||||||
Subordinated Notes |
889,322 | (a | ) | 7.3 | ||||||||
$ | 7,261,241 | |||||||||||
(a) | The Subordinated Notes do not have contractual interest rates but instead receive distributions from the excess cash flows of the CLO vehicles. |
Included within Senior Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes are amounts due to non-consolidated affiliates of $109.6 million and $298.0 million, respectively. The fair value of Senior Secured and Subordinated Notes as of March 31, 2011 was $6.0 billion and $567.4 million, respectively, of which $119.8 million and $180.7 million represents the amounts Due to Affiliates.
The Loans Payable of the consolidated CLO vehicles are collateralized by assets held by each respective CLO vehicle and assets of one vehicle may not be used to satisfy the liabilities of another. As of March 31, 2011, the fair value of the CLO assets was $7.2 billion. This collateral consisted of Cash, Corporate Loans, Corporate Bonds and other securities.
30
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Scheduled principal payments for borrowings at March 31, 2011 are as follows:
Operating
Borrowings |
Blackstone Fund
Facilities / CLO Vehicles |
Total
Borrowings |
||||||||||
2011 |
$ | 891 | $ | 3,380 | $ | 4,271 | ||||||
2012 |
8,220 | 8,565 | 16,785 | |||||||||
2013 |
1,943 | 78,138 | 80,081 | |||||||||
2014 |
5,040 | | 5,040 | |||||||||
2015 |
| 140,518 | 140,518 | |||||||||
Thereafter |
1,000,000 | 7,042,585 | 8,042,585 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,016,094 | $ | 7,273,186 | $ | 8,289,280 | ||||||
12. | INCOME TAXES |
Blackstones effective tax rate was 33.14% and (4.23)% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Blackstones income tax provision was $38.9 million and $9.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Blackstones effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was substantially due to the following: (a) certain corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes as applicable and other subsidiaries are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes, and (b) a portion of compensation charges are not deductible for tax purposes.
13. | NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON UNIT |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common unit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 was calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. |
$ | 42,704 | $ | (121,377 | ) | |||
Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit: |
||||||||
Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding |
447,742,389 | 333,433,864 | ||||||
Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit |
$ | 0.10 | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit: |
||||||||
Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding |
447,742,389 | 333,433,864 | ||||||
Weighted-Average Unvested Deferred Restricted Common Units |
9,910,527 | | ||||||
Weighted-Average Diluted Common Units Outstanding |
457,652,916 | 333,433,864 | ||||||
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit |
$ | 0.09 | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||
31
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The following table summarizes the anti-dilutive securities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Weighted-Average Unvested Deferred Restricted Common Units |
(a) | 28,626,333 | ||||||
Weighted-Average Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units |
658,290,684 | 764,866,007 |
(a) | These units were dilutive and are included in the diluted per common unit calculation. |
Unit Repurchase Program
In January 2008, Blackstone announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., had authorized the repurchase by Blackstone of up to $500 million of Blackstone Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of Blackstone Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. This unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date.
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, Blackstone repurchased 116,270 vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units as part of the unit repurchase program for a total cost of $2.1 million. The repurchase resulted in a decrease in Blackstones ownership interest in Blackstone Holdings equity of $1.7 million. As of March 31, 2011, the amount remaining available for repurchases under this program was $335.8 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, Blackstone repurchased 84,888 vested Blackstone Common Units as part of the unit repurchase program for a total cost of $1.2 million. As of March 31, 2010, the amount remaining available for repurchases was $338.3 million under this program.
14. | EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION |
The Partnership has granted equity-based compensation awards to Blackstones senior managing directors, non-partner professionals, non-professionals and selected external advisors under the Partnerships 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Plan), the majority of which to date were granted in connection with the IPO. The Equity Plan allows for the granting of options, unit appreciation rights or other unit-based awards (units, restricted units, restricted common units, deferred restricted common units, phantom restricted common units or other unit-based awards based in whole or in part on the fair value of the Blackstone Common Units or Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units) which may contain certain service or performance requirements. As of January 1, 2011, the Partnership had the ability to grant 162,380,981 units under the Equity Plan.
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $426.3 million in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $4.2 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $723.1 million in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $1.6 million. As of March 31, 2011, there was $3.4 billion of estimated unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years.
Total vested and unvested outstanding units, including Blackstone Common Units, Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and deferred restricted common units, were 1,128,027,512 as of March 31, 2011. Total outstanding unvested phantom units were 226,373 as of March 31, 2011.
32
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
A summary of the status of the Partnerships unvested equity-based awards as of March 31, 2011 and a summary of changes during the period January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011 is presented below:
Blackstone Holdings | The Blackstone Group L.P. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested Units |
Partnership
Units |
Weighted-
Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Equity Settled Awards | Cash Settled Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred
Restricted Common Units and Options |
Weighted-
Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Phantom
Units |
Weighted-
Average Grant Date Fair Value |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 |
149,225,318 | $ | 30.58 | 19,118,949 | $ | 21.00 | 225,841 | $ | 13.98 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
3,032,015 | 14.45 | 2,307,624 | 13.75 | 532 | 14.84 | ||||||||||||||||||
Vested |
(584,597 | ) | 14.48 | (256,106 | ) | 17.06 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(6,266,726 | ) | 30.35 | (451,161 | ) | 23.62 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2011 |
145,406,010 | $ | 30.32 | 20,719,306 | $ | 20.18 | 226,373 | $ | 13.99 | |||||||||||||||
Units Expected to Vest
The following unvested units, after expected forfeitures, as of March 31, 2011, are expected to vest:
Units |
Weighted-Average
Service Period in Years |
|||||||
Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units |
137,239,560 | 3.2 | ||||||
Deferred Restricted Blackstone Common Units and Options |
17,311,660 | 3.1 | ||||||
Total Equity-Based Awards |
154,551,220 | 3.2 | ||||||
Phantom Units |
203,991 | 4.1 | ||||||
Equity-Based Awards with Performance Conditions
In connection with certain equity-based awards with performance conditions, Blackstone has recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as the likelihood that the relevant performance threshold will be exceeded in future periods has been deemed as probable. Such awards will be granted in 2012 and are accounted for as a liability award subject to re-measurement at the end of each reporting period.
33
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
15. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Affiliate Receivables and Payables
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Due from Affiliates and Due to Affiliates comprised the following:
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Due from Affiliates |
||||||||
Accrual for Potential Clawback of Previously Distributed Interest |
$ | 165,514 | $ | 180,672 | ||||
Primarily Interest Bearing Advances Made on Behalf of Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees for Investments in Blackstone Funds |
205,043 | 169,413 | ||||||
Amounts Due from Portfolio Companies and Funds |
199,357 | 175,872 | ||||||
Investments Redeemed in Non-Consolidated Funds of Funds |
6,460 | 43,790 | ||||||
Management and Performance Fees Due from Non-Consolidated Funds of Funds |
105,536 | 107,547 | ||||||
Payments Made on Behalf of Non-Consolidated Entities |
80,186 | 81,689 | ||||||
Advances Made to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees |
6,653 | 36,412 | ||||||
$ | 768,749 | $ | 795,395 | |||||
March 31,
2011 |
December 31,
2010 |
|||||||
Due to Affiliates |
||||||||
Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with the Tax Receivable Agreements |
$ | 1,206,655 | $ | 1,114,609 | ||||
Accrual for Potential Repayment of Previously Received Performance Fees |
258,591 | 273,829 | ||||||
Due to Note-Holders of Consolidated CLO Vehicles |
300,578 | 274,020 | ||||||
Distributions Received on Behalf of Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees |
137,640 | 77,362 | ||||||
Distributions Received on Behalf of Non-Consolidated Entities |
17,074 | 15,970 | ||||||
Payments Made by Non-Consolidated Entities |
18,591 | 6,497 | ||||||
$ | 1,939,129 | $ | 1,762,287 | |||||
Interests of the Founder, Senior Managing Directors and Employees
The founder, senior managing directors and employees invest on a discretionary basis in the Blackstone Funds both directly and through consolidated entities. Their investments may be subject to preferential management fee and performance fee arrangements. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the founders, other senior managing directors and employees investments aggregated $857.1 million and $832.8 million, respectively, and the founders, other senior managing directors and employees share of the Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities aggregated $70.8 million and $56.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
34
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Revenues Earned from Affiliates
Management and Advisory Fees earned from affiliates totaled $70.0 million and $38.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fees relate primarily to transaction and monitoring fees which are made in the ordinary course of business and under terms that would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
Loans to Affiliates
Loans to affiliates consist of interest-bearing advances to certain Blackstone individuals to finance their investments in certain Blackstone Funds. These loans earn interest at Blackstones cost of borrowing and such interest totaled $0.7 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. No such loans to any director or executive officer of Blackstone have been made or were outstanding since March 22, 2007, the date of Blackstones initial filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a registration statement relating to its initial public offering.
Contingent Repayment Guarantee
Blackstone and its personnel who have received Carried Interest distributions have guaranteed payment on a several basis (subject to a cap) to the Carry Funds of any clawback obligation with respect to the excess Carried Interest allocated to the general partners of such funds and indirectly received thereby to the extent that either Blackstone or its personnel fails to fulfill its clawback obligation, if any. The Accrual for Possible Repayment of Previously Received Performance Fees represents amounts previously paid to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the fair value of their underlying investments as of March 31, 2011. See Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies Contingent Obligations (Clawback).
Aircraft and Other Services
In the normal course of business, Blackstone personnel have made use of aircraft owned as personal assets by Stephen A. Schwarzman (Personal Aircraft). In addition, on occasion, Mr. Schwarzman and his family have made use of an aircraft in which Blackstone owns a fractional interest, as well as other assets of Blackstone. Mr. Schwarzman paid for his purchases of the aircraft himself and bears all operating, personnel and maintenance costs associated with their operation. In addition, Mr. Schwarzman is charged for his and his familys personal use of Blackstone assets based on market rates and usage. Payment by Blackstone for the use of the Personal Aircraft by other Blackstone employees are made at market rates. Personal use of Blackstone resources are also reimbursed to Blackstone at market rates. The transactions described herein are not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tax Receivable Agreements
Blackstone used a portion of the proceeds from the IPO and the sale of non-voting common units to Beijing Wonderful Investments to purchase interests in the predecessor businesses from the predecessor owners. In addition, holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units may exchange their Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units for Blackstone Common Units on a one-for-one basis. The purchase and subsequent exchanges are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Blackstones wholly-owned subsidiaries would otherwise be required to pay in the future.
35
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
One of the subsidiaries of the Partnership which is a corporate taxpayer has entered into tax receivable agreements with each of the predecessor owners and additional tax receivable agreements have been executed, and will continue to be executed, with newly-admitted senior managing directors and others who acquire Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. The agreements provide for the payment by the corporate taxpayer to such owners of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the corporate taxpayers actually realize as a result of the aforementioned increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into these tax receivable agreements. For purposes of the tax receivable agreements, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability of the corporate taxpayers to the amount of such taxes that the corporate taxpayers would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings as a result of the exchanges and had the corporate taxpayers not entered into the tax receivable agreements.
Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law and that the corporate taxpayers earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefit of the increased amortization of the assets, the expected future payments under the tax receivable agreements (which are taxable to the recipients) will aggregate $1,206.7 million over the next 15 years. The after-tax net present value of these estimated payments totals $311.0 million assuming a 15% discount rate and using Blackstones most recent projections relating to the estimated timing of the benefit to be received. Future payments under the tax receivable agreements in respect of subsequent exchanges would be in addition to these amounts. The payments under the tax receivable agreements are not conditioned upon continued ownership of Blackstone equity interests by the pre-IPO owners and the others mentioned above.
Other
Blackstone does business with and on behalf of some of its Portfolio Companies; all such arrangements are on a negotiated basis.
16. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Commitments
Investment Commitments
Blackstone had $1.2 billion of investment commitments as of March 31, 2011 representing general partner capital funding commitments to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. The consolidated Blackstone Funds had signed investment commitments of $28.6 million as of March 31, 2011 which includes $6.7 million of signed investment commitments for portfolio company acquisitions in the process of closing.
Contingencies
Guarantees
Certain of Blackstones consolidated real estate funds guarantee payments to third parties in connection with the on-going business activities and/or acquisitions of their Portfolio Companies. There is no direct recourse to the Partnership to fulfill such obligations. To the extent that underlying funds are required to fulfill guarantee obligations, the Partnerships invested capital in such funds is at risk. Total investments at risk in respect of guarantees extended by consolidated real estate funds was $5.1 million as of March 31, 2011.
36
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Contingent Performance Fees
There were $176.7 million of segment level Performance Fees related to the hedge funds in the Hedge Fund Solutions, Credit Businesses and Real Estate segments through the period ended March 31, 2011 attributable to arrangements where the measurement period had not ended. Measurement periods may be greater than the current reporting period. On a consolidated basis, after eliminations, such Performance Fees were $174.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Litigation
From time to time, Blackstone is named as a defendant in legal actions relating to transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance of the outcome of such legal actions, in the opinion of management, Blackstone does not have a potential liability related to any current legal proceeding or claim that would individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Contingent Obligations (Clawback)
Included within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are gains from Blackstone Fund investments. The portion of net gains attributable to non-controlling interest holders is included within Non-Controlling Interests in Income of Consolidated Entities. Net gains (losses) attributable to non-controlling interest holders are net of Carried Interest earned by Blackstone. Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest received to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results.
The actual clawback liability, however, does not become realized until the end of a funds life except for Blackstones real estate funds which may have an interim clawback liability come due after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund. The lives of the carry funds with a potential clawback obligation, including available contemplated extensions, are currently anticipated to expire at various points beginning toward the end of 2012 and extending through 2018. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.
For financial reporting purposes, the general partners have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a funds remaining investments and where the funds general partner has previously received Carried Interest distributions with respect to such funds realized investments.
The following table presents the clawback obligations by segment:
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment |
Blackstone
Holdings |
Current and
Former Personnel |
Total |
Blackstone
Holdings |
Current and
Former Personnel |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Private Equity |
$ | 62,452 | $ | 118,226 | $ | 180,678 | $ | 62,534 | $ | 118,845 | $ | 181,379 | ||||||||||||
Real Estate |
30,625 | 47,288 | 77,913 | 30,623 | 61,827 | 92,450 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 93,077 | $ | 165,514 | $ | 258,591 | $ | 93,157 | $ | 180,672 | $ | 273,829 | ||||||||||||
37
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
A portion of the Carried Interest paid to current and former Blackstone personnel is held in segregated accounts in the event of a cash clawback obligation. These segregated accounts are not included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Partnership, except to the extent a portion of the assets held in the segregated accounts may be allocated to a consolidated Blackstone fund of hedge funds. At March 31, 2011, $509.7 million was held in segregated accounts for the purpose of meeting any clawback obligations of current and former personnel if such payments are required.
17. | SEGMENT REPORTING |
Blackstone transacts its primary business in the United States and substantially all of its revenues are generated domestically.
As described in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, in January 2011, Blackstone separated its Credit and Marketable Alternatives segment into two new segments: Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses.
Blackstone conducts its alternative asset management and financial advisory businesses through five segments:
|
Private Equity Blackstones Private Equity segment comprises its management of private equity funds. |
|
Real Estate Blackstones Real Estate segment primarily comprises its management of general real estate funds and internationally focused real estate funds. In addition, the segment has debt investment funds targeting non-controlling real estate debt-related investment opportunities in the public and private markets, primarily in the United States and Europe. |
|
Hedge Fund Solutions Blackstones Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (BAAM), an institutional solutions provider utilizing hedge funds across a variety of strategies and the Indian-focused and Asian-focused closed-end mutual funds. |
|
Credit Businesses Blackstones Credit Businesses segment is comprised principally of GSO and manages credit-oriented funds, CLOs, credit-focused separately managed accounts and publicly registered debt-focused investment companies. |
|
Financial Advisory Blackstones Financial Advisory segment comprises its financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and Park Hill Group, which provides fund placement services for alternative investment funds. |
These business segments are differentiated by their various sources of income. The Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses segments primarily earn their income from management fees and investment returns on assets under management, while the Financial Advisory segment primarily earns its income from fees related to investment banking services and advice and fund placement services.
Economic Net Income (ENI) is a key performance measure used by management. ENI represents segment net income before taxes excluding transaction-related charges. Transaction-related charges include principally charges associated with equity-based compensation, the amortization of intangibles and corporate actions including acquisitions. Blackstone uses ENI as a key measure of value creation and as a benchmark of its performance. ENI represents segment net income excluding the impact of income taxes and initial public offering (IPO) and acquisition-related items, including charges associated with equity-based compensation, the amortization of intangibles and corporate actions including acquisitions. For segment reporting purposes,
38
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
revenues and expenses are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds managed by Blackstone. Total Segment ENI equals the aggregate of ENI for all segments. ENI is used by management primarily in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across Blackstones five segments.
Management makes operating decisions and assesses the performance of each of Blackstones business segments based on financial and operating metrics and data that is presented without the consolidation of any of the Blackstone Funds that are consolidated into the Consolidated Financial Statements. Consequently, all segment data excludes the assets, liabilities and operating results related to the Blackstone Funds.
The following table presents the financial data for Blackstones five segments for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Financial
Advisory |
Total
Segments |
|||||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 79,935 | $ | 95,439 | $ | 75,612 | $ | 54,601 | $ | | $ | 305,587 | ||||||||||||
Advisory Fees |
| | | | 70,252 | 70,252 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
35,342 | 21,543 | 727 | 745 | 6 | 58,363 | ||||||||||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
(7,889 | ) | (505 | ) | (124 | ) | (18 | ) | | (8,536 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees |
107,388 | 116,477 | 76,215 | 55,328 | 70,258 | 425,666 | ||||||||||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
82,389 | 2,593 | 893 | 9,725 | | 95,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
32,537 | 368,104 | 19,253 | 85,303 | | 505,197 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
114,926 | 370,697 | 20,146 | 95,028 | | 600,797 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
17,907 | 2,919 | 1,341 | 1,235 | 97 | 23,499 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
29,126 | 61,406 | 7,120 | 4,532 | 393 | 102,577 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Investment Income |
47,033 | 64,325 | 8,461 | 5,767 | 490 | 126,076 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
3,505 | 3,288 | 516 | 453 | 1,686 | 9,448 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
811 | 860 | 104 | 98 | 386 | 2,259 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues |
273,663 | 555,647 | 105,442 | 156,674 | 72,820 | 1,164,246 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
56,254 | 58,501 | 28,657 | 30,325 | 56,161 | 229,898 | ||||||||||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
7,718 | 1,230 | 300 | 5,295 | | 14,543 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
5,464 | 106,501 | 5,358 | 45,202 | | 162,525 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
69,436 | 166,232 | 34,315 | 80,822 | 56,161 | 406,966 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
28,713 | 28,366 | 13,008 | 15,357 | 17,531 | 102,975 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Expenses |
98,149 | 194,598 | 47,323 | 96,179 | 73,692 | 509,941 | ||||||||||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 175,514 | $ | 361,049 | $ | 58,119 | $ | 60,495 | $ | (872 | ) | $ | 654,305 | |||||||||||
Segment Assets as of March 31, 2011 |
$ | 4,277,809 | $ | 3,188,424 | $ | 1,035,330 | $ | 1,616,485 | $ | 591,440 | $ | 10,709,488 | ||||||||||||
39
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
Equity |
Real
Estate |
Hedge Fund
Solutions |
Credit
Businesses |
Financial
Advisory |
Total
Segments |
|||||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 65,432 | $ | 83,060 | $ | 63,866 | $ | 39,613 | $ | | $ | 251,971 | ||||||||||||
Advisory Fees |
| | | | 76,568 | 76,568 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
31,972 | 1,942 | 809 | 536 | 1 | 35,260 | ||||||||||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
| (489 | ) | | (689 | ) | | (1,178 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees |
97,404 | 84,513 | 64,675 | 39,460 | 76,569 | 362,621 | ||||||||||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
46,175 | 5,948 | 2,117 | (359 | ) | | 53,881 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
45,549 | 11,391 | 10,413 | 64,980 | | 132,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
91,724 | 17,339 | 12,530 | 64,621 | | 186,214 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
(495 | ) | 2,632 | (250 | ) | 3,233 | 187 | 5,307 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
84,684 | 46,892 | 11,880 | 7,835 | 230 | 151,521 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Investment Income (Loss) |
84,189 | 49,524 | 11,630 | 11,068 | 417 | 156,828 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
3,428 | 2,718 | 475 | 673 | 1,396 | 8,690 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
100 | (1,876 | ) | (83 | ) | (459 | ) | (932 | ) | (3,250 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Revenues |
276,845 | 152,218 | 89,227 | 115,363 | 77,450 | 711,103 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
46,910 | 40,150 | 20,742 | 28,343 | 54,492 | 190,637 | ||||||||||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized |
6,005 | 1,524 | 771 | (559 | ) | | 7,741 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized |
6,344 | 6,937 | 3,783 | 37,536 | | 54,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
59,259 | 48,611 | 25,296 | 65,320 | 54,492 | 252,978 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
24,431 | 14,290 | 11,285 | 8,290 | 14,727 | 73,023 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Expenses |
83,690 | 62,901 | 36,581 | 73,610 | 69,219 | 326,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 193,155 | $ | 89,317 | $ | 52,646 | $ | 41,753 | $ | 8,231 | $ | 385,102 | ||||||||||||
40
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstones Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and Total Assets as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
March 31, 2011 and the Three Months Then Ended | ||||||||||||
Total
Segments |
Consolidation
Adjustments and Reconciling Items |
Blackstone
Consolidated |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 1,164,246 | $ | (10,977 | )(a) | $ | 1,153,269 | |||||
Expenses |
$ | 509,941 | $ | 480,923 | (b) | $ | 990,864 | |||||
Other Income |
$ | | $ | (45,191 | )(c) | $ | (45,191 | ) | ||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 654,305 | $ | (537,091 | )(d) | $ | 117,214 | |||||
Total Assets |
$ | 10,709,488 | $ | 8,539,279 | (e) | $ | 19,248,767 | |||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
Total
Segments |
Consolidation
Adjustments and Reconciling Items |
Blackstone
Consolidated |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 711,103 | $ | (9,864 | )(a) | $ | 701,239 | |||||
Expenses |
$ | 326,001 | $ | 774,713 | (b) | $ | 1,100,714 | |||||
Other Income |
$ | | $ | 171,804 | (c) | $ | 171,804 | |||||
Economic Net Income (Loss) |
$ | 385,102 | $ | (612,773 | )(d) | $ | (227,671 | ) |
(a) | The Revenues adjustment principally represents management and performance fees earned from Blackstone Funds which were eliminated in consolidation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated revenues. |
(b) | The Expenses adjustment represents the addition of expenses of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated expenses, amortization of intangibles and expenses related to transaction-related equity-based compensation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated expenses. |
(c) | The Other Income adjustment results from the following: |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Fund Management Fees and Performance Fees Eliminated in Consolidation |
$ | 9,103 | $ | 2,762 | ||||
Fund Expenses Added in Consolidation |
12,213 | 708 | ||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities |
(71,056 | ) | 168,334 | |||||
Transaction-Related Other Income |
4,549 | | ||||||
Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items |
$ | (45,191 | ) | $ | 171,804 | |||
41
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)
(d) | The reconciliation of Economic Net Income to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following: |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 654,305 | $ | 385,102 | ||||
Adjustments |
||||||||
Amortization of Intangibles |
(44,174 | ) | (39,512 | ) | ||||
IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges |
(421,861 | ) | (726,722 | ) | ||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities |
(71,056 | ) | 153,461 | |||||
Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items |
(537,091 | ) | (612,773 | ) | ||||
Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes |
$ | 117,214 | $ | (227,671 | ) | |||
(e) | The Total Assets adjustment represents the addition of assets of the consolidated Blackstone funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated assets to arrive at Blackstone consolidated assets. |
18. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
On April 8, 2011, indirect subsidiaries of Blackstone amended its revolving credit facility. The amendment is described in Note 11. Borrowings.
42
ITEM 1A. | UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION |
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition
(Dollars in Thousands)
March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
Operating Partnerships |
Consolidated
Blackstone Funds (a) |
Reclasses and
Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 455,811 | $ | | $ | | $ | 455,811 | ||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
109,642 | 538,970 | | 648,612 | ||||||||||||
Investments |
4,783,347 | 8,396,368 | (503,251 | ) | 12,676,464 | |||||||||||
Accounts Receivable |
327,974 | 51,853 | | 379,827 | ||||||||||||
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
229,723 | | | 229,723 | ||||||||||||
Due from Affiliates |
745,256 | 42,880 | (19,387 | ) | 768,749 | |||||||||||
Intangible Assets, Net |
738,465 | | | 738,465 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
1,703,602 | | | 1,703,602 | ||||||||||||
Other Assets |
221,509 | 32,952 | (1,105 | ) | 253,356 | |||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets |
1,394,158 | | | 1,394,158 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 10,709,487 | $ | 9,063,023 | $ | (523,743 | ) | $ | 19,248,767 | |||||||
Liabilities and Partners Capital |
||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable |
$ | 1,022,442 | $ | 6,302,696 | $ | | $ | 7,325,138 | ||||||||
Due to Affiliates |
1,596,972 | 379,429 | (37,272 | ) | 1,939,129 | |||||||||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits |
685,080 | | | 685,080 | ||||||||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
209,125 | 541 | | 209,666 | ||||||||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities |
339,466 | 320,579 | (1,106 | ) | 658,939 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities |
3,853,085 | 7,003,245 | (38,378 | ) | 10,817,952 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
| 671,164 | | 671,164 | ||||||||||||
Partners Capital |
||||||||||||||||
Partners Capital |
4,122,840 | 487,870 | (487,869 | ) | 4,122,841 | |||||||||||
Appropriated Partners Capital |
| 295,544 | | 295,544 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
3,101 | | | 3,101 | ||||||||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
285,586 | 605,200 | 2,504 | 893,290 | ||||||||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings |
2,444,875 | | | 2,444,875 | ||||||||||||
Total Partners Capital |
6,856,402 | 1,388,614 | (485,365 | ) | 7,759,651 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Partners Capital |
$ | 10,709,487 | $ | 9,063,023 | $ | (523,743 | ) | $ | 19,248,767 | |||||||
| Included within Investments of the Consolidated Operating Partnerships is $1.65 billion representing Performance Fees due from the Blackstone Funds. |
43
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
Operating Partnerships |
Consolidated
Blackstone Funds (a) |
Reclasses and
Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 588,621 | $ | | $ | | $ | 588,621 | ||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other |
57,945 | 732,454 | | 790,399 | ||||||||||||
Investments |
4,301,905 | 8,141,965 | (469,398 | ) | 11,974,472 | |||||||||||
Accounts Receivable |
454,752 | 41,149 | (8 | ) | 495,893 | |||||||||||
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
181,425 | | | 181,425 | ||||||||||||
Due from Affiliates |
753,056 | 66,627 | (24,288 | ) | 795,395 | |||||||||||
Intangible Assets, Net |
779,311 | | | 779,311 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
1,703,602 | | | 1,703,602 | ||||||||||||
Other Assets |
275,021 | 18,173 | | 293,194 | ||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets |
1,242,293 | | | 1,242,293 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 10,337,931 | $ | 9,000,368 | $ | (493,694 | ) | $ | 18,844,605 | |||||||
Liabilities and Partners Capital |
||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable |
$ | 1,044,719 | $ | 6,154,179 | $ | | $ | 7,198,898 | ||||||||
Due to Affiliates |
1,470,881 | 330,773 | (39,367 | ) | 1,762,287 | |||||||||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits |
819,925 | 1,643 | | 821,568 | ||||||||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased |
116,153 | 535 | | 116,688 | ||||||||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities |
314,023 | 377,792 | (8 | ) | 691,807 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities |
3,765,701 | 6,864,922 | (39,375 | ) | 10,591,248 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
| 600,836 | | 600,836 | ||||||||||||
Partners Capital |
||||||||||||||||
Partners Capital |
3,888,211 | 458,012 | (458,012 | ) | 3,888,211 | |||||||||||
Appropriated Partners Capital |
| 470,583 | | |||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
4,302 | | | 4,302 | ||||||||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
261,200 | 606,015 | 3,693 | 870,908 | ||||||||||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings |
2,418,517 | | | 2,418,517 | ||||||||||||
Total Partners Capital |
6,572,230 | 1,534,610 | (454,319 | ) | 7,652,521 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Partners Capital |
$ | 10,337,931 | $ | 9,000,368 | $ | (493,694 | ) | $ | 18,844,605 | |||||||
(a) | The Consolidated Blackstone Funds consisted of the following: |
Blackstone Distressed Securities Fund L.P.
Blackstone Market Opportunities Fund L.P.
Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund L.P.
Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund II L.P.*
Blackstone Strategic Equity Fund L.P.
Blackstone Value Recovery Fund L.P.
Blackstone/GSO Secured Trust Ltd
BTD CP Holdings, LP
GSO Co-Investment Partners LLC
GSO Legacy Associates II LLC
GSO Legacy Associates LLC
The Asia Opportunities Fund L.P.
Private equity side-by-side investment vehicles
Real estate side-by-side investment vehicles
Mezzanine side-by-side investment vehicles
Collateralized loan obligation vehicles
* | Consolidated as of March 31, 2011 only. |
44
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with The Blackstone Group L.P.s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our Business
Blackstone is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world. We also provide a wide range of financial advisory services, including financial advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services.
In January 2011, Blackstone separated its Credit and Marketable Alternatives segment into two new segments: Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses. Please see Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation for additional information.
Our business is organized into five business segments:
|
Private Equity. We are a world leader in private equity investing, having managed five general private equity funds, as well as two sector focused funds and two regionally focused funds, since we established this business in 1987. In January 2011, we commenced the investment period on our sixth general private equity fund. Through our private equity funds we pursue transactions throughout the world, including leveraged buyout acquisitions of seasoned companies, transactions involving growth equity or start-up businesses in established industries, minority investments, corporate partnerships, distressed debt, structured securities and industry consolidations, in all cases in strictly friendly transactions. |
|
Real Estate. We are a world leader in real estate investing with an assortment of real estate funds that are diversified geographically and across a variety of sectors. We launched our first real estate fund in 1994 and have managed six opportunistic real estate funds, three European focused real estate funds, and a number of real estate debt investment funds. In addition, in November 2010, we commenced our management of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. Our real estate funds have made significant investments in lodging, major urban office buildings and a variety of real estate operating companies. In addition, our debt investment funds target high yield real estate debt related investment opportunities in the public and private markets, primarily in the United States and Europe. |
|
Hedge Fund Solutions. Blackstones Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (BAAM) and the Indian-focused and Asian-focused closed-end mutual funds. BAAM was organized in 1990 and has developed into a leading institutional solutions provider utilizing hedge funds across a wide variety of strategies. |
|
Credit Businesses. Our Credit Businesses segment is comprised principally of GSO. GSO manages a variety of credit-oriented funds including senior credit-oriented funds, distressed debt funds, mezzanine funds and general credit-oriented funds. |
|
Financial Advisory . Our Financial Advisory segment serves a diverse and global group of clients with financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. |
We generate our revenue from fees earned pursuant to contractual arrangements with funds, fund investors and fund portfolio companies (including management, transaction and monitoring fees), and from financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. We invest in the funds we manage and, in most cases, receive a preferred allocation of income (i.e., a Carried Interest) or an incentive fee from an investment fund in the event that specified cumulative
45
investment returns are achieved. The composition of our revenues will vary based on market conditions and the cyclicality of the different businesses in which we operate. Net investment gains and investment income generated by the Blackstone Funds, principally private equity and real estate funds, are driven by value created by our operating and strategic initiatives as well as overall market conditions. Our funds initially record fund investments at cost and then such investments are subsequently recorded at fair value. Fair values are affected by changes in the fundamentals of the portfolio company, the portfolio companys industry, the overall economy and other market conditions.
Business Environment
Global equity markets were mixed in the first quarter of 2011, with equity indices in developed markets generally outperforming those in emerging markets. Credit markets also rose and high yield spreads moderately tightened. In the United States, investors responded positively to generally improving economic indicators, strong corporate earnings and further monetary stimulus. However, late in the first quarter, investor sentiment began to turn increasingly cautious due to volatile geopolitical factors, signs of inflationary overheating in emerging markets, and the expectation that central banks around the world would move toward tightening monetary policy.
In real estate, the operating environment for commercial real estate continued to improve during the first quarter of 2011, with virtually every sector reporting favorable growth in its performance indicators. In the office sector, the U.S. and European office market recoveries have begun to modestly accelerate, due to steadily improving employment conditions and greater business confidence, which has led companies to plan to increase capital investment and personnel. At the same time, new supply remains constrained and while vacancy levels in many markets remain relatively high, positive net absorption has begun to return, and some markets have also begun to experience increases in asking rents. The hospitality sector continued to realize solid growth during the first quarter of 2011, with overall U.S. Revenue Per Available Room, or RevPAR, growing by 9% year over year, resulting in part from favorable employment and consumer confidence trends.
Blackstones businesses are materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S., Western Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the world.
Key Financial Measures and Indicators
Our key financial measures and indicators are discussed below.
Revenues
Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, performance fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other. Please refer to Part I. Item 1. Business Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure and Part I. Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Performance Fees are generated.
Management and Advisory Fees Management and Advisory Fees are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees, management fee reductions and offsets, and advisory fees.
The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital or invested capital. Base management fees are based on contractual terms specified in the underlying investment advisory agreements.
46
Transaction and other fees (including monitoring fees) are fees charged directly to funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment advisor reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (management fee reductions) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees directly paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund.
Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by our limited partners, which are granted based on the amount they reimburse Blackstone for placement fees.
Advisory fees consist of advisory retainer and transaction-based fee arrangements related to merger, acquisition, restructuring and divestiture activities and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. Advisory retainer fees are recognized when services for the transactions are complete, in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. Transaction-based fees are recognized when (a) there is evidence of an arrangement with a client, (b) agreed upon services have been provided, (c) fees are fixed or determinable and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Fund placement fees are recognized as earned upon the acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments.
Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date, are included in Accounts Receivable or Due From Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Performance Fees Performance Fees earned on the performance of Blackstones hedge fund structures are recognized based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each hedge funds governing agreements. Accrued but unpaid performance fees charged directly to investors in Blackstones offshore hedge funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Performance fees arising on Blackstones onshore hedge funds are allocated to the general partner. Accrued but unpaid performance fees on onshore funds as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
In certain fund structures, specifically in private equity, real estate and certain credit-oriented funds (Carry Funds), performance fees (Carried Interest) are allocated to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the Carried Interest that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Carried Interest to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Carried Interest allocated to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to Carried Interest allocated to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Carried Interest on cumulative results compared to the Carried Interest recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Carried Interest allocations once previously recognized Carried Interest allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Carried Interest over the life of a fund. Accrued but unpaid Carried Interest as of the reporting date is reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Carried Interest is realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the funds cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return. Performance fees earned on hedge fund structures are realized at the end of each funds measurement period.
47
Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received performance fees, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Blackstone Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds investments as of the reporting date. Generally, the actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a funds life or one year after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund.
Investment Income (Loss) Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnerships principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Investment Income (Loss) is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions, from its non-consolidated funds. Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.
Interest and Dividend Revenue Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.
Other Revenue Other Revenue comprises primarily foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
Expenses
Compensation and Benefits Compensation Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees, including senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees, including senior managing directors.
Equity-Based Compensation Compensation cost relating to the issuance of share-based awards to employees, including senior managing directors, is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight line basis. Equity-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period.
Compensation and Benefits Performance Fee Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits consists of Carried Interest and performance fee allocations to employees, including senior managing directors, participating in certain profit sharing initiatives. Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Carried Interest and performance fees, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis.
Other Operating Expenses Other operating expenses represent general and administrative expenses including interest expense, occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses, which consist principally of professional fees, public company costs, travel and related expenses, communications and information services and depreciation and amortization.
Fund Expenses The expenses of our consolidated Blackstone Funds consist primarily of interest expense, professional fees and other third-party expenses.
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities represent the component of Partners Capital in consolidated entities held by third party investors. Such interests are adjusted for general partner allocations and by subscriptions and redemptions in funds of hedge funds and certain credit-oriented funds which occur during the reporting period. Non-controlling interests related to funds of hedge funds and certain other credit-oriented funds
48
are subject to annual, semi-annual or quarterly redemption by investors in these funds following the expiration of a specified period of time (typically between one and three years), or may be withdrawn subject to a redemption fee in the funds of hedge funds and certain credit-oriented funds during the period when capital may not be withdrawn. As limited partners in these types of funds have been granted redemption rights, amounts relating to third party interests in such consolidated funds are presented as Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. When redeemable amounts become legally payable to investors, they are classified as a liability and included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. For all consolidated funds in which redemption rights have not been granted, non-controlling interests are presented within Partners Capital in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities.
Income Taxes
The Blackstone Holdings partnerships and certain of their subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and generally as corporate entities in non-U.S. jurisdictions. Accordingly, these entities in some cases are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes or non-U.S. income taxes. In addition, certain of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and the Blackstone Holdings partnerships will be subject to federal, state and local corporate income taxes at the entity level and the related tax provision attributable to the Partnerships share of this income tax is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using currently enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Blackstone reviews its tax positions quarterly and adjusts its tax balances as new information becomes available.
Blackstone analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. If, based on this analysis, the Partnership determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a reserve is established. Blackstone recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in General, Administrative, and Other expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
There remains some uncertainty regarding Blackstones future taxation levels. In 2007, Congress considered legislation that would have taxed as corporations publicly traded partnerships that directly or indirectly derived income from investment adviser or asset management services.
In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would have generally (a) treated Carried Interest as non-qualifying income under the tax rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships, which would have generally required us to hold interests in entities earning such income through taxable subsidiary corporations by the end of 2010, and (b) taxed Carried Interest as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, rather than in accordance with the character of income derived by the underlying fund, which is in many cases capital gain, starting with our 2008 taxable year.
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In December 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed substantially similar legislation. Such legislation would have taxed Carried Interest as ordinary income starting in 2010. However, under a transition rule, the portion of such legislation treating Carried Interest as non-qualifying income under the tax rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships would not have applied until our first taxable year beginning ten years after the date of the enactment of the legislation.
In May 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed similar legislation that would have generally taxed, after 2010, income and gains, including gain on sale, attributable to an interest in an investment services partnership interest, or ISPI, as income subject to a new blended tax rate that is higher than the capital gains rate applicable to such income under current law, except to the extent an ISPI would have been considered to be a qualified capital interest under the legislation. The interests we hold in entities that are entitled to receive Carried Interest would have likely been classified as ISPIs for purposes of this legislation. The legislation provided that, for taxable years beginning ten years after the date of enactment, income derived with respect to an ISPI that is not a qualified capital interest and that is treated as ordinary income under this legislation would not be qualifying income under the tax rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships. Therefore, if similar legislation were to be enacted, we generally would be required to hold interests in entities earning income from Carried Interest through taxable subsidiary corporations following such ten-year period.
The Obama administration has indicated that it supports the adoption of the May 2010 legislation or legislation that similarly changes the treatment of Carried Interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In its published revenue proposal for 2012, the Obama administration proposed that the current law regarding the treatment of Carried Interest be changed to subject such income to ordinary income tax (which would be taxed at a higher rate than the proposed blended rate under the House legislation). The Obama administration proposed similar changes in its published revenue proposals for 2010 and 2011. In June 2010, the U.S. Senate considered but did not pass legislation that is generally similar to the legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2010. In September 2010, this previously considered legislation was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. It is unclear whether or when the U.S. Congress will reconsider similar legislation or if enacted, what provision will be included in any final legislation.
If we were taxed as a corporation or were forced to hold interests in entities earning income from Carried Interest through taxable subsidiary corporations, our effective tax rate could increase significantly. The federal statutory rate for corporations is currently 35%, and the state and local tax rates, net of the federal benefit, aggregate approximately 10%. If a variation of the above described legislation or any other change in the tax laws, rules, regulations or interpretations preclude us from qualifying for treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the publicly traded partnership rules or force us to hold interests in entities earning income from Carried Interest through taxable subsidiary corporations, this could materially increase our tax liability, and could well result in a reduction in the market price of our common units.
It is not possible at this time to meaningfully quantify the potential impact on Blackstone of this potential future legislation or any similar legislation. Multiple versions of legislation in this area have been proposed over the last few years that have included significantly different provisions regarding effective dates and the treatment of invested capital, tiered entities and cross-border operations, among other matters. Depending upon what version of the legislation, if any, were enacted, the potential impact on a public company such as Blackstone in a given year could differ dramatically and could be material. In addition, these legislative proposals would not themselves impose a tax on a publicly traded partnership such as Blackstone. Rather, they could force Blackstone and other publicly traded partnerships to restructure their operations so as to prevent disqualifying income from reaching the publicly traded partnership in amounts that would disqualify the partnership from treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such a restructuring could result in more income being earned in corporate subsidiaries, thereby increasing corporate income tax liability indirectly borne by the publicly traded partnership. The nature of any such restructuring would depend on the precise provisions of the legislation that was ultimately enacted, as well as the particular facts and circumstances of Blackstones operations at the time any such legislation were to take effect, making the task of predicting the amount of additional tax highly speculative.
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Economic Net Income
Blackstone uses Economic Net Income, or ENI, as a key measure of value creation and as a benchmark of its performance. ENI represents segment net income excluding the impact of income taxes and initial public offering (IPO) and acquisition-related items, including charges associated with equity-based compensation, the amortization of intangibles and corporate actions including acquisitions. For segment reporting purposes, revenues and expenses are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage. Total Segment ENI equals the aggregate of ENI for all segments. ENI is used by management primarily in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across Blackstones five segments. (See Note 17. Segment Reporting in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements.)
Distributable Earnings
Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, is a supplemental measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings, which is a non-GAAP measure, is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity and Capital Resources below for our detailed discussion of Distributable Earnings.
Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management and Advisory Fees, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Other Revenue, (d) Realized Performance Fees, and (e) Realized Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, (b) Realized Performance Fee Compensation, (c) Other Operating Expenses and (d) Cash Taxes and Payables Under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Distributable Earnings is reconciled to Blackstones Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. It is Blackstones current intention that on an annual basis it will distribute to unitholders all of its Distributable Earnings, less realized investment gains, in excess of amounts determined by its general partner to be necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of its business, to make appropriate investments in its business and funds, to comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements, or to provide for future distributions to its unitholders for any ensuing quarter.
Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations
Blackstone uses Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations as a key measure to highlight earnings from operations excluding: (a) the income related to performance fees and related performance fee compensation costs, (b) income earned from Blackstones investments in the Blackstone Funds, and (c) realized and unrealized gains (losses) from other investments except for such gains (losses) from Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies. Management uses Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations as a measure to assess whether recurring revenue from our businesses is sufficient to adequately cover all of our operating expenses and generate profits. Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations equals contractual fee revenues, investment income from Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies and interest income, less (a) compensation expenses (which includes amortization of non-IPO and non-acquisition-related equity-based awards, but excludes amortization of IPO and acquisition-related equity-based awards, Carried Interest and incentive fee compensation), (b) other operating expenses and (c) cash taxes due on earnings from operations as calculated using a similar methodology as applied in calculating the current tax provision (benefit) for The Blackstone Group L.P. See Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity and Capital Resources below for a detailed discussion of Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations.
Operating Metrics
The alternative asset management business is a complex business that is primarily based on managing third party capital and does not require substantial capital investment to support rapid growth. However, there also can
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be volatility associated with its earnings and cash flows. Since our inception, we have developed and used various key operating metrics to assess and monitor the operating performance of our various alternative asset management businesses in order to monitor the effectiveness of our value creating strategies.
Assets Under Management. Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage. Our Assets Under Management equal the sum of:
(a) | the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds plus the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds pursuant to the terms of their capital commitments to those funds (plus the fair value of co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners of our funds in portfolio companies of such funds and on which we receive fees or a Carried Interest allocation); |
(b) | the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds and our closed-end mutual funds; |
(c) | the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts; and |
(d) | the amount of capital raised for our CLOs. |
Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Interests related to our funds of hedge funds and certain of our credit-oriented funds are generally subject to annual, semi-annual or quarterly withdrawal or redemption by investors upon advance written notice, with the majority of our funds requiring from 60 days up to 95 days notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to separately managed accounts may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days notice.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management . Fee-Earning Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management and / or incentive fees. Our Fee-Earning Assets Under Management generally equal the sum of:
(a) | for our Blackstone Capital Partners (BCP) and Blackstone Real Estate Partners (BREP) funds where the investment period has not expired, the amount of capital commitments; |
(b) | for our BCP and BREP funds where the investment period has expired, the remaining amount of invested capital plus binding investment commitments; |
(c) | for our real estate debt investment funds (BREDS), the remaining amount of invested capital; |
(d) | for our credit-oriented carry funds, the amount of invested capital (which may be calculated to include leverage) or net asset value; |
(e) | the invested capital of co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners of our funds in portfolio companies of such funds and on which we receive fees; |
(f) | the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds (except our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies) and our closed-end mutual funds; |
(g) | the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts; |
(h) | the gross amount of underlying assets of our CLOs at cost; and |
(i) | the gross amount of assets (including leverage) for our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies. |
Our calculations of assets under management and fee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel,
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regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.
For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereas fee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments or the remaining amount of invested capital at cost plus binding investment commitments, depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired. As such, fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.
Limited Partner Capital Invested. Limited Partner Capital Invested represents the amount of Limited Partner capital commitments which were invested by our carry funds during each period presented, plus the capital invested through co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners in investments of our carry funds on which we receive fees or a Carried Interest allocation.
We manage our business using traditional financial measures and our key operating metrics since we believe that these metrics measure the productivity of our investment activities.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. For a more detailed discussion of the factors that affected the results of our five business segments (which are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage) in these periods, see Segment Analysis below.
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The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations and certain key operating metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees |
$ | 412,738 | $ | 354,820 | $ | 57,918 | 16 | % | ||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
96,203 | 54,049 | 42,154 | 78 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
512,401 | 131,779 | 380,622 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
608,604 | 185,828 | 422,776 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Investment Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
12,783 | 5,726 | 7,057 | 123 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
107,395 | 149,220 | (41,825 | ) | -28 | % | ||||||||||
Total Investment Income (Loss) |
120,178 | 154,946 | (34,768 | ) | -22 | % | ||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
9,490 | 8,895 | 595 | 7 | % | |||||||||||
Other |
2,259 | (3,250 | ) | 5,509 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Revenues |
1,153,269 | 701,239 | 452,030 | 64 | % | |||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
659,483 | 924,950 | (265,467 | ) | -29 | % | ||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
14,543 | 7,741 | 6,802 | 88 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
162,525 | 54,600 | 107,925 | 198 | % | |||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
836,551 | 987,291 | (150,740 | ) | -15 | % | ||||||||||
General, Administrative and Other |
129,386 | 106,379 | 23,007 | 22 | % | |||||||||||
Interest Expense |
13,803 | 7,185 | 6,618 | 92 | % | |||||||||||
Fund Expenses |
11,124 | (141 | ) | 11,265 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
990,864 | 1,100,714 | (109,850 | ) | -10 | % | ||||||||||
Other Income |
||||||||||||||||
Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities |
(45,191 | ) | 171,804 | (216,995 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes |
117,214 | (227,671 | ) | 344,885 | N/M | |||||||||||
Provision for Taxes |
38,850 | 9,635 | 29,215 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
78,364 | (237,306 | ) | 315,670 | N/M | |||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
22,025 | 23,969 | (1,944 | ) | -8 | % | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities |
(93,081 | ) | 135,966 | (229,047 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings |
106,716 | (275,864 | ) | 382,580 | N/M | |||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. |
$ | 42,704 | $ | (121,377 | ) | $ | 164,081 | N/M | ||||||||
N/M = not meaningful. |
Revenues
Total Revenues were $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $452.0 million compared to Total Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $701.2 million. The increase in
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revenues was primarily attributable to an increase of $422.8 million in Performance Fees and an increase of $57.9 million in Management and Advisory Fees. The increase in Performance Fees was across all segments, primarily driven by improved operating performance of our real estate carry funds in our Real Estate segment, the strong performance across the Credit Businesses strategies, and the positive performance of our Private Equity funds driven by appreciation of our privately held portfolio investments and increases in share prices of our publicly held portfolio investments. The increase in Management and Advisory Fees was primarily due to increases in Total Management Fees in our Real Estate segment, driven by fees earned from the management of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform, and increases in Base Management Fees in our Credit Businesses, Hedge Fund Solutions and Private Equity segments. The increase in the Credit Businesses segment was driven by higher Fee-Earning Assets Under Management, which was due to the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO. The increase in the Hedge Fund Solutions segment was driven by higher Fee-Earning Assets Under Management and the increase in the Private Equity segment was principally a result of the start of the BCP VIs investment period.
Expenses
Expenses were $990.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $109.9 million, or 10%, compared to $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $150.7 million in Compensation and Benefits driven by a decrease in Compensation, partially offset by an increase in Performance Fee Compensation due to improved performance in our Real Estate and Credit Businesses segments. Compensation decreased $265.5 million from the prior year period to $659.5 million. This decrease was primarily attributed to a decrease in equity-based compensation as a result of the absence of expense related to certain of our equity-based compensation awards that vested at the end of the second quarter of 2010. General, Administrative and Other expenses were $129.4 million for the current year, an increase of $23.0 million, driven primarily by the levels of business activity, revenue growth and headcount.
Other Income
Other Income was $(45.2) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $217.0 million compared to $171.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Other Income is attributable to the non-controlling interest holders of the consolidated Blackstone Funds. The change was principally driven by increases in the prices for debt relating to the consolidated CLO vehicles which resulted in an increase in notes payable and unrealized losses.
Operating Metrics
The following table presents certain operating metrics as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. For a description of how Assets Under Management and Fee-Earning Assets Under Management are determined, please see Key Financial Measures and Indicators Operating Metrics Assets Under Management and Fee-Earning Assets Under Management.
Fee-Earning Assets
Under Management |
Assets Under Management | |||||||||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Private Equity |
$ | 35,892,804 | $ | 25,173,936 | $ | 43,955,392 | $ | 28,022,326 | ||||||||
Real Estate |
26,454,012 | 23,820,697 | 34,990,590 | 21,880,655 | ||||||||||||
Hedge Fund Solutions |
35,847,002 | 28,902,220 | 39,542,086 | 30,322,510 | ||||||||||||
Credit Businesses |
25,838,878 | 20,173,319 | 31,475,397 | 24,290,357 | ||||||||||||
Balance, End of Period (a) |
$ | 124,032,696 | $ | 98,070,172 | $ | 149,963,465 | $ | 104,515,848 | ||||||||
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Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 109,500,222 | $ | 96,096,997 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments (b) |
18,038,657 | 2,500,618 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions (c) |
(4,816,697 | ) | (964,338 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d) |
1,310,514 | 436,895 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period (a) |
$ | 124,032,696 | $ | 98,070,172 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 14,532,474 | $ | 1,973,175 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
13 | % | 2 | % |
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 128,123,920 | $ | 98,183,128 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments (b) |
21,205,724 | 2,742,195 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions (c) |
(4,272,437 | ) | (1,435,888 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d) |
4,906,258 | 5,026,413 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period (a) |
$ | 149,963,465 | $ | 104,515,848 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 21,839,545 | $ | 6,332,720 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
17 | % | 6 | % |
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital Deployed |
||||||||||||||||
Limited Partner Capital Invested |
$ | 1,461,673 | $ | 969,824 | $ | 491,849 | 51 | % | ||||||||
(a) | Fee-Earning Assets Under Management and Assets Under Management as of March 31, 2011 include $532.3 million from a joint venture in which we are the minority interest holder. |
(b) | Inflows represent contributions in our hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds, increases in available capital for our carry funds (capital raises, recallable capital and increased side-by-side commitments) and CLOs and increases in the capital we manage pursuant to separately managed account programs. |
(c) | Outflows represent redemptions in our hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds, client withdrawals from our separately managed account programs, decreases in available capital for our carry funds (expired capital, expense drawdowns and decreased side-by-side commitments) and realizations from the disposition of assets by our carry funds. Also included is the distribution of funds associated with the discontinuation of our proprietary single manager hedge funds. |
(d) | Market appreciation (depreciation) includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on portfolio investments and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. |
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $124.0 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.5 billion, or 13%, compared to $109.5 billion at December 31, 2010. Inflows of $18.0 billion were primarily related to inflows of $14.3 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily due to the start of BCP VIs investment period and inflows of $2.5 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment primarily due to growth in its commingled,
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customized and long only solutions business. Outflows of $4.8 billion were primarily attributable to outflows of $2.6 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily a result of the end of BCP Vs investment period and dispositions in BCP IV which earns fees based on remaining invested capital, and outflows of $927.0 million in our Real Estate segment primarily due to realizations from a BREP co-investment entity and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. In addition to the inflows above, the increase in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management from March 31, 2010 of $26.0 billion was also from the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO in our Credit Businesses segment.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $98.1 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $2.0 billion, or 2%, compared to $96.1 billion at December 31, 2009. Inflows of $2.5 billion were primarily related to inflows of $816.9 million in our Private Equity segment driven by capital raised for a joint venture and investments made by funds in which we charge fees based on invested capital, and inflows of $1.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to growth in its commingled and customized investment products.
Assets Under Management
Assets Under Management were $150.0 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $21.8 million, or 17%, compared to $128.1 billion at December 31, 2010. Inflows of $21.2 billion were primarily related to inflows of $14.9 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by the start of BCP VIs investment period and inflows of $4.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to growth in the hedge fund manager seeding platform, long only solutions business and its commingled and customized investment products. Outflows of $4.3 billion were more than offset by market appreciation of $4.9 billion. In addition to the inflows discussed above, the increase in Assets Under Management from March 31, 2010 of $45.4 billion was also from the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO.
Assets Under Management were $104.5 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $6.3 billion compared to $98.2 billion at December 31, 2009. Inflows of $2.7 billion were primarily due to inflows of $1.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to growth in its commingled and customized investment products, inflows of $586.0 million in our Real Estate segment due to capital raised by our real estate debt investment funds and inflows of $534.8 million in our Private Equity segment. Outflows of $1.4 billion were primarily due to outflows of $571.4 million in our Credit Businesses segment and outflows of $536.2 million in our Private Equity segment due to realizations in our managed portfolio. Market appreciation of $5.0 billion was primarily due to market appreciation of $3.3 billion and $0.9 billion in our Private Equity and Real Estate segments, respectively, driven by the increase in fair value of our portfolio investments.
Limited Partner Capital Invested
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Limited Partner Capital Invested was $1.5 billion, an increase of $491.8 million, or 51%, from $969.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The change primarily reflected an increase of $265.0 million in our Private Equity segment due to an increase in new transaction activity mostly in the chemical and energy sectors and an increase of $229.6 million in our Real Estate segment due to increased investment activity by our BREP VI and debt investment funds.
Segment Analysis
Discussed below is our ENI for each of our segments. This information is reflected in the manner utilized by our senior management to make operating decisions, assess performance and allocate resources. References to our sectors or investments may also refer to portfolio companies and investments of the underlying funds that we manage.
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For segment reporting purposes, revenues and expenses are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage. As a result, segment revenues are greater than those presented on a consolidated GAAP basis because fund management fees recognized in certain segments are received from the Blackstone Funds and eliminated in consolidation when presented on a consolidated GAAP basis. Furthermore, segment expenses are lower than related amounts presented on a consolidated GAAP basis due to the exclusion of fund expenses that are paid by Limited Partners and the elimination of non-controlling interests.
Private Equity
The following table presents our results of operations for our Private Equity segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Management Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 79,935 | $ | 65,432 | $ | 14,503 | 22 | % | ||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
35,342 | 31,972 | 3,370 | 11 | % | |||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
(7,889 | ) | | (7,889 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||
Total Management Fees |
107,388 | 97,404 | 9,984 | 10 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
82,389 | 46,175 | 36,214 | 78 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
32,537 | 45,549 | (13,012 | ) | -29 | % | ||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
114,926 | 91,724 | 23,202 | 25 | % | |||||||||||
Investment Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
17,907 | (495 | ) | 18,402 | N/M | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
29,126 | 84,684 | (55,558 | ) | -66 | % | ||||||||||
Total Investment Income (Loss) |
47,033 | 84,189 | (37,156 | ) | -44 | % | ||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
3,505 | 3,428 | 77 | 2 | % | |||||||||||
Other |
811 | 100 | 711 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Total Revenues |
273,663 | 276,845 | (3,182 | ) | -1 | % | ||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
56,254 | 46,910 | 9,344 | 20 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
7,718 | 6,005 | 1,713 | 29 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
5,464 | 6,344 | (880 | ) | -14 | % | ||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
69,436 | 59,259 | 10,177 | 17 | % | |||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
28,713 | 24,431 | 4,282 | 18 | % | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
98,149 | 83,690 | 14,459 | 17 | % | |||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 175,514 | $ | 193,155 | $ | (17,641 | ) | -9 | % | |||||||
Revenues
Revenues were $273.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.2 million compared to $276.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease in revenues was attributed to a decrease in Investment Income of $37.2 million, mostly offset by increases in Performance Fees and Total Management Fees of $23.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively.
Investment Income was $47.0 million, a decrease of $37.2 million, compared to $84.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally driven by BCP V. Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund
58
by fund basis, were $114.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $23.2 million, compared to $91.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally driven by BCP IV. The appreciation of the underlying assets for Blackstones contributed Private Equity funds was 4.9% for the first quarter of 2011. The positive performance of our private equity funds was driven by appreciation of our privately held portfolio investments and increases in share prices of our publicly held portfolio investments. There was an increase in IPO activity with two of our portfolio companies, Nielsen and Bank United, completing their initial public offerings during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The fair value appreciation in our private portfolio for the current quarter was primarily due to continued improvement in operating performance driven by the hospitality and energy sectors. At March 31, 2011, the unrealized value and cumulative realized proceeds, before Carried Interest, fees and expenses, of our contributed private equity funds represented 1.5 times investors original investments. On a realized/partially realized basis, this multiple was 2.4 times investors original investments for contributed funds.
The Realized Performance Fees for the three months ended March 31, 2011 of $82.4 million represents an increase of $36.2 million compared to $46.2 million in the prior year quarter driven by realizations in BCP IV. Realized Investment Income was $17.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $18.4 million compared to $(0.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. These increases were primarily attributed to the sale of certain of our investments in the healthcare and financial industries. Unrealized Performance Fees decreased $13.0 million from $45.5 million to $32.5 million during the first quarter of 2011 due to realizations of some previously unrealized gains.
Total Management Fees were $107.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $10.0 million compared to $97.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, driven by increased Base Management Fees partially offset by Management Fee Offsets. Base Management Fees were $79.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.5 million compared to $65.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally as a result of the start of BCP VIs investment period. Management Fee Offsets relate to a reduction of management fees payable by our limited partners in BCP VI based on the amount they reimbursed Blackstone for placement fees.
Expenses
Expenses were $98.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.5 million, compared to $83.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The $14.5 million increase was primarily attributed to a $9.3 million increase in Compensation and a $4.3 million increase in Other Operating Expenses. Compensation increased as a result of additional investment in personnel. Other Operating Expenses increased $4.3 million to $28.7 million, principally due to increases in interest expense and occupancy related costs.
Operating Metrics
The following operating metrics are used in the management of this business segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 24,188,555 | $ | 24,521,394 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
14,264,444 | 816,898 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(2,564,977 | ) | (171,630 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
4,782 | 7,274 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period (a) |
$ | 35,892,804 | $ | 25,173,936 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 11,704,249 | $ | 652,542 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
48 | % | 3 | % |
59
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 29,319,136 | $ | 24,758,992 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
14,860,798 | 534,841 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(1,741,437 | ) | (536,161 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
1,516,895 | 3,264,654 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period (a) |
$ | 43,955,392 | $ | 28,022,326 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 14,636,256 | $ | 3,263,334 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
50 | % | 13 | % |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital Deployed |
||||||||||||||||
Limited Partner Capital Invested |
$ | 652,947 | $ | 387,904 | $ | 265,043 | 68 | % | ||||||||
(a) | Fee-Earning Assets Under Management and Assets Under Management as of March 31, 2011 include $532.3 million from a joint venture in which we are the minority interest holder. |
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $35.9 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $11.7 billion, or 48%, compared with $24.2 billion at December 31, 2010. Inflows of $14.3 billion were mainly due to the start of BCP VIs investment period. Outflows of $2.6 billion were primarily a result of the end of BCP Vs investment period and dispositions in BCP IV which earns fees based on remaining invested capital. After the close of the investment period, management fees are based on invested capital and binding commitments to new investments. Market appreciation of $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2011 was due to the impact of foreign exchange rates.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $25.2 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $652.5 million, or 3%, compared with $24.5 billion at December 31, 2009. Inflows of $816.9 million were driven by capital raised in our private equity funds, and investments made by funds in which we charge fees based on invested capital. Outflows of $171.6 million were a result of dispositions of assets that earn management fees on invested capital. Market appreciation of $7.3 million was due to the foreign exchange impact on management fees.
Assets Under Management
Assets Under Management were $44.0 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.6 billion, or 50%, compared with $29.3 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to inflows of $14.9 billion driven by the start of BCP VIs investment period and market appreciation of $1.5 billion within our existing portfolio, partially offset by outflows of $1.7 billion resulting from dispositions of investments.
Assets Under Management were $28.0 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $3.3 billion, or 13%, compared with $24.8 billion at December 31, 2009. The increase was primarily due to market appreciation of $3.3 billion in the fair value of our portfolio investments.
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Limited Partner Capital Invested
Limited Partner Capital Invested was $652.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $265.0 million, compared to $387.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in new transaction activity mostly in the energy and chemical industries whereas the prior year period reflected a combination of new investments primarily in Asia and add-on investments in North America.
Fund Returns
Fund returns information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.
The following table presents the Internal Rates of Return of our significant BCP funds:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
March 31, 2011
Inception to Date |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Total | Realized (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (a) |
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP IV |
12 | % | 10 | % | 10 | % | 8 | % | 53 | % | 40 | % | 67 | % | 52 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BCP V |
3 | % | 2 | % | 20 | % | 20 | % | 1 | % | | 13 | % | 6 | % |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest allocations. |
(b) | Includes partially realized investments. Investments are considered partially realized when realized proceeds, excluding current income (dividends, interest, etc.), are a material portion of invested capital. |
The net internal rate of return for BCP IV for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 was higher compared to the positive returns in the same quarter last year, driven by realized and unrealized gains in the energy and healthcare sectors. The net internal rate of return for BCP V for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 was lower compared to the positive returns in the same quarter last year as large gains in our retail/consumer, technology, hospitality and healthcare industries drove the comparative prior year quarterly returns.
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The following table presents the investment record of the significant private equity funds from inception through March 31, 2011 for funds with closed investment periods:
Total Investments | Realized / Partially Realized Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (d) |
MOIC (e) | Total |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (d) |
MOIC (e) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period) |
Invested
Capital (b) |
Carrying
Value (c) |
Invested
Capital (b) |
Carrying
Value (c) (f) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | (Dollars in Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP I (Oct 1987 / Oct 1993) |
$ | 679 | $ | 1,742 | 28 | % | 19 | % | 2.6 | $ | 679 | $ | 1,742 | 28 | % | 19 | % | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP II (Oct 1993 / Aug 1997) |
1,292 | 3,257 | 50 | % | 32 | % | 2.5 | 1,292 | 3,257 | 50 | % | 32 | % | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP III (Aug 1997 / Nov 2002) |
4,026 | 8,607 | 18 | % | 13 | % | 2.1 | 3,752 | 7,909 | 20 | % | 15 | % | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCOM (June 2000 / Jun 2006) |
2,132 | 2,936 | 15 | % | 8 | % | 1.4 | 1,215 | 2,149 | 27 | % | 24 | % | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP IV (Nov 2002 / Dec 2005) |
7,324 | 19,302 | 53 | % | 40 | % | 2.6 | 5,143 | 15,435 | 67 | % | 52 | % | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP V (Dec 2005 / Jan 2011) |
18,809 | 19,635 | 1 | % | | 1.0 | 2,465 | 3,154 | 13 | % | 6 | % | 1.3 |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Investments are considered partially realized when realized proceeds, excluding current income (dividends, interest, etc.), are a material portion of invested capital. |
(b) | Invested Capital includes recalled capital and side-by-side investments made by our employees. |
(c) | Carrying value includes realized proceeds and unrealized fair value. |
(d) | Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized inception to date IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest. |
(e) | Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by total invested capital. |
(f) | The Realized / Partially Realized Carrying Value includes remaining unrealized value of $4.0 billion. |
The following table presents the investment record of the significant private equity funds from inception through March 31, 2011 for funds with open investment periods:
Total Investments | Realized / Partially Realized Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period) |
Available
Capital (b) |
Invested
Capital (c) |
Carrying
Value (d) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (e) |
MOIC (f) |
Invested
Capital (c) |
Carrying
Value (d) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (e) |
MOIC (f) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | (Dollars in Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP VI (Jan 2011 / Jan 2017) |
$ | 14,366 | $ | | $ | | | | | $ | | $ | | | | |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Investments are considered partially realized when realized proceeds, excluding current income (dividends, interest, etc.), are a material portion of invested capital. |
(b) | Available Capital represents total capital commitments, including side-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital, less invested capital. |
(c) | Invested Capital includes recalled capital and side-by-side investments made by our employees. |
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(d) | Carrying value includes realized proceeds and unrealized fair value. |
(e) | Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized inception to date IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest. |
(f) | Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by total invested capital. |
The Private Equity segment has three contributed funds with closed investment periods, BCP IV, BCP V and BCOM. As of March 31, 2011, BCP IV was above its Carried Interest threshold (i.e., the preferred return payable to its limited partners before the general partner is eligible to receive Carried Interest) and would still be above its Carried Interest threshold even if all remaining investments were deemed worthless. BCP V is currently below its Carried Interest threshold. BCOM is currently below its Carried Interest threshold but has generated inception-to-date positive returns and is entitled to Carried Interest on those gains.
The following table presents the Carried Interest status of our private equity funds out of their investment period which are currently not generating performance fees as of March 31, 2011:
Gain to Cross
Carried
Interest Threshold (a) |
||||||||||||
Funds out of the Investment Period |
Available
Capital (b) |
Amount |
% Change
in Total Enterprise Value (c) |
|||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | ||||||||||||
BCP V (Dec 2005 / Dec 2011) |
$ | 2,889 | $ | 4,875 | 11 | % |
(a) | The general partner of each fund is allocated Carried Interest when the annualized returns, net of management fees and expenses, exceed the preferred return as dictated by the fund agreements. The preferred return is calculated for each limited partner individually. The Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold represents the increase in equity at the fund level (excluding our side-by-side investments) that is required for the general partner to begin accruing Carried Interest, assuming the gain is earned pro-rata across the funds investments and is achieved at the reporting date. |
(b) | Available Capital represents total capital commitments, including side-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital, less invested capital. |
(c) | Total Enterprise Value is the respective funds pro rata ownership of the privately held portfolio companies Enterprise Value and the Equity Value of the public portfolio companies based on fair values at the reporting date. |
63
Real Estate
The following table presents our results of operations for our Real Estate segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Management Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 95,439 | $ | 83,060 | $ | 12,379 | 15 | % | ||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
21,543 | 1,942 | 19,601 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
(505 | ) | (489 | ) | (16 | ) | -3 | % | ||||||||
Total Management Fees |
116,477 | 84,513 | 31,964 | 38 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
2,593 | 5,948 | (3,355 | ) | -56 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
368,104 | 11,391 | 356,713 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
370,697 | 17,339 | 353,358 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
2,919 | 2,632 | 287 | 11 | % | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
61,406 | 46,892 | 14,514 | 31 | % | |||||||||||
Total Investment Income |
64,325 | 49,524 | 14,801 | 30 | % | |||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
3,288 | 2,718 | 570 | 21 | % | |||||||||||
Other |
860 | (1,876 | ) | 2,736 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Revenues |
555,647 | 152,218 | 403,429 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
58,501 | 40,150 | 18,351 | 46 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
1,230 | 1,524 | (294 | ) | -19 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
106,501 | 6,937 | 99,564 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
166,232 | 48,611 | 117,621 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
28,366 | 14,290 | 14,076 | 99 | % | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
194,598 | 62,901 | 131,697 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 361,049 | $ | 89,317 | $ | 271,732 | N/M | |||||||||
Revenues
Revenues were $555.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an improvement of $403.4 million compared to $152.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to an increase of $353.4 million in Performance Fees, an increase of $32.0 million in Total Management Fees and an increase of $14.8 million in Investment Income.
Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund by fund basis, were $370.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an improvement of $353.4 million compared to $17.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The appreciation of the investments in our BREP V and BREP VI carry funds primarily contributed to the improvement in Performance Fees for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Investment Income was $64.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.8 million compared to $49.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in Investment Income was also driven by
64
the appreciation of the investments in BREP V and BREP VI. Both Performance Fees and Investment Income benefited from the strong performance of our carry funds. The appreciation of the underlying assets for Blackstones contributed Real Estate carry funds was 8.7% for the first quarter of 2011, and for the Real Estate debt hedge funds was 4.5% for the first quarter of 2011. The performance for the first quarter of 2011 was driven primarily by improved operating performance and projected cash flows across our real estate carry funds investments and was primarily a result of the appreciation in fair value of our holdings in Equity Office Properties Trust and Hilton Hotels Corporation. The March 31, 2011, unrealized value and cumulative proceeds, before carried interest, fees and expenses, of our contributed Real Estate carry funds represented 1.4 times investors original investments.
Total Management Fees were $116.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $32.0 million compared to $84.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Transaction and Other Fees were $21.5 million, an increase of $19.6 million compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, reflecting the continued increase in investment activity in our BREP funds and disposition fees earned from the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. Base Management Fees were $95.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $12.4 million compared to $83.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to fees earned from our management of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform.
Expenses
Expenses were $194.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $131.7 million, compared to $62.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributed to a $99.3 million increase in Performance Fee Compensation, a result of positive Performance Fees revenue, and an increase in Compensation of $18.4 million to $58.5 million, primarily due to headcount increases related to the management of our new Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. Other Operating Expenses increased $14.1 million to $28.4 million, principally due to placement fees related to our debt investment funds and interest expense.
Operating Metrics
The following operating metrics are used in the management of this business segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 26,814,714 | $ | 23,708,057 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
287,996 | 275,838 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(926,978 | ) | (9,262 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
278,280 | (153,936 | ) | |||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 26,454,012 | $ | 23,820,697 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | (360,702 | ) | $ | 112,640 | |||
Increase (Decrease) |
-1 | % | 0 | % |
65
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 33,165,124 | $ | 20,391,334 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
809,531 | 586,029 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(1,031,251 | ) | (22,649 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
2,047,186 | 925,941 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 34,990,590 | $ | 21,880,655 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 1,825,466 | $ | 1,489,321 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
6 | % | 7 | % |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital Deployed |
||||||||||||||||
Limited Partner Capital Invested |
$ | 654,428 | $ | 424,868 | $ | 229,560 | 54 | % | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $26.5 billion at March 31, 2011, a decrease of $360.7 million, or 1%, compared with $26.8 billion at December 31, 2010. Inflows of $288.0 million were primarily related to capital invested by our real estate debt investment funds. Outflows were $927.0 million, primarily due to realizations from a co-investment entity and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. Market appreciation of $278.3 million was primarily due to the favorable foreign exchange impact on commitments from our European focused real estate fund. Fee-Earning Assets Under Management increased $2.6 billion, or 11%, from March 31, 2010 to $26.5 billion at March 31, 2011. The increase was primarily related to the November 2010 commencement of our management of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $23.8 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $112.6 million, compared with $23.7 billion at December 31, 2009. Inflows of $275.8 million were primarily related to capital invested by our real estate debt investment funds. Outflows were $9.3 million, primarily due to realizations. Market depreciation of $154.0 million was primarily due to the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange fluctuations on committed capital for our European focused real estate fund which was partially offset by net valuation increases for certain of our debt investment funds that charge management fees based on net asset value.
Assets Under Management
At March 31, 2011, Assets Under Management were $35.0 billion, an increase of $1.8 billion, or 6%, compared with $33.2 billion at December 31, 2010. The change was primarily due to inflows of $809.5 million attributable to capital raised by our debt investment funds, market appreciation of $2.0 billion from our real estate carry funds resulting from increases in the carrying values of our real estate portfolio primarily within the Office and Hospitality sectors, partially offset by outflows of $1.0 billion related to realizations generated by BREP VI co-investments and the managed Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform along with the expiration of the BREP International funds term. Assets Under Management increased $13.1 billion, or 60%, from March 31, 2010 to $35.0 billion at March 31, 2011 and was primarily related to market appreciation of $9.8 billion and the commencement of our management of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform.
66
At March 31, 2010, Assets Under Management were $21.9 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion, or 7%, compared with $20.4 billion at December 31, 2009. The change was primarily due to inflows of $586.0 million due to capital raised by our real estate debt investment funds, and market appreciation of $925.9 million primarily related to increases in the carrying values of our real estate portfolio within the office and hospitality sectors.
Limited Partner Capital Invested
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Limited Partner Capital Invested was $654.4 million, an increase of $229.6 million from $424.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This increase is primarily related to increased investment activity by our BREP VI and debt investment funds.
Fund Returns
Fund return information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.
The following table presents the Internal Rates of Return of our significant real estate funds:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
March 31, 2011
Inception to Date |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Total | Realized (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (a) |
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP IV |
7 | % | 5 | % | 1 | % | | 27 | % | 16 | % | 97 | % | 68 | % | |||||||||||||||||
BREP V |
10 | % | 7 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 12 | % | 8 | % | 100 | % | 75 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BREP International II (c) |
3 | % | 2 | % | 13 | % | 12 | % | -1 | % | -3 | % | 5 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BREP International (c) |
1 | % | 1 | % | 5 | % | 4 | % | 33 | % | 23 | % | 42 | % | 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BREP VI |
9 | % | 6 | % | 25 | % | 24 | % | 13 | % | 8 | % | 137 | % | 98 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe III (c) |
1 | % | -2 | % | 97 | % | 85 | % | 158 | % | 20 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
BSSF II |
4 | % | 3 | % | 11 | % | 6 | % | 26 | % | 21 | % | 59 | % | 42 | % | ||||||||||||||||
BSSF I |
5 | % | 4 | % | 9 | % | 7 | % | 18 | % | 13 | % | | | ||||||||||||||||||
CMBS |
5 | % | 4 | % | 12 | % | 9 | % | 27 | % | 20 | % | | |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance fee allocations. |
(b) | Includes partially realized investments. Investments are considered partially realized when distributed proceeds, excluding current income (dividends, interest, etc.), are a material portion of invested capital. |
(c) | Euro-based net internal rates of return. |
Generally, improvement in the operating fundamentals of the BREP funds hospitality and office investments has led to increases in the valuation of our investments.
67
The following table presents the investment record of the significant real estate carry funds from inception through March 31, 2011 for funds with closed investment periods:
Total Investments | Realized / Partially Realized Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment
|
Invested
Capital (b) |
Carrying
Value (c) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (d) |
MOIC (e) |
Invested
Capital (b) |
Carrying
Value (c) (f) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (d) |
MOIC (e) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Amounts in Millions) | (Amounts in Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-BREP |
$ | 141 | $ | 345 | 43 | % | 33 | % | 2.5 | $ | 141 | $ | 345 | 43 | % | 33 | % | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP I (Sep 1994 / Oct 1996) |
$ | 467 | $ | 1,328 | 51 | % | 40 | % | 2.8 | $ | 467 | $ | 1,328 | 51 | % | 40 | % | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP II (Oct 1996 / Mar 1999) |
$ | 1,219 | $ | 2,525 | 26 | % | 19 | % | 2.1 | $ | 1,219 | $ | 2,525 | 26 | % | 19 | % | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP III (Apr 1999 / Apr 2003) |
$ | 1,415 | $ | 3,326 | 27 | % | 21 | % | 2.3 | $ | 1,362 | $ | 3,318 | 28 | % | 23 | % | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Intl (Jan 2001 / Sep 2005) |
| 658 | | 1,288 | 33 | % | 23 | % | 2.0 | | 566 | | 1,231 | 42 | % | 31 | % | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP IV (Apr 2003 / Dec 2005) |
$ | 2,737 | $ | 4,061 | 27 | % | 16 | % | 1.5 | $ | 1,074 | $ | 2,529 | 97 | % | 68 | % | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Intl II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008) |
| 1,336 | | 1,300 | -1 | % | -3 | % | 1.0 | | 162 | | 190 | 5 | % | 2 | % | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP V (Dec 2005 / Feb 2007) |
$ | 5,515 | $ | 7,570 | 12 | % | 8 | % | 1.4 | $ | 951 | $ | 2,029 | 100 | % | 75 | % | 2.1 |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Investments are considered partially realized when distributed proceeds, excluding current income (rent, dividends, interest, etc.), are a material portion of invested capital. |
(b) | Invested Capital includes recalled capital and side-by-side investments made by our employees. |
(c) | Carrying value includes realized proceeds and unrealized fair value. |
(d) | Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized inception to date IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest. |
(e) | Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by total invested capital. |
(f) | The Total Realized / Partially Realized Carrying Value includes remaining unrealized value of $809.2 million and 136.5 million. |
The following table presents the investment record of the significant real estate carry funds, excluding separately managed accounts, from inception through March 31, 2011 for funds with open investment periods:
Total Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period) |
Available
Capital (a) |
Invested
Capital (b) |
Carrying
Value (c) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (d) |
MOIC (e) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Amounts in Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VI (Feb 2007 / Aug 2012) |
$ | 3,145 | $ | 7,928 | $ | 10,583 | 13 | % | 8 | % | 1.3 | |||||||||||||
BREP Europe III (Jun 2008 / Dec 2013) |
| 2,947 | | 241 | | 447 | 158 | % | 20 | % | 1.9 | |||||||||||||
BSSF II (Jul 2009 / Aug 2017) |
$ | 1,014 | $ | 706 | $ | 872 | 26 | % | 21 | % | 1.2 |
68
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Available Capital represents total capital commitments, including side-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital, less invested capital, and includes $1.0 billion committed to deals but not yet invested. Additionally, the segment has $643.2 million of Available Capital that has been reserved for add-on investments in funds that are fully invested. |
(b) | Invested Capital includes recalled capital and side-by-side investments made by our employees. |
(c) | Carrying value includes realized proceeds and unrealized fair value. |
(d) | Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized inception to date IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized fair value after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest. |
(e) | Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by total invested capital. |
The following table presents the Carried Interest status of our real estate carry funds with expired investment periods which are currently not generating performance fees as of March 31, 2011:
Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold (a) | ||||||||
Fully Invested Funds |
Amount |
% Change
in
Total Enterprise Value (b) |
||||||
(Amounts in Millions) | ||||||||
BREP Intl II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008) |
| 633 | 14 | % |
(a) | The general partner of each fund is allocated Carried Interest when the annualized returns, net of management fees and expenses, exceed the preferred return as dictated by the fund agreements. The preferred return is calculated for each limited partner individually. The Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold represents the increase in equity at the fund level (excluding our side-by-side investments) that is required for the general partner to begin accruing Carried Interest, assuming the gain is earned pro-rata across the funds investments and is achieved at the reporting date. |
(b) | Total Enterprise Value is the respective funds pro rata ownership of the privately held portfolio companies Enterprise Value and the Equity Value of the public portfolio companies based on fair values at the reporting date. |
The Real Estate segment has three funds in their investment period all of which were above their respective Carried Interest thresholds as of March 31, 2011: BREP Europe III, BSSF II and BREP VI.
69
Hedge Fund Solutions
The following table presents our results of operations for our Hedge Fund Solutions segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Management Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 75,612 | $ | 63,866 | $ | 11,746 | 18 | % | ||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
727 | 809 | (82 | ) | -10 | % | ||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
(124 | ) | | (124 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||
Total Management Fees |
76,215 | 64,675 | 11,540 | 18 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
893 | 2,117 | (1,224 | ) | -58 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
19,253 | 10,413 | 8,840 | 85 | % | |||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
20,146 | 12,530 | 7,616 | 61 | % | |||||||||||
Investment Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
1,341 | (250 | ) | 1,591 | N/M | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
7,120 | 11,880 | (4,760 | ) | -40 | % | ||||||||||
Total Investment Income (Loss) |
8,461 | 11,630 | (3,169 | ) | -27 | % | ||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
516 | 475 | 41 | 9 | % | |||||||||||
Other |
104 | (83 | ) | 187 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Revenues |
105,442 | 89,227 | 16,215 | 18 | % | |||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
28,657 | 20,742 | 7,915 | 38 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
300 | 771 | (471 | ) | -61 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
5,358 | 3,783 | 1,575 | 42 | % | |||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
34,315 | 25,296 | 9,019 | 36 | % | |||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
13,008 | 11,285 | 1,723 | 15 | % | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
47,323 | 36,581 | 10,742 | 29 | % | |||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 58,119 | $ | 52,646 | $ | 5,473 | 10 | % | ||||||||
Revenues
Revenues were $105.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $16.2 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to an increase of $11.5 million in Total Management Fees to $76.2 million and an increase of $7.6 million in Performance Fees to $20.1 million, partially offset by a decrease of $3.2 million in Investment Income (Loss) to $8.5 million.
Total Management Fees were $76.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $11.5 million compared to $64.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Base Management Fees were $75.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $11.7 million compared to the prior year period, driven by an increase in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management of 24% from the prior year period, which was primarily from positive net inflows and market appreciation.
70
Investment Income (Loss) was $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.2 million compared to $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Performance Fees were $20.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, up slightly from the prior year period. The appreciation of the underlying assets for Blackstones Hedge Fund Solutions funds was 2% for the first quarter of 2011. Fee-Earning Assets Under Management related to funds of funds above their respective high-water marks and/or hurdle, and therefore eligible for Performance Fees, increased during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010.
Expenses
Expenses were $47.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $10.7 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The $10.7 million increase was primarily attributed to a $9.0 million increase in Total Compensation and Benefits and a $1.7 million increase in Other Operating Expenses. Compensation was $28.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $7.9 million, compared to $20.7 million for the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in headcount to support the growth of the business. Other Operating Expenses increased $1.7 million to $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 primarily due to an increase in professional fees related to the growth of the business.
Operating Metrics
The following operating metrics are used in the management of this business segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 33,159,795 | $ | 27,451,309 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
2,452,420 | 1,167,681 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(388,026 | ) | (291,363 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
622,813 | 574,593 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 35,847,002 | $ | 28,902,220 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 2,687,207 | $ | 1,450,911 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
8 | % | 5 | % | ||||
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 34,587,292 | $ | 28,799,326 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
4,721,176 | 1,205,481 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(408,034 | ) | (305,677 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
641,652 | 623,380 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 39,542,086 | $ | 30,322,510 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 4,954,794 | $ | 1,523,184 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
14 | % | 5 | % |
71
The following table presents information regarding our Fee-Earning Assets Under Management:
(a) | Estimated % Above High Water Mark and / or Hurdle represents the percentage of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management Eligible for Incentive Fees that as of the dates presented would earn incentive fees when the applicable BAAM managed fund has positive investment performance (relative to a hurdle, where applicable). Incremental positive performance in the applicable Blackstone Funds may cause additional assets to reach their respective High Water Mark and / or Hurdle, thereby resulting in an increase in Estimated % Above High Water Mark and/or Hurdle. |
(b) | For the BAAM managed funds, at March 31, 2011 the incremental appreciation needed for the 26% of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle to reach their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle was $325.7 million, a decrease of $307.1 million, or 48.5%, compared to $632.8 million at March 31, 2010. Of the Fee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle as of March 31, 2011, 48% were within 5% of reaching their respective High Water Mark and / or Hurdle. |
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $35.8 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $2.7 billion, or 8%, compared to $33.2 billion at December 31, 2010. The change was primarily due to inflows of $2.5 billion primarily from BAAMs commingled and customized investment products and long only solutions business. BAAM had net inflows of $1.6 billion in April and May 2011.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $28.9 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $1.5 billion, or 5%, compared to $27.5 billion at December 31, 2009. The change was primarily due to inflows of $1.2 billion and market appreciation of $574.6 million, partially offset by outflows of $291.4 million. Inflows of $1.2 billion were primarily a result of growth in its commingled and customized investment products.
Assets Under Management
Assets Under Management were $39.5 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $5.0 billion, or 14%, compared to $34.6 billion at December 31, 2010. The change was primarily due to inflows of $4.7 billion primarily from BAAMs hedge fund manager seeding platform, commingled and customized investment products and long only solutions business.
Assets Under Management were $30.3 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $1.5 billion, or 5%, compared to $28.8 billion at December 31, 2009. The change was primarily due to inflows of $1.2 billion and market appreciation of $623.4 million, partially offset by outflows of $305.7 million. Inflows of $1.2 billion were primarily a result of growth in BAAMs commingled and customized investment products.
Composite and Fund Returns
Composite and fund return information for our significant businesses is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The composite and fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The
72
Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds or composites. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or composites or our other existing and future funds or composites will achieve similar returns.
Three
Months Ended March 31, |
Average Annual Returns (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Periods Ended
March 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | One Year | Three Year | Five Year | Historical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Composite / Fund |
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BAAM Managed Funds, Core Funds Composite (b) |
2 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 9 | % | 7 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 5 | % | 4 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % |
The returns presented represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Composite returns present a summarized asset weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds. |
(b) | The Core Funds Composite excludes Blackstones BAAM managed funds that employ a long - biased commodity strategy, funds whose primary objective is to provide capital to hedge fund start-up firms and funds managed under non-discretionary advisory arrangements. The historical return is from January 1, 2000 and excludes fluctuations due to foreign currency exchange rates. |
73
Credit Businesses
The following table presents our results of operations for our Credit Businesses segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Management Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees |
$ | 54,601 | $ | 39,613 | $ | 14,988 | 38 | % | ||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
745 | 536 | 209 | 39 | % | |||||||||||
Management Fee Offsets |
(18 | ) | (689 | ) | 671 | 97 | % | |||||||||
Total Management Fees |
55,328 | 39,460 | 15,868 | 40 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fees |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
9,725 | (359 | ) | 10,084 | N/M | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
85,303 | 64,980 | 20,323 | 31 | % | |||||||||||
Total Performance Fees |
95,028 | 64,621 | 30,407 | 47 | % | |||||||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
1,235 | 3,233 | (1,998 | ) | -62 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
4,532 | 7,835 | (3,303 | ) | -42 | % | ||||||||||
Total Investment Income |
5,767 | 11,068 | (5,301 | ) | -48 | % | ||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
453 | 673 | (220 | ) | -33 | % | ||||||||||
Other |
98 | (459 | ) | 557 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Revenues |
156,674 | 115,363 | 41,311 | 36 | % | |||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation |
30,325 | 28,343 | 1,982 | 7 | % | |||||||||||
Performance Fee Compensation |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
5,295 | (559 | ) | 5,854 | N/M | |||||||||||
Unrealized |
45,202 | 37,536 | 7,666 | 20 | % | |||||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits |
80,822 | 65,320 | 15,502 | 24 | % | |||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
15,357 | 8,290 | 7,067 | 85 | % | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
96,179 | 73,610 | 22,569 | 31 | % | |||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | 60,495 | $ | 41,753 | $ | 18,742 | 45 | % | ||||||||
Revenues
Revenues were $156.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $41.3 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to increases of $30.4 million in Performance Fees and $15.9 million in Total Management Fees, partially offset by a decrease of $5.3 million in Investment Income.
Total Management Fees were $55.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $15.9 million from the prior year period. Base Management Fees were $54.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $15.0 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management, which was driven by the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO.
74
Performance Fees were $95.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $30.4 million from the prior year period. The increase in Performance Fees was primarily attributable to strong performance across the Credit Businesses strategies. The appreciation of the underlying assets for Blackstones credit-oriented business was 8.1% for the flagship hedge funds, 9.0% for the mezzanine funds and 9.4% for the rescue lending funds for the first quarter of 2011.
The Realized Performance Fees for the three months ended March 31, 2011 of $9.7 million were driven primarily by realizations in the mezzanine funds.
Expenses
Expenses were $96.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $22.6 million, or 31%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The $22.6 million increase in expenses was primarily attributed to increases of $13.5 million in Performance Fee Compensation and $7.1 million in Other Operating Expenses. Performance Fee Compensation was $50.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $37.0 million for the prior year period. The increase is primarily due to higher Performance Fees in the current quarter compared to the prior year period. Other Operating Expenses increased $7.1 million to $15.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $8.3 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to higher professional and underwriting fees, which were related to the launch of a new closed-end mutual fund.
Operating Metrics
The following operating metrics are used in the management of this business segment:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 25,337,158 | $ | 20,416,237 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
1,033,797 | 240,201 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(936,716 | ) | (492,083 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
404,639 | 8,964 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 25,838,878 | $ | 20,173,319 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 501,720 | $ | (242,918 | ) | |||
Increase (Decrease) |
2 | % | -1 | % |
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$ | 31,052,368 | $ | 24,233,476 | ||||
Inflows, including Commitments |
814,219 | 415,844 | ||||||
Outflows, including Distributions |
(1,091,715 | ) | (571,401 | ) | ||||
Market Appreciation (Depreciation) |
700,525 | 212,438 | ||||||
Balance, End of Period |
$ | 31,475,397 | $ | 24,290,357 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
$ | 423,029 | $ | 56,881 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) |
1 | % | 0 | % |
75
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital Deployed |
||||||||||||||||
Limited Partner Capital Invested |
$ | 154,298 | $ | 157,052 | $ | (2,754 | ) | -2 | % | |||||||
The following table presents information regarding our Fee-Earning Assets Under Management:
Fee-Earning Assets Under
Management Eligible for Incentive Fees |
Estimated % Above
High Water Mark (a) |
|||||||||||||||
As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Flagship Hedge Funds |
$ | 2,782,402 | $ | 2,524,687 | 99 | % | 88 | % |
(a) | Estimated % Above High Water Mark represents the percentage of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management Eligible for Incentive Fees that as of the dates presented would earn incentive fees when the applicable Blackstone Fund has positive investment performance. Incremental positive performance in the applicable Blackstone Funds may cause additional assets to reach their respective High Water Mark, thereby resulting in an increase in Estimated % Above High Water Mark. |
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $25.8 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $501.7 million, or 2%, compared to $25.3 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to market appreciation in our long only and hedge fund businesses compared to the prior year period. Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $25.8 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $5.7 billion, or 28%, from March 31, 2010. This increase was primarily from the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO.
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $20.2 billion at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $242.9 million, or 1%, compared to $20.4 billion at December 31, 2009.
Assets Under Management
Assets Under Management were $31.5 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $423.0 million, or 1%, compared to $31.1 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to net market appreciation across our funds. Assets Under Management were $31.5 billion at March 31, 2011, an increase of $7.2 billion, or 30%, from March 31, 2010. This increase was primarily from the April 1, 2010 acquisition of $3.5 billion in collateralized loan obligation vehicles, the launching of two closed-end mutual funds and the closing of a new CLO.
Assets Under Management were $24.3 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $56.9 million compared to $24.2 billion at December 31, 2009.
Limited Partner Capital Invested
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Limited Partner Capital Invested was $154.3 million, a slight decrease of $2.8 million from $157.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
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Fund Returns
Fund return information for our significant businesses is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.
The returns presented represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Average annual returns present a summarized asset weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds. |
(b) | The Flagship Hedge Funds returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds included in this return. The historical return is from August 1, 2005, which is before Blackstones acquisition of GSO in March 2008. |
The following table presents the Internal Rates of Return of our significant Credit Businesses drawdown funds:
Three Months
Ended
March 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Inception to Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (a) |
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine Funds (b) |
9 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | 4 | % | 22 | % | 16 | % | ||||||||||||
Rescue Lending Funds (c) |
9 | % | 6 | % | 34 | % | 18 | % | 58 | % | 33 | % |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance fee allocations. |
(b) | The Mezzanine Funds returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds included in this return. The inception to date return is from July 16, 2007, which is before Blackstones acquisition of GSO in March 2008. |
(c) | The Rescue Lending Funds returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds included in this return. The inception to date returns are from September 29, 2009, which is when the funds commenced investing. |
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The following table presents the investment record of the significant Credit Businesses drawdown funds from inception through March 31, 2011 for funds with open investment periods:
Total Investments | Realized /Partially Realized Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period) |
Available
Capital (b) |
Invested
Capital (c) |
Carrying
Value (d) |
Gross
IRR |
Net
IRR (e) |
MOIC (f) |
Invested
Capital (c) |
Carrying
Value (d) (g) |
MOIC (f) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | (Dollars in Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine Funds (Jul 2007 / Jul 2012) |
$ | 898 | $ | 2,024 | $ | 2,673 | 22 | % | 16 | % | 1.3 | $ | 971 | $ | 1,416 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rescue Lending Funds (May 2009 / May 2013) |
2,289 | 1,137 | 1,482 | 58 | % | 33 | % | 1.3 | 301 | 350 | 1.2 |
The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.
(a) | Investments are considered partially realized when realized proceeds, excluding current income (dividends, interest, etc.) are a material portion of invested capital. |
(b) | Available Capital represents total capital commitments adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital, less invested capital. |
(c) | Invested Capital includes recalled capital. |
(d) | Carrying value includes realized proceeds and unrealized fair value. |
(e) | Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized inception to date IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest. |
(f) | Multiple of Invested Capital (MOIC) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by total invested capital. |
(g) | The Realized / Partially Realized Carrying Value includes remaining unrealized value of $553.4 million. |
As of March 31, 2011, the significant Credit Businesses drawdown funds that are in their investment period were above their respective Carried Interest thresholds (i.e., the preferred return payable to its limited partners before the general partner is eligible to receive Carried Interest).
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Financial Advisory
The following table presents our results of operations for our Financial Advisory segment:
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
2011 vs. 2010 | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Advisory Fees |
$ | 70,252 | $ | 76,568 | $ | (6,316 | ) | -8 | % | |||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net |
6 | 1 | 5 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Total Advisory and Transaction Fees |
70,258 | 76,569 | (6,311 | ) | -8 | % | ||||||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||||||||||
Realized |
97 | 187 | (90 | ) | -48 | % | ||||||||||
Unrealized |
393 | 230 | 163 | 71 | % | |||||||||||
Total Investment Income |
490 | 417 | 73 | 18 | % | |||||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue |
1,686 | 1,396 | 290 | 21 | % | |||||||||||
Other |
386 | (932 | ) | 1,318 | N/M | |||||||||||
Total Revenues |
72,820 | 77,450 | (4,630 | ) | -6 | % | ||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits Compensation |
56,161 | 54,492 | 1,669 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
17,531 | 14,727 | 2,804 | 19 | % | |||||||||||
Total Expenses |
73,692 | 69,219 | 4,473 | 6 | % | |||||||||||
Economic Net Income |
$ | (872 | ) | $ | 8,231 | $ | (9,103 | ) | N/M | |||||||
Revenues
Revenues were $72.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 6%, compared to $77.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease in revenues was driven primarily by decreases in Blackstones Advisory Partners business and Blackstones restructuring and reorganization business. The decrease in Blackstone Advisory Partners business was principally due to several transactions that closed in late 2010 instead of 2011. The decrease in Blackstones restructuring and reorganization business was largely due to a decrease in the number of transactions completed during the current year period, driven in part by the timing of completion for specific transactions and in part by the improving economy as well as the overall continued strength of the credit markets. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in fees earned by Blackstones fund placement business, as conditions negatively impacting the fund-raising of capital from institutional investors for alternative investment products improved compared to the prior year period.
Expenses
Expenses were $73.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $4.5 million, or 6%, compared to $69.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Compensation and Benefits increased $1.7 million over the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally due to an increase in such costs in our fund placement business, partially offset by a decrease in compensation expense in Blackstone Advisory Partners business. Compensation expense for these businesses is related to their financial performance. Other Operating Expenses increased $2.8 million over the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally due to increases in occupancy, interest, professional fees, business development and technology expenses.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Blackstones business model derives revenue primarily from third party assets under management and from advisory businesses. Blackstone is not a capital or balance sheet intensive business and targets operating expense levels such that total management and advisory fees exceed total operating expenses each period. As a result, we require limited capital resources to support the working capital or operating needs of our businesses. We draw primarily on the long term committed capital of our limited partner investors to fund the investment requirements of the Blackstone Funds and use our own realizations and cash flows to invest in growth initiatives, make commitments to our own funds, which are typically less than 5% of the assets under management of a fund, or pay distributions to unitholders.
Fluctuations in our balance sheet result primarily from activities of the Blackstone Funds which are consolidated as well as business transactions, such as the issuance of senior notes described below. The majority economic ownership interests of the Blackstone Funds are reflected as Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidation of these Blackstone Funds has no net effect on the Partnerships Net Income or Partners Capital. Additionally, fluctuations in our balance sheet also include appreciation or depreciation in Blackstone investments in the Blackstone Funds, additional investments and redemptions of such interests in the Blackstone Funds and the collection of receivables related to management and advisory fees.
Total assets were $19.2 billion as of March 31, 2011, an increase of $404.2 million from December 31, 2010. The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to a $702.0 million increase in Investments. Total liabilities were $10.8 billion as of March 31, 2011, an increase of $226.7 million from December 31, 2010. The increase in total liabilities was primarily due to an increase in Loans Payable of $126.2 million and in increase in Due to Affiliates of $176.8 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we had Total Fee Related Revenues of $438.7 million and related expenses of $345.5 million, generating Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations of $93.2 million and Distributable Earnings of $196.5 million.
We have multiple sources of liquidity to meet our capital needs, including annual cash flows, accumulated earnings in the businesses, investments in our own Treasury and liquid funds and access to our debt capacity, including our $1.02 billion committed revolving credit facility and the proceeds from our 2009 and 2010 issuances of senior notes. As of March 31, 2011, Blackstone had $455.8 million in cash, $976.1 million invested in Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies, $254.0 million invested in liquid Blackstone Funds and $1.7 billion invested in illiquid Blackstone Funds, against $1.0 billion in borrowings from our 2009 and 2010 bond issuances.
We use Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management and Advisory Fees, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Other Revenue, (d) Realized Performance Fees, and (e) Realized Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, (b) Realized Performance Fee Compensation, (c) Other Operating Expenses and (d) Cash Taxes and Payables Under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Distributable Earnings is reconciled to Blackstones Consolidated Statement of Operations.
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The following table calculates Blackstones Distributable Earnings. Distributable Earnings is a supplemental measure of performance to assess amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Fee Related Earnings |
||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees (a) |
$ | 425,666 | $ | 362,621 | ||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue (a) |
9,448 | 8,690 | ||||||
Other (a) |
2,259 | (3,250 | ) | |||||
Investment Income Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b) |
1,302 | 3,665 | ||||||
Total Revenues |
438,675 | 371,726 | ||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Compensation and Benefits Compensation (a) |
229,898 | 190,637 | ||||||
Other Operating Expenses (a) |
102,975 | 73,023 | ||||||
Cash Taxes (c) |
12,622 | 9,321 | ||||||
Total Expenses |
345,495 | 272,981 | ||||||
Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations |
93,180 | 98,745 | ||||||
Performance Fees, Net of Related Compensation |
||||||||
Performance Fees Realized (a) |
95,600 | 53,881 | ||||||
Compensation and Benefits Performance Fee Compensation Realized (a) |
(14,543 | ) | (7,741 | ) | ||||
Total Performance Fees, Net of Compensation |
81,057 | 46,140 | ||||||
Investment Income and Other |
||||||||
Investment Income (Loss) Realized (a) |
23,499 | 5,307 | ||||||
Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies (d) |
(1,010 | ) | (1,264 | ) | ||||
Other Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement |
(177 | ) | (232 | ) | ||||
Total Investment Income and Other |
22,312 | 3,811 | ||||||
Distributable Earnings |
$ | 196,549 | $ | 148,696 | ||||
(a) | Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions. |
(b) | Represents the inclusion of Investment Income from Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies. |
(c) | Represents the provisions for and/or adjustments to income taxes that were calculated using a similar methodology applied in calculating the current provision for The Blackstone Group L.P. |
(d) | Represents the elimination of Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations. |
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The following table is a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes to Total Segments Economic Net Income, of Total Segments, Economic Net Income to Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations, of Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations to Distributable Earnings and of Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization from Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations to Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes |
$ | 117,214 | $ | (227,671 | ) | |||
IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges (a) |
421,861 | 726,722 | ||||||
Amortization of Intangibles (b) |
44,174 | 39,512 | ||||||
(Income) Loss Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities (c) |
71,056 | (153,461 | ) | |||||
Total Segments, Economic Net Income |
654,305 | 385,102 | ||||||
Performance Fees Adjustment (d) |
(600,797 | ) | (186,214 | ) | ||||
Investment Income (Loss) Adjustment (e) |
(126,076 | ) | (156,828 | ) | ||||
Investment Income (Loss) Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies (f) |
1,302 | 3,665 | ||||||
Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits Adjustment (g) |
177,068 | 62,341 | ||||||
Taxes Payable (h) |
(12,622 | ) | (9,321 | ) | ||||
Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations |
93,180 | 98,745 | ||||||
Realized Performance Fees (i) |
81,057 | 46,140 | ||||||
Realized Investment Income (Loss) (j) |
23,499 | 5,307 | ||||||
Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income Blackstones Treasury Cash Management Strategies (k) |
(1,010 | ) | (1,264 | ) | ||||
Other Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement |
(177 | ) | (232 | ) | ||||
Distributable Earnings |
$ | 196,549 | $ | 148,696 | ||||
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization from Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations (l) |
$ | 126,666 | $ | 120,805 | ||||
(a) | This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes amounts for Transaction-Related Charges which include principally equity-based compensation charges associated with Blackstones initial public offering and other corporate actions. |
(b) | This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes amounts for the Amortization of Intangibles which are associated with Blackstones initial public offering and other corporate actions. |
(c) | This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes the amount of (Income) Loss Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities and includes the amount of Management Fee Revenues associated with Consolidated CLO Vehicles. |
(d) | This adjustment removes from ENI the total segment amount of Performance Fees. |
(e) | This adjustment removes from ENI the total segment amount of Investment Income (Loss). |
(f) | This adjustment represents the realized and unrealized gain (loss) on Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies which are a component of Investment Income (Loss) but included in Net Fee Related Earnings. |
(g) | This adjustment removes from expenses the compensation and benefit amounts related to Blackstones profit sharing plans related to Performance Fees. |
(h) | Represents an implied payable for income taxes calculated using a similar methodology applied in calculating the current provision for The Blackstone Group L.P. |
(i) | Represents the adjustment for realized Performance Fees net of corresponding actual amounts due under Blackstones profit sharing plans related thereto. |
(j) | Represents the adjustment for Blackstones Investment Income Realized. |
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(k) | Represents the elimination of Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of both Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations and Realized Investment Income (Loss). |
(l) | Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization from Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations represents Net Fee Related Earnings from Operations adding back the implied cash taxes payable component from the Distributable Earnings reconciliation presented above, which is included in (i), and segment interest and segment depreciation and amortization. The cash taxes payable component of (i) was $12.6 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest was $12.7 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Depreciation and amortization was $8.2 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. |
Our Sources of Cash and Liquidity Needs
We expect that our primary liquidity needs will be cash to (a) provide capital to facilitate the growth of our existing businesses which principally includes funding our general partner and co-investment commitments to our funds, (b) provide capital to facilitate our expansion into new businesses that are complementary, (c) pay operating expenses, including cash compensation to our employees and other obligations as they arise, (d) fund modest capital expenditures, (e) repay borrowings and related interest costs, (f) pay income taxes and (g) make distributions to our unitholders and the holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Our own capital commitments to our funds, the funds we invest in and our investment strategies as of March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:
Fund |
Original
Commitment |
Remaining
Commitment |
||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Private Equity |
||||||||
BCP VI |
$ | 678,239 | $ | 678,239 | ||||
BCP V |
629,356 | 109,034 | ||||||
BCP IV |
150,000 | 9,586 | ||||||
BCOM |
50,000 | 5,074 | ||||||
BCTP |
4,575 | 3,103 | ||||||
RMB |
6,761 | 6,761 | ||||||
Woori Blackstone Korea I |
5,448 | 4,458 | ||||||
Real Estate Funds |
||||||||
BREP VI |
750,000 | 213,572 | ||||||
BREP V |
52,545 | 4,590 | ||||||
BREP International II |
28,222 | 2,365 | ||||||
BREP IV |
50,000 | | ||||||
BREP International |
20,000 | | ||||||
BREP Europe III |
100,000 | 91,895 | ||||||
BSSF II |
43,008 | 4,581 | ||||||
BSSF I |
6,992 | | ||||||
CMBS Fund |
4,010 | | ||||||
BSSF G |
2,500 | 646 | ||||||
BCRED |
10,000 | 7,627 | ||||||
Hedge Fund Solutions |
||||||||
Strategic Alliance II |
50,000 | 45,185 | ||||||
Strategic Alliance |
50,000 | 2,291 | ||||||
Credit Businesses |
||||||||
BMezz II |
17,692 | 3,165 | ||||||
BMezz |
41,000 | 2,590 | ||||||
Blackstone Credit Liquidity Partners |
32,244 | 7,428 | ||||||
Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions |
50,000 | 35,394 | ||||||
Other (a) |
16,270 | 1,329 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 2,848,862 | $ | 1,238,913 | ||||
(a) | Represents capital commitments to a number of other Credit Businesses funds. |
83
For some of the general partner commitments shown in the table above we require our senior managing directors and certain other professionals to fund a portion of the commitment even though the ultimate obligation to fund the aggregate commitment is ours pursuant to the governing agreements of the respective funds. For BCP VI, BREP VI and BREP Europe III, it is intended that our senior managing directors and certain other professionals will fund $250 million, $150 million and $35 million, respectively, of the aggregate applicable general partner commitment shown above. In addition, certain senior managing directors and other professionals are required to fund a de minimis amount of the commitment in the other private equity, real estate and credit-oriented carry funds. We expect our commitments to be drawn down over time and to be funded by available cash and cash generated from operations and realizations. Taking into account prevailing market conditions and both the liquidity and cash or liquid investment balances, we believe that the sources of liquidity described below will be more than sufficient to fund our working capital requirements.
On March 23, 2010, indirect subsidiaries of Blackstone entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the Credit Facility) with Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. On November 23, 2010, the Credit Facility was amended to set the facility aggregate borrowing limit at $1.02 billion. On April 8, 2011, the Credit Facility was further amended to extend the maturity date from March 23, 2013 to April 8, 2016. Borrowings may also be made in U.K. Sterling or Euros, in each case subject to certain sub-limits. The Credit Facility contains customary representations, covenants and events of default. Financial covenants consist of a maximum net leverage ratio and a requirement to keep a minimum amount of fee generating assets under management, each tested quarterly.
In August 2009, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes which will mature on August 15, 2019, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. In September 2010, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes which will mature on March 15, 2021, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. (Both issuances of Senior Notes are collectively referred to as the Notes.) The notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by The Blackstone Group L.P. and each of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. The Notes contain customary covenants and financial restrictions that among other things limit Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. and the guarantors ability, subject to certain exceptions, to incur indebtedness secured by liens on voting stock or profit participating equity interests of their subsidiaries or merge, consolidate or sell, transfer or lease assets. The Notes also contain customary events of default. All or a portion of the Notes may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, prior to their stated maturity, at the make-whole redemption price set forth in the Notes. If a change of control repurchase event occurs, the Notes are subject to repurchase at the repurchase price as set forth in the Notes.
In addition to the cash we received in connection with our IPO, debt offering and our borrowing facilities, we expect to receive (a) cash generated from operating activities, (b) Carried Interest and incentive income realizations, and (c) realizations on the carry and hedge fund investments that we make. The amounts received from these three sources in particular may vary substantially from year to year and quarter to quarter depending on the frequency and size of realization events or net returns experienced by our investment funds. Our available capital could be adversely affected if there are prolonged periods of few substantial realizations from our investment funds accompanied by substantial capital calls for new investments from those investment funds. Therefore, Blackstones commitments to our funds are taken into consideration when managing our overall liquidity and cash position.
Blackstones general partner maintains the right to determine the amount to be distributed from The Blackstone Group L.P.s net after-tax share of its annual Distributable Earnings. Distributable Earnings will only be a starting point for the determination of the amount to be distributed to unitholders because in determining the amount to be distributed Blackstone will subtract from Distributable Earnings any amounts determined by its general partner to be necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of its business, to make appropriate investments in its business and funds, to comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other
84
agreements, or to provide for future distributions to its unitholders for any ensuing quarter. The aggregate amounts of Blackstones distributions to unitholders will typically be less than its Distributable Earnings for that year.
Although for calendar 2010 Blackstone distributed substantially all of its net after-tax annual Distributable Earnings. Blackstones current intention is now to distribute to its common unitholders substantially all of The Blackstone Group L.P.s net after-tax share of annual Distributable Earnings less the amount of its realized investment gains. This determination was made based on the continued pace of organic and inorganic growth and the potential for further strategic initiatives and the retained amount will be used for those purposes. The retained cash will be deducted from the fourth quarter distribution which is made in the first quarter of the ensuing calendar year. Distributions for the first three quarters will remain unchanged at $0.10 per unit. All distributions are subject to Blackstones discretion to retain additional amounts from the amount of annual Distributable Earnings to be distributed as described above.
Because Blackstone will not know what its Distributable Earnings will be for any fiscal year until the end of such year, Blackstone expects that its first three quarterly distributions in respect of any given year will be based on its anticipated annualized Net Fee Related Earnings. As such, the distributions for the first three quarters are expected to be smaller than the final quarterly distribution in respect of such year. For the fourth quarter of 2011 Blackstone expects to pay the remaining amount of the years Distributable Earnings less realized investment gains.
All of the foregoing is subject to the qualification that the declaration and payment of any distributions are at the sole discretion of our general partner and our general partner may change our distribution policy at any time.
Because the wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Blackstone Group L.P. must pay taxes and make payments under the tax receivable agreements described in Blackstones 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the amounts ultimately distributed by The Blackstone Group L.P. to its common unitholders in respect of fiscal 2011 and subsequent years are expected to be different, on a per unit basis, than the amounts distributed by the Blackstone Holdings partnerships to the Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships in respect of their Blackstone Holdings partnership units.
In January 2008, the Board of Directors of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of our common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. This unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we repurchased 116,270 vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units as part of the unit repurchase program for a total cost of $2.1 million. As of March 31, 2011, the amount remaining available for repurchases was $335.8 million under this program.
We may under certain circumstances use leverage opportunistically and over time to create the most efficient capital structure for Blackstone and our public common unitholders, including through the issuance of debt securities. As of March 31, 2011, we had total partners capital of $7.8 billion, including $455.8 million in cash, $976.1 million invested in Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies, $254.0 million invested in liquid Blackstone Funds and $1.7 billion invested in illiquid Blackstone Funds, against $1.0 billion in borrowings from our 2009 and 2010 bond issuances.
Our private equity funds, real estate funds and funds of hedge funds have not historically utilized substantial leverage at the fund level other than for short-term borrowings between the date of an investment and the receipt
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of capital from the investing funds investors. Our carry funds make direct or indirect investments in companies that utilize leverage in their capital structure. The degree of leverage employed varies among portfolio companies.
Certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses funds use leverage in order to obtain additional market exposure, enhance returns on invested capital and/or to bridge short-term cash needs. The forms of leverage primarily employed by these funds include purchasing securities on margin, utilizing collateralized financing and using derivative instruments.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In applying many of these accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates and/or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates and/or judgments, however, are often subjective. Actual results may be affected negatively based on changing circumstances. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known. We believe the following critical accounting policies could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. (See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements of this filing.)
Principles of Consolidation
The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner is presumed to have control. Although the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in the Blackstone Holdings partnerships, the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the presumption of control by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings.
In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (VIE) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to (a) determine whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnerships involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment. Where the variable interest entities have qualified for the deferral of the consolidation guidance, the analysis is based on previous consolidation guidance. Variable interest entities qualify for the deferral of the consolidation guidance if all of the following conditions have been met:
(a) | The entity has all of the attributes of an investment company as defined under AICPA Accounting and Auditing Guide, Investment Companies (Investment Company Guide) , or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but it is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the Investment Company Guide, |
(b) | The reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and |
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(c) | The entity is not a securitization or asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special purpose entity. |
This guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnerships involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the variability of the entity. Under both guidelines, the Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and reconsiders that conclusion continuously. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Partnership and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entitys status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, performance fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other.
Please refer to Part I. Item 1. Business Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Performance Fees are generated.
Management and Advisory Fees Management and Advisory Fees are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees, management fee reductions and offsets, and advisory fees.
The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital, invested capital or, in some cases, a fixed-fee. Base management fees are based on contractual terms specified in the underlying investment advisory agreements. The range of management fee rates and the calculation base from which they are earned, generally, are as follows:
On private equity, real estate, and certain credit-oriented funds:
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1.00% to 1.50% of committed capital during the commitment period, |
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0.75% to 1.50% of invested capital subsequent to the investment period for private equity and real estate funds, and |
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1.00% to 1.50% of invested capital for certain credit-oriented funds. |
On credit-oriented funds structured like hedge funds:
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0.75% to 2.00% of net asset value. |
On credit-oriented funds separately managed accounts:
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0.35% to 1.00% of net asset value. |
On funds of hedge funds and separately managed accounts invested in hedge funds:
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0.65% to 1.50% of assets under management. |
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On CLO vehicles:
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0.40% to 1.25% of total assets. |
On closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies:
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0.75% to 1.10% of fund assets. |
Transaction and other fees (including monitoring fees) are fees charged directly to funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment advisor reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (management fee reductions) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees directly paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund.
Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by our limited partners, which are granted based on the amount they reimburse Blackstone for placement fees.
Advisory fees consist of advisory retainer and transaction-based fee arrangements related to merger, acquisition, restructuring and divestiture activities and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. Advisory retainer fees are recognized when services for the transactions are complete, in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. Transaction-based fees are recognized when (a) there is evidence of an arrangement with a client, (b) agreed upon services have been provided, (c) fees are fixed or determinable and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Fund placement fees are recognized as earned upon the acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments.
Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date, are included in Accounts Receivable or Due From Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Performance Fees Performance Fees earned on the performance of Blackstones hedge fund structures are recognized based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each hedge funds governing agreements. Accrued but unpaid performance fees charged directly to investors in Blackstones offshore hedge funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Performance fees arising on Blackstones onshore hedge funds are allocated to the general partner. Accrued but unpaid performance fees on onshore funds as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
In certain fund structures, specifically in private equity, real estate and certain credit-oriented funds (Carry Funds), performance fees (Carried Interest) are allocated to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. Carried Interest allocations range between 10% and 20% of fund appreciation. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the Carried Interest that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Carried Interest to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Carried Interest allocated to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to Carried Interest allocated to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Carried Interest on cumulative results compared to the Carried Interest recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Carried Interest allocations once previously recognized Carried Interest allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The
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Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Carried Interest over the life of a fund. Accrued but unpaid Carried Interest as of the reporting date is reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Carried Interest is realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the funds cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return. Performance fees earned on hedge fund structures are realized at the end of each funds measurement period.
Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received performance fees, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Blackstone Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds investments as of the reporting date. Generally, the actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a funds life or one year after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund.
Investment Income (Loss) Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnerships principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Investment Income (Loss) is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions, from its non-consolidated funds. Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.
Interest and Dividend Revenue Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.
Other Revenue Other Revenue comprises primarily foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
Expenses
Our expenses include compensation and benefits expense and general and administrative expenses. Our accounting policies related thereto are as follows:
Compensation and Benefits Compensation Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees, including senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees, including senior managing directors.
Equity-Based Compensation Compensation cost relating to the issuance of share-based awards to senior management and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight line basis. Equity-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period.
Compensation and Benefits Performance Fee Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits consists of Carried Interest and performance fee allocations to employees, including senior managing directors, participating in certain profit sharing initiatives. Employees participating in such initiatives are allocated a certain portion of Carried Interest and performance fees allocated to the general partner under performance fee allocations (see Revenue Recognition). Such compensation expense is recognized in the same manner as Carried Interest and performance fee allocations and is subject to both positive and negative adjustments as a result of changes in underlying fund performance.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:
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Level I Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price. |
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Level II Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs, and certain fund of hedge funds investments in which Blackstone has the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. |
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Level III Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-oriented funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, collateralized loan obligations, certain over the counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs and certain funds of hedge funds which use net asset value per share to determine fair value in which Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date if an investee fund manager has the ability to limit the amount of redemptions, and/or the ability to side-pocket investments, irrespective of whether such ability has been exercised. |
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnerships assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
In certain cases, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments.
In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist; managements determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate managements own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into
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consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for non-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties or certain funds of hedge funds. The valuation technique for each of these investments is described below:
Private Equity Investments The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are unaudited at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company such as EBITDA by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Private equity investments may also be valued at cost for a period of time after an acquisition as the best indicator of fair value.
Real Estate Investments The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (cap rates) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will also be considered in support of the investments carrying value.
Funds of Hedge Funds Blackstone Funds direct investments in funds of hedge funds (Investee Funds) are valued at net asset value (NAV) per share of the Investee Fund. If the Partnership determines, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with its valuation policies.
Credit-Oriented Investments The fair values of credit-oriented investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In some instances, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method.
Investments, at Fair Value
The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the Investment Company Guide, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the Portfolio Companies), at fair value. Blackstone has retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated Blackstone Funds. Thus, such consolidated funds investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount 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 (i.e., the exit price).
Blackstones principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).
For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value
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option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt and equity securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. Fair valuing these investments is consistent with how the Partnership accounts for its other principal investments. Loans extended to third parties are recorded within Accounts Receivable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Debt and equity securities for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded within Investments. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-oriented and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.
Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.
In addition, the Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of certain CLO vehicles that are consolidated as of January 1, 2010, as a result of the initial adoption of revised variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Partnership has also elected the fair value option for CLO vehicles consolidated as of April 1, 2010 and July 20, 2010, as a result of the acquisitions of CLO management contracts. The transition adjustment resulting from the difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities for each of these events is presented within the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as Appropriated Partners Capital. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and Liabilities of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held by affiliates. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such assets and liabilities is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, and credit-oriented investments. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income subsequent to adoption are presented within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities and are attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings and Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. Fair Value Option in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements of this filing.
Intangibles and Goodwill
Blackstones intangible assets consist of contractual rights to earn future fee income, including management and advisory fees and Carried Interest from its Carry Funds. Identifiable finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 4 to 20 years, reflecting the contractual lives of such funds. Amortization expense is included within General, Administrative and Other in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Partnership does not hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Goodwill comprises goodwill arising from the Reorganization of the Partnership in 2007 and the acquisition of GSO in 2008.
The carrying value of goodwill was $1.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Intangibles and goodwill are reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value of the Partnerships operating segments substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.
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We test goodwill for impairment at the operating segment level (the same as our segments). Management has organized the firm into five operating segments. All of the components in each segment have similar economic characteristics and management makes key operating decisions based on the performance of each segment. Therefore, we believe that operating segment is the appropriate reporting level for testing the impairment of goodwill. In determining fair value for each of our segments, we utilize a discounted cash flow methodology based on the adjusted cash flows from operations for each segment. We believe this method provides the best approximation of fair value. In calculating the discounted cash flows, we begin with the adjusted cash flows from operations of each segment. We then determine the most likely growth rate by operating segment for each of the next nine years and assume a terminal value by segment. We do not apply a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis includes the Blackstone issued notes and borrowings under the revolving credit facility, if any, and includes an allocation of interest expense to each segment for the unused commitment fee on Blackstones revolving credit facility. We use a discount rate that reflects the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the risks inherent in the future cash flows.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we enter into various off-balance sheet arrangements including sponsoring and owning limited or general partner interests in consolidated and non-consolidated funds, entering into derivative transactions, entering into operating leases, and entering into guarantee arrangements. We also have ongoing capital commitment arrangements with certain of our consolidated and non-consolidated drawdown funds. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that would require us to fund losses or guarantee target returns to investors in our funds.
Further disclosure on our off-balance sheet arrangements is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements of this filing as follows:
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Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments, |
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Note 9. Variable Interest Entities, and |
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Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Investment Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees. |
Recent Accounting Developments
Information regarding recent accounting developments and their impact on Blackstone can be found in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements.
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Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies
The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2011 on a consolidated basis and on a basis deconsolidating the Blackstone funds:
Contractual Obligations |
April 1, 2011 to
December 31, 2011 |
20122013 | 20142015 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Obligations (a) |
$ | 45,106 | $ | 109,790 | $ | 92,514 | $ | 251,626 | $ | 499,036 | ||||||||||
Purchase Obligations |
12,688 | 5,593 | 1,520 | | 19,801 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (b) |
| | | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (c) |
47,438 | 126,500 | 126,500 | 266,490 | 566,928 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Operating Entities Loan and Credit Facilities Payable (d) |
891 | 10,163 | 5,040 | | 16,094 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on Blackstone Operating Entities Loan and Credit Facilities Payable (e) |
170 | 171 | 11 | | 352 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (f) |
3,380 | 86,703 | 140,518 | 7,042,585 | 7,273,186 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (g) |
77,517 | 205,931 | 195,378 | 453,805 | 932,631 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (h) |
28,607 | | | | 28,607 | |||||||||||||||
Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with Tax Receivable Agreements (i) |
| 44,974 | 87,529 | 1,137,372 | 1,269,875 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Operating Entities Capital Commitments to Blackstone Funds and Other (j) |
1,238,913 | | | | 1,238,913 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated Contractual Obligations |
1,454,710 | 589,825 | 649,010 | 10,151,878 | 12,845,423 | |||||||||||||||
Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (f) |
(3,380 | ) | (86,703 | ) | (140,518 | ) | (7,042,585 | ) | (7,273,186 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (g) |
(77,517 | ) | (205,931 | ) | (195,378 | ) | (453,805 | ) | (932,631 | ) | ||||||||||
Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (h) |
(28,607 | ) | | | | (28,607 | ) | |||||||||||||
Blackstone Operating Entities Contractual Obligations |
$ | 1,345,206 | $ | 297,191 | $ | 313,114 | $ | 2,655,488 | $ | 4,610,999 | ||||||||||
(a) | We lease our primary office space under agreements that expire through 2024. In connection with certain lease agreements, we are responsible for escalation payments. The contractual obligation table above includes only guaranteed minimum lease payments for such leases and does not project potential escalation or other lease-related payments. These leases are classified as operating leases for financial statement purposes and as such are not recorded as liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The amounts are presented net of contractual sublease commitments. |
(b) | Represents the principal amount due on the 6.625% and 5.875% senior notes we issued. As of March 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolver. |
(c) | Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of our 6.625% and 5.875% senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility which has been calculated assuming no prepayments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. These amounts exclude commitment fees for unutilized borrowings under our revolver. |
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(d) | Represents borrowings for employee term facilities program and a capital asset facility. |
(e) | Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of the related debt obligation which has been calculated assuming no prepayments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. The future interest payments are calculated using variable rates in effect as of March 31, 2011, at spreads to market rates pursuant to the financing agreements, and range from 1.05% to 1.50%. |
(f) | These obligations are those of the Blackstone Funds including the consolidated CLO vehicles. |
(g) | Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of the related Blackstone Funds and CLO vehicles debt obligations which has been calculated assuming no prepayments will be made and debt will be held until its final maturity date. The future interest payments are calculated using variable rates in effect as of March 31, 2011, at spreads to market rates pursuant to the financing agreements, and range from 0.52% to 17.00%. The majority of the borrowings are due on demand and for purposes of this schedule are assumed to mature within one year. Interest on the majority of these borrowings rolls over into the principal balance at each reset date. |
(h) | These obligations represent commitments of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to make capital contributions to investee funds and portfolio companies. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category. |
(i) | Represents obligations by the Partnerships corporate subsidiary to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements to certain non-controlling interest holders for the tax savings realized from the taxable purchases of their interests in connection with the reorganization at the time of Blackstones initial public offering in 2007 and subsequent purchases. The obligation represents the amount of the payments currently expected to be made, which are dependent on the tax savings actually realized as determined annually without discounting for the timing of the payments. As required by GAAP, the amount of the obligation included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and shown in Note 15. Related Party Transactions (see Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements) differs to reflect the net present value of the payments due to certain non-controlling interest holders. |
(j) | These obligations represent commitments by us to provide general partner capital funding to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category; however, a substantial amount of the capital commitments are expected to be called over the next three years. We expect to continue to make these general partner capital commitments as we raise additional amounts for our investment funds over time. |
Guarantees
Certain of Blackstones consolidated real estate funds guarantee payments to third parties in connection with the on-going business activities and/or acquisitions of their Portfolio Companies. There is no direct recourse to the Partnership to fulfill such obligations. To the extent that underlying funds are required to fulfill guarantee obligations, the Partnerships invested capital in such funds is at risk. Total investments at risk in respect of guarantees extended by real estate funds were $5.1 million as of March 31, 2011.
Indemnifications
In many of its service contracts, Blackstone agrees to indemnify the third party service provider under certain circumstances. The terms of the indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined and has not been included in the table above or recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2011.
Clawback Obligations
For financial reporting purposes, the general partners have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a funds remaining investments and where the funds general partner has previously received Carried Interest distributions with respect to such funds realized investments.
95
The actual clawback liability, however, does not become realized until the end of a funds life except for Blackstones real estate funds which may have an interim clawback liability come due after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund. The lives of the carry funds with a potential clawback obligation, including available contemplated extensions, are currently anticipated to expire at various points beginning toward the end of 2012 and extending through 2018. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our predominant exposure to market risk is related to our role as general partner or investment advisor to the Blackstone Funds and the sensitivities to movements in the fair value of their investments, including the effect on management fees, performance fees and investment income.
Although the Blackstone Funds share many common themes, each of our alternative asset management operations runs its own investment and risk management processes, subject to our overall risk tolerance and philosophy:
|
The investment process of our carry funds involves a detailed analysis of potential investments, and asset management teams are assigned to oversee the operations, strategic development, financing and capital deployment decisions of each portfolio investment. Key investment decisions are subject to approval by the applicable investment committee, which is comprised of Blackstone senior managing directors and senior management. |
|
In our capacity as advisor to certain of our hedge fund solutions and credit businesses funds, we continuously monitor a variety of markets for attractive trading opportunities, applying a number of traditional and customized risk management metrics to analyze risk related to specific assets or portfolios. In addition, we perform extensive credit and cash-flow analyses of borrowers, credit-based assets and underlying hedge fund managers, and have extensive asset management teams that monitor covenant compliance by, and relevant financial data of, borrowers and other obligors, asset pool performance statistics, tracking of cash payments relating to investments and ongoing analysis of the credit status of investments. |
Effect on Fund Management Fees
Our management fees are based on (a) third parties capital commitments to a Blackstone Fund, (b) third parties capital invested in a Blackstone Fund or (c) the net asset value, or NAV, of a Blackstone Fund, as described in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Management fees will only be directly affected by short-term changes in market conditions to the extent they are based on NAV or represent permanent impairments of value. These management fees will be increased (or reduced) in direct proportion to the effect of changes in the market value of our investments in the related funds. The proportion of our management fees that are based on NAV is dependent on the number and types of Blackstone Funds in existence and the current stage of each funds life cycle. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, the approximate percentage of our fund management fees based on the NAV of the applicable funds or separately managed accounts, here as follows:
As of March 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Fund Management Fees Based on the NAV of the Applicable Funds or Separately Managed Accounts |
32 | % | 32 | % |
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Market Risk
The Blackstone Funds hold investments which are reported at fair value. Based on the fair value as of March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, we estimate that a 10% decline in fair value of the investments would have the following effects:
March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Management
Fees |
Performance
Fees, Net of the Related Compensation Expense |
Investment
Income |
Management
Fees |
Performance
Fees, Net of the Related Compensation Expense |
Investment
Income |
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
10% Decline in Fair Value of the Investments |
$ | 44,362 | $ | 503,568 | $ | 214,424 | $ | 38,457 | $ | 184,333 | $ | 160,306 |
Total assets under management, excluding undrawn capital commitments and the amount of capital raised for our CLOs, by segment, and the percentage amount classified as Level III investments as defined within the fair value standards of GAAP, are as follows:
Total Assets Under Management,
Excluding Undrawn Capital Commitments and the Amount of Capital Raised for CLOs |
Percentage Amount
Classified as Level III Investments |
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Private Equity |
$ | 25,060,566 | 79 | % | ||||
Real Estate |
24,847,227 | 92 | % | |||||
Hedge Fund Solutions |
37,314,012 | 83 | % | |||||
Credit Businesses |
11,294,864 | 55 | % |
The fair value of our investments and securities can vary significantly based on a number of factors that take into consideration the diversity of the Blackstone Funds investment portfolio and on a number of factors and inputs such as similar transactions, financial metrics, and industry comparatives, among others. (See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Also see Part I, Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies Investments, at Fair Value.) We believe these estimated fair value amounts should be utilized with caution as our intent and strategy is to hold investments and securities until prevailing market conditions are beneficial for investment sales.
Investors in all of our carry funds (and certain of our credit-oriented funds and funds of hedge funds) make capital commitments to those funds that we are entitled to call from those investors at any time during prescribed periods. We depend on investors fulfilling their commitments when we call capital from them in order for those funds to consummate investments and otherwise pay all their related obligations when due, including management fees. We have not had investors fail to honor capital calls to any meaningful extent and any investor that did not fund a capital call would be subject to having a significant amount of its existing investment forfeited in that fund. But if investors were to fail to satisfy a significant amount of capital calls for any particular fund or funds, those funds could be materially and adversely affected.
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Exchange Rate Risk
The Blackstone Funds hold investments that are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies that may be affected by movements in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar currencies. Additionally, a portion of our management fees are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies. We estimate that as of March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, a 10% decline in the rate of exchange of all foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would have the following effects:
March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Management
Fees |
Performance
Fees, Net of the Related Compensation Expense |
Investment
Income |
Management
Fees |
Performance
Fees, Net of the Related Compensation Expense |
Investment
Income |
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
10% Decline in the Rate of Exchange of All Foreign Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar |
$ | 9,190 | $ | 94,647 | $ | 30,093 | $ | 8,804 | $ | 29,454 | $ | 27,274 |
Interest Rate Risk
Blackstone has debt obligations payable that accrue interest at variable rates. Additionally, we have swapped a portion of our 6.625% senior notes into a variable rate instrument. Interest rate changes may therefore affect the amount of interest payments, future earnings and cash flows. Based on our debt obligations payable as of March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, and our outstanding interest rate swaps, we estimate that interest expense relating to variable rates would increase on an annual basis, in the event interest rates were to increase by one percentage point, as follows:
March 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Interest Expense
Relating to Variable Rates |
Interest Expense
Relating to Variable Rates |
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Increase Due to Interest Rates Increase by One Percentage Point |
$ | 4,780 | $ | 4,932 |
Blackstones Treasury cash management strategies consists of a diversified portfolio of highly liquid assets to meet the liquidity needs of various businesses (the Treasury Liquidity Portfolio). This portfolio includes cash, open-ended money market mutual funds, open-ended bond mutual funds, marketable investment securities, freestanding derivative contracts, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. We estimate that our investment income would decrease by $11.3 million, or 0.8% of the Treasury Liquidity Portfolio, if interest rates were to increase by one percentage point. This would be offset by an estimated increase in interest income of $3.2 million on an annual basis from interest on floating rate assets.
Credit Risk
Certain Blackstone Funds and the Investee Funds are subject to certain inherent risks through their investments.
The Treasury Liquidity Portfolio contains certain credit risks including, but not limited to, exposure to uninsured deposits with financial institutions, unsecured corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. These exposures are actively monitored on a continuous basis and positions are reallocated based on changes in risk profile, market or economic conditions.
98
We estimate that our investment income would decrease by $9.2 million, or 0.6% of the Treasury Liquidity Portfolio, if credit spreads were to increase by one percentage point.
Certain of our entities hold derivative instruments that contain an element of risk in the event that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. We minimize our risk exposure by limiting the counterparties with which we enter into contracts to banks and investment banks who meet established credit and capital guidelines. We do not expect any counterparty to default on its obligations and therefore do not expect to incur any loss due to counterparty default.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired objectives.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective at the reasonable assurance level to accomplish their objectives of ensuring that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a15(f) and 15d15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act) occurred during our most recent quarter, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We may from time to time be involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. See Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are not currently subject to any pending judicial, administrative or arbitration proceedings that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, a purported class of shareholders in public companies acquired by one or more private equity firms filed a lawsuit against sixteen private equity firms and investment banks, including The Blackstone Group L.P., in the United States District Court in Massachusetts. The suit alleges that from mid-2003 defendants have violated antitrust laws by allegedly conspiring to rig bids, restrict the supply of private equity financing, fix the prices for target companies at artificially low levels, and divide up an alleged market for private equity services for leveraged buyouts. The complaint seeks injunctive relief on behalf of all persons who sold securities to any of the defendants in leveraged buyout transactions. The amended complaint also includes seven purported sub-classes of plaintiffs seeking damages and/or restitution and comprised of shareholders of seven companies.
In the spring of 2008, six substantially identical complaints were brought against Blackstone and some of its executive officers purporting to be class actions on behalf of purchasers of common units in Blackstones June 2007 initial public offering. These suits were subsequently consolidated into one complaint filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in October 2008 against Blackstone, Stephen A. Schwarzman (Blackstones Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), Peter G. Peterson (Blackstones former Senior Chairman), Hamilton E. James (Blackstones President and Chief Operating Officer) and Michael A. Puglisi (Blackstones Chief Financial Officer at the time of the IPO). The amended complaint alleged that (1) the IPO prospectus was false and misleading for failing to disclose that (a) one private equity investment would be adversely affected by trends in mortgage default rates, particularly for sub-prime mortgage loans, (b) another private equity investment was adversely affected by the loss of an exclusive manufacturing agreement, and (c) prior to the IPO the U.S. real estate market had started to deteriorate, adversely affecting the value of Blackstones real estate investments; and (2) the financial statements in the IPO prospectus were materially inaccurate principally because they overstated the value of the investments referred to in clause (1).
In September 2009 the District Court judge dismissed the complaint with prejudice, ruling that even if the allegations in the complaint were assumed to be true, the alleged omissions were immaterial. Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative factors, the District Court reasoned that the alleged omissions were immaterial as a matter of law given the size of the investments at issue relative to Blackstone as a whole, and taking into account Blackstones structure as an asset manager and financial advisory firm.
In February 2011, a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit reversed the District Courts decision, ruling that the District Court incorrectly found that plaintiffs allegations were, if true, immaterial as a matter of law. The Second Circuit disagreed with the District Court, concluding that the complaint plausibly alleged that the initial public offering documents omitted material information concerning two of Blackstone funds individual investments and inadequately disclosed information relating to market risks to their real estate investments. Because this was a motion to dismiss, in reaching this decision the Second Circuit accepted all of the complaints factual allegations as true and drew every reasonable inference in plaintiffs favor. The Second Circuit did not consider facts other than those in the plaintiffs complaint.
Blackstone believes that the foregoing suits are totally without merit and intends to defend them vigorously.
100
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
See Part I. Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Business Environment in this report for a discussion of the conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions affecting our businesses. This discussion updates, and should be read together with, the risk factor entitled Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds, reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital and reducing the volume of the transactions involving our financial advisory business, each of which could materially reduce our revenue and cash flows and adversely affect our financial condition in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The risks described in our Form 10-K and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
In January 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a final specified date. No purchases of our common units were made by us or on our behalf during the three months ended March 31, 2011. See Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Note 13. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit and Part I. Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Our Sources of Cash and Liquidity Needs for further information regarding this unit repurchase program.
As permitted by our policies and procedures governing transactions in our securities by our directors, executive officers and other employees, from time to time some of these persons may establish plans or arrangements complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, and similar plans and arrangements relating to our common units and Holdings units.
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. | (REMOVED AND RESERVED) |
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
101
ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibit
|
Exhibit Description |
|
10.1* | Credit Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2010, among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Guarantors, Citibank N.A., as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto. | |
10.2 | First Amendment, dated as of April 8, 2011, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2010, among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Guarantors, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33551) filed with the SEC on April 12, 2011. | |
10.3* | The Blackstone Group L.P. Second Amended and Restated Bonus Deferral Plan Effective as of December 14, 2010. | |
10.4* | Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GSO SJ Partners Associates LLC, dated December 7, 2010, by and among GSO Holdings I L.L.C. and certain members of GSO SJ Partners Associates LLC. | |
10.5* | Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GSO Capital Opportunities Associates II LLC, dated as of March 31, 2011, by and among GSO Holdings I L.L.C. and certain members of GSO Capital Opportunities Associates II LLC. | |
31.1* | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). | |
31.2* | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). | |
32.1* | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). | |
32.2* | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). | |
101.INS** | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
* | Filed herewith |
** | XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.
102
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 thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 6, 2011
The Blackstone Group L.P. |
||
By: |
Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., | |
its General Partner | ||
/ S / L AURENCE A. T OSI |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory) |
103
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION COPY
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
March 23, 2010
among
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C.,
as Borrower,
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P., BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P.,
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P. and BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P.,
as Guarantors,
The Lenders Party Hereto
and
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC,
as Joint Lead Arrangers,
and
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC,
as Syndication Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
Definitions | ||||||
SECTION 1.01. |
Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
SECTION 1.02. |
Classification of Loans and Borrowings | 23 | ||||
SECTION 1.03. |
Terms Generally | 23 | ||||
SECTION 1.04. |
Accounting Terms; GAAP | 24 | ||||
SECTION 1.05. |
Currency Translation | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
The Credits | ||||||
SECTION 2.01. |
Commitments | 25 | ||||
SECTION 2.02. |
Loans and Borrowings | 25 | ||||
SECTION 2.03. |
Requests for Borrowings | 26 | ||||
SECTION 2.04. |
Swingline Loans | 27 | ||||
SECTION 2.05. |
Letters of Credit | 28 | ||||
SECTION 2.06. |
Funding of Borrowings | 34 | ||||
SECTION 2.07. |
Interest Elections | 34 | ||||
SECTION 2.08. |
Termination and Reduction of Commitments | 36 | ||||
SECTION 2.09. |
Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt | 36 | ||||
SECTION 2.10. |
Prepayment of Loans | 37 | ||||
SECTION 2.11. |
Fees | 38 | ||||
SECTION 2.12. |
Interest | 39 | ||||
SECTION 2.13. |
Alternate Rate of Interest | 40 | ||||
SECTION 2.14. |
Increased Costs | 40 | ||||
SECTION 2.15. |
Break Funding Payments | 42 | ||||
SECTION 2.16. |
Taxes | 42 | ||||
SECTION 2.17. |
Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs | 44 | ||||
SECTION 2.18. |
Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 45 | ||||
SECTION 2.19. |
Increase of Commitments | 46 | ||||
SECTION 2.20. |
Additional Guarantors | 48 | ||||
SECTION 2.21. |
Extension of Maturity Date | 48 | ||||
SECTION 2.22. |
Defaulting Lenders | 50 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
Representations and Warranties | ||||||
SECTION 3.01. |
Organization; Powers | 53 | ||||
SECTION 3.02. |
Authorization | 53 |
i
Page | ||||||
SECTION 3.03. |
Enforceability | 53 | ||||
SECTION 3.04. |
Governmental Approvals | 54 | ||||
SECTION 3.05. |
Financial Statements | 54 | ||||
SECTION 3.06. |
No Material Adverse Change | 54 | ||||
SECTION 3.07. |
Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases | 55 | ||||
SECTION 3.08. |
Litigation; Compliance with Laws | 55 | ||||
SECTION 3.09. |
Agreements | 55 | ||||
SECTION 3.10. |
Federal Reserve Regulations | 55 | ||||
SECTION 3.11. |
Investment Company Act | 56 | ||||
SECTION 3.12. |
Use of Proceeds | 56 | ||||
SECTION 3.13. |
Tax Returns | 56 | ||||
SECTION 3.14. |
No Material Misstatements | 56 | ||||
SECTION 3.15. |
ERISA | 56 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
Conditions | ||||||
SECTION 4.01. |
Effective Date | 57 | ||||
SECTION 4.02. |
Each Credit Event | 58 | ||||
SECTION 4.03. |
Additional Guarantors | 59 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
||||||
Affirmative Covenants | ||||||
SECTION 5.01. |
Existence; Businesses and Properties | 60 | ||||
SECTION 5.02. |
Insurance | 60 | ||||
SECTION 5.03. |
Obligations and Taxes | 61 | ||||
SECTION 5.04. |
Financial Statements, Reports, etc | 61 | ||||
SECTION 5.05. |
Litigation and Other Notices | 62 | ||||
SECTION 5.06. |
ERISA | 62 | ||||
SECTION 5.07. |
Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections | 63 | ||||
SECTION 5.08. |
Use of Proceeds | 63 | ||||
SECTION 5.09. |
Further Assurances | 63 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
Negative Covenants | ||||||
SECTION 6.01. |
Indebtedness | 63 | ||||
SECTION 6.02. |
Liens | 64 | ||||
SECTION 6.03. |
Certain Loans and Advances | 66 | ||||
SECTION 6.04. |
Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions | 66 | ||||
SECTION 6.05. |
Business of Guarantors and the Subsidiaries | 67 | ||||
SECTION 6.06. |
Amendment of Certain Agreements | 67 |
ii
Page | ||||||
SECTION 6.07. |
Ownership of Core Businesses; Borrower | 68 | ||||
SECTION 6.08. |
Restricted Payments | 68 | ||||
SECTION 6.09. |
Financial Covenants | 68 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
Events of Default | ||||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
The Administrative Agent | ||||||
SECTION 8.01. |
Appointment and Authority | 71 | ||||
SECTION 8.02. |
Administrative Agent Individually | 71 | ||||
SECTION 8.03. |
Duties of Administrative Agent; Exculpatory Provisions | 72 | ||||
SECTION 8.04. |
Reliance by Administrative Agent | 73 | ||||
SECTION 8.05. |
Delegation of Duties | 74 | ||||
SECTION 8.06. |
Resignation of Administrative Agent | 74 | ||||
SECTION 8.07. |
Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders | 75 | ||||
SECTION 8.08. |
No Other Duties | 76 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
Miscellaneous | ||||||
SECTION 9.01. |
Notices | 76 | ||||
SECTION 9.02. |
Waivers; Amendments | 78 | ||||
SECTION 9.03. |
Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 79 | ||||
SECTION 9.04. |
Successors and Assigns | 80 | ||||
SECTION 9.05. |
Survival | 83 | ||||
SECTION 9.06. |
Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 83 | ||||
SECTION 9.07. |
Severability | 84 | ||||
SECTION 9.08. |
Right of Setoff | 84 | ||||
SECTION 9.09. |
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process | 84 | ||||
SECTION 9.10. |
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 85 | ||||
SECTION 9.11. |
Headings | 85 | ||||
SECTION 9.12. |
Confidentiality | 85 | ||||
SECTION 9.13. |
Posting of Approved Electronic Communications | 86 | ||||
SECTION 9.14. |
USA Patriot Act | 87 | ||||
SECTION 9.15. |
Lender Relationship | 87 | ||||
SECTION 9.16. |
Judgment Currency | 88 |
iii
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
Guarantee | ||||||
SCHEDULES : | ||||||
Schedule 1.01 |
Mandatory Cost | |||||
Schedule 2.01 |
Commitments | |||||
Schedule 3.08 |
Disclosed Matters | |||||
Schedule 6.02 |
Existing Liens | |||||
EXHIBITS : | ||||||
Exhibit A |
Form of Assignment and Acceptance | |||||
Exhibit B-1 |
Form of Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | |||||
Exhibit B-2 |
Form of Opinion of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP | |||||
Exhibit C |
Form of Guarantor Joinder Agreement | |||||
Exhibit D |
Form of Maturity Date Extension Request |
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CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of March 23, 2010 (this Agreement ), among BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C., as Borrower (the Borrower ), BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P., BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P., BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P. and BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P., as Guarantors (collectively, the Guarantors ), the LENDERS party hereto and CITIBANK, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the Administrative Agent ).
The Loan Parties have requested that the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender (such terms and each capitalized term not otherwise defined having the meanings assigned in Section 1.01) extend credit in the form of Revolving Loans, Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans, respectively, in order to enable the Borrower, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to borrow on a revolving credit basis, and to procure the issuance of Letters of Credit, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,070,000,000 (as such amount may be increased in accordance herewith) at any time outstanding.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
ABR , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
Accession Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.
Adjusted LIBO Rate means, (a) with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (i) the LIBO Rate for Dollars for such Interest Period multiplied by (ii) the Statutory Reserve Rate and (b) with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing denominated in Euro or Sterling for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (i) the LIBO Rate for such currency for such Interest Period plus (ii) the Mandatory Cost (if any and only to the extent incurred by a Lender in respect of its participation in that Borrowing and notified to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower accordingly).
Administrative Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the caption hereof, and includes any successors to Citibank, N.A., acting in the capacity of administrative agent as provided in Article VIII. The Administrative Agent may from time to time designate one or more of its Affiliates or branches to perform the functions of the Administrative Agent in connection with Loans denominated in any currency other than Dollars, in which case references herein to the Administrative Agent shall, in connection with Loans denominated in any such currency, mean any Affiliate or branch so designated.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified; provided that, in any event, any Person that owns directly or indirectly 15% or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors or other governing body of a corporation or 15% or more of the partnership or other ownership interests of any other Person (other than as a limited partner or non-voting member of such other Person) will be deemed to Control such corporation or other Person.
Agents Group has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.02(b).
Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the caption hereof.
Agreement of Limited Partnership means the limited partnership agreement of each Guarantor by and among its general partner and its limited partners.
Alternate Base Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1 / 2 of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period commencing on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this definition the Adjusted LIBO Rate on any day shall be based on the rate per annum appearing on the Reuters LIBOR01 screen displaying British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rates (or on any successor or substitute page) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to such day for deposits in Dollars with a maturity of one month. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, as the case may be.
Applicable Percentage means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the total Commitments represented by such Lenders Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.
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Applicable Rate means, for any day, (a) 1.750% with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing, (b) 0.750% with respect to any ABR Borrowing and (c) 0.175% with respect to commitment fees payable hereunder.
Approved Electronic Communication means each Communication that any Loan Party is obligated to, or otherwise chooses to (but, with respect to Communications a Loan Party is not obligated to provide, only if such Loan Party has authorized such Communication to be treated as an Approved Electronic Communication), provide to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated herein or therein, including any financial statement, financial or other report, notice, request, certificate or other information material; provided , however , that, solely with respect to delivery of any such Communication by any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent and without limiting or otherwise affecting either the Administrative Agents right to effect delivery of such Communication by posting such Communication to the Approved Electronic Platform or the protections afforded hereby to the Administrative Agent in connection with any such posting, Approved Electronic Communication shall exclude (a) any Borrowing Request, request for the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit, request for a Swingline Loan, Interest Election Request and any other notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material relating to a request for a new, or conversion of an existing, Borrowing, (b) any notice pursuant to Section 2.10 and any other notice relating to the payment of any principal or other amount due under any Loan Document prior to the scheduled date therefor, (c) all notices of any Default, (d) any notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material required to be delivered to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Article IV or any other condition to any Borrowing or other extension of credit hereunder or any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and (e) any Communication which a Loan Party has notified the Administrative Agent is not to be treated as an Approved Electronic Communication or which is of a type that is not customarily disclosed to lending syndicates.
Approved Electronic Platform has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.13.
Arrangers means Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC.
Assignment and Acceptance means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
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Availability Period means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.
Back-to-Back Lending Facilities means credit facilities made available to the Guarantors, the Subsidiaries or their Affiliates for the purpose of funding loans or advances to employees or Affiliates of the Guarantors or the Subsidiaries or their Affiliates, the proceeds of which are invested in funds managed by the Guarantors or the Subsidiaries.
Blackstone Group means The Blackstone Group L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which, on the date hereof, owns 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of each General Partner of the Guarantors.
Board means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
Borrower has the meaning assigned to such term in the caption hereof.
Borrowing means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurocurrency Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (b) a Swingline Loan.
Borrowing Minimum means (a) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, $1,000,000, (b) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Euro, 1,000,000 and (c) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Sterling, £1,000,000.
Borrowing Multiple means (a) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, $1,000,000, (b) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Euro, 1,000,000 and (c) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Sterling, £1,000,000.
Borrowing Request means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any other law requiring such registration.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that (a) when used in connection with a Eurocurrency Loan denominated in Dollars or for purposes of Section 2.04(c), the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in Dollar in the London interbank market, (b) when used in connection with a Eurocurrency Loan denominated in Euro, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which the TARGET payment system is not open for the settlement of payments in Euro and (c) when used in connection with a Eurocurrency Loan denominated in Sterling, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in Sterling deposits in the London interbank market.
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Capital Lease Obligations of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
Cash Collateralize means, in respect of an obligation, to provide and pledge (as a first priority perfected security interest) cash collateral in Dollars at a location and pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Cash Collateral and Cash Collateralization have meanings correlative thereto.
Cash and Carry Securities means direct obligations of the government of the United States of America the purchase of which is financed through repurchase agreements with respect to such obligations.
Cash Equivalents means, as of any particular date, (a) direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the government of the United States of America (or guaranteed by any agency or instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America) maturing in two years or less from such date, (b) Dollar denominated deposits in (including money market accounts of), or Dollar denominated certificates of deposit or bankers acceptances of, any commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 or any foreign commercial bank of recognized standing ranking among the worlds 100 largest commercial banks in terms of total assets, in each case if such deposits mature or are redeemable without penalty within one year or less from such date and if the long-term deposits of such commercial bank or trust company have been rated at least Baa by Moodys and at least BBB by S&P, (c) commercial paper maturing within 270 days from such date having the highest rating of both Moodys and S&P, (d) marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from such date and rated at least Baa by Moodys and at least BBB by S&P and (e) investments in any money market funds (other than those covered by clause (b) above) that have assets in excess of $2,000,000,000, are managed by recognized and responsible institutions and invest substantially all of their assets in obligations of the types referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above.
Change in Law means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or Issuing Bank or by such Lenders or
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Issuing Banks holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.
Claiming Party has the meaning assigned to such term in Article X.
Class , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Combined EBITDA means, for any period, Economic Net Income less , without duplication and to the extent otherwise included in Economic Net Income, (a) (i) performance fees and allocations, (ii) investment income and (iii) non-recurring gains plus , without duplication (including with respect to any item already added back to Combined Segment Net Income in calculating Economic Net Income) and to the extent deducted in arriving at Economic Net Income, (b) (i) depreciation and amortization, (ii) interest expense, (iii) if positive, equity-based compensation, (iv) carry plan compensation expense and minority interests in performance fees, (v) expenses and charges relating to equity or debt offerings, acquisitions, investments and dispositions, (vi) non-recurring expenses, losses and charges and (vii) non-cash expenses and charges; provided that any cash payment made with respect to any non-cash expenses or charges added back in computing Combined EBITDA for any earlier period pursuant to this clause (vii) shall be subtracted in computing Combined EBITDA for the period in which such cash payment is made (in the case of clauses (a)(i), (a)(ii) and (b)(iv), whether positive or negative), in each case determined on a combined segment basis for the Guarantors and Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.
For purposes of calculating Combined EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (each, a Reference Period ), if at any time during such Reference Period (and after the Effective Date) a Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries shall have made any Material Acquisition or Material Disposition (each as defined below), the Combined EBITDA for such Reference Period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Material Acquisition or Material Disposition occurred on the first day of such Reference Period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculation shall be made in good faith by a Financial Officer and may include reasonably identifiable and supportable cost savings and operating expense reductions expected to be realized; provided such cost savings and operating expense reductions do not exceed 10% of Combined EBITDA for the relevant Reference Period. As used in this definition, Material Acquisition means any acquisition of property or series of related acquisitions of property that (x) constitutes assets comprising all or substantially all of an operating unit of a business or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock of a Person and (y) involves the payment of consideration by a Guarantor or any Subsidiaries in excess of $25,000,000; and Material Disposition means any disposition of property or
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series of related dispositions of property that (x) constitutes assets comprising all or substantially all of an operating unit of a business or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock of a Person and (y) yields gross proceeds to a Guarantor or any Subsidiaries in excess of $25,000,000.
Combined Segment Net Income means, for any period, the combined segment net income of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP in a manner consistent with that employed in the Blackstone Groups Annual Report on form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC.
Commitment means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lenders Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08, (b) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.19 and (c) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lenders Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Acceptance or Accession Agreement pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The aggregate amount of the Lenders Commitments as of the Effective Date is $1,070,000,000.
Commitment Increase has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.
Communications means each notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise transmitted between the parties hereto relating to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, any Loan Party or its Affiliates or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, including all Approved Electronic Communications.
Consenting Lender has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21.
Contributing Party has the meaning assigned to such term in Article X.
Control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. Controlling and Controlled have meanings correlative thereto.
Core Business Entity means any Person that earns or is entitled to receive fees or income (including investment income and fees, gains or income with respect to carried interests) from one or more Core Businesses.
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Core Businesses means (a) investment or asset management services, financial advisory services, money management services, merchant banking activities or similar or related activities, including but not limited to services provided to mutual funds, private equity or debt funds, hedge funds, funds of funds, corporate or other business entities or individuals and (b) making investments, including investments in funds of the type specified in clause (a).
Credit Exposure means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the aggregate amount of (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the principal amounts of such Lenders Revolving Loans outstanding at such time and (b) such Lenders LC Exposure and Swingline Exposure at such time.
Declining Lender has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21.
Default means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, constitute an Event of Default.
Defaulting Lender means, at any time, a Lender as to which the Administrative Agent has notified the Borrower that (a) such Lender has failed for three or more Business Days to comply with its obligations under this Agreement to make a Loan or fund its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans (each a funding obligation ), (b) such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, or has stated publicly, that it will not comply with any such funding obligation hereunder or has generally defaulted on its funding obligations under other loan agreements, credit agreements and financing agreements or (c) a Lender Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Lender ( provided that neither the reallocation of funding obligations provided for in Section 2.22(d) as a result of a Lenders being a Defaulting Lender nor the performance by Non-Defaulting Lenders of such reallocated funding obligations will by itself cause such Defaulting Lender to become a Non-Defaulting Lender). Any determination that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under clauses (a) through (c) above will be made by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion acting in good faith. The Administrative Agent will promptly send to all parties hereto a copy of any notice to the Borrower provided for in this definition.
Dollars or $ means the lawful money of the United States of America.
Dollar Equivalent means, on any date of determination, (a) with respect to any amount in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount in any currency other than Dollars, the equivalent in Dollars of such amount, determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 1.05 using the Exchange Rate with respect to such currency at the time in effect under the provisions of such Section.
Economic Net Income means, for any period, Combined Segment Net Income for such period excluding, to the extent added or subtracted in computing Combined Segment Net Income, (a) income and similar taxes, (b) amortization of
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intangible assets and (c) non-cash charges relating to the vesting of equity-based compensation, calculated in each case in accordance with GAAP and in a manner consistent with that employed in Blackstone Groups Annual Report on form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC.
Effective Date means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
Eligible Additional Guarantor means any limited partnership organized under the laws of any state of the United States or any province or territory of Canada or, with the approval of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld), any limited partnership or equivalent entity organized under the laws of another jurisdiction (i) the General Partner (or equivalent Controlling member entity) of which is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone Group and (ii) which, directly or through one or more direct or indirect subsidiaries, conducts one or more Core Businesses. In the event that it is determined by the Loan Parties that an Eligible Additional Guarantor should be organized in a form other than a limited partnership, the parties hereto agree to negotiate in good faith to make changes to this Agreement as are advisable in order to include such Person as a Guarantor and to otherwise give effect to the intent of this Agreement.
Environmental Laws means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or health and safety matters.
Environmental Liability means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Guarantor or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
Equity Interests means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person of whatever nature, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
ERISA Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any of the Loan Parties, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
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ERISA Event means (a) any reportable event, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by a Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by a Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
Euro or means the single currency of the European Union as constituted by the Treaty on European Union and as referred to in the EMU Legislation.
Eurocurrency , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate (other than pursuant to the definition of Alternate Base Rate).
Euro Credit Exposure means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the aggregate amount of (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the principal amounts of such Lenders Revolving Loans denominated in Euro outstanding at such time and (b) such Lenders Euro LC Exposure at such time.
Euro LC Exposure means, at any time, (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the undrawn amounts of all outstanding Letters of Credit denominated in Euro at such time plus (b) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of all LC Disbursements denominated in Euro that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The Euro LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Euro LC Exposure at such time.
Euro Reference Rate shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum that is the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) of the rates quoted at approximately 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on such day (or, in the case of a day that is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) to leading banks in the European interbank market by the Reference Banks for the offering of overnight deposits in Euro.
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Euro Sub-Limit has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(c).
Event of Default has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
Exchange Rate means, on any day, for purposes of determining the Dollar Equivalent of any amount denominated in a currency other than Dollars, the rate at which such other currency may be exchanged into Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day as set forth on the Bloomberg World Currency Value Page for such currency. In the event that such rate does not appear on such Bloomberg Page (or on any successor or substitute page), the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such an agreement, such Exchange Rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agent in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. New York City time on such date for the purchase of Dollars with such currency for delivery two Business Days later; provided that if at the time of any such determination, for any reason, no such spot rate is being quoted, the Administrative Agent may use any reasonable method it deems appropriate to determine such rate, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
Excluded Taxes means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction described in clause (a) above and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.18(b)), any withholding tax that (i) is in effect and would apply to amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to any withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.16(a), or (ii) is attributable to such Foreign Lenders failure to comply with Section 2.16(g).
Existing Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement dated as of May 5, 2009 among the Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., the lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended, modified or waived in accordance with the terms thereof.
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Existing Maturity Date has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21.
Federal Funds Effective Rate means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.
Financial Covenants means the covenants set forth in Section 6.09.
Financial Officer means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of each of the Loan Parties or of the direct or indirect general partner, sole member or managing member thereof.
Foreign Lender means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is located. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
Fraudulent Transfer Laws has the meaning assigned to such term in Article X.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
General Partners means Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., a Delaware corporation, Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., a Quebec limited partnership, each in its capacity as a general partner of a Guarantor for so long as such Person shall remain a general partner of any Guarantor, and each other Person that from time to time may be or become a general partner of any Guarantor.
Governmental Authority means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
Guarantee of or by any Person (the guarantor ) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (the primary obligor ) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the
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purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
Guarantor Joinder Agreement means a Guarantor Joinder Agreement among the Loan Parties, an Eligible Additional Guarantor and the Administrative Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
Guarantors has the meaning assigned to such term in the caption hereof and includes each other Person that becomes a Guarantor hereunder pursuant to Section 2.20.
Hazardous Materials means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Hedging Agreement means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement.
Increase Effective Date means the effective date of any Commitment Increase pursuant to Section 2.19.
Increasing Lender has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.
Indebtedness of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services, (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (f) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (g) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (h) solely for the purposes of the definition of the term Material Indebtedness as such term is used in clause (f) of Article VII, all obligations of such Person in respect of Hedging Agreements, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers acceptances; but excluding in each case trade and other accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business.
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The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Persons ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
Indemnified Taxes means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
Initial Loans has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.
Interest Election Request means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.
Interest Payment Date means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December and (b) with respect to any Eurocurrency Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months duration after the first day of such Interest Period.
Interest Period means with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months (or, with the consent of each Lender, twelve months) thereafter, as the Borrower may elect; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
Issuing Bank means (a) Citibank, N.A. and (b) each Lender that shall have become an Issuing Bank hereunder as provided in Section 2.05(j) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.05(k)), each in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term Issuing Bank shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.05 with respect to such Letters of Credit).
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LC Disbursement means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
LC Exposure means, at any time, the sum of (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the undrawn amounts of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time and (b) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.
Lender Affiliate means, (a) with respect to any Lender, (i) an Affiliate of such Lender or (ii) any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, trust or otherwise) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and is administered or managed by a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender and (b) with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.
Lender Appointment Period has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.06.
Lender Insolvency Event means that a Lender or its Parent Company is the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceeding, or a receiver, trustee, conservator, intervenor or sequestrator or the like has been appointed for such Lender or its Parent Company, or such Lender or its Parent Company has taken any action in furtherance of or indicating its consent to or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.
Lenders means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance or an Accession Agreement, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term Lenders includes the Swingline Lender.
Letter of Credit means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.
Leverage Ratio means, on any date, the ratio of the Total Indebtedness on such date to Combined EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (a) ended on such date in the case of calculations of the Leverage Ratio for purposes of Section 6.09(b) and (b) most recently ended on or prior to such date for which financial statements have been provided pursuant to Section 5.04(a) or 5.04(b) in all other cases including for purposes of Section 6.01.
LIBO Rate means with respect to any Eurocurrency Borrowing denominated in any currency for any Interest Period, the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on
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the Quotation Day for such Interest Period by reference to the British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rates for deposits in such currency (as reflected on the applicable Reuters screen), for a period equal to such Interest Period, or, if an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this definition, the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average of the rates per annum at which deposits in such currency are offered for such Interest Period to major banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Quotation Day for such Interest Period.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset.
LLC Agreement means the limited liability company agreement of the Borrower.
Loan Documents means this Agreement, any Accession Agreement entered into pursuant to the terms hereof, any Guarantee Joinder Agreement and any promissory note issued pursuant to Section 2.09(e).
Loan Parties means the Borrower and the Guarantors.
Loans means the Revolving Loans and the Swingline Loans.
Local Time means (a) with respect to a Loan, Borrowing or Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars, New York City time, and (b) with respect to a Loan, Borrowing or Letter of Credit denominated in Euro or Sterling, London time.
Mandatory Cost means, with respect to any period, the percentage rate per annum determined in accordance with Schedule 1.01.
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of any of the Borrower or the Guarantors to perform any of its material obligations under any of the Loan Documents.
Material Indebtedness means Indebtedness (other than the Loans, Letters of Credit and Guarantees under the Loan Documents) of any one or more of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $100,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the principal amount of the obligations of any Person in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Person would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.
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Maturity Date means the date three years after the date of this Agreement, as such date may be extended pursuant to Section 2.21.
Maturity Date Extension Request means a request by the Borrower, in the form of Exhibit D hereto or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, for the extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.21.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc, and any successor to its rating agency business.
Multiemployer Plan means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
Non-Defaulting Lender means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.
Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt means Indebtedness incurred by a Seasoning Subsidiary to finance investments made by such Seasoning Subsidiary that may be transferred to a fund managed by a Guarantor or a Subsidiary ( Fund Investments ), which Indebtedness (a) has a maturity of not more than six months from the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, (b) does not constitute a general obligation of any Guarantor or Subsidiary and (c) does not have, directly or indirectly, recourse (including by way of any Guarantee or other undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) against any assets of the Guarantors or any Subsidiary (other than, in each case, recourse to (i) such Seasoning Subsidiary or (ii) any other Subsidiary or any Guarantor (including letters of credit issued for the account of a Guarantor or such other Subsidiary), the principal component of which constitutes (A) Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(a), in the case of a Guarantor, or (B) Indebtedness permitted under 6.01(f), in the case of a Subsidiary). As used herein, a Seasoning Subsidiary is any single purpose Subsidiary the sole business of which is to purchase and hold Fund Investments and finance the purchase thereof and substantially all of the assets of which consist of the Fund Investments so purchased.
Obligations means (a) the principal of and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans made to the Borrower, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (b) each payment required to be made by the Borrower in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon and obligations to provide cash collateral, and (c) all other monetary obligations, including fees, costs, expenses and indemnities, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), of the Loan Parties under this Agreement, including the obligations of the Guarantors in respect of the guarantees set forth in Article X.
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Other Taxes means any and all present or future recording, stamp, documentary, excise, transfer, sales, property or similar taxes, charges or levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.
Parent Company means, with respect to a Lender, the bank holding company (as defined in Regulation Y of the Board), if any, of such Lender or any Person owning, beneficially or of record, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares of such Lender.
Participant Register has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
Permitted Reorganization Transaction means any transaction or series of transactions, including mergers, asset transfers, liquidations, dissolutions and transfers of Equity Interests, in each case effected between or among the Guarantors, the Subsidiaries and/or Affiliates of any of the foregoing (or newly formed entities that will, upon consummation of any such transaction, be Guarantors or Subsidiaries) for purposes of accomplishing internal reorganizations; provided that all the combined consolidated assets of the Guarantors immediately prior to such transactions (including without limitation all Equity Interests in Core Business Entities owned by the Guarantors or any Subsidiaries and all assets of any Core Business conducted directly by a Guarantor or a Subsidiary) shall continue to be owned by the Guarantors or Subsidiaries (including any Person that becomes a Guarantor hereunder pursuant to Section 2.20), without any reduction in the aggregate economic interests of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, immediately prior to such transactions, in Core Businesses conducted by the Guarantors, the Subsidiaries and Core Business Entities in which they own Equity Interests, except in any case as a result of any related sale or transfer of Equity Interests in Core Business Entities or Subsidiaries to employees in connection with compensation or incentive compensation arrangements.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
Plan means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an employer as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.
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Principal Issuing Bank means, on any date, (a) the Issuing Bank, in the event there is only one Issuing Bank, and (b) in all other events, (i) the Issuing Bank with respect to which the LC Exposure attributable to the outstanding Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank on such date is the greatest and (ii) each other Issuing Bank with respect to which the LC Exposure attributable to the outstanding Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank on such date is greater than $5,000,000.
Pro Forma Compliance means, with respect to any event or transaction, that the Loan Parties are in pro forma compliance with the Financial Covenants (a) recomputed as if such event had occurred or such transaction had been consummated on the first day of the relevant period with respect to which current compliance with the Financial Covenant would be determined (for example, in the case of the Financial Covenant based on Combined EBITDA, as if such event had occurred or such transaction had been consummated on the first day of the four fiscal quarter period ending on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.05 or Section 5.04(a) or (b)) and (b) evaluating compliance with such Financial Covenants on a pro forma basis as of the date upon which such event occurs or such transaction is consummated (regardless of whether it is the last day of a fiscal quarter), in the case of the Leverage Ratio, based on Combined EBITDA for the period referred to in clause (a). Pro forma calculations made pursuant to this definition that require the calculation of Combined EBITDA on a pro forma basis will be made in accordance with the last paragraph of the definition of such term, except that, when testing Pro Forma Compliance with respect to any acquisition, disposition or similar transaction, references to Material Acquisition and Material Disposition in such last paragraph will be deemed to include such acquisition, disposition or transaction.
Quotation Day means (a) with respect to deposits in Dollars or Euro for any Interest Period, two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period and (b) with respect to deposits in Sterling for any Interest Period, the first day of such Interest Period, in each case unless market practice differs in the London interbank market for any such currency, in which case the Quotation Day for such currency shall be determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with market practice in the London interbank market (and if quotations would normally be given by leading banks in the London interbank market on more than one day, the Quotation Day shall be the last of those days).
Reference Bank shall be one or more Lenders designated from time to time by the Administrative Agent with the approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) of the Borrower. The initial Reference Banks are Citibank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A.
Register has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
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Regulated Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is (a) a Broker-Dealer Subsidiary, (b) otherwise subject to regulation by any Governmental Authority and for which the incurrence of Indebtedness (including Guarantees) or the granting of Liens with respect to its assets would be prohibited or restricted or would result in a negative impact on any minimum capital or similar requirement imposed by such Governmental Authority and applicable to it or (c) subject to regulation by any Regulatory Supervising Organization.
Regulatory Supervising Organization means any of (a) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, (b) the National Futures Association, (c) the SEC, (d) the National Association of Securities Dealers or (e) any governmental or regulatory organization, exchange, clearing house or financial regulatory authority of which a Regulated Subsidiary is a member or to whose rules it is subject.
Related Parties means, with respect to any specified Person, such Persons Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person or such Persons Affiliates.
Required Lenders means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposures and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposures and unused Commitments at such time.
Restricted Payment means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in a Guarantor, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation, termination or amendment of any Equity Interests in a Guarantor or of any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in a Guarantor.
Revolving Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Services, and any successor to its rating agency business.
Seasoning Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt.
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Significant Subsidiary means any single Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries taken together that, on a consolidated basis with its or their Subsidiaries, (i) had consolidated assets equal to or greater than 10% of the combined consolidated total assets of the Guarantors as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.05 or Section 5.04(a) or (b), (ii) had consolidated revenues equal to or greater than 10% of the combined consolidated revenues of the Guarantors for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.05 or Section 5.04(a) or (b) or (iii) has outstanding
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Material Indebtedness. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that any Event of Default under clause (g), (h) or (i) of Article VII will be deemed to have occurred with respect to a Significant Subsidiary when the event or events specified in such clause has occurred with respect to any single Subsidiary or any number of Subsidiaries that, taken together, constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to the foregoing definition.
Statutory Reserve Rate means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as Eurocurrency Liabilities in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurocurrency Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
Sterling or £ means the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.
Sterling Credit Exposure means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the aggregate amount of (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the principal amounts of such Lenders Revolving Loans denominated in Sterling outstanding at such time and (b) such Lenders Sterling LC Exposure at such time.
Sterling LC Exposure means, at any time, (a) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the undrawn amounts of all outstanding Letters of Credit denominated in Sterling at such time plus (b) the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of all LC Disbursements denominated in Sterling that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The Sterling LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Sterling LC Exposure at such time.
Sterling Reference Rate shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent for overnight deposits in Sterling at approximately 11:00 a.m., Local Time, on such day by reference to the British Bankers Assoc. Interest Settlement Rates (as reflected on the applicable Reuters screen); provided , however , that if such rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this definition, Sterling Reference Rate shall mean the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) of the rates quoted at approximately 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on such day (or, in the case of a day that is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day), to leading banks in the London interbank market by the Reference Banks for the offering of overnight deposits in Sterling.
Sterling Sub-Limit has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(d).
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Subsequent Borrowings has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.
subsidiary means, with respect to any Person (the parent ) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parents consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
Subsidiary means any subsidiary of a Guarantor (or any Person that would be a subsidiary of the Guarantors if the Guarantors were merged into a single entity) that is or would be consolidated with the Guarantors in the preparation of segment information with respect to the combined financial statements of the Guarantors prepared in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (a) any private equity fund, real estate fund, hedge fund or other investment fund or vehicle or (b) any portfolio company of any such fund or vehicle. The term Subsidiary shall include the Borrower.
Swingline Exposure means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.
Swingline Lender means Citibank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.
Swingline Loan means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.
Syndication Agent means Banc of America Securities LLC.
TARGET means the Trans-European Automated Real Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) payment system.
Taxes means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.
Total Indebtedness means, on any date, the total amount of Indebtedness of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries outstanding on such date determined in accordance with GAAP, including in any event any Guarantees by a Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than a Seasoning Subsidiary) of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt and excluding (i) intercompany debt among the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries (for the avoidance of doubt, other than Guarantees of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt)) and (ii) Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt of Seasoning Subsidiaries, net of the excess, if positive, of (a) the sum of
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(i) unencumbered (other than by customary bankers liens) cash and Cash Equivalents of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries (other than cash and Cash Equivalents of any Regulated Subsidiary not permitted to be distributed or paid out due to regulatory requirements), less the amount thereof attributable to minority interests in Subsidiaries and (ii) loans to employees of the Guarantors, the Subsidiaries and their Affiliates outstanding for less than 60 days, over (b) 100% of accrued compensation expense (excluding (x) any carry/incentive fee-related compensation expenses (including in such exclusion minority interests), except to the extent such expenses are payable in respect of carry or incentive related compensation realized by any Guarantor or any Subsidiary on or prior to such date, and (y) non-cash equity-based compensation charges).
Transactions has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02 hereof.
Type , when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate (other than pursuant to the definition of Alternate Base Rate) or the Alternate Base Rate.
USA Patriot Act means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as amended from time to time.
Withdrawal Liability means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Loan) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurocurrency Loan or an ABR Loan) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurocurrency Revolving Loan). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a Revolving Borrowing) or by Type ( e.g. , a Eurocurrency Borrowing or an ABR Borrowing) or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a Eurocurrency Revolving Borrowing).
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, (c) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar
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import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that it requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Any reference to GAAP herein, when used with respect to combined financial statements of the Guarantors, means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States without giving effect to principles of consolidation inconsistent with the preparation of financial statements on a combined basis.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, in the event (i) Blackstone Group or the Guarantors effect a restatement of its or their financial statements previously provided hereunder which restatement either (x) relates to the valuation of investment assets or (y) results from an accounting or similar change, requirement, policy or practice imposed or implemented on an industry-wide basis, and (ii) such restated financial statements do not indicate a material adverse change in the creditworthiness of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that indicated by such previously provided financial statements to which the restatement relates, then such restatement shall not be deemed to constitute or provide the basis for a Default hereunder; provided , however , that if any such restatement referred to in clause (y) above affects in any material respect the calculation of Total Indebtedness or Combined EBITDA, then the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section will apply as if such restatement resulted from a change in GAAP or in the application thereof, and at the request of the Borrower or the Required Lenders, the relevant provisions of this Agreement will be renegotiated by the Borrower and the Lenders to give effect to the intent of this Agreement as in effect prior to such restatement.
SECTION 1.05. Currency Translation . The Administrative Agent shall determine the Dollar Equivalent of any Borrowing denominated in a currency other than Dollars, as of the date of the commencement of the initial Interest Period therefor and as of the date of the commencement of each subsequent Interest Period therefor, in each case using the Exchange Rate for such currency in relation to Dollars in effect on the date that is three Business Days prior to the date on which the applicable Interest Period shall
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commence, and each such amount shall, except as provided in the last two sentences of this Section, be the Dollar Equivalent of such Borrowing until the next required calculation thereof pursuant to this sentence. The Administrative Agent shall determine the Dollar Equivalent of any Letter of Credit denominated in a currency other than Dollars as of the date such Letter of Credit is issued, amended to increase its face amount, extended or renewed and as of the last Business Day of each subsequent calendar quarter, in each case using the Exchange Rate for such currency in relation to Dollars in effect on the date that is three Business Days prior to the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued, amended to increase its face amount, extended or renewed and as of the last Business Day of such subsequent calendar quarter, as the case may be, and each such amount shall, except as provided in the last two sentences of this Section, be the Dollar Equivalent of such Letter of Credit until the next required calculation thereof pursuant to this sentence. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of each calculation of the Dollar Equivalent of each Borrowing and Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any determination under Article V, Article VI or Article VII or any determination under any other provision of this Agreement expressly requiring the use of a current exchange rate (other than conversions under this Agreement of Obligations using the Exchange Rate as required by this Agreement), all amounts incurred, outstanding or proposed to be incurred or outstanding in currencies other than Dollars shall be translated into Dollars at the currency exchange rates used in preparing the Borrowers most recently delivered financial statements.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower denominated in Dollars, Euro or Sterling from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (a) such Lenders Credit Exposure exceeding such Lenders Commitment, (b) the aggregate Credit Exposures exceeding the aggregate Commitments, (c) the aggregate Euro Credit Exposures exceeding $125,000,000 (the Euro Sub-Limit ) or (d) the aggregate Sterling Credit Exposures exceeding Sterling Sub-Limit $175,000,000 (the Sterling Sub-Limit ). Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lenders failure to make Loans as required.
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(b) Subject to Section 2.13, each Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of Eurocurrency Loans denominated in a single currency or, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, ABR Loans, as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurocurrency Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurocurrency Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Borrowing Multiple and not less than the Borrowing Minimum. At the time that each ABR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000; provided that an ABR Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(f). Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of 15 Eurocurrency Borrowings outstanding.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing (other than a Swingline Loan), the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount and currency of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurocurrency Borrowing;
(iv) in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period; and
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(v) the location and number of the Borrowers account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 or, in the case of any ABR Borrowing requested to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), the identity of the Issuing Bank that made such LC Disbursement.
If no election as to the Type of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurocurrency Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount and currency of such Lenders Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
SECTION 2.04. Swingline Loans. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrower denominated in Dollars from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $25,000,000 or (ii) the aggregate Credit Exposures exceeding the aggregate Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, repay, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.
(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery or facsimile), not later than 2:00 p.m., Local Time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day), the amount of the requested Swingline Loan, and in the case of any Swingline Loan requested to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), the identity of the Issuing Bank that has made such LC Disbursement. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrower by means of a credit to the general deposit account of the Borrower with the Swingline Lender or to the applicable the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, by 4:00 p.m., Local Time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.
(c) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, on any Business Day require the Lenders to acquire participations on the following Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which the Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such Lenders Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided
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above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lenders Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.
SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account (or jointly with the Borrower for the account of any Guarantor or Subsidiary), denominated in Dollars, Euro or Sterling and in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any letter of credit application submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall hand deliver or fax (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the recipient) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent, reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which
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such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount and currency of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to enable the applicable Issuing Bank to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Banks standard form in connection with any such request. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, (i) the LC Exposure will not exceed $100,000,000, (ii) the aggregate Credit Exposures will not exceed the aggregate Commitments, (iii) the aggregate Euro Credit Exposures will not exceed the Euro Sub-Limit and (iv) the aggregate Sterling Credit Exposures will not exceed the Sterling Sub-Limit.
(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; provided that any Letter of Credit may contain customary automatic renewal provisions agreed upon by the Borrower and the applicable Issuing Bank pursuant to which the expiration date of such Letter of Credit shall automatically be extended for a period of up to 12 months (but not to a date later than the date set forth in clause (ii) above), subject to a right on the part of such Issuing Bank to prevent any such renewal from occurring by giving notice to the beneficiary in advance of any such renewal.
(d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable Issuing Bank or any Lender, the Issuing Bank that is the issuer thereof hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lenders Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of such Issuing Bank, such Lenders Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason, each such payment to be made in the currency of such LC Disbursement. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or any reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender further acknowledges and agrees that, in issuing, amending, renewing or extending any Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall be entitled to rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon the
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representations and warranties of the Borrower deemed made pursuant to Section 4.02, unless, at least one Business Day prior to the time such Letter of Credit is issued, amended, renewed or extended, Lenders with LC Exposures representing more than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposures shall have notified the applicable Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in writing that, as a result of one or more events or circumstances described in such notice, one or more of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02(a) or 4.02(b) would not be satisfied if such Letter of Credit were then issued, amended, renewed or extended (it being understood and agreed that, in the event any Issuing Bank shall have received any such notice, it shall have no obligation to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit until and unless it shall be satisfied that the events and circumstances described in such notice shall have been cured or otherwise shall have ceased to exist).
(e) Disbursements. Each Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit and shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery or facsimile) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.
(f) Reimbursements. If an Issuing Bank shall make an LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement, in the currency (or, in the case of currencies other than Dollars, in Dollars the Dollar Equivalent amount of such LC Disbursement) of such LC Disbursement, not later than (i) if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 12:00 noon Local Time on any Business Day, then 4:00 p.m. on the next Business Day or (ii) otherwise, 4:00 p.m. Local Time, on the second Business Day following the day that the Borrower receives such notice; provided that, in the case of an LC Disbursement denominated in Dollars, if the amount of such LC Disbursement is $1,000,000 or more, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.04 that such payment be financed with a Revolving Loan that is an ABR Borrowing or a Swingline Loan, in an equivalent amount, and to the extent so financed, the Borrowers obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Loan. If the Borrower fails to reimburse any LC Disbursement by the time specified above, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of such failure, the amount and currency of the payment then due from the Borrower in respect of such LC Disbursement and such Lenders Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Revolving Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Lenders pursuant to this paragraph), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the applicable Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the
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applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse an Issuing Bank for an LC Disbursement (other than the funding of an ABR Borrowing or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.
(g) Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section is absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision thereof or hereof, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by an Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this paragraph, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers obligations hereunder. None of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit, any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any other act, failure to act or other event or circumstance; provided that none of the foregoing in this paragraph (g) shall be construed to excuse any Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by (i) such Issuing Banks failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof, (ii) such Issuing Banks failure to pay under a Letter of Credit after presentation of complying documents or (iii) such Issuing Banks gross negligence or willful misconduct. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented that appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
(h) Interim Interest. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such
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LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement in full, (i) in the case of any LC Disbursement denominated in Dollars, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Loans and (ii) in the case of any LC Disbursement denominated in Euro or Sterling, at the Euro Reference Rate or the Sterling Reference Rate, respectively, plus, in each case, the Applicable Rate for determining the interest rate on Eurocurrency Loans; provided that if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section, then Section 2.12(c) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment, and shall be payable on demand or, if no demand has been made, on the date on which the Borrower reimburses the applicable LC Disbursement in full.
(i) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default under clause (b), (c), (g) or (h) of Article VII shall occur and be continuing, on the first Business Day following the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders representing more than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposures) demanding the deposit of Cash Collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit, with respect to each outstanding Letter of Credit, in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash and in the currency of such Letter of Credit equal to the LC Exposure attributable to such Letter of Credit as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such Cash Collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (g) or (h) of Article VII. The Borrower also shall deposit Cash Collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.10(b). Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made in investments of a type to be agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Monies in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Banks for LC Disbursements for which they have not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of the Lenders with LC Exposures representing more than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposures), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. If the Borrower is required to provide Cash Collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such Cash Collateral (to the extent
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not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived. If the Borrower is required to provide cash collateral hereunder pursuant to Section 2.10(b), such cash collateral (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower as and to the extent that, after giving effect to such return, the aggregate Credit Exposures would not exceed the aggregate Commitments and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(j) Designation of Additional Issuing Banks. The Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, with the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), designate as additional Issuing Banks one or more Lenders that agree to serve in such capacity as provided below. The acceptance by a Lender of an appointment as an Issuing Bank hereunder shall be evidenced by an agreement, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such designated Lender and, from and after the effective date of such agreement, (i) such Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (ii) references herein or therein to the term Issuing Bank shall be deemed to include such Lender in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.
(k) Termination of an Issuing Bank. The Borrower may terminate the appointment of any Issuing Bank as an Issuing Bank hereunder by providing a written notice thereof to such Issuing Bank, with a copy to the Administrative Agent. Any such termination shall become effective upon the earlier of (i) such Issuing Bank acknowledging receipt of such notice and (ii) the 10th Business Day following the date of the delivery thereof; provided that no such termination shall become effective until and unless the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (or its Affiliates) shall have been reduced to zero. At the time any such termination shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the terminated Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.11(b). Notwithstanding the effectiveness of any such termination, the terminated Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such termination, but shall not issue any additional Letters of Credit.
(l) Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, amendments and renewals, all expirations and cancellations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends, renews or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and the face amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing
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Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.
(m) LC Exposure Determination. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.
SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m., Local Time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.04. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent in New York City or London, as applicable, and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request or, in the case of ABR Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(f), to the Issuing Bank specified by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request.
(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date (or, in the case of an ABR Borrowing, prior to the proposed time) of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lenders share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lenders Loan included in such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a
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Eurocurrency Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may, in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Borrower shall not be permitted to elect an Interest Period for Eurocurrency Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d).
(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurocurrency Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurocurrency Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term Interest Period.
If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurocurrency Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one months duration.
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(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lenders portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurocurrency Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall (i) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, be converted to an ABR Borrowing and (ii) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Euro or Sterling, be continued as a Eurocurrency Borrowing with an Interest Period of one months duration. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing denominated in Dollars may be converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurocurrency Borrowing denominated in Dollars shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the aggregate Credit Exposures would exceed the aggregate Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement as of the date hereof.
SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan, in the currency of such Loan, on the Maturity Date and (ii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan, in Dollars, on the earlier of (A) the Maturity
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Date and (B) the first date after such Swingline Loan is made that is the last day of a calendar month and is at least five Business Days after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Borrowing is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans that were outstanding on the date such Borrowing was requested.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount and currency of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lenders share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).
SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans. (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing, without premium or penalty but subject to Section 2.15, in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.
(b) In the event and on each occasion that (i) the aggregate Euro Credit Exposures exceed 105% of the Euro Sub-Limit, (ii) the aggregate Sterling Credit Exposures exceed 105% of the Sterling Sub-Limit or (iii) the aggregate Credit Exposures exceed 100% of the aggregate Commitments (except as a result of Exchange Rate fluctuations not requiring a prepayment pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above), the Borrower shall prepay, within two Business Days of receiving notice from the Administrative Agent (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree to in order to avoid LIBOR breakage costs) of any such prepayment required by, or attributable to currency fluctuations contemplated by, clause (i) or (ii) of this sentence
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and otherwise immediately, without premium or penalty but subject to Section 2.15, Loans (or, if no Loans are outstanding, deposit Cash Collateral in an account with the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.05(i)), in each case in such amounts and such currencies as shall be necessary to eliminate the excess of such Credit Exposures over the applicable Sub-Limit or the aggregate Commitments, as applicable.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurocurrency Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, on the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 11:00 a.m., Local Time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. Promptly following receipt of any such notice the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12.
SECTION 2.11. Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily unused amount of the Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Accrued commitment fees in respect of any Commitment shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year commencing on June 30, 2010, and on the date on which such Commitment terminates. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). For purposes of computing commitment fees, a Commitment of a Lender shall be deemed to be used to the extent of the outstanding Loans and LC Exposure of such Lender (and the Swingline Exposure of such Lender shall be disregarded for such purpose).
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans on the average daily amount of such Lenders LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lenders Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank, a fronting fee, which shall
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accrue at the rate or rates per annum separately agreed upon between the Borrower and such Issuing Bank on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any such LC Exposure, as well as such Issuing Banks standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable in arrears on such last day, commencing on June 30, 2010; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Commitments terminate, and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 Business Days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to an Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.
SECTION 2.12. Interest. (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) The Loans comprising each Eurocurrency Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
(d) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments;
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provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurocurrency Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(e) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Borrowing:
(a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period; or
(b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) if such Borrowing is denominated in Dollars, any Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request that requests the making of such Borrowing as or the conversion of such Borrowing to, or the continuation of such Borrowing as, a Eurocurrency Borrowing shall be ineffective and such Borrowing shall be made or continued as an ABR Borrowing and (ii) if such Borrowing is denominated in Euro or Sterling, the Borrower may withdraw its request for such Borrowing or request that such Borrowing be an ABR Borrowing or, at the Borrowers request, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower and the Lenders, shall determine a rate, in its reasonable discretion based on market conditions, to be applicable to such Borrowing in lieu of the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate.
SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or Issuing Bank (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or
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(ii) impose on any Lender or Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (excluding any Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Eurocurrency Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurocurrency Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), to increase the cost to such Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or issue any Letter of Credit) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), in each case in an amount deemed to be material by such Lender or Issuing Bank, then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs or expenses incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lenders or Issuing Banks capital or on the capital of such Lenders or Issuing Banks holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lenders or Issuing Banks holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lenders or Issuing Banks policies and the policies of such Lenders or Issuing Banks holding company with respect to capital adequacy), in each case in an amount deemed to be material to such Lender or Issuing Bank, then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lenders or Issuing Banks holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) A certificate of a Lender or Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lenders or Issuing Banks holding company as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner of determination of such amount or amounts, shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or Issuing Bank the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 Business Days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lenders or Issuing Banks right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not
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be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lenders or Issuing Banks intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurocurrency Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.10(c) and is revoked in accordance therewith) or (d) the assignment of any Eurocurrency Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, reasonable cost and reasonable expense attributable to such event. Such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount reasonably determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for deposits in the same currency of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the applicable Eurocurrency market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section, and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner of determination of such amount or amounts, shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 2.16. Taxes. (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Taxes unless such deduction is required by applicable law. If the Borrower shall be required to deduct any Taxes from such payments, then (i) if such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank or Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
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(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender within 10 Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank or Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or an Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or an Issuing Bank shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent within 10 Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender paid by the Administrative Agent on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (including Excluded Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest, and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Excluded Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(e) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(f) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate, provided that such Foreign Lender has received written notice from the Borrower advising it of the availability of such exemption or reduction and containing all applicable documentation.
(g) If the Administrative Agent, an Issuing Bank or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has
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paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.16, it shall pay over such refund to the Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section 2.16 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank or Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank or Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank or Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank or Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This Section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.
SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs. (a) The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 12:00 noon, Local Time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to such accounts as may be specified by the Administrative Agent, except that payments required to be made directly to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender shall be so made and payments pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.18 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder of principal or interest in respect of any Loan or LC Disbursement shall, except as otherwise provided herein, be made in the currency of such Loan or LC Disbursement; all other payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.
(b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.
(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in
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such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the relative aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including Section 2.21) or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Revolving Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to Loan Parties or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or Issuing Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
(e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(b), or 2.17(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lenders obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.
SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account
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of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, or if any Lender does not consent to any amendment or waiver of the Loan Documents requested by the Borrower, or if a Lender is a Declining Lender under Section 2.21, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee or the Borrower and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a material reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.18, no Lender or Issuing Bank may request compensation under Section 2.14, and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any additional amounts for the benefit of any Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.16, if such Lender or Issuing Bank shall not at such time demand compensation from, or require the payment of such additional amounts by, its best customers at such time in similar circumstances.
SECTION 2.19. Increase of Commitments. (a) The Borrower may from time to time after the Effective Date, by written notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall be provided four Business Days prior to the Increase Effective Date), executed by the Borrower and one or more financial institutions (any such financial institution referred to in this Section being called an Increasing Lender ), which may include any Lender (acting in its sole discretion), cause new Commitments to be extended by the Increasing Lenders or cause the existing Commitments of the Increasing Lenders
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to be increased (any such extension or increase being called a Commitment Increase ), in an amount set forth in such notice; provided , that (i) the aggregate amount of the Commitment Increases becoming effective on any single date shall be at least $25,000,000 (or such lesser amount consented to by the Administrative Agent), (ii) at no time shall the aggregate amount of Commitments, giving effect to the Commitment Increases effected pursuant to this paragraph, exceed $1,250,000,000, (iii) each Increasing Lender, if not already a Lender hereunder, (A) shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (B) shall complete an Administrative Questionnaire and (C) shall become a party hereto by completing and delivering to the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Increase Effective Date, a duly executed accession agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an Accession Agreement ). New Commitments and increases in Commitments shall become effective on the date specified in the applicable notices delivered pursuant to this paragraph. Upon the effectiveness of any Accession Agreement to which any Increasing Lender is a party, (x) such Increasing Lender shall thereafter be deemed to be a party to this Agreement and shall be entitled to all rights, benefits and privileges accorded to, and shall be subject to all obligations of, a Lender hereunder and (y) Schedule 2.01 shall be deemed to have been amended to reflect the Commitments of such Increasing Lender as provided in such Accession Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of any Commitment Increase with respect to a Lender already a party hereto, Schedule 2.01 shall be deemed to have been amended to reflect the increased Commitment of such Lender. For the avoidance of doubt, no Lender may be made an Increasing Lender without its consent.
(b) On the Increase Effective Date, which shall not be less than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date, (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding immediately prior to giving effect to the applicable Commitment Increase on the Increase Effective Date (the Initial Loans ) shall be deemed to be repaid, (ii) after the effectiveness of the Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made new Borrowings (the Subsequent Borrowings ) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Loans and of the Types, in the currencies and for the Interest Periods specified in a Borrowing Request delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.03, (iii) each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent in same day funds and in the applicable currencies of the relevant Borrowings an amount equal to the difference, if positive, between (A) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase), of the Subsequent Borrowings and (B) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase), of the Initial Loans, (iv) after the Administrative Agent receives the funds specified in clause (iii) above, the Administrative Agent shall pay to each Lender the portion of such funds that is equal to the difference, if positive, between (A) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the Commitment Increase), of the Initial Loans and (B) such Lenders Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase), of the amount of the Subsequent Borrowings, (v) each Increasing Lender and each other Lender shall be deemed to hold its Applicable Percentage of each Subsequent Borrowing (each calculated after giving effect to the Commitment Increase) and (vi) the
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Borrower shall pay each Lender any and all accrued but unpaid interest on the Initial Loans. The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (i) above in respect of each Eurocurrency Loan shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 if the Increase Effective Date occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto and breakage costs result. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, implement other procedures (such as non-pro rata Borrowings while current Interest Periods are in effect) in order to minimize or eliminate LIBOR breakage costs in connection with any such increase.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no increase in the Commitments (or in any Commitment of any Lender) shall become effective under this Section unless, on the date of such increase, the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 shall be satisfied (with all references in such paragraphs to a Borrowing being deemed to be references to such increase) and the Administrative Agent shall have received, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Increase Effective Date, a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of each Loan Party.
SECTION 2.20. Additional Guarantors. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time, including for purposes of complying with Section 6.07 or effecting a Permitted Reorganization Transaction, designate any Eligible Additional Guarantor as an additional Guarantor hereunder, in each case by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Guarantor Joinder Agreement executed by such Eligible Additional Guarantor and satisfaction of the conditions with respect to such Eligible Additional Guarantor set forth in Section 4.03. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Guarantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective with respect to any Eligible Additional Guarantor if it shall be unlawful for such Eligible Additional Guarantor to become a Guarantor hereunder. As soon as practicable upon receipt of a Guarantor Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 with respect to the Eligible Additional Guarantor to which it relates, the Administrative Agent shall send a copy thereof to each Lender.
SECTION 2.21. Extension of Maturity Date. (a) The Borrower may, by delivery of a Maturity Date Extension Request to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy thereof to each of the Lenders) not less than 45 days prior to the then existing Maturity Date with respect to all or part of their respective Commitments (the Existing Maturity Date ), request that the Lenders extend the Maturity Date in accordance with this Section 2.21. Each Maturity Date Extension Request shall (i) specify the date to which the Maturity Date is sought to be extended, (ii) specify the changes, if any, to the Applicable Rate to be applied in determining the interest payable on Loans of, and fees payable hereunder to, Consenting Lenders in respect of that portion of their Commitments (and related Loans) extended to such new Maturity Date and the time as of which such changes will become effective (which may be prior to the Existing Maturity Date), and (iii) specify any other amendments or modifications to this Agreement to be effected in connection with such Maturity Date Extension Request, provided that no such changes or modifications requiring approvals pursuant to Section 9.02(b) other than that of the Required Lenders shall become effective unless such other approvals have been obtained. In the event a Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Borrower, each Lender shall have the right to
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agree to the extension of the Maturity Date and other matters contemplated thereby on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (each Lender agreeing to the Maturity Date Extension Request being referred to herein as a Consenting Lender and each Lender not agreeing thereto being referred to herein as a Declining Lender ), which right may be exercised by written notice thereof, specifying the maximum amount of the Commitment of such Lender with respect to which such Lender agrees to the extension of the Maturity Date, delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) not later than a day to be agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent following the date on which the Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Borrower (it being understood that any Lender that shall have failed to exercise such right as set forth above shall be deemed to be a Declining Lender). If a Lender elects to extend only a portion of its then existing Commitment, it will be deemed for purposes hereof to be a Consenting Lender in respect of such extended portion and a Declining Lender in respect of the remaining portion of its Commitment. If Lenders constituting the Required Lenders shall have agreed to such Maturity Date Extension Request in respect of Commitments constituting a majority of the aggregate Commitments, then, subject to paragraph (d) of this Section, on the date specified in the Maturity Date Extension Request as the effective date thereof (the Extension Effective Date ), (i) the Maturity Date shall, as to the Consenting Lenders, be extended to such date as shall be specified therein, (ii) the terms and conditions of the Commitments and Loans of the Consenting Lenders (including interest and fees (including Letter of Credit fees) payable in respect thereof), shall be modified as set forth in the Maturity Date Extension Request and (iii) such other modifications and amendments hereto specified in the Maturity Date Extension Request shall (subject to any required approvals other than those of the Required Lenders having been obtained) become effective.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall have the right, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 9.04, at any time prior to the Existing Maturity Date, to replace a Declining Lender (for the avoidance of doubt, only in respect of that portion of such Lenders Commitment that it has not agreed to extend) with a Lender or other financial institution that will agree to such Maturity Date Extension Request, and any such replacement Lender shall for all purposes constitute a Consenting Lender in respect of the Commitment assigned to and assumed by it on and after the effective time of such replacement.
(c) If a Maturity Date Extension Request has become effective hereunder, on the Existing Maturity Date:
(i) the Commitment of each Declining Lender shall, to the extent not assumed, assigned or transferred as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section, terminate, and the Borrower shall repay all the Loans of such Declining Lender, to the extent such Loans shall not have been so purchased, assigned and transferred, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and all fees and other amounts owing to such Declining Lender hereunder (accordingly, the Commitment of any Consenting Lender shall, to the extent such Commitment exceeds the amount set forth in the notice delivered by such Lender pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, be permanently reduced by the amount of such
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excess, and the Borrower shall prepay the proportionate part of the Loans of such Consenting Lender, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to but excluding the Existing Maturity Date and all fees and other amounts payable in respect thereof on or prior to the Existing Maturity Date); and
(ii) the Borrower shall make such other prepayments of Loans pursuant to Section 2.10 as shall be required in order that, after giving effect to the termination and permanent reductions of the Commitments of Declining Lenders pursuant to clause (i) above, and all payments to such Declining Lenders, the aggregate Credit Exposures do not exceed the aggregate Commitments.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Maturity Date Extension Request shall become effective hereunder unless, on the Extension Effective Date, the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied (with all references in such Section to a Borrowing being deemed to be references to such Maturity Date Extension Request) and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, it is hereby agreed that no extension of the Maturity Date in accordance with the express terms of this Section 2.21, or any amendment or modification of the terms and conditions of the Commitments and Loans and Letters of Credit of the Consenting Lenders effected pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to (i) violate the last sentence of Section 2.08(c) or Section 2.17(b) or 2.17(c) or any other provision of this Agreement requiring the ratable reduction of Commitments or the ratable sharing of payments or (ii) require the consent of all Lenders or all affected Lenders under Section 9.02(b).
(f) The Borrower and the Administrative Agent may enter into an amendment to this Agreement to effect such modifications as may be necessary to reflect the terms of any Maturity Date Extension Request that has been approved by the Required Lenders and become effective in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.21.
SECTION 2.22. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
(a) such Defaulting Lender will not be entitled to any fees accruing during such period pursuant to Section 2.11(a) or 2.11(b) (without prejudice to the rights of the Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders in respect of such fees);
(b) such Lender will not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be entitled to vote in respect of amendments and waivers hereunder and the Commitment and the outstanding Loans or other extensions of credit of such Lender hereunder will not be taken into account in determining whether the Required Lenders or all of the Lenders, as required, have approved any such amendment or waiver (and the definition of Required Lenders will automatically be deemed modified accordingly for the duration
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of such period); provided that any such amendment or waiver that would (i) increase or extend the term of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, (ii) extend the date fixed for the payment of principal or interest owing to such Defaulting Lender hereunder, (iii) reduce the principal amount of any obligation owing to such Defaulting Lender, (iv) reduce the amount of or the rate of interest on any amount owing to such Defaulting Lender or of any fee payable to such Defaulting Lender hereunder or (v) alter the terms of this proviso, will continue to require the consent of such Defaulting Lender;
(c) the Borrower may irrevocably terminate the unused amount of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender upon not less than three Business Days prior notice to the Administrative Agent (which will promptly notify the Lenders thereof). Such termination shall be effective, with respect to such Defaulting Lenders then existing unused Commitments, on the date set forth in such notice and, with respect to any unused Commitment thereafter arising, on the later of the date set forth in such notice and the date on which such unused Commitment first arises (and no commitment fee will be payable in respect of such unused Commitment terminated on the date it arises). Upon termination of such Defaulting Lenders unused Commitments under this Section 2.22(b), the Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid all accrued commitment fees payable to, and all other amounts owing to, such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement. Upon such payment, the obligations of such Defaulting Lender hereunder with respect to such terminated Commitments shall be released and discharged; provided , however , that such Defaulting Lenders rights and obligations provided in Section 9.05 with respect to such terminated Commitments shall survive such release and discharge as to matters occurring prior to such date;
(d) if any LC Exposure or Swingline Exposure exists at the time a Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
(i) such LC Exposure or Swingline Exposure will automatically be reallocated (effective on the day such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender) among the Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Commitments (without giving effect to the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender); provided that (A) no Non-Defaulting Lenders Credit Exposure may in any event exceed its Commitment as in effect at the time of such reallocation and (B) neither such reallocation nor any payment by a Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant thereto will constitute a waiver or release of any claim any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender or cause such Defaulting Lender to be a Non-Defaulting Lender; and
(ii) to the extent any portion (the unreallocated portion) of the Defaulting Lenders LC Exposure or Swingline Exposure cannot be reallocated to Non-Defaulting Lenders, whether by reason of the proviso in clause (i) above or otherwise, the Borrower will, not later than three Business Days after demand therefor by the Administrative Agent (at the direction of any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender), (A) Cash Collateralize in full its obligations to the Issuing Banks in respect of the unreallocated portion of such LC Exposure, (B) prepay in
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full its obligations to the Swingline Lender in respect of the unreallocated portion of such Swingline Exposure or (C) make other arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and to the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender in their sole discretion to protect them against the risk of non-payment by such Defaulting Lender; and
(iii) to the extent the unreallocated portion of any LC Exposure is Cash Collateralized pursuant to clause (ii) above, such Cash Collateral will be applied to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank for the portion of any LC Disbursement to which such unreallocated portion relates and, to the extent the remaining portion of such LC Disbursement shall not be reimbursed by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.05(f), the Non-Defaulting Lenders will be required pursuant to Section 2.05(f) to fund participations therein in accordance with clause (i) above;
(e) no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, and the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan, unless such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender is satisfied that any LC Exposure or Swingline Exposure that would result therefrom is fully covered or eliminated by any combination reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, of the arrangements set forth in clauses (d)(i) and (d)(ii) above;
(f) in furtherance of the foregoing, if any Lender becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender is hereby authorized by the Borrower (which authorization is irrevocable and coupled with an interest) to give, in its discretion, through the Administrative Agent, Borrowing Requests pursuant to Section 2.03 in such amounts and in such times as may be required to repay an outstanding Swingline Loan; and
(g) any amount paid by the Borrower for the account of such Defaulting Lender in its capacity as a Lender under this Agreement (whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity payments or other amounts) will be applied to the payment of all amounts then due and payable by such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement until such amounts are paid in full and then will be paid to such Defaulting Lender. The application of payments as described in the preceding sentence shall not result in a Default, and a Defaulting Lender may not charge any overdue or penalty interest on any amount owed to it that is not paid as a result of such application.
If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender agree in writing in their discretion that a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, and as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase such portion of the outstanding Loans or participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans of the other Lenders or make such other adjustments as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Credit Exposure of the Lenders to be on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Commitments, and such Lender will cease
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to be a Defaulting Lender and will become a Non-Defaulting Lender (and the Credit Exposure of each Lender will automatically be adjusted on a prospective basis to reflect the foregoing); provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; provided further that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from a Defaulting Lender to a Non-Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lenders having been a Defaulting Lender. The parties agree that this Section 2.22 does not violate any of the pro rata provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
Each Loan Party represents and warrants (as to itself and its Subsidiaries) to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each of the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries (a) is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, (c) is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction where such qualification is required and (d) has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each of the Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party and to borrow hereunder, except where the failure to comply with clauses (a) through (c) could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.02. Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, the borrowings and procurement of letters of credit hereunder and the creation and incurrence of the guarantees by the Guarantors set forth herein (collectively, the Transactions ) (a) have been duly authorized by all requisite partnership, limited liability company or corporate and, if required, partner, member or stockholder action and (b) will not (i) violate any provision of law, statute, rule, regulation or order or any Governmental Authority, (ii) violate any provision of the limited partnership agreement, the LLC Agreement or any other constitutive document of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any General Partner, (iii) violate any provision of, or result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their property is bound or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, that in the cases of clause (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.03. Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party and constitutes, and each other Loan Document when
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executed and delivered by each Loan Party party thereto will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law).
SECTION 3.04. Governmental Approvals. No action, consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority is or will be required in connection with the Transactions, except such as have been made or obtained and are in full force and effect or the failure to obtain which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.05. Financial Statements. The Loan Parties have heretofore furnished to the Lenders (a) the consolidated and combined statement of financial condition and consolidated and combined statements of operations, changes in partners capital and cash flows of Blackstone Group as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, audited by and accompanied by the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, (b) the unaudited condensed consolidated and combined statement of financial condition and condensed consolidated and combined statements of income and cash flows as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, in the form delivered pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, and (c) a reconciliation prepared by a Financial Officer of the financial statements referred to in clause (a) to those referred to in clause (b).
Such audited financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated and combined financial position and results of operations of Blackstone Group and such unaudited condensed consolidated and combined financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the condensed consolidated and combined financial position and results of operations of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries as of such date and for such periods presented. Such financial statements and the notes thereto disclose all material liabilities, direct or contingent, of Blackstone Group and of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, to the extent such liabilities are required to be disclosed by GAAP. Such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, except, in the case of such unaudited financial statements, for the absence or incompleteness of footnotes and except as otherwise disclosed therein.
The accounts of the Loan Parties have been and will continue to be consolidated with those of Blackstone Group in the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of Blackstone Group included in its periodic reports filed with the SEC.
SECTION 3.06. No Material Adverse Change. As of the Effective Date, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2009.
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SECTION 3.07. Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases. Each of the Guarantors and its Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its material properties and assets, except for defects that do not, in the aggregate, materially interfere with the conduct of the business of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the use of the properties and assets of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, for their intended purposes, except where failure to have title or leasehold interests would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All such material properties and assets are free and clear of Liens, other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02.
SECTION 3.08. Litigation; Compliance with Laws. (a) As of the Effective Date, except as set forth in Schedule 3.08, as specifically disclosed in Blackstone Groups Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 or in any other report publicly filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof, there are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority now pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party, or any of the Subsidiaries, or any business, property or rights of any such Person (i) which on the date hereof involve any Loan Document or the Transactions or (ii) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and which would be materially likely to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither any Guarantor nor any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of any law, rule or regulation, or in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default would be materially likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.09. Agreements. (a) Neither any Guarantor nor any of the Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any partnership, limited liability company or corporate restriction that has resulted or would be materially likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither any Guarantor nor any of the Subsidiaries is in default in any manner under any provision of any indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing Indebtedness, or any other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets are or may be bound, where such default would be materially likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10. Federal Reserve Regulations. (a) No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, for any purpose which entails a violation of, or which is inconsistent with, the provisions of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulation T, U or X.
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(b) At no time will more than 25% of the combined assets of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries consist of margin stock (as such term is defined under the Regulation T, U or X of the Board), if a violation of Regulation T, U or X of the Board would result.
SECTION 3.11. Investment Company Act. Neither any Guarantor nor any of the Subsidiaries is an investment company as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 3.12. Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Loans for general investment and general partnership, limited liability company, corporate and other purposes of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
SECTION 3.13. Tax Returns. Each Loan Party and each of the Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all Federal tax returns and all state and local tax returns required to have been filed by it and has paid or caused to be paid all taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns or on any assessments received by it, except taxes the payment of which is not required by Section 5.03 or where the failure to file or pay would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.14. No Material Misstatements. As of the Effective Date, all information, reports, financial statements, exhibits or schedules furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of any Loan Document or included therein or delivered pursuant thereto, when taken as a whole (in each case, as amended, supplemented or updated through the Effective Date) and in light of the circumstances when furnished, do not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact (known to any Loan Party in the case of materials not furnished by it) necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided , that to the extent that any of the foregoing was based on or constitutes a forecast or financial projection, the Loan Parties represent only that each such forecast or projection was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Loan Parties to be reasonable at the time of preparation.
SECTION 3.15. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan by an amount that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans by an amount that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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ARTICLE IV
Conditions
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of (i) Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel for the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 and (ii) Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, Canadian counsel for certain of the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2, in each case covering such matters relating to the Loan Parties, this Agreement or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. The Loan Parties hereby request such counsel to deliver such opinions.
(c) The Lenders shall have received the financial statements described in Section 3.05.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of the Loan Parties, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, this Agreement or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied that (i) the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date and (ii) no default, prepayment event or creation of Liens under debt instruments or other agreements to which any Loan Party or Subsidiary is a party would result from the Transactions.
(f) All material consents and approvals required to be obtained from any Governmental Authority or any other Person in connection with the Transactions shall have been obtained.
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(g) Since December 31, 2009, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations, financial condition or material agreements of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(h) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by a Financial Officer of each Loan Party, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.
(i) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Loan Parties hereunder.
(j) All amounts due or outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been paid in full, the commitments thereunder shall have been terminated and the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been terminated, and the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the foregoing.
(k) Each of the Loan Parties shall have executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent the fee letter dated the date hereof among each of the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
(l) The Lenders shall have received, to the extent requested, all documentation and other information reasonably requested by the Lenders or the Administrative Agent under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 23, 2010.
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of each Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.06 and 3.08(a)) shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable.
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(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice of such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit as required by Section 2.03, 2.04 or 2.05(b).
Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit, shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Loan Parties on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section and that, after giving effect to such Borrowing, or such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, the aggregate Credit Exposures (or any component thereof) shall not exceed the maximum amount thereof (or the maximum amount of any such component) specified in Section 2.01(b), 2.01(c), 2.01(d), 2.04(a) or 2.05(b).
SECTION 4.03. Additional Guarantors. The effectiveness of the designation of any Eligible Additional Guarantor as a Guarantor hereunder in accordance with Section 2.20 is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received such Guarantors Guarantor Joinder Agreement duly executed by all parties thereto.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents (including such legal opinions) as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the formation, existence and good standing of such Guarantor, the authorization and legality of the Transactions insofar as they relate to such Guarantor and any other legal matters relating to such Guarantor, its Guarantor Joinder Agreement or such Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(c) The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received, at least five Business Days prior to the effectiveness of the designation of such additional Guarantor, all documentation and other information relating to such Guarantor requested by them for purposes of ensuring compliance with applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Loan Parties and the Lenders of the effectiveness of the designation of any Eligible Additional Guarantor as a Guarantor hereunder, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
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ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Loan Parties covenant and agree with the Lenders that they will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to:
SECTION 5.01. Existence; Businesses and Properties. (a) Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, except as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 6.04 or 6.05.
(b) Do or cause to be done all things necessary to (i) obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the rights, licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of the business of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.04 or 6.05, (ii) maintain and operate such business in substantially the manner in which it is presently conducted and operated, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.04 or 6.05, (iii) comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority (including ERISA, Regulations T, U and X and laws, rules, regulations and orders regarding the collection, payment and deposit of employees income, unemployment and Social Security taxes), whether now in effect or hereafter enacted and (iv) at all times maintain and preserve all property material to the conduct of the business of the Guarantors and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.04 or 6.05, and keep such property in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions, improvements and replacements thereto necessary in order that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted in all material respects at all times, in each case under clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, except where failure to comply therewith would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.02. Insurance. Keep its insurable properties adequately insured at all times by financially sound and reputable insurers; maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks, including fire and other risks insured against by extended coverage, as is customary for companies in the same or similar businesses, including public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property damage occurring upon, in, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by it (in each case to the extent such insurance is available at commercially reasonable rates and on commercially reasonable terms, the Lenders hereby acknowledging that certain of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries do not maintain general liability insurance on the Effective Date and have no current intention to obtain such insurance); and maintain such other insurance as may be required by law.
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SECTION 5.03. Obligations and Taxes. Pay and discharge promptly when due all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, as well as all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies or otherwise which, if unpaid, might give rise to a material Lien upon such properties or any part thereof; provided , however , that such payment and discharge shall not be required with respect to any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim so long as the validity or amount thereof shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and the relevant Guarantor (or the relevant Subsidiary) shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto or if the failure to pay, discharge or contest would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.04. Financial Statements, Reports, etc. Furnish to the Administrative Agent:
(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, (i) the annual audited consolidated statement of financial condition and consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners capital and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year of Blackstone Group, reported upon by Deloitte & Touche LLP or another independent registered public accounting firm of recognized national standing without any scope of audit qualification or statement from such accounting firm that such accounting firm believes substantial doubt exists about Blackstone Groups ability to continue as a going concern, (ii) the unaudited annual condensed consolidated and combined statement of financial condition and condensed consolidated and combined statements of income and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, substantially in the form delivered pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, certified by a Financial Officer as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries on a condensed consolidated and combined basis in accordance with GAAP and (iii) a reconciliation prepared by a Financial Officer of the audited financial statements referred to in clause (i) to the unaudited financial statements referred to in clause (ii);
(b) within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, (i) the quarterly unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition and condensed consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners capital and cash flows of Blackstone Group as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal year, certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of Blackstone Group on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except for the absence of footnotes or as otherwise described therein and subject to year-end audit adjustments, (ii) the quarterly unaudited condensed consolidated and combined statement of financial condition and condensed consolidated and combined statements of income and cash flows of the combined Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal
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year, substantially in the form delivered pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the combined Guarantors and the Subsidiaries on a condensed consolidated and combined basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except for the absence of footnotes or as otherwise described therein and subject to year-end audit adjustments and (iii) a reconciliation prepared by a Financial Officer of the unaudited financial statements referred to in clause (i) to the unaudited financial statements referred to in clause (ii);
(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer (i) certifying that, to the best of his or her knowledge, no Default has occurred or, if such a Default has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof and any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto and (ii) setting forth computations in reasonable detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent demonstrating compliance with the financial covenant contained in Section 6.09, including reasonably detailed computations of Total Indebtedness and Combined EBITDA; and
(d) promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Guarantors or the Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
SECTION 5.05. Litigation and Other Notices. Promptly after any Loan Party becomes aware thereof, furnish to the Administrative Agent written notice of the following:
(a) any Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) proposed to be taken with respect thereto;
(b) the filing or commencement of, or any threat or notice of intention of any Person to file or commence, any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority, against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof which has a reasonable likelihood of being adversely determined and which, if adversely determined, would be materially likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) any development that has resulted in, or would be materially likely to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.06. ERISA. Promptly after any Loan Party becomes aware thereof, furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender written notice of the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 5.07. Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections. Maintain all financial records in accordance with GAAP and permit any representatives designated by any Lender to visit and inspect the financial records and the properties of any Guarantor or any Subsidiary at reasonable times upon reasonable notice and as often as requested and to make extracts from and copies of such financial records (subject to Section 9.12), and permit any representatives affiliated with and designated by any Lender to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of any Guarantor or any Subsidiary with the officers thereof and, upon reasonable notice to the applicable Guarantor, independent accountants therefor.
SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans will be used for general investment and general partnership, limited liability company, corporate and other purposes of the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries.
SECTION 5.09. Further Assurances. Each Loan Party agrees to do such further acts and things and to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent such additional agreements, powers and instruments, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require or deem advisable to carry into effect the purposes of this Agreement or to better assure and confirm unto the Administrative Agent and each Lender its rights, powers and remedies hereunder.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Loan Parties covenant and agree with the Lenders that they will not, and will not cause or permit any of the Subsidiaries to:
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness. Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) Indebtedness of the Loan Parties or any of the Subsidiaries, including Guarantees by a Loan Party of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt, provided that at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, and immediately after giving effect to the incurrence thereof, the Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 4.0 to 1.0;
(b) Indebtedness of any Loan Party owing to any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Subsidiary owing to any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding in each case any Guarantee by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt);
(c) Indebtedness consisting of repurchase agreements relating to Cash and Carry Securities;
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(d) Indebtedness of the Loan Parties under Back-to-Back Lending Facilities in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $150,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(e) Indebtedness of the Seasoning Subsidiaries consisting of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt;
(f) other Indebtedness of the Subsidiaries, including Guarantees by the Subsidiaries (other than the Seasoning Subsidiaries) of Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000 at any time outstanding; and
(g) Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents.
SECTION 6.02. Liens. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it (including, in the case of securities owned by it, by the sale of such securities pursuant to any repurchase agreement or similar arrangement) or on any income or revenues or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
(a) Liens on property or assets of any Guarantor or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02 and any extensions, renewals or replacements thereof; provided that such Liens (i) shall secure only those obligations that they secure on the date hereof and permitted refinancings thereof and (ii) shall encumber only those properties and assets of such Guarantor or such Subsidiary that they encumber on the date hereof;
(b) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by any Guarantor or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition and (ii) such Lien does not apply to any other property or assets of such Guarantor or such Subsidiary;
(c) Liens for taxes not yet due or the payment of which is not at the time required by Section 5.03;
(d) statutory Liens of landlords and carriers, warehousemens, mechanics, materialmens, repairmens or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not yet due or the payment of which is not at the time required by Section 5.03 or which do not in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the value or use of property encumbered thereby;
(e) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
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(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for obligations for the payment of borrowed money), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) zoning restrictions, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions on use of real property and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and ground leases in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by any Guarantor or any Subsidiary are located;
(h) any attachment or judgment Lien unless the judgment it secures would constitute an Event of Default under clause (i) of Article VII;
(i) any interest or title of a lessor or lessee under any lease permitted by this Agreement (including any Lien granted by such lessor or lessee);
(j) Liens on Cash and Carry Securities securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(c);
(k) Liens on receivables and notes payable owing from employees or investors and related rights securing Indebtedness the proceeds of which are loaned to employees of the Guarantors, the Subsidiaries or Affiliates of any of the foregoing or to investors in the Guarantors or the Subsidiaries investment funds;
(l) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section 6.02 securing Indebtedness or other obligations permitted to be incurred hereunder in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000 (plus related obligations) at any time outstanding;
(m) immaterial Liens of any Loan Party or of any Subsidiary not securing Indebtedness for borrowed money;
(n) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not interfere in any material respect with the business of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(o) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on the items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;
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(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with repurchase agreements and reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to trading accounts or other brokerage accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(q) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other financial institutions not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of any Guarantor or any Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to agreements other than in connection with Indebtedness entered into by a Guarantor or a Subsidiary; and
(r) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings;
(s) Liens on assets of a Seasoning Subsidiary securing Non-Recourse Seasoning Debt of such Seasoning Subsidiary;
(t) Liens securing Indebtedness described in Section 6.01(d) and related obligations; and
(u) Liens required to be created pursuant to this Agreement.
SECTION 6.03. Certain Loans and Advances. Make or permit to exist loans or advances to employees of any Guarantor, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of a Guarantor except (i) loans and advances funded by Back-to-Back Lending Facilities, (ii) loans and advances that will be repaid within 20 Business Days of being invoiced by a Guarantor or a Subsidiary in accordance with existing practices of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries and which are invoiced within a reasonable amount of time following the date of the applicable investment and (iii) other loans or advances in a principal amount not in excess of $200,000,000 at any time outstanding.
SECTION 6.04. Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions. Merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or any substantial part of the consolidated assets (including by way of a sale or transfer of stock of Subsidiaries) of the Guarantors (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), except that:
(a) the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries may sell assets or properties in the ordinary course of business;
(b) the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any assets or property in transactions only among the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries;
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(c) (i) any Loan Party or Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or liquidate with or into a Loan Party in a transaction in which such Loan Party is the surviving entity and (ii) any Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or liquidate with or into any other Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary and no Person other than a Loan Party or a Subsidiary receives any consideration;
(d) the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries may effect sales and transfers of assets and mergers, consolidations, dissolutions and liquidations involving the Guarantors (including any Eligible Additional Guarantor that becomes a Guarantor) and the Subsidiaries in order to effect Permitted Reorganization Transactions;
(e) the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets or property for cash or other consideration reasonably determined by the Loan Parties to be in an amount at least equal to the fair value of such assets or property; and
(f) the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries may enter into mergers and consolidations to effect asset acquisitions;
provided that in the case of any transaction under clauses (c) and (d) above, and if the transaction has a value of $25,000,000 or more, clauses (e) and (f) above, the Loan Parties are in Pro Forma Compliance immediately after giving effect to such transaction.
SECTION 6.05. Business of Guarantors and the Subsidiaries. Engage in any new business, cease to engage in any business or change the character of any business in which it is engaged if as a result any Guarantor would no longer be primarily engaged, directly or indirectly, in the businesses of general investment banking, merchant banking, asset management or investment advisory services and investment or financial services.
SECTION 6.06. Amendment of Certain Agreements. Make or permit to be made any amendment or modification of, or waive any of its rights under, the Agreements of Limited Partnership or the LLC Agreement that materially impairs (a) the creditworthiness of any Loan Party or (b) the rights or interests of the Lenders hereunder; provided that amendments, modifications and waivers (i) determined by the general partner of a Guarantor or managing member of the Borrower as necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interests in any Guarantor or the Borrower; (ii) reflecting the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in any Guarantor or member of the Borrower; (iii) reflecting a change in the name of any Loan Party, the location of the principal place of business of any Loan Party, the registered agent of any Loan Party or the registered office of any Loan Party; (iv) determined by the general partner or the managing member of a Loan Party, as applicable, to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. Federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) reflecting a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of any Loan Party and any other changes that the general
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partner or the managing member, as applicable, of a Loan Party determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of any Loan Party including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by any Loan Party; or (vi) necessary for the consummation of Permitted Restructuring Transactions, shall be permitted.
SECTION 6.07. Ownership of Core Businesses; Borrower. (a) Permit any Equity Interests that are owned by Blackstone Group, either directly or through its direct or indirect subsidiaries, in a Core Business Entity, to be owned by any Person other than the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries (unless such Core Business Entity is itself a Loan Party), it being understood that the foregoing will not prohibit Blackstone Groups indirect ownership of such Equity Interests through its direct or indirect ownership of Equity Interests in the Loan Parties.
(b) Permit any Equity Interests in the Borrower to be owned by any Person other than the Guarantors and Persons that are wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Guarantors (calculated as if the Guarantors collectively were one Person).
SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments. Declare, make or pay, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment when a Default has occurred and is continuing; provided that, (i) so long as no Event of Default under clause (b), (c), (g) or (h) of Article VII has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantors may continue to make cash distributions to the General Partners (but not in respect of limited partnership interests in the Guarantors) solely for the purpose of providing Blackstone Group with funds to make regular quarterly cash distributions to its common unitholders of $.30 per unit (as adjusted to hold constant for splits, combinations, dividends and issuances of units after the Effective Date), so long as any such cash distributions by the Guarantors (A) are not in the aggregate, net of applicable taxes, in excess of the amounts of such Blackstone Group quarterly distributions and (B) are made not more than 15 days prior to the payment date for such Blackstone Group quarterly distributions and (ii) the Guarantors, to the extent they are classified as partnerships for U.S. Federal tax purposes, may make Tax Distributions (as such term is defined in each such respective Guarantors partnership agreement in effect on the date hereof, or, in the case of Eligible Additional Guarantors, Tax Distributions on terms substantially equivalent to those in the Guarantors respective partnership agreements in effect on the date hereof).
SECTION 6.09. Financial Covenants. (a) Permit the aggregate assets under management of the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries in respect of which the Guarantors and the Subsidiaries receive management fees (excluding any assets in respect of which management fees are not payable, regardless of whether carried interests exist) on the last day of any fiscal quarter be less than $65,000,000,000.
(b) Permit the Leverage Ratio on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be greater than 4.0 to 1.0.
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ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
In case of the happening of any of the following events ( Events of Default ):
(a) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in connection with the Borrowings hereunder, in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statements or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect when so made, deemed made or furnished;
(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or by acceleration thereof or otherwise;
(c) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in (b) above) due under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;
(d) any Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01(a) or 5.05(a) or in Article VI;
(e) any Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in (b), (c) or (d) above) and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower;
(f) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;
(g) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary or its debts, or of a
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substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets or (iii) the winding-up or liquidation of any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
(h) any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (g) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any partnership or formal action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(i) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $100,000,000 (to the extent not adequately covered by insurance) shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Significant Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 60 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon assets or properties of any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(j) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or
(k) the guarantee of any Guarantor contained in Article X of this Agreement shall not for any reason be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable against each Guarantor in all material respects in accordance with its terms (other than as a result of a release or discharge of such Guarantor in accordance with the Loan Documents);
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Loan Party described in paragraph (g) or (h) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate forthwith the Commitments and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be forthwith due and payable in whole or in part, whereupon the principal
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of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued fees and all other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become forthwith due and payable, and (iii) require the deposit of cash collateral in respect of LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.05(i), in each case without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and in any event with respect to a Loan Party described in paragraph (g) or (h) above, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued fees and all other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable and the deposit of such cash collateral in respect of LC Exposure shall automatically become due, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
SECTION 8.01. Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks , and none of the Loan Parties shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions; in each case subject to the rights of the Borrower under Section 8.06.
SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent Individually. (a) The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender or an Issuing Bank as any other Lender or Issuing Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term Lender or Lenders shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
(b) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank understands that the Person serving as Administrative Agent, acting in its individual capacity, and its Affiliates (collectively, the Agents Group ) are engaged in a wide range of financial services and businesses (including investment management, financing, securities trading, corporate
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and investment banking and research) (collectively, the Activities ) and may engage in the Activities with or on behalf of one or more of the Loan Parties or their respective Affiliates. Furthermore, the Agents Group may, in undertaking the Activities, engage in trading in financial products or undertake other investment businesses for its own account or on behalf of others (including the Loan Parties and their Affiliates and including holding, for its own account or on behalf of others, equity, debt and similar positions in the Loan Parties or their respective Affiliates), including trading in or holding long, short or derivative positions in securities, loans or other financial products of one or more of the Loan Parties or their Affiliates. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank understands and agrees that in engaging in the Activities, the Agents Group may receive or otherwise obtain information concerning the Loan Parties or their Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Loan Parties to perform their obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) which information may not be available to any of the Lenders that are not members of the Agents Group. None of the Administrative Agent nor any member of the Agents Group shall have any duty to disclose to any Lender or any Issuing Bank or use on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, and shall not be liable for the failure to so disclose or use, any information whatsoever about or derived from the Activities or otherwise (including any information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates) or to account for any revenue or profits obtained in connection with the Activities, except that the Administrative Agent shall deliver or otherwise make available to each Lender and each Issuing Bank such documents as are expressly required by any Loan Document to be transmitted by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks.
(c) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank further understands that there may be situations where members of the Agents Group or their respective customers (including the Loan Parties and their Affiliates) either now have or may in the future have interests or take actions that may conflict with the interests of any one or more of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks (including the interests of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks hereunder and under the other Loan Documents). Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that no member of the Agents Group is or shall be required to restrict its activities as a result of the Person serving as Administrative Agent being a member of the Agents Group, and that each member of the Agents Group may undertake any Activities without further consultation with or notification to any Lender or any Issuing Bank. None of (i) this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, (ii) the receipt by the Agents Group of information (including Information) concerning the Loan Parties or their Affiliates (including information concerning the ability of the Loan Parties to perform their obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) nor (iii) any other matter shall give rise to any fiduciary, equitable or contractual duties (including any duty of trust or confidence) owing by the Administrative Agent or any member of the Agents Group to any Lender or any Issuing Bank including any such duty that would prevent or restrict the Agents Group from acting on behalf of customers (including the Loan Parties or their Affiliates) or for its own account.
SECTION 8.03. Duties of Administrative Agent; Exculpatory Provisions. (a) The Administrative Agents duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents
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are solely ministerial and administrative in nature and the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, but shall be required to act or refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written direction of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02(b)) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default or the event or events that give or may give rise to any Default unless and until any Loan Party or any Lender or Issuing Bank shall have given notice to the Administrative Agent describing such Default and such event or events.
(c) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any member of the Agents Group shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty, representation or other information made or supplied in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith or the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of the information contained therein, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than (but subject to the foregoing clause (ii)) to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
(d) Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties to carry out any know your customer or other checks in relation to any Person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Administrative Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties.
SECTION 8.04. Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other
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distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, unless an officer of the Administrative Agent responsible for the transactions contemplated hereby shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, and in the case of a Borrowing, such Lender shall not have made available to the Administrative Agent such Lenders ratable portion of such Borrowing. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Loan Parties), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
SECTION 8.05. Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. Each such sub-agent and the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and each such sub-agent shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article VIII and Section 9.03 (as though such sub-agents were the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.
SECTION 8.06. Resignation of Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower. At the time of any such resignation, the successor shall be the Lender with the greatest Credit Exposure and unused Commitment at such time (other than the resigning Administrative Agent) that consents to serving as Administrative Agent. If no such successor shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (such 30-day period, the Lender Appointment Period ), then the retiring Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent that is a bank with an office in New York City. The Administrative Agent may not resign unless and until a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations as Administrative Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agents resignation hereunder, the provisions of this
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Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
(b) Any resignation pursuant to this Section by a Person acting as the Administrative Agent shall, unless such Person shall notify the Borrower, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks otherwise, also act to relieve such Person and its Affiliates of any obligation to issue or advance new, or extend existing, Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans, as the case may be, where such advance or extension is to occur on or after the effective date of such resignation. Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (i) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Swingline Lender, (ii) the retiring Swingline Lender shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and (iii) the successor Swingline Lender shall enter into an Assignment and Assumption and acquire from the retiring Swingline Lender each outstanding Swingline Loan of such retiring Swingline Lender for a purchase price equal to par plus accrued interest.
(c) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if at any time the Required Lenders determine that the Person serving as Administrative Agent is (without taking into account any provision in the definition of Defaulting Lender requiring notice from the Administrative Agent or any other party) a Defaulting Lender, the Required Lenders (determined after giving effect to Section 9.02(c)) may by notice to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, with the agreement of the Borrower, appoint a replacement Administrative Agent hereunder. Such removal will be effective on the date a replacement Administrative Agent is appointed.
SECTION 8.07. Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. (a) Each Lender and Issuing Bank confirms to the Administrative Agent, each other Lender and Issuing Bank and each of their respective Related Parties that it (i) possesses (individually or through its Related Parties) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable, without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or Issuing Bank or any of their respective Related Parties, of evaluating the merits and risks (including tax, legal, regulatory, credit, accounting and other financial matters) of (x) entering into this Agreement, (y) making Loans, issuing Letters of Credit and making other extensions of credit, as applicable, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (z) taking or not taking actions hereunder and thereunder, (ii) is financially able to bear such risks and (iii) has determined that entering into this Agreement and making Loans, issuing Letters of Credit and making other extensions of credit, as applicable, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents is suitable and appropriate for it.
(b) Each Lender and Issuing Bank acknowledges that (i) it is solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) it has,
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independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or Issuing Bank or any of their respective Related Parties, made its own appraisal and investigation of all risks associated with, and its own credit analysis and decision to enter into, this Agreement based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate and (iii) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or Issuing Bank or any of their respective Related Parties, continue to be solely responsible for making its own appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with, and its own credit analysis and decision to take or not take action under, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, which may include, in each case:
(i) the financial condition, status and capitalization of the Loan Parties;
(ii) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Loan Document;
(iii) determining compliance or non-compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan and the form and substance of all evidence delivered in connection with establishing the satisfaction of each such condition; and
(iv) the adequacy, accuracy and completeness of the information delivered by the Administrative Agent, any other Lender or Issuing Bank or by any of their respective Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Loan Document.
SECTION 8.08. No Other Duties. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Persons acting as Arrangers or as Syndication Agent listed on the cover page hereto shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or as a Lender hereunder.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
SECTION 9.01. Notices. (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be given in writing, or by any telecommunication device capable of creating a written record (including electronic mail), and addressed to the party to be notified as follows:
(i) if to the Loan Parties, to them at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, Attention of Mr. Laurence A. Tosi, C.F.O. (Telecopy No. 212-583-5721) and Mr. V.K. Sawhney, Senior Managing Director (Telecopy No. 646-253-7675);
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(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to it at Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, 1615 Brett Road, Building #2, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention of Robert Ross (Telecopy No. 212-994-0961; Electronic mail: robert.ross@citi.com (CC: global.loans.support@citi.com)), with a copy to Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, Attention of Alexander Duka (Telecopy No. 646-291-1703; Electronic mail: alexander.f.duka@citi.com);
(iii) if to any Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or fax number) most recently specified by it in a notice delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (or, in the absence of any such notice, to the address (or telecopy number) set forth in the Administrative Questionnaire of the Lender that is serving as such Issuing Bank or is an Affiliate thereof);
(iv) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire;
or at such other address as shall be notified in writing (x) in the case of the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, to the other parties and (y) in the case of all other parties, to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(b) All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications described in clause (a) shall be effective (i) if delivered by hand, including any overnight courier service, upon personal delivery, (ii) if delivered by posting to an Approved Electronic Platform, an Internet website or a similar telecommunication device requiring that a user have prior access to such Approved Electronic Platform, website or other device (to the extent permitted by Section 9.13 to be delivered thereunder), when such notice, demand, request, consent and other communication shall have been made generally available on such Approved Electronic Platform, Internet website or similar device to the class of Person being notified (regardless of whether any such Person must accomplish, and whether or not any such Person shall have accomplished, any action prior to obtaining access to such items, including registration, disclosure of contact information, compliance with a standard user agreement or undertaking a duty of confidentiality) and such Person has been notified in respect of such posting that a communication has been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform and (iii) if delivered by electronic mail or any other telecommunications device, when transmitted to an electronic mail address (or by another means of electronic delivery) as provided in clause (a); provided , however, that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until received by the Administrative Agent.
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(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) (unless the Administrative Agent requests that the provisions of clauses (a) and (b) be followed) and any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document providing for the delivery of any Approved Electronic Communication by any other means, the Borrower shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Administrative Agent, deliver all Approved Electronic Communications to the Administrative Agent by properly transmitting such Approved Electronic Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format acceptable to the Administrative Agent to oploanswebadmin@citi.com or such other electronic mail address (or similar means of electronic delivery) as the Administrative Agent may notify to the Borrower. Nothing in this clause (c) shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to deliver any Approved Electronic Communication to the Borrower in any manner authorized in this Agreement or to request that the Borrower effect delivery in such manner.
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by a Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Loan Parties and the Required Lenders or by the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders and the Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or the required date of reimbursement of any LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest or fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.17(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the
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written consent of each Lender, (v) alter the last sentence of Section 2.08(c) without the written consent of each Lender, (vi) release any of the Guarantors or limit its liability in respect of its guarantee under Article X without the consent of each Lender (other than in connection with a Permitted Reorganization Transaction) or (vii) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of Required Lenders or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; provided further that (A) no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender, respectively. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision of this Agreement may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by the Loan Parties, the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent if (i) by the terms of such agreement the Commitment of each Lender not consenting to the amendment provided for therein shall terminate upon the effectiveness of such amendment and (ii) at the time such amendment becomes effective, each Lender not consenting thereto receives payment in full of the principal of and interest accrued on each Loan made by it and all other amounts owing to it or accrued for its account under this Agreement.
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of outside counsel for the Administrative Agent (which, except as otherwise agreed by the Borrower, shall be limited to a single counsel), in connection with the pre-closing syndication of the credit facility provided for herein, the preparation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank (including the fees, charges and disbursements of not more than one outside legal counsel plus, if necessary, one local counsel per jurisdiction plus, in the case of a conflict of interest or separate defenses available to indemnified parties that are different from those available to other indemnified parties, one additional counsel per group of affected parties), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.
(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an Indemnitee ) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the
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reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of not more than one outside legal counsel plus, if necessary, one local counsel per jurisdiction plus, in the case of a conflict of interest or separate defenses available to indemnified parties that are different from those available to the Borrower or other indemnified parties, one additional counsel per group of affected parties), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses resulted from the gross negligence, fraud or wilful misconduct of such Indemnitee or its Related Parties as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, but without affecting the Borrowers obligation to pay such amount, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or such Related Party, such Lenders Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 10 days after written demand therefor.
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
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respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that no Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Loan Party without such consent shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Any Lender may assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) to any Non-Defaulting Lender or Non-Defaulting Lender Affiliate, or to any one or more other assignees with the prior written consent of (i) the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default under clause (b), (c), (g) or (h) of Article VII has occurred and is continuing, (ii) the Administrative Agent, (iii) each Principal Issuing Bank and (iv) the Swingline Lender. Assignments shall be subject to the following conditions: (w) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or a Lender Affiliate or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment, the amount of the Commitment of each Lender after giving effect to any assignment shall be not less than $50,000,000 unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent (such consent of the Borrower not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (x) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, (y) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, and (z) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.
(c) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the City of New York a copy of each
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Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount and currency of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register ). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender or Issuing Bank at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(d) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignees completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Acceptance and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(e) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a Participant ) in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (f) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(c) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, in accordance with the customary record-keeping practices of such Lender and acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participants interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the Participant Register ). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest
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error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
(f) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.14 or 2.16 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.16 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.16(g) as though it were a Lender.
(g) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto or grant such pledgee or assignee enforcement rights prior to a foreclosure on such pledge or assignment or any voting rights.
(h) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no Lender may provide any Information (as defined in Section 9.12) to any prospective Lender, Participant or pledgee without the prior written consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and the issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan, any LC Disbursement or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different
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counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under paragraph (b), (c), (g) or (h) of Article VII, each Lender and Issuing Bank, and each Affiliate of any of the foregoing, is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or Issuing Bank, or by such an Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any of and all the obligations of such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by such Lender or Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender and Issuing Bank, and each Affiliate of any of the foregoing, under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender, Issuing Bank or Affiliate may have.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and
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determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates managers, administrators, trustees, partners, directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors on a need-to-know basis (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such
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Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, provided that the Administrative Agent or any such Lender, as the case may be, gives the Borrower prompt notice of any request to disclose information (unless such notice is prohibited by law, subpoena, similar process or by the applicable regulatory authority) so that the Borrower may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy (including by participation in any proceeding to which the Administrative Agent or any such Issuing Bank or Lender is a party, and each of them hereby agrees to use reasonable effort to permit the Borrower to do so), (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) with the consent of the Borrower or (g) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or its Affiliates.
For the purposes of this Section, Information means all information (including financial statements, certificates and reports and analyses, compilations and studies prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any Lender based on any of the foregoing) received from or on behalf of any Loan Party or Subsidiary relating to any Loan Party or Subsidiary or its Affiliates or its business or relating to any employee, member or partner or customer of any Loan Party or Subsidiary, other than any such information that is or becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
SECTION 9.13. Posting of Approved Electronic Communications. (a) Each of the Lenders and the Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Approved Electronic Communications available to the Lenders by posting such Approved Electronic Communications on Debt Domain or a substantially similar electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the Approved Electronic Platform ).
(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a dual firewall and a User ID/Password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a single-user-per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. In consideration for the convenience and other benefits afforded by such distribution and for the other consideration provided hereunder, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
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acknowledged, each of the Lenders and the Borrower hereby approves of distribution of the Approved Electronic Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution in the absence of gross negligence or wilful misconduct by the Administrative Agent and its Related Parties.
(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED AS IS AND AS AVAILABLE. NONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOR ANY OTHER MEMBER OF THE AGENTS GROUP WARRANTS THE ACCURACY, ADEQUACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EACH EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE AGENTS GROUP IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.
(d) Each of the Lenders and the Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Approved Electronic Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agents generally-applicable document retention procedures and policies.
SECTION 9.14. USA Patriot Act. Each Lender and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of the Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Loan Party in accordance with the USA Patriot Act.
SECTION 9.15. Lender Relationship. Each Lender, the Issuing Banks, the Administrative Agent and their Affiliates (collectively, solely for purposes of this paragraph, the Lenders ), may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Loan Parties, the owners of their Equity Interests and/or their Affiliates. The Loan Parties agree that nothing in the Loan Documents or otherwise will be deemed to create an advisory, fiduciary or agency relationship or fiduciary or other implied duty between any Lender, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, the owners of their Equity Interests or their Affiliates, on the other. The Loan Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents (including the exercise of rights and remedies hereunder and thereunder) are arms-length commercial transactions between the Lenders, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other, and (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading thereto, (x) no Lender has assumed an advisory or
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fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Loan Parties, the owners of their Equity Interests or their Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (or the exercise of rights or remedies with respect hereto or thereto) or the process leading hereto or thereto (irrespective of whether any Lender has advised, is currently advising or will advise any Loan Party, the owner of its Equity Interest or its Affiliates on other matters) or any other obligation to the Loan Parties except the obligations expressly set forth in the Loan Documents and (y) each Lender is acting solely as principal and not as the agent or fiduciary of any Loan Party, its management, owners of its Equity Interests, creditors or any other Person. Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that it has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate and that it is responsible for making its own independent judgment with respect to such transactions and the process leading thereto. Each Loan Party agrees that it will not claim that any Lender has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to such Loan Party in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.
SECTION 9.16. Judgment Currency. (a) If, for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum owing hereunder in one currency into another currency, each party hereto agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures in the relevant jurisdiction the first currency could be purchased with such other currency on the Business Day immediately preceding the day on which final judgment is given.
(b) The obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due to any party hereto or any holder of any obligation owing hereunder (the Applicable Creditor ) shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the Judgment Currency ) other than the currency in which such sum is stated to be due hereunder (the Agreement Currency ), be discharged only to the extent that, on the Business Day following receipt by the Applicable Creditor of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Applicable Creditor may in accordance with normal banking procedures in the relevant jurisdiction purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency; if the amount of the Agreement Currency that may be so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Applicable Creditor in the Agreement Currency, the Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Applicable Creditor against such loss. The obligations of the Borrower under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of all other amounts owing hereunder.
ARTICLE X
Guarantee
In order to induce the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder, each Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a
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primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any such extension or renewal of any Obligation.
Each Guarantor waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any of the Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise, (b) any extension or renewal of any of the Obligations, (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from (other than an express, written release), any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, or any other Loan Document or agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor hereunder, (d) any default, failure or delay, wilful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Obligations, (e) any decree or order, or any law or regulation of any jurisdiction or event affecting any term of an Obligation or (f) any other act, omission or delay to do any other act that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge of a Guarantor as a matter of law or equity or which would impair or eliminate any right of each Guarantor to subrogation or any other circumstance that might constitute a defense of each Guarantor or the Borrower.
Each Guarantor further agrees that its agreement hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when and in the amount due (whether or not any bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall have stayed the accrual or collection or the acceleration of any of the Obligations or operated as a discharge thereof) and not merely of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in favor of the Borrower or any other Person. Each Guarantor agrees that its guarantee hereunder is continuing in nature and applies to all Obligations, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred.
The obligations of each Guarantor, and the claims of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender against each Guarantor, hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise (other than the indefeasible payment in full of all the Obligations), and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Obligations, any impossibility in the performance of any of the Obligations or otherwise (other than for the indefeasible payment in full of all the Obligations).
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Each Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or otherwise.
In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender may have at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to pay any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will, upon receipt of written demand by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in cash an amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of such Obligations then due, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
Upon payment by each Guarantor of any sums as provided above, all rights of each Guarantor against the Borrower arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full of all the Obligations owed by the Borrower hereunder.
Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to a maximum aggregate amount equal to the greatest amount that would not render such Guarantors obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of Title 11 of the United States Code or any provisions of applicable state law (collectively, the Fraudulent Transfer Laws ), in each case after giving effect to all other liabilities of such Guarantor, contingent or otherwise, that are relevant under the Fraudulent Transfer Laws (specifically excluding, however, any liabilities of such Guarantor (i) in respect of intercompany indebtedness to the Borrower or Affiliates of the Borrower to the extent that such indebtedness would be discharged in an amount equal to the amount paid by such Guarantor hereunder and (ii) under any Guarantee of senior unsecured indebtedness or Indebtedness subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations which Guarantee contains a limitation as to maximum amount similar to that set forth in this paragraph, pursuant to which the liability of such Guarantor hereunder is included in the liabilities taken into account in determining such maximum amount) and after giving effect as assets to the value (as determined under the applicable provisions of the Fraudulent Transfer Laws) of any rights to subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar rights of such Guarantor pursuant to (x) applicable law or (y) any agreement providing for an equitable allocation among such Guarantor and other Affiliates of the Borrower of obligations arising under Guarantees by such parties.
In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under applicable law (but subject to the final paragraph of this Article X), the Borrower agrees that in the event a payment in respect of any obligation
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shall be made by any Guarantor under this Agreement, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment.
Each Guarantor (a Contributing Party ) agrees (subject to the final paragraph of this Article X) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor hereunder in respect of any Obligation and such other Guarantor (the Claiming Party ) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided hereunder, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the amount of such payment multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date of the most recent fiscal quarter of Blackstone Group ended prior to the date of this Agreement (or, in the case of any Eligible Additional Guarantor added as a Guarantor after the date hereof, the most recent fiscal quarter of Blackstone Group ended prior to the date such Eligible Additional Guarantor became a Guarantor) and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors on such date. Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this paragraph shall (subject to the final paragraph of this Article X) be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party under the preceding paragraph to the extent of such payment.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Guarantors under the preceding two paragraphs and all other rights of the Guarantors of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations. No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor to make the payments required by the preceding two paragraphs (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Guarantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that all Indebtedness and other monetary obligations owed by it to, or to it by, any other Loan Party shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations.
The provisions of this Article X shall not affect or limit the ability of the Guarantors or the Subsidiaries to enter into and consummate Permitted Reorganization Transactions, and a Guarantor shall be released from its obligations under this Article X if, as a result of a Permitted Reorganization Transaction, it is no longer a holding company for Equity Interests in Core Business Entities and assets of Core Businesses.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C. | ||
By: | ||
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P., | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., its General Partner | ||
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P., | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., its General Partner | ||
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P., | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., its General Partner | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings III GP Management L.L.C., its General Partner | ||
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P., | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., its General Partner | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management | ||
(Delaware) L.P., its General Partner | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management | ||
L.L.C., its General Partner | ||
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
||
Name: | Laurence A. Tosi | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to the Credit Agreement]
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CITIBANK, N.A. individually and as Administrative Agent, |
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by | ||||
/s/ Maureen P. Maroney |
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Name: | Maureen P. Maroney | |||
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
[Signature page to the Credit Agreement]
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LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Bank of America, N.A. |
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by |
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/s/ David H. Strickert |
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Name: David H. Strickert | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by |
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|
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Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: |
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Barclays Bank Plc |
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by |
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/s/ Kevin Cullen |
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Name: Kevin Cullen | ||
Title: Director |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by |
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|
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Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, F/K/A, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch |
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by | ||
/s/ Alain Daoust |
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Name: Alain Daoust | ||
Title: Director |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by | ||
/s/ Jay Chall |
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Name: Jay Chall | ||
Title: Director |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch |
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by | ||
/s/ Susan LeFevre |
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Name: Susan LeFevre | ||
Title: Managing Director |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by | ||
/s/ Evelyn Thierry |
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Name: Evelyn Thierry | ||
Title: Director |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
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by | ||
/s/ Sergey Sherman |
||
Name: Sergey Sherman | ||
Title: Vice President |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Goldman Sachs Bank USA |
||
by | ||
/s/ Alexis Maged |
||
Name: Alexis Maged | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. |
||
by | ||
/s/ Ryan Vetsch |
||
Name: Ryan Vetsch | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Nomura International Plc |
||
by | ||
/s/ C. H. Pitts-Tucker |
||
Name: C. H. Pitts-Tucker | ||
Title: Managing Director | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Royal Bank of Canada |
||
by | ||
/s/ Howard Lee |
||
Name: Howard Lee | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by |
||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Societe Generale |
||
by | ||
/s/ William Aishton |
||
Name: William Aishton | ||
Title: Director | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: |
||
UBS Loan Finance LLC |
||
by |
||
/s/ Irja R. Otsa |
||
Name: Irja R. Otsa | ||
Title: Associate Director | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: |
||
by |
||
/s/ Mary E. Evans |
||
Name: Mary E. Evans | ||
Title: Associate Director |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
US Bank N.A. |
||
by | ||
/s/ Robert L. Barrett |
||
Name: Robert L. Barrett | ||
Title: Senior Vice President | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. |
||
by | ||
/s/ Lisa D. Buetow |
||
Name: Lisa D. Buetow | ||
Title: Assistant Vice President | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
HSBC Bank USA, National Association |
||
by | ||
/s/ Scott H. Buitekant |
||
Name: Scott H. Buitekant | ||
Title: Managing Director | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
LENDER SIGNATURE PAGE TO
THE BLACKSTONE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Name of Institution: | ||
Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited |
||
by | ||
/s/ William Getz |
||
Name: William Getz | ||
Title: Deputy General Manager | ||
For any Institution requiring a second signature line: | ||
by | ||
|
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Schedule 1.01
MANDATORY COST CALCULATIONS
1. | The Mandatory Cost is an addition to the interest rate to compensate Lenders for the cost of compliance with (a) the requirements of the Bank of England and/or the Financial Services Authority (or, in either case, any other authority which replaces all or any of its functions) or (b) the requirements of the European Central Bank. |
2. | On the first day of each Interest Period (or as soon as possible thereafter) the Administrative Agent shall calculate, as a percentage rate, a rate (the Additional Cost Rate ) for each Lender, in accordance with the paragraphs set out below. The Mandatory Cost will be calculated by the Administrative Agent as a weighted average of the Lenders Additional Cost Rates (weighted in proportion to the percentage participation of each Lender in the relevant Loan) and will be expressed as a percentage rate per annum. |
3. | The Additional Cost Rate for any Lender lending from a lending office in a participating member state of the European Union that has adopted or adopts the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union will be the percentage notified by that Lender to the Administrative Agent. This percentage will be certified by that Lender in its notice to the Administrative Agent to be its reasonable determination of the cost (expressed as a percentage of that Lenders participation in all Loans made from that facility office) of complying with the minimum reserve requirements of the European Central Bank in respect of loans made from that lending office. |
4. | The Additional Cost Rate for any Lender lending from a lending office in the United Kingdom will be calculated by the Administrative Agent as follows: |
(a) | in relation to a sterling Loan: |
AB + C(B - D) + E × 0.01 |
per cent. per annum | |
100 - ( A + C ) |
(b) | in relation to a Loan in any currency other than sterling: |
E × 0.01 |
per cent. per annum. | |
300 |
Where:
A | is the percentage of Eligible Liabilities (assuming these to be in excess of any stated minimum) which that Lender is from time to time required to maintain as an interest free cash ratio deposit with the Bank of England to comply with cash ratio requirements. |
B | is the percentage rate of interest (excluding the Applicable Margin and the Mandatory Cost and any additional rate of interest specified in paragraph (c) of Section 2.12) payable for the relevant Interest Period on the Loan. |
C | is the percentage (if any) of Eligible Liabilities which that Lender is required from time to time to maintain as interest bearing Special Deposits with the Bank of England. |
D | is the percentage rate per annum payable by the Bank of England to the Administrative Agent on interest bearing Special Deposits. |
E | is designed to compensate Lenders for amounts payable under the Fees Rules and is calculated by the Administrative Agent as being the average of the most recent rates of charge supplied by the Reference Banks to the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph 7 below and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000. |
5. | For the purposes of this Schedule: |
(a) | Eligible Liabilities and Special Deposits have the meanings given to them from time to time under or pursuant to the Bank of England Act 1998 or (as may be appropriate) by the Bank of England; |
(b) | Fees Rules means the rules on periodic fees contained in the FSA Supervision Manual or such other law or regulation as may be in force from time to time in respect of the payment of fees for the acceptance of deposits; |
(c) | Fee Tariffs means the fee tariffs specified in the Fees Rules under the activity group A.1 Deposit acceptors (ignoring any minimum fee or zero rated fee required pursuant to the Fees Rules but taking into account any applicable discount rate); and |
(d) | Tariff Base has the meaning given to it in, and will be calculated in accordance with, the Fees Rules. |
6. | In application of the above formulae, A, B, C and D will be included in the formulae as percentages (i.e. 5 per cent. will be included in the formula as 5 and not as 0.05). A negative result obtained by subtracting D from B shall be taken as zero. The resulting figures shall be rounded to four decimal places. |
7. |
If requested by the Administrative Agent, each Reference Bank shall, as soon as practicable after publication by the Financial Services Authority, supply to the Administrative Agent, the rate of charge payable by that Reference Bank to the Financial Services Authority pursuant to the Fees Rules in respect of the relevant financial year of the Financial Services Authority (calculated for this purpose by that Reference Bank as |
2
being the average of the Fee Tariffs applicable to that Reference Bank for that financial year) and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000 of the Tariff Base of that Reference Bank. |
8. | Each Lender shall supply any information required by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of calculating its Additional Cost Rate. In particular, but without limitation, each Lender shall supply the following information on or prior to the date on which it becomes a Lender: |
(a) | the jurisdiction of its lending office; and |
(b) | any other information that the Administrative Agent may reasonably require for such purpose. |
Each Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change to the information provided by it pursuant to this paragraph.
9. | The percentages of each Lender for the purpose of A and C above and the rates of charge of each Reference Bank for the purpose of E above shall be determined by the Administrative Agent based upon the information supplied to it pursuant to paragraphs 7 and 8 above and on the assumption that, unless a Lender notifies the Administrative Agent to the contrary, each Lenders obligations in relation to cash ratio deposits and Special Deposits are the same as those of a typical bank from its jurisdiction of incorporation with a lending office in the same jurisdiction as its lending office. |
10. | The Administrative Agent shall have no liability to any person if such determination results in an Additional Cost Rate which over or under compensates any Lender and shall be entitled to assume that the information provided by any Lender or the Reference Banks pursuant to paragraphs 3, 7 and 8 above is true and correct in all respects. |
11. | The Administrative Agent shall distribute the additional amounts received as a result of the Mandatory Cost to the Lenders on the basis of the Additional Cost Rate for each Lender based on the information provided by each Lender and each Reference Bank pursuant to paragraphs 3, 7 and 8 above. |
12. | Any determination by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Schedule in relation to a formula, the Mandatory Cost, an Additional Cost Rate or any amount payable to a Lender shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all parties to this Agreement. |
13. |
The Administrative Agent may from time to time, after consultation with the Borrower and the Lenders, determine and notify to all parties to this Agreement any amendments which are required to be made to this Schedule 1.01 in order to comply with any change |
3
in law, regulation or any requirements from time to time imposed by the Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority or the European Central Bank (or, in any case, any other authority which replaces all or any of its functions) and any such determination shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all parties to this Agreement. |
4
Schedule 2.01
COMMITMENTS
Institution | Allocation (US$) | |||||
1. | Citibank, N.A. | 100,000,000 | ||||
2. | Bank of America, N.A. | 100,000,000 | ||||
3. | Barclays Bank PLC | 100,000,000 | ||||
4. | Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch | 100,000,000 | ||||
5. | Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch | 100,000,000 | ||||
6. | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | 100,000,000 | ||||
7. | Goldman Sachs Bank USA | 50,000,000 | ||||
8. | Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. | 50,000,000 | ||||
9. | Nomura International plc | 50,000,000 | ||||
10. | Royal Bank of Canada | 50,000,000 | ||||
11. | Societe Generale | 50,000,000 | ||||
12. | UBS Loan Finance LLC | 50,000,000 | ||||
13. | US Bank N.A. | 50,000,000 | ||||
14. | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | 50,000,000 | ||||
15. | HSBC Bank USA, National Association | 45,000,000 | ||||
16. | Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited | 25,000,000 | ||||
Total | 1,070,000,000 |
SCHEDULE 3.08
DISCLOSED MATTERS
None.
Schedule 6.02
EXISTING LIENS
Liens securing obligations in respect of the Aircraft Credit Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2007, between GSO Capital Partners LP and Citicorp USA, Inc.
Exhibit A
[FORM OF]
ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2010 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower (the Borrower ), Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Guarantors (collectively, the Guarantors ), the Lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the Administrative Agent ). Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein with the same meanings as in the Credit Agreement.
The Assignor named on the reverse hereof hereby sells and assigns, without recourse, to the Assignee named on the reverse hereof, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes, without recourse, from the Assignor, effective as of the Assignment Date set forth on the reverse hereof, the interests set forth on the reverse hereof (the Assigned Interest ) in the Assignors rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the interests set forth on the reverse hereof in the Commitment of the Assignor on the Assignment Date and Loans owing to the Assignor which are outstanding on the Assignment Date, together with the participations in Letters of Credit and LC Disbursements held by Assignor on the Assignment Date, but excluding accrued interest and fees to and excluding the Assignment Date. The Assignee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Credit Agreement. From and after the Assignment Date (i) the Assignee shall be a party to and be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.
This Assignment and Acceptance is being delivered to the Administrative Agent together with (i) if the Assignee is a Foreign Lender, any documentation required to be delivered by the Assignee pursuant to Section 2.16(e) of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee and (ii) if the Assignee is not already a Lender under the Credit Agreement, an Administrative Questionnaire in the form supplied by the Administrative Agent, duly completed by the Assignee. The [Assignee/Assignor] shall pay the fee payable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.
This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Date of Assignment:
Legal Name of Assignor:
Legal Name of Assignee:
Assignees Address for Notices:
Effective Date of Assignment
( Assignment Date ):
Principal Amount and
|
Percentage Assigned of
|
|||
Commitment: |
$ | % | ||
Revolving Loans: |
$ | |||
Swingline Loans: |
$ | |||
LC Disbursements: |
$ | |||
Letters of Credit |
$ |
The terms set forth above and on the reverse side hereof are hereby agreed to:
[ Name of Assignor ], as Assignor, |
||||
by |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
[ Name of Assignee ], as Assignee, |
||||
by |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
The undersigned hereby consent to the within assignment: 1
1 |
Consents to be included to the extent required by Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement. |
[ Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance ]
3
Exhibit B-1
[FORM OF OPINION OF SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP]
March 23, 2010
Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
under the Credit Agreement, as hereinafter
defined (the Administrative Agent )
and
The Lenders listed on Schedule I hereto
which are parties to the Credit Agreement
on the date hereof
Re: | Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2010 (the Credit Agreement ) among the Borrower and the Guarantors listed on Schedule II hereto (collectively, the Credit Parties ), the lending institutions identified in the Credit Agreement (the Lenders ) and the Administrative Agent. |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to the Credit Parties in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Parties organized under the laws of Delaware are referred to herein as the Delaware Credit Parties . Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement. This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 4.01(b) of the Credit Agreement.
In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Credit Agreement, signed by each Credit Party and by the Administrative Agent and certain of the Lenders. In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, the documents delivered to you at the closing, and upon originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such limited liability company and limited partnership records, agreements, documents and other instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Credit Parties, and have made such other investigations, as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In addition, we have relied as to certain matters of fact upon the representations made in the Credit Agreement.
Citibank, N.A. |
March 23, 2010 |
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. Each of the Delaware Credit Parties and Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ( Blackstone III GP ), has been duly formed and is validly existing and in good standing (a) in the case of the Delaware Credit Parties that are Guarantors and Blackstone III GP, as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware and (b) in the case of the Borrower, as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Delaware Credit Parties (a) has the requisite partnership or limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver the Credit Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder and, in the case of the Borrower, to borrow under the Credit Agreement and (b) has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Credit Agreement.
2. The execution and delivery by any Credit Party of the Credit Agreement, its borrowings or guarantees in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and performance of its payment obligations thereunder (a) will not result in any violation of (1) the Agreement of Limited Partnership, the Limited Liability Company Agreement, the certificate of limited partnership or the certificate of formation of any Delaware Credit Party and (2) assuming that proceeds of borrowings will be used in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, any federal or New York statute, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the Partnership Act ), the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the LLC Act ) or any rule or regulation issued pursuant to any federal or New York statute or the Partnership Act or the LLC Act or any order known to us issued by any court or governmental agency or body and (b) to our knowledge will not breach or result in a default under or result in the creation of any lien upon or security interest in the Credit Parties properties pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument identified on Schedule III attached to this opinion letter.
3. No consent, approval, authorization, order, filing, registration or qualification of or with any federal or New York governmental agency or body or any Delaware governmental agency or body acting pursuant to the Partnership Act or the LLC Act is required for the execution and delivery by any Credit Party of the Credit Agreement, the borrowings by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement or the performance by the Credit Parties of their respective payment or guarantee obligations under the Credit Agreement.
4. Assuming that the Credit Agreement is a valid and legally binding obligation of each of the Lenders parties thereto and the Administrative Agent and assuming that (a) each of the Credit Parties (other than the Delaware Credit Parties) is duly established and has not been discontinued or dissolved under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized and has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Credit Agreement in accordance with its organizational documents, (b) the execution, delivery and performance by each Credit Party of the Credit Agreement do not violate any applicable laws (excepting the law of the State of New York,
- 2 -
Citibank, N.A. |
March 23, 2010 |
the Partnership Act, the LLC Act and the federal laws of the United States) and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by each Credit Party of the Credit Agreement do not constitute a breach or violation of any agreement or instrument which is binding upon such Credit Party (except that we do not make the assumption in the foregoing clause (c) with respect to the agreements and instruments that are the subject of opinion paragraph 2 of this opinion letter), the Credit Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of each Credit Party, enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its terms.
5. To our knowledge, having made no independent investigation, there is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court, arbitrator or governmental agency, body or official, now pending, to which any Credit Party is a party or to which the business, assets or property of any Credit Party is subject, and no such action, suit or proceeding is threatened to which any Credit Party would be a party or the business, assets or property of any Credit Party would be subject, that in either case questions the validity of the Credit Agreement.
6. No Credit Party is an investment company within the meaning of and subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Our opinion in paragraph 4 above is subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and (iv) the effects of the possible judicial application of foreign laws or foreign governmental or judicial action affecting creditors rights.
We express no opinion with respect to:
(A) the effect of any provision of the Credit Agreement which is intended to permit modification thereof only by means of an agreement signed in writing by the parties thereto;
(B) the effect of any provision of the Credit Agreement insofar as it provides that any Person purchasing a participation from a Lender or other Person may exercise set-off or similar rights with respect to such participation or that any Lender or other Person may exercise set-off or similar rights other than in accordance with applicable law;
(C) the effect of any provision of the Credit Agreement imposing penalties or forfeitures;
(D) the enforceability of any provision of the Credit Agreement to the extent that such provision constitutes a waiver of illegality as a defense to performance of contract obligations; and
(E) the effect of any provision of the Credit Agreement relating to indemnification or exculpation in connection with violations of any securities laws or relating to indemnification, contribution or exculpation in connection with willful, reckless or criminal acts or gross negligence of the indemnified or exculpated Person or the Person receiving contribution.
- 3 -
Citibank, N.A. |
March 23, 2010 |
In connection with the provisions of the Credit Agreement whereby the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York, we note the limitations of 28 U.S.C. §§1331 and 1332 on subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts. In connection with the provisions of the Credit Agreement which relate to forum selection (including, without limitation, any waiver of any objection to venue or any objection that a court is an inconvenient forum), we note that under NYCPLR §510 a New York State court may have discretion to transfer the place of trial, and under 28 U.S.C. §1404(a) a United Stated District Court has discretion to transfer an action from one federal court to another.
We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York, the federal law of the United States, the Partnership Act and the LLC Act.
In so far as the opinions expressed herein relate to or are dependent upon matters governed by the law of Québec, we have relied on and assumed the correctness of the opinion dated the date hereof delivered to you by Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP with respect to Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P.
This opinion letter is rendered to you in connection with the above described transactions. This opinion letter may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or relied upon by, or furnished to, any other person, firm or corporation without our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP
- 4 -
S CHEDULE I
T HE L ENDERS
Citibank, N.A.
Bank of America, N.A.
Barclays Bank PLC
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.
Nomura International plc
Royal Bank of Canada
Societe Generale
UBS Loan Finance LLC
US Bank N.A.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited
S CHEDULE II
B ORROWER
Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company
G UARANTORS
Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a société en commandite formed under the laws of the Province of Quebec
Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a société en commandite formed under the laws of the Province of Quebec
S CHEDULE III
A GREEMENTS AND I NSTRUMENTS
Certificate of Limited Partnership of The Blackstone Group L.P. in the form filed with the SEC on March 22, 2007.
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Blackstone Group L.P. in the form filed with the SEC on June 27, 2007.
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Blackstone Group L.P., dated as of November 3, 2009, and in the form filed with the SEC on November 6, 2009.
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007, and in the form filed with the SEC on August 13, 2007.
Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007, by and among Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P. and the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings I L.P. and Blackstone Holdings II L.P. party thereto, in the form filed with the SEC on August 13, 2007.
Exchange Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007, among The Blackstone Group L.P., Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Holdings V L.P. and the Blackstone Holdings Limited Partners party thereto, in the form filed with the SEC on August 13, 2007.
Indenture dated as of August 20, 2009 among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., The Blackstone Group L.P., Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 20, 2009 among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., The Blackstone Group L.P., Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.
Exhibit B-2
[FORM OF OPINION OF GOWLING LAFLEUR HENDERSON LLP]
|
1 Place Ville Marie | |
37 th Floor Montréal, Québec Canada H3B 3P4 Tel 514 878 9641 Fax 514 878 1450 www.gowlings.com |
March 23, 2010
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent under the Credit
Agreement (as defined below)
The Lenders listed on Exhibit I
to the opinion letter which are parties
to the Credit Agreement
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as Québec counsel to Blackstone Holdings III L.P. (Blackstone III), Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. (Blackstone IV) and Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P. (Blackstone IV GP) (Blackstone III and Blackstone IV are sometimes referred to herein as the Québec Guarantors), in connection with the credit agreement dated as of March 23, 2010, (the Credit Agreement) among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. (the Borrower), Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P. and the Québec Guarantors, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto (the Lenders) and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent (the Administrative Agent).
Unless otherwise defined in this letter, capitalized terms have the meanings given to them on Schedule A to this letter.
EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS
In rendering the opinions set forth in this letter, we have examined an electronic version of an executed copy of the Credit Agreement.
For the purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have considered such questions of law as we have deemed necessary and have made such investigations and examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such certificates of public officials and such other certificates, documents and records as we have considered necessary or relevant and have relied, without independent verification or investigation, on all statements as to matters of fact contained in such documents, including:
Page 2
(a) | the limited partnership agreements forming each of Blackstone III, Blackstone IV and Blackstone IV GP, as amended (collectively, the Constating Documents); |
(b) | Certificats dattestation dated March 23, 2010, issued by the Registraire des entreprises du Québec for each of the Québec Guarantors and Blackstone IV GP (the Certificates of Compliance); |
(c) | as to certain matters of fact relevant to the opinions expressed below, a certificate of an officer of each of the Québec Guarantors and Blackstone IV GP, dated March 23, 2010 (the Officers Certificate). |
ASSUMPTIONS AND RELIANCE
For the purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have assumed, without independent investigation or inquiry, that:
(a) | with respect to all documents examined by us, the signatures are genuine, the individuals signing such documents had legal capacity at the time of signing, all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, and certified, conformed or photocopied copies, or copies transmitted electronically or by facsimile, conform to the authentic original documents; |
(b) | the indices and records in all filing systems maintained in all public offices where we have searched or inquired or have caused searches or inquiries to be conducted are accurate and current, and all certificates and information issued or provided pursuant thereto are and remain accurate and complete; |
(c) | the facts certified in the Officers Certificate are accurate as of the date given and continue to be accurate as of the date hereof; |
(d) | the facts stated in the Certificates of Compliance continue to be true as of the date hereof; |
(e) | the general partner of Blackstone III is validly constituted and existing; |
(f) | the Administrative Agent is validly constituted and existing and has all necessary power and capacity to execute and deliver the Credit Agreement and perform its obligations thereunder; |
(g) | the Credit Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto; |
(h) | the Credit Agreement constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, enforceable against the Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto under the Governing Laws in accordance with its terms. |
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LAWS ADDRESSED
The opinions expressed in this letter are limited to the laws of the Province of Québec and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
OPINIONS
We are of the opinion, based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications stated in this letter, that:
Corporate Opinions
1. Each Québec Guarantor and Blackstone IV GP has been duly established under the laws of the Province of Québec and, based upon the Certificates of Compliance, has not been discontinued or dissolved.
2. Based solely on the Certificates of Compliance, each Québec Guarantor and Blackstone IV GP is duly registered under an Act respecting the legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons (Québec) and is not in default of its obligation to file annual declarations in Québec.
3. Each Québec Guarantor acting through its general partner has the power and capacity to own its property and its assets, to carry on its business and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement.
4. Each Québec Guarantor has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery by it of the Credit Agreement and the performance of its obligations thereunder.
5. Each Québec Guarantor acting through its general partner has duly executed and delivered the Credit Agreement.
Regulatory Opinions
6. No authorization, consent, permit, exemption or approval of, or filing with or notice to, any governmental agency or authority, or any regulatory body, court or tribunal having legal jurisdiction in Québec is required at this time in connection with the execution and delivery by each Québec Guarantor of the Credit Agreement, or the exercise of its rights or the performance of its obligations thereunder and no notarization of the Credit Agreement is required in connection with the execution and delivery by either general partner on behalf of a Québec Guarantor of the Credit Agreement, or the exercise of its rights or the performance of its obligations thereunder.
No Conflict Opinion
7. The execution and delivery by each Québec Guarantor, acting through its general partner, of, and the performance of its obligations under, the Credit Agreement, do not breach or result in a default under:
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(a) | each Québec Guarantors Constating Documents; or |
(b) | any laws, statutes, rules or regulations to which each Québec Guarantor is subject. |
Conflict of Laws Opinions
8. In any proceeding brought before a Court of Québec (a Québec Court) for the enforcement of the Credit Agreement, the Governing Laws would be applied by the Québec Court, in accordance with the choice of the Governing Laws as the governing law of the Credit Agreement, to all issues which under the conflict of laws rules of Québec are to be determined in accordance with the proper law of a contract, provided that: (a) such choice of the Governing Laws is not overridden as a result of the immediate application of a rule of law of Québec that Québec law deems mandatory; (b) the application of the Governing Laws is not manifestly inconsistent with public order as understood in international relations under Québec law; (c) such choice of the Governing Laws is not overridden by any mandatory provision of the law of another country with which the situation is closely connected and which Québec law deems applicable; (d) in any such proceeding such Québec Court will consider itself competent to hear the case, such as it deems appropriate in accordance with the rules of competence applicable under its laws; (e) in any such proceeding such Québec Court will not take judicial notice of the provisions of the Governing Laws where not alleged in the proceedings and may only apply such provisions to the extent that they are proven to its satisfaction by means including expert testimony or certificate drawn up by jurisconsult; (f) the Québec Court will apply Québec law which it would characterize as procedural and will not apply any Governing Laws that under Québec law would be characterized as procedural and will not apply any Governing Laws that under Québec law would be characterized as a taxation law if the Governing Jurisdiction does not grant reciprocal treatment to Québecs taxation laws. Those lawyers engaged in settling and delivering this opinion have no current knowledge of any facts which would lead us to expect that a Québec Court would find that the choice of law made in the Credit Agreement is overridden as a result of the immediate application of a rule of law of Québec that Québec law deems mandatory.
9. A Québec Court would give recognition to a Governing Judgment without reconsideration of the merits provided that:
(a) | (i) each Québec Guarantor was domiciled in the Governing Jurisdiction, or possessed an establishment in the Governing Jurisdiction and the dispute relates to its activities in that Governing Jurisdiction, (ii) the obligations arising from the Credit Agreement were to be performed in that Governing Jurisdiction, (iii) the parties to the Credit Agreement have submitted to the Governing Jurisdiction disputes which have arisen or may arise between them in respect of the Credit Agreement, or, (iv) each Québec Guarantor has recognized the jurisdiction of the Governing Jurisdiction. |
(b) |
the Governing Court is not denied jurisdiction over each Québec Guarantor under Québec law according to Québecs own domestic rules of competence, or on the basis that Québec law grants exclusive jurisdiction to its authorities or another foreign jurisdiction to hear the action by reason of the subject matter or |
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an agreement between the parties, or Québec law recognizes an agreement by which exclusive jurisdiction has been conferred upon an arbitrator; |
(c) | the action to enforce such Governing Judgment is commenced within the relevant limitation period under Québec law in accordance with article 2924 of the Civil Code of Québec (the CCQ); |
(d) | such Governing Judgment is final or enforceable in the Governing Jurisdiction; |
(e) | such Governing Judgment was not rendered in contravention of the fundamental principles of procedure; |
(f) | a dispute between the same parties, based on the same facts and having the same object has not given rise to a decision rendered in Québec, whether it has acquired the authority of a final judgment ( res judicator ) or not, or is not pending before a Québec authority, in first instance, or has not been decided in a third country and the decision meets the necessary conditions for recognition under Québec law; |
(g) | the outcome of such Governing Judgment is not manifestly inconsistent with public order as understood in international relations by Québec law; |
(h) | such Governing Judgment is not for a claim in respect of any law of any jurisdiction which under Québec law would be characterized as a taxation law if the Governing Jurisdiction does not grant reciprocal treatment to Québecs revenue laws; and |
(i) | such Governing Judgment is not contrary to any order made by the Attorney General of Canada under the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (Canada). |
QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
The opinions in this letter are subject to the following qualifications and limitations:
1. The provisions of Article 2355 of the CCQ render null any waiver of the benefit of subrogation by a Québec Guarantor; consequently, it could be argued that a Québec Guarantor could no longer be usefully subrogated to the rights of the Lenders, or if a Québec Guarantor was to be deprived of a security or a right which it could have set up by subrogation, such Québec Guarantor would be discharged to the extent of the prejudice that it has suffered, notwithstanding any provisions of the Credit Agreement to the opposite effect; in order to avoid the probability of a discharge in the foregoing circumstances, the Administrative Agent, a Lender (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or other creditor under the Credit Agreement should obtain the consent of the applicable Québec Guarantor before releasing or waiving its rights under the Credit Agreement.
2. The Currency Act (Canada) precludes a court in the Province of Québec from giving a judgment in a currency other than Canadian currency.
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RELIANCE
This opinion is solely for the benefit of its addressees in connection with the Credit Agreement. This opinion may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person except any of their respective successors or assigns as permitted under the Credit Agreement and may not be disclosed, quoted, filed with a governmental agency or otherwise referred to without our prior written consent.
Yours very truly,
G OWLING L AFLEUR H ENDERSON LLP
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Exhibit I
Citibank, N.A.
Bank of America, N.A.
Barclays Bank PLC
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.
Nomura International plc
Royal Bank of Canada
Societe Generale
UBS Loan Finance LLC
US Bank N.A.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited
SCHEDULE A
DEFINITIONS
In this opinion:
(a) | Governing Jurisdiction means the State of New York; |
(b) | Governing Court means a court of competent jurisdiction in the Governing Jurisdiction; |
(c) | Governing Judgment means a final and conclusive in personam judgment of a Governing Court for a sum certain, obtained against each Québec Guarantor with respect to a claim pursuant to the Credit Agreement; |
(d) | Governing Laws means for the Credit Agreement the laws specified therein as the governing laws. |
Exhibit C
[FORM OF]
GUARANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], [ ], among BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C. (the Borrower ), [BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P.], [BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P.], [BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.], [BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P.] and [OTHER EXISTING GUARANTORS] (collectively, the Existing Guarantors ), [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR], a [ ] (the New Guarantor ) and CITIBANK, N.A., as administrative agent (the Administrative Agent ).
A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2010 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and [other Existing Guarantors], as Guarantors, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent.
B. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.
C. Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed, upon the terms and subject to the conditions therein set forth, to make Loans to the Borrower, and the Borrower, the Existing Guarantors and the New Guarantor desire that the New Guarantor become a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Each of the Borrower, the Existing Guarantors and the New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent that the New Guarantor is an Eligible Additional Guarantor and that the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement relating to the New Guarantor (after giving effect to this Agreement) are true and correct on and as of the date hereof.
SECTION 2. In accordance with Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement, the New Guarantor, upon the effectiveness hereof, becomes a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Guarantor, and the New Guarantor hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement applicable to it as a Guarantor thereunder. Each reference to a Guarantor in the Credit Agreement shall, upon effectiveness hereof, be deemed to include the New Guarantor. The New Guarantor agrees that it will be jointly and severally liable for the Obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Agreement together with the Existing Guarantors.
SECTION 3. The New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that this Guarantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4. This Guarantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Guarantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective (i) when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of the Borrower, the New Guarantor, each of the Existing Guarantors and the Administrative Agent and (ii) the other conditions with respect to the New Guarantor and this Agreement set forth in Section 4.03 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Guarantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof.
SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall constitute a Loan Document for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 6. THIS GUARANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 7. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Guarantor Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Guarantor shall be given to it at the address set forth under its signature.
SECTION 9. The Borrower, the New Guarantor and the Existing Guarantors agree, jointly and severally, to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Guarantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C., |
||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Guarantor Joinder Agreement]
3
[EACH EXISTING GUARANTOR], | ||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Guarantor Joinder Agreement]
4
[NEW GUARANTOR], | ||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Address and telecopy number for notices: | ||||
[Signature Page to Guarantor Joinder Agreement]
5
CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, | ||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Guarantor Joinder Agreement]
6
Exhibit D
[FORM OF]
MATURITY DATE EXTENSION REQUEST
[Date]
Citibank, N.A.
1615 Brett Road, Building #2
New Castle, DE 19720
Fax No. (212) 994-0961
Attention: Robert Ross
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2010 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement. In accordance with Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby requests [(i)] an extension of the Maturity Date from [ ], [ ] to [ ],[ ] [and (ii) the amendments to the terms of the Credit Agreement set forth below, which amendments shall become effective on [ ], [ ]:
[ ]].
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS FINANCE CO. L.L.C., as Borrower, |
||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
The undersigned consents to the requested amendments to the terms of the Credit Agreement and the requested extension of the Maturity Date. The maximum amount of the Commitment of the undersigned with respect to which the undersigned agrees to the amendments to the terms of the Credit Agreement and the extension of the Maturity Date is set forth under its signature.
Name of Institution: | ||||
by |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
For any Institution requiring a second signature line:
by |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Exhibit 10.3
THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BONUS DEFERRAL PLAN
Purpose
The Blackstone Group L.P. ( Blackstone ) initially adopted the Blackstone Group L.P. Bonus Deferral Plan (the Prior Plan ) as of December 17, 2007, representing a deferred compensation plan for certain eligible employees and senior managing directors of Blackstone and certain of its affiliates in order to provide such individuals with pre-tax deferred incentive compensation awards and thereby enhance the alignment of interests between such individuals and Blackstone and its affiliates. Blackstone previously amended and restated the Prior Plan, effective as of November 5, 2009, as the Amended and Restated Blackstone Group L.P. Bonus Deferral Plan, and is hereby further amending and restating the plan as this Second Amended and Restated Blackstone Group L.P. Bonus Deferral Plan, effective as of December 14, 2010 (the Plan ).
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below.
Affiliated Employer means, except as provided under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, any company or other entity that is related to Blackstone (including Blackstone Administrative Services Partnership L.P.) as a member of a controlled group of corporations in accordance with Section 414(b) of the Code or as a trade or business under common control in accordance with Section 414(c) of the Code.
Annual Bonus means the annual bonus awarded to a Participant with respect to a given Fiscal Year under the applicable annual bonus plan, program, agreement or other arrangement (as designated by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion); provided that a Participants Annual Bonus for purposes of this Plan shall exclude any bonus or other amount, the payment of which has been guaranteed or promised to the Participant at any time prior to the Annual Bonus Notification Date pursuant to any agreement, plan, program or other arrangement between the Participant and the Firm (a Guaranteed Bonus ) unless the document evidencing the Guaranteed Bonus expressly provides for the deferral of all or a specified portion of such Guaranteed Bonus, in which case such deferral will occur pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in such document. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Plan Administrator determines that the deferral under the Plan of a Participants Guaranteed Bonus likely would result in the imposition of tax or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participants Annual Bonus shall exclude such Guaranteed Bonus.
Annual Bonus Notification Date means the date on which the Firm notifies a Participant of the amount of such Participants Annual Bonus (if any) for the relevant Fiscal Year.
BHP Units means units, each of which consists of one partnership unit in each of Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite, and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Board means the board of directors of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Blackstone.
Bonus Deferral Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
Bonus Deferral Unit has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(c).
Cause , with respect to a Participant, has the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement to which such Participant is a party.
Change in Control means, with respect to the Firm, a Change in Control as defined under the Equity Incentive Plan, to the extent that such event also constitutes a change of control within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance promulgated thereunder.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Common Units means the publicly-traded common units representing limited partnership interests of Blackstone which are available for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan.
Competitive Business has the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement to which such Participant is a party.
Deferral Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
Deferral Unit has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(c).
Delivery Date shall mean the date upon which Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) are delivered with respect to any Deferral Units, as set forth in Section 5.01.
Disability has the meaning as provided under Section 409A(a)(2)(C)(i) of the Code.
Employment means (i) a Participants employment if the Participant is an employee of Blackstone or any Affiliated Employer or (ii) a Participants services as a senior managing director of Blackstone or any Affiliated Employer if the Participant is a senior managing director.
Employment Agreement means, with respect to a Participant, the Contracting Employment Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits thereto) or, with respect to a Participant who is a senior managing director, the Senior Managing Director Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits thereto), as applicable, to which such Participant is a party.
2
Equity Incentive Plan means The Blackstone Group L.P. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan or such other plan as the Plan Administrator may designate in its sole discretion.
Fair Market Value shall have the meaning given to such term in the Equity Incentive Plan; provided that, with respect to a BHP Unit or other security, if the fair market value of such BHP Unit or other security cannot reasonably be determined pursuant to the foregoing definition, the Fair Market Value of such BHP Unit or other security shall be the value thereof as determined pursuant to a valuation made by the Plan Administrator in good faith and based upon a reasonable valuation method.
Firm means Blackstone and each Participating Employer (individually or collectively as the context requires).
Fiscal Year means the fiscal year of Blackstone.
Investment Date means the January 1 immediately following the Fiscal Year in respect of which a Participants Annual Bonus is earned, which shall be the date on which such Participants Bonus Deferral Amount and Premium Amount are deemed invested in Common Units in accordance with Section 3.01(c).
Participant means a participant selected by the Plan Administrator in accordance with Section 2.01 hereof.
Participating Employer means Blackstone and each Affiliated Employer (or division or unit of an Affiliated Employer) that is designated as a Participating Employer by the Plan Administrator and which adopts this Plan.
Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, trust, joint venture or enterprise or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.
Plan Account has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.01(c).
Plan Administrator means the Board or the committee or subcommittee thereof to whom the Board delegates authority to administer the Plan, or such other person or persons as the Board may appoint for such purpose from time to time. Additionally, the Plan Administrator may delegate its authority under the Plan to any employee or group of employees of Blackstone or an Affiliate Employer; provided that such delegation is consistent with applicable law and guidelines established by the Board from time to time.
Premium Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
Premium Unit has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(c).
Retirement means a Participants Separation from Service after (i) the Participant has reached age sixty-five (65) and has at least five (5) full years of service with the Firm or (ii) (A) the Participants age plus years of service with the Firm totals at least sixty-five (65), (B) the Participant has reached age fifty (50) and (C) the Participant has had a minimum of five
3
(5) years of service; provided , however, that no Participant will be eligible for Retirement prior to June 30, 2010.
Separation from Service means a Participants separation from service with the Firm within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
Vesting Date has the meanings set forth in Sections 4.01(c), 6.01(f) and 6.01(g).
Vesting Period has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(c).
VWAP means the 30-day volume weighted average trading price of a Common Unit (as reported on the national exchange on which the Common Units are listed on each such date) over the 30-day period (only counting trading days for Common Units) immediately preceding the relevant measurement date.
ARTICLE II.
PLAN PARTICIPATION
Section 2.01. Plan Participation . Each Fiscal Year, prior to the Annual Bonus Notification Date for such Fiscal Year but in no event later than (a) December 21, 2007, with respect to Fiscal Year 2007 and (b) December 1 of such Fiscal Year, with respect to all subsequent Fiscal Years, the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, will select Participants from among the employees and senior managing directors of the Participating Employers and will notify such individuals that they have been selected to participate in the Plan for such Fiscal Year. The Plan Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish different rules and/or sub-plans under the Plan with respect to Participants based outside of the United States and Participants who are employees of, or other service providers for, a nonqualified entity within the meaning of Section 457A of the Code, in each case, in a manner intended to address tax, administrative and securities law considerations with respect to the Firm and such Participants. Such alternate rules and/or sub-plans may include, without limitation, different treatment with respect to timing of vesting and delivery of Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) under the Plan and may be set forth in Schedules to be attached hereto from time to time.
ARTICLE III.
DEFERRALS
Section 3.01. Bonus and Premium Award Deferrals .
(a) With respect to a given Fiscal Year commencing with the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2010, and for each Participant selected to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 2.01 hereof, a portion of the Annual Bonus (excluding any portion thereof that is being separately deferred pursuant to this Plan or any other agreement, plan, program or other arrangement between the Participant and the Firm) for the Fiscal Year shall be deferred (his or her Bonus Deferral Amount ) in accordance with the following table:
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Portion of Annual Bonus |
Marginal Deferral Rate
|
Effective Deferral Rate for Entire Annual Bonus* |
||
$0 100,000 |
0% | 0% | ||
$100,001 200,000 |
15% | 7.5% | ||
$200,001 500,000 |
20% | 15% | ||
$500,001 750,000 |
25% | 18.3% | ||
$750,001 1,250,000 |
35% | 25.0% | ||
$1,250,001 2,000,000 |
40% | 30.6% | ||
$2,000,001 5,000,000 |
45% | 39.3% | ||
$5,000,000 + |
50% | 42.8%** |
* | Effective Deferral Rates are shown for illustrative purposes only and are based on an Annual Bonus equal to the maximum amount in the range shown in the far left column. |
** | Effective Deferral Rate of 42.8% is shown for illustrative purposes only and is based on an Annual Bonus equal to $7,500,000. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) if a Participants Annual Bonus includes a Guaranteed Bonus, such Participants Bonus Deferral Amount shall be equal to (x) the portion of the Guaranteed Bonus which the document evidencing the Guaranteed Bonus states will be deferred, plus (y) a portion of the amount (if any) by which the Participants Annual Bonus exceeds his or her Guaranteed Bonus, determined pursuant to the table above and (ii) the Firm reserves the right to change the method by which a Participants Bonus Deferral Amount will be calculated with respect to any Annual Bonus by notifying the Participant in writing in advance of the Annual Bonus Notification Date for such Annual Bonus. Deferral of each Participants Bonus Deferral Amount for the relevant Fiscal Year shall be automatic and mandatory and shall occur immediately prior to the Investment Date for such Fiscal Year. The excess of the Participants Annual Bonus for the relevant Fiscal Year over his or her Bonus Deferral Amount for such Fiscal Year shall be paid to the Participant on such date and in the same manner as such Participants Annual Bonus would have been paid to him or her if he or she was not a Participant in the Plan with respect to such Fiscal Year.
(b) In addition, each Participant selected to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 2.01 hereof shall be granted an additional premium bonus in the amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of such Participants Bonus Deferral Amount (the Premium Amount and, together with such Participants Bonus Deferral Amount, his or her Deferral Amount ). Deferral of each Participants Premium Amount for the relevant Fiscal Year shall be automatic and mandatory and shall occur immediately prior to the Investment Date for such Fiscal Year.
(c) On the Investment Date, (i) the Participants entire Bonus Deferral Amount corresponding to such Investment Date shall automatically and mandatorily be notionally invested in the number of Common Units (the Participants Bonus Deferral Units ) that is equal to such Bonus Deferral Amount divided by the VWAP of a Common Unit as of the corresponding Annual Bonus Notification Date, rounded up to the nearest whole number and
5
(ii) the Participants entire Premium Amount shall automatically and mandatorily be notionally invested in the number of Common Units (the Participants Premium Units , and together with the Bonus Deferral Units, his or her Deferral Units ) that is equal to such Premium Amount divided by the VWAP of a Common Unit as of the corresponding Annual Bonus Notification Date, rounded up to the nearest whole number. The Firm will keep on its books and records an account for each Participant (his or her Plan Account ), in which the Firm will record the number of Deferral Units credited to such Participant.
ARTICLE IV.
VESTING
Section 4.01. Vesting .
(a) Bonus Deferral Units . Subject to Article VI, and except as otherwise provided in Sections 6.01(f) and 6.01(g), one-third (1/3) of the Bonus Deferral Units granted to a Participant in respect of a given Investment Date will vest (but will only be deliverable pursuant to Article V) on the January 1 that immediately follows the end of each of the first, second and third Fiscal Years after the Fiscal Year to which the relevant Annual Bonus relates, subject to the Participant remaining continuously Employed with the Firm through the applicable Vesting Date. For the avoidance of doubt, Bonus Deferral Units shall not be eligible for partial-year vesting.
(b) Premium Units . Subject to Article VI, the Premium Units granted to a Participant in respect of a given Investment Date will vest (but will only be deliverable pursuant to Article V) on the January 1 that immediately follows the end of the third Fiscal Year after the Fiscal Year to which the relevant Annual Bonus relates, subject to the Participant remaining continuously Employed with the Firm through such Vesting Date.
(c) Vesting Date; Vesting Period . For purposes of this Plan, and except as otherwise provided in Sections 6.01(f) and 6.01(g), the date upon which all or a portion of a Participants Bonus Deferral Units or Premium Units vest in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.01 shall be referred to as the Vesting Date for such Deferral Units. The period between the Investment Date in respect of which a Deferral Unit is granted and the Vesting Date on which such Deferral Unit vests in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be referred to as the Vesting Period .
ARTICLE V.
DELIVERY OF UNITS
Section 5.01. Delivery Generally . The Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) underlying the Deferral Units shall generally be delivered to Participants on a date intended to coincide with a date upon which the underlying Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units or other securities) may next be traded or converted by the Participant (subject to further restrictions due to Firm policies in place at such time) as set forth below:
(a) Window Period for Delivery of Deferral Units . The Delivery Date for each Deferral Unit shall be a date selected by the Plan Administrator which falls between the
6
first February 10 and March 10 following the Vesting Date applicable to such Bonus Deferral Unit or Premium Unit.
(b) Form of Delivery . On the applicable Delivery Date, or as soon as reasonably practicable after such Delivery Date (but in no event more than ten (10) business days after such Delivery Date), the Firm shall issue to the Participant, in full settlement of the Firms obligations with respect to the deliverable portion of the Participants Deferral Units, the number of Common Units subject to such Deferral Units (or, at the Plan Administrators sole discretion, which will likely be only in rare occasions, an amount in cash equal to the VWAP of such number of Common Units as of the date of such payment). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Plan Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, that the issuance of Common Units may raise tax, securities law or administrative concerns to the Firm or the Participant, then distributions to such Participant hereunder shall not be made in Common Units but instead (in the Plan Administrators sole discretion, which will likely be only in rare occasions), may be made in BHP Units or other securities, as determined by the Plan Administrator.
Section 5.02. Issuance of Units . The issuance of any Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) to a Participant pursuant to the Plan shall be effectuated by recording the Participants ownership of such Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) in a book-entry or similar system utilized by the Firm as soon as practicable following the Delivery Date applicable thereto. Any Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) issued to a Participant hereunder will be held in an account administered by the Firms equity plan administrator or such other account as the Plan Administrator may determine in its discretion. No Participant shall have any rights as an owner with respect to any Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) under the Plan prior to the date on which the Participant becomes entitled to delivery of such Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) in accordance with Section 5.01. The Plan Administrator may, in its sole discretion, cause the Firm to defer the delivery of any Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) pursuant to this Plan as the Plan Administrator deems necessary to ensure compliance under federal or state securities laws or to avoid adverse tax or other consequences to the Firm or the Participant.
Section 5.03. Taxes and Withholding . As a condition to any payment or distribution pursuant to this Plan, the Firm may require a Participant to pay such sum to the Firm as may be necessary to discharge the Firms obligations with respect to any taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, whether of the United States or any other jurisdiction, which the Firm reasonably expects will be imposed as a result of such payment or distribution. In the discretion of the Firm, the Firm may deduct or withhold such sum from such payment or distribution (including by deduction or withholding of Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units or other securities), provided that the amount the Firm deducts or withholds shall not (unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator) exceed the Firms minimum statutory withholding obligations. Alternatively, the Firm may elect to satisfy the tax withholding obligations by advancing and remitting its own funds on behalf of the Participant to the applicable tax authorities, in which case the Participant shall be required to repay such amounts to the Firm within 5 days of such remittance, together with interest thereon based on the Firms cost of funds as determined by Blackstone Treasury from time to time. As of November 5, 2009, this rate will equal the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) for JPMorgan Chase (or any successor) plus 500 basis points (or a comparable rate as determined by the Partnership
7
or such Affiliate). In the event that the Firm plans to advance a tax withholding remittance on behalf of the Participant as described in the preceding sentence, the Firm shall provide the Participant with reasonable advance notice to permit the Participant to remit the required funds in cash to the Firm prior to the required withholding date and thereby avoid the need to have the Firm advance its own funds to the tax authorities
Section 5.04. Liability for Payment . Each Participating Employer shall be liable for the amount of any distribution or payment owed to a Participant pursuant to Section 5.01 who is Employed by such Participating Employer during the relevant Vesting Period; provided, however, that in the event that a Participant is Employed by more than one Participating Employer during the relevant Vesting Period, each Participating Employer shall be liable for its allocable portion of such distribution or payment.
ARTICLE VI.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; CHANGE IN CONTROL
Section 6.01. Termination of Employment . In the event that a Participants Employment with the Firm is terminated, or a Change in Control occurs, in either case prior to the Vesting Date or Delivery Date that would otherwise apply to any of such Participants Bonus Deferral Units and/or Premium Units, vesting and delivery (if any) of such Deferral Units shall be governed by this Section 6.01.
(a) Termination by the Firm For Cause . Upon termination of a Participants Employment by the Firm for Cause, such Participants Deferral Units (vested and unvested) shall be forfeited without any payment.
(b) Termination by the Firm Without Cause . Upon termination of a Participants Employment with the Firm without Cause, (i) such Participants unvested Premium Units shall be forfeited without any payment, (ii) such Participants unvested Bonus Deferral Units shall continue to vest in accordance with Article IV, and shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V, as though the Participant remained continuously Employed with the Firm through the end of the Vesting Period applicable to each such Bonus Deferral Unit and (iii) such Participants Bonus Deferral Units and, to the extent vested, Premium Units shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V; provided that, subject to the remainder of this Section 6.01(b), if, following a termination of his or her Employment with the Firm as described in this Section 6.01(b), such Participant breaches any applicable provision of the Employment Agreement to which the Participant is a party, such Participants Deferral Units which remain undelivered as of the date of such violation, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, will be forfeited without payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, following a termination of the Participants Employment with the Firm without Cause, the Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to waive, solely for purposes of this Section 6.01(b), any of the provisions set forth in the Employment Agreement by notifying the Participant of such waiver in writing, in which case the forfeiture provision set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall continue to apply in the event of any breach by the Participant of any provision of such agreement other than the provision(s) waived by the Plan Administrator in accordance with this sentence. For the avoidance of doubt, absent an election by the Plan Administrator to waive any provision of the
8
Employment Agreement for purposes of this Section 6.01(b) as described in the preceding sentence, following a termination of the Participants Employment with the Firm without Cause, the Participant shall be bound by such provision in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof for all purposes hereunder.
(c) Resignation . In the event that a Participant resigns from the Firm, (i) such Participants unvested Premium Units shall be forfeited without any payment, (ii) such Participants unvested Bonus Deferral Units shall continue to vest in accordance with Article IV, and shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V, as though the Participant remained continuously Employed with the Firm through the end of the Vesting Period applicable to each such Bonus Deferral Unit and (iii) such Participants Bonus Deferral Units and, to the extent vested, Premium Units shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V; provided that if, following a termination of his or her Employment with the Firm as described in this Section 6.01(c), such Participant (A) provides services for or otherwise becomes affiliated with a Competitive Business (as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion) or (B) breaches any applicable provision of the Employment Agreement to which the Participant is a party, such Participants Deferral Units which remain undelivered as of the date of such action or violation (as applicable), as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, will be forfeited without payment.
(d) Retirement . In the event of a Participants Retirement from the Firm, (i) fifty percent (50%) of such Participants then unvested Premium Units and all of such Participants unvested Bonus Deferral Units shall continue to vest in accordance with Article IV, and shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V, as though the Participant remained continuously Employed with the Firm through the end of the Vesting Period applicable to each such Deferral Unit and (ii) such Participants Bonus Deferral Units and, to the extent vested (either prior to Retirement or after the application of clause (i) of this paragraph), Premium Units shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V; provided that if, following a termination of his or her Employment with the Firm as described in this Section 6.01(d), such Participant breaches any applicable provision of the Employment Agreement to which the Participant is a party, such Participants Deferral Units which remain undelivered as of the date of such violation, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, will be forfeited without payment.
(e) Disability . In the event that a Participants Employment with the Firm is terminated due to the Participants Disability, such Participants Premium Units and Bonus Deferral Units shall continue to vest in accordance with Article IV, and shall continue to be delivered to the Participant in accordance with Article V, as though the Participant remained continuously Employed with the Firm through the end of the Vesting Period applicable to each such Deferral Unit; provided that if, following a termination of his or her Employment with the Firm as described in this Section 6.01(e), such Participant breaches any applicable provision of the Employment Agreement to which the Participant is a party, such Participants Deferral Units which remain undelivered as of the date of such violation, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, will be forfeited without payment.
(f) Death . In the event of a Participants death during his or her Employment with the Firm, or during the period following termination of Employment in which his or her
9
Deferral Units remain subject to vesting pursuant to this Section 6.01, such Participants Premium Units (if any) and any of such Participants Bonus Deferral Units which remain unvested as of (and have not been forfeited prior to) the date of the Participants death shall immediately vest and, together with any previously vested but undelivered Deferral Units, become deliverable to the Participants estate as of the date of the Participants death (in which case, the date of the Participants death shall be referred to as the Vesting Date for such Deferral Units).
(g) Change in Control . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event of a Change in Control, such Participants Premium Units and any of such Participants Bonus Deferral Units which remain unvested as of the date of such Change in Control shall immediately vest and become deliverable as of the date of such Change in Control (in which case, the date of such Change in Control shall be referred to as the Vesting Date for such Deferral Units).
(h) Section 409A; Separation from Service . References in this Section 6.01 to a Participants termination of Employment shall refer to the date upon which the Participant has a Separation from Service.
Section 6.02. Nontransferability . No benefit under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or encumbrance, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempt to violate the foregoing prohibition shall be void; provided, however, that a Participant may transfer or assign any vested interest hereunder in connection with estate planning and administration with the express written consent of the Plan Administrator.
ARTICLE VII.
ADMINISTRATION
Section 7.01. Plan Administrator . The Plan shall be administered by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall have discretionary authority to interpret the Plan, to make all legal and factual determinations and to determine all questions arising in the administration of the Plan, including without limitation the reconciliation of any inconsistent provisions, the resolution of ambiguities, the correction of any defects, and the supplying of omissions. Each interpretation, determination or other action made or taken pursuant to the Plan by the Plan Administrator shall be final and binding on all persons.
Section 7.02. Indemnification . The Plan Administrator shall not be liable to any Participant for any action or determination. The Plan Administrator shall be indemnified by the Firm against any liabilities, costs, and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by him or her as a result of actions taken or not taken in connection with the Plan.
ARTICLE VIII.
AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
Section 8.01. Modification; Termination . The Plan Administrator may alter, amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time in its sole discretion, to the extent
10
permitted by Section 409A of the Code. No further deferrals will occur under the Plan after the effective date of any such suspension or termination. Following any such termination, the Participants Deferral Units will continue to vest and be delivered, or be forfeited, as otherwise provided herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no alteration, amendment or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect the rights of the Participant in any amounts or units accrued by or credited to such Participant prior to such action without the Participants written consent unless the Plan Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, that such alternation, modification or amendment is necessary for the Plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 8.02. Required Delay . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, if pursuant to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code any distribution or payment is required to be delayed as a result of a Participant being deemed to be a specified employee within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then any such distributions or payments under the Plan shall not be made or provided prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six month period measured from the date of the Participants Separation from Service or (B) the date of the Participants death. Upon the expiration of such period, or the date of such Participants death, as applicable, all distributions or payments under the Plan delayed pursuant to this Section 8.02 shall be delivered or paid to the Participant (or the Participants estate, as applicable) in a lump sum, and any remaining distributions or payments due under the Plan shall be paid or delivered in accordance with the normal Delivery Dates specified for such distributions or payments herein.
ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 9.01. Unfunded Status of the Plan . The Plan is unfunded. A Participants rights under the Plan (if any) shall represent at all times an unfunded and unsecured contractual obligation of each Participating Employer that Employed Participant during the Vesting Periods and through the Delivery Dates applicable to such Participants Deferral Units. Each Participant and his or her estate and/or beneficiaries (if any) will be unsecured creditors of each Participating Employer with which such Participant is or was Employed with respect to any obligations owed to such Participant, estate and/or beneficiaries under the Plan. Amounts deliverable or payable under the Plan will be satisfied solely out of the general assets of the applicable Participating Employer subject to the claims of its creditors. None of a Participant, his or her estate, his or her beneficiaries (if any) nor any other person shall have any right to receive any payment or distribution under the Plan except as, and to the extent, expressly provided in the Plan. No Participating Employer will segregate any funds or assets to provide for any payment or distribution under the Plan or issue any notes or security for any such distribution or payment. Any reserve or other asset that a Participating Employer may establish or acquire to assure itself of the funds to provide distributions or payments required under the Plan shall not serve in any way as security to any Participant or the estate or beneficiary of a Participant for the performance of the Participating Employer under the Plan.
Section 9.02. No Right to Continued Employment . Neither the Plan nor any action taken or omitted to be taken pursuant to or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to (i) create or confer on a Participant any right to be retained in the employ of the Firm,
11
(ii) interfere with or to limit in any way the Firms right to terminate the Employment of a Participant at any time, (iii) confer on a Participant any right or entitlement to compensation in any specific amount for any future Fiscal Year or (iv) affect, supersede, amend or change the Employment Agreement (or any other agreement between the Participant and the Firm). In addition, selection of an individual as a Participant for a given Fiscal Year shall not be deemed to create or confer on the Participant any right to participate in the Plan, or in any similar plan or program that may be established by the Firm, in respect of any future Fiscal Year.
Section 9.03. No Unitholder or Ownership Rights Prior to Delivery of Units . Participants shall not have voting, dividend, cash distribution or any other rights as a holder of Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units) until the issuance or transfer thereof to the Participant. For the avoidance of doubt, Deferral Units (i.e., Bonus Deferral Units and/or Premium Units) represent an unfunded and unsecured right to receive Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) on an applicable Delivery Date and, until such Delivery Date, the Participant shall have no ownership rights with respect to the Common Units, BHP Units, cash or other securities underlying such Deferral Units.
Section 9.04. Right to Offset . The Firm shall have the right to deduct from amounts owed to a Participant under the Plan the amount of any deficit, debt or other liability or obligation of any kind which the Participant may at that time have with respect to the Firm; provided , however , that no such right to deduct or offset shall arise or otherwise be deemed to arise until the date upon which Common Units (or, if applicable, BHP Units, cash or other securities) are deliverable or payable hereunder and any such deduction or offset shall be implemented in a manner intended to avoid subjecting the Participant to additional taxation under Section 409A of the Code.
Section 9.05. Successors . The obligations of the Firm under this Plan shall be binding upon the successors of the Firm.
Section 9.06. Governing Law . The Plan shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Section 9.07. Arbitration; Venue . Any dispute, controversy or claim between any Participant and the Firm arising out of or concerning the provisions of this Plan shall be finally resolved in accordance with the arbitration provisions (and the jurisdiction, venue and similar provisions related thereto) of the Employment Agreement to which such Participant is a party.
Section 9.08. Construction . The headings in this Plan have been inserted for convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any construction of any provision hereof. Use of one gender includes the other, and the singular and plural include each other.
12
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION VERSION
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
GSO SJ PARTNERS ASSOCIATES LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF DECEMBER 7, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
||||||
1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
1.2. |
Terms Generally | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
||||||
2.1. |
Managing, Regular and Special Members | 17 | ||||
2.2. |
Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions | 18 | ||||
2.3. |
Term | 18 | ||||
2.4. |
Purposes; Powers | 18 | ||||
2.5. |
Place of Business | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
||||||
3.1. |
Managing Member | 21 | ||||
3.2. |
Member Voting, etc | 21 | ||||
3.3. |
Management | 21 | ||||
3.4. |
Responsibilities of Members | 23 | ||||
3.5. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 23 | ||||
3.6. |
Representations of Members | 25 | ||||
3.7. |
Tax Information | 26 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY |
||||||
4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Members | 27 | ||||
4.2. |
Interest | 34 | ||||
4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 35 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
||||||
5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 35 | ||||
5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 36 | ||||
5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 37 | ||||
5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 38 | ||||
5.5. |
Liability of Members | 39 | ||||
5.6. |
[Intentionally omitted.] | 39 | ||||
5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 39 | ||||
5.8. |
Distributions | 39 | ||||
5.9. |
Business Expenses | 47 | ||||
5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 47 |
-i-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
||||||
6.1. |
Additional Members | 47 | ||||
6.2. |
Withdrawal of Members | 48 | ||||
6.3. |
GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable | 49 | ||||
6.4. |
Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member | 50 | ||||
6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Interest | 50 | ||||
6.6. |
Dissolution of the Company | 55 | ||||
6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 55 | ||||
6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 57 | ||||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
||||||
7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc | 57 | ||||
7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 58 | ||||
7.3. |
Allocations | 59 | ||||
7.4. |
Distributions | 59 | ||||
7.5. |
Valuations | 63 | ||||
7.6. |
Disposition Election | 64 | ||||
7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 64 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS |
||||||
8.1. |
Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 65 | ||||
8.2. |
Transfer of Members Capital Commitment Interest | 69 | ||||
8.3. |
Compliance with Law. | 70 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
||||||
9.1. |
Dissolution | 70 | ||||
9.2. |
Final Distribution | 70 | ||||
9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests | 71 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
||||||
10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 72 | ||||
10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name | 73 | ||||
10.3. |
Written Consent | 73 | ||||
10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 73 | ||||
10.5. |
Governing Law; Separability of Provisions | 74 | ||||
10.6. |
Successors and Assigns | 74 | ||||
10.7. |
Confidentiality | 74 |
-ii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
10.8. |
Notices | 75 | ||||
10.9. |
Counterparts | 75 | ||||
10.10. |
Power of Attorney | 75 | ||||
10.11. |
Members Will | 76 | ||||
10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 76 | ||||
10.13. |
Legal Fees | 76 | ||||
10.14. |
Entire Agreement | 76 |
-iii-
GSO SJ PARTNERS ASSOCIATES LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of GSO SJ Partners Associates LLC (the Company ), dated as of December 7, 2010, by and among GSO Holdings I L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the Managing Member or Holdings ), the other members of the Company as set forth in the books and records of the Company, and such other persons that are admitted to the Company as members after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the original limited liability company agreement of the Company was executed as of September 1, 2010 (the Original Agreement ); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto now wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as of the date hereof and as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Admission Letter has the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Company), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage has the meaning with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral as set forth in the books and records of the Company with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii)
the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCOM means (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A -SMD L.P., Blackstone Family
2
Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFMEZP means Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings II L.P., any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BMEZP I, BMEZP II, any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BMEZP I, BMEZP II or any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International-A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
3
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P.
BMEZP I means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BMEZP II means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BREP VI means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.2 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above), or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
BSSF Europe means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.1 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.2 L.P., each a limited partnership formed or to be formed under the laws of the United Kingdom pursuant to the Limited Partnerships Act 1907 of the United Kingdom, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
BSSF II means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (iii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and any alternative vehicles thereof or parallel funds formed in connection therewith.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Member, the account maintained for such Member to which are credited such Members contributions to the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such
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Member and any net losses allocated to such Member with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment GSJP Interest means the Interest (as defined in the GSJP Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Company as a capital partner in GSJP.
Capital Commitment GSJP Investment means the Companys interest in a specific investment of GSJP through the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest.
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Member in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any investment of the Company in respect of the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest, including any Capital Commitment GSJP Investment, but excluding any GP-Related Investment.
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Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Company, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Member (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest means, with respect to any Member, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Member (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Company in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Company from any fund (including GSJP), any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any private equity merchant banking, real estate or mezzanine funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Member Interest means a Members interest in the Company which relates to the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Member in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment , with respect to any Member, means such Members commitment to the Company relating to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
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Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest, as defined in the GSJP Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any GSJP Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the Managing Member, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the Managing Member may allocate amongst all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Member or Withdrawn Member, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Member or Withdrawn Member from the Company or any Other Fund GPs in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Members, Withdrawn Members or any other person by the Company or any Other Fund GP in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Company or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Member or Withdrawn Member (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Members and Withdrawn Members as members, partners or other equity owners of the Company or any of the Other Fund GPs.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Cause with respect to any Member has the meaning ascribed to such term in the letter agreement between such Member and Blackstone setting forth the terms of such Member becoming a Senior Managing Director or otherwise an employee (as applicable) of Blackstone (such agreement as from time to time amended and as in effect as of the applicable date, the Employment Agreement ); provided , that with respect to any Member who is not a party to an Employment Agreement, Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to such Member, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the Managing Member: (i) (w) any breach by any Member of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Member that are established by the Managing Member, (y) such Members deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Members committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Company or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the Managing Member; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the Managing Member has given such Member written notice (a Notice of Breach ) within fifteen days after the Managing Member becomes aware of such action and such Member fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the Managing Member (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such
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cure, provided that such Member is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere ) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Member individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Members ability to function as a Member of the Company, taking into account the services required of such Member and the nature of the business of the Company and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Company and its Affiliates.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount (as defined in Section 9.4 of the GSJP Partnership Agreement) and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of GSJP pursuant to any GSJP Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 9.4 of the GSJP Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other GSJP Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Company and the Members, pursuant to which each Member undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1. The Commitment Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.
Company has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
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Deceased Member means any Member or Withdrawn Member who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Member shall refer collectively to the Deceased Member and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Member, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Members interest in the Company.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Member means any Member who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Member nor a Deceased Member.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or withdrawal from the Company of any person who is a Member.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Members or Withdrawn Members interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Company, and certain other assets of such Member or Withdrawn Member, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Member or Withdrawn Member as more fully described in the Companys books and records; provided , that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement ( e.g. , the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B) with respect to Firm Collateral, and Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B) with respect to Special Firm Collateral.
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the Managing Member.
Fund GP means the Company (only with respect to the GP-Related GSJP Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
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GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(a).
Giveback Amount means the amount of the Companys obligations under the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Sections 5.2(b) and (c) of the GSJP Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other GSJP Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment with respect to any Member means such Members commitment to the Company relating to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related GSJP Interest means the interest held by the Company in GSJP, in the Companys capacity as general partner of GSJP, excluding any Capital Commitment GSJP Interest that may be held by the Company.
GP-Related GSJP Investment means the Companys interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the GSJP Partnership Agreement), in the Companys capacity as the general partner\of GSJP, excluding any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company in respect of the GP-Related GSJP Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related GSJP Investment but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Member Interest of a Member means all interests of such Member in the Company (other than such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest),
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including, without limitation, such Members interest in the Company with respect to the GP-Related GSJP Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Member; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (a) in connection with voting or voting rights or (b) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Member; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related GSJP Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related GSJP Investment if GSJPs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by GSJP to the Company (indirectly through the general partner of GSJP) pursuant to the GSJP Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related GSJP Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than a Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
GSJP means (i) GSO SJ Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any parallel fund and any alternative vehicle formed pursuant to the GSJP Agreements.
GSJP Agreements means (i) the GSJP Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other GSJP partnership agreements, as any of them may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
GSJP Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, of GSO SJ Partners LP, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone /
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GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P. or GSO SJ Partners LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Member, the determination by the Managing Member in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Member is incompetent to manage his person or his property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Interest means a limited liability company interest (as defined in § 18-101(8) of the LLC Act) in the Company, including those that are held by a Retaining Withdrawn Member and including any Members GP-Related Member Interest and Capital Commitment Member Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company designated by the Managing Member from time to time as an investment in which the Members respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Companys other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Member evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Member to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the Managing Member and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Member and all other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided , that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further , that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered
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part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Member means any Special Member so designated at the time of its admission by the Managing Member as a Member of the Company.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Member has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
LLC Act means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.C. § 18-101, et seq. , as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such Act.
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Company that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Member to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Members on any date (a vote date ) means one or more persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the Managing Member as of which the Members capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date.
Managing Member has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
Member means any person who is a member of the Company, including the Regular Members, the Managing Member and the Special Members. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Members, including the Special Members and any group of Members in the same Member Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Company, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Member Category means the Managing Member, Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members or Deceased Members, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Services, Inc., or any successor thereto.
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Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Special Member has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means any entity (other than the Company) through which any Member or Withdrawn Member directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest and any successor thereto; provided , that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further , that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Member shall be considered a Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Member but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Company) to such Member.
Pledgable Blackstone Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
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Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the Managing Member as a Qualifying Fund.
Regular Member means any Member, excluding the Managing Member and any Special Members.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
Retaining Withdrawn Member means a Withdrawn Member who has retained a GP-Related Member Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Member shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Member for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Company and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Members, pursuant to which each such Member undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Company and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Companys books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
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Special Member means any person shown on the books and records of the Company as a Special Member of the Company, including any Nonvoting Special Member and any Investor Special Member.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Member has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Total Disability means the inability of a Member substantially to perform the services required of a Regular Member for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended to date, among the Members, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Member means a Member ceasing to be a member of the Company (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Member) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Member means, as aforesaid, a Member who has ceased to be a member of the Company.
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Withdrawal Date means the date of Withdrawal from the Company of a Withdrawn Member.
Withdrawn Member means a Member whose interest in the Company has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Member.
1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1. Managing, Regular and Special Members . The Members may be Managing Members, Regular Members or Special Members (including Investor Special Members). The Managing Member as of the date hereof is Holdings, the Regular Members as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Regular Members in the books and records of the Company, and the Special Members as of the date hereof are persons shown as Special Members in the books and records of the Company. The books and records of the Company contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company shall be amended by the Managing Member from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Company of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Company of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the admission and withdrawal of Members and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Member, the Managing Member shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member shall participate and such Members GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Member may have a GP-Related Member Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Member Interest.
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2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions . (a) The Company is hereby continued as a limited liability company pursuant to the LLC Act and shall continue to conduct its activities under the name of GSO SJ Partners Associates LLC. The certificate of formation of the Company may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the Managing Member, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the LLC Act). The Managing Member is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Company to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company may wish to conduct business.
2.3. Term . The term of the Company shall continue until December 31, 2060, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement.
2.4. Purposes; Powers . (a) The purposes of the Company shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates,
(i) to serve as the general partner of GSJP and perform the functions of a general partner of GSJP specified in the GSJP Agreements,
(ii) to serve as a capital partner and/or limited partner of GSJP and perform the functions of a capital partner and/or limited partner of GSJP specified in the GSJP Agreements,
(iii) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnerships,
(iv) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(v) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through GSJP, including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(vi) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the Managing Member and as are permitted under the LLC Act, the GSJP Agreements, the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iii) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (iv) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
(vii) any other lawful purpose, and
(viii) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
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(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Company shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Managing Member in the conduct of the Companys business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Company in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Company;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage
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personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Company, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Members cash or investments or other property of the Company, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware law.
2.5. Place of Business . The Company shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Company shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the Managing Member specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Company. The name and address of the Companys registered agent is The Corporation Trust
Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Managing Member may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of formation of the Company.
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ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
3.1. Managing Member. (a) Holdings shall be an original managing member (the Managing Member ). The Managing Member shall cease to be the Managing Member only if (i) it Withdraws from the Company for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the Managing Member, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The Managing Member may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more Managing Members. In the event that one or more other Managing Members is admitted to the Company as such, all references herein to the Managing Member in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other Managing Members as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such Managing Members will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company or voluntary resignation of the last remaining Managing Member, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the LLC Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Members.
3.2. Member Voting, etc .
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the LLC Act, Members (including Special Members) as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Companys business or act for or bind the Company, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Members of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Member is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Company, such Member shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Member (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Members may be called only by the Managing Member.
3.3. Management.
(a) The management, control and operation of the Company and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Company, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Company. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the Managing Member pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GSJP, or in the
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Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Companys obligations under the GSJP Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of GSJP, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Companys obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Company Affiliate Governing Agreement ), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Company Affiliate ) of which the Company is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Company Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the GSJP Agreements or any Company Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The Managing Member and any other person designated by the Managing Member, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Company or the Managing Member within the meaning of the LLC Act (the Managing Member hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GSJP, or in the Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) | any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the GSJP Agreements and each Company Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of GSJP, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in GSJP, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof); |
(B) | the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and |
(C) | any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate to |
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qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company, GSJP or such Company Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GSJP, or in the Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Managing Member, the Company, GSJP or any Company Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than the Managing Member) in this Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the Managing Member by an instrument in writing signed by the Managing Member.
3.4. Responsibilities of Members . (a) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, each Regular Member shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates, and each Special Member shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Company or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Members (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the Managing Member from time to time.
(c) The Managing Member may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Members or other employees as the Managing Member deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Members or other employees to bind the Company to financial commitments or other obligations.
3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification . (a) Liability to Members . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Member nor any of such Members representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons ) shall be liable to the Company or any other Member for any act or omission (in relation to the Company, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or
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investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Company, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Member or the Company. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Member has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company or to another Member, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Member acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any such other Member for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Member otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Member.
(b) Indemnification . (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Companys assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Members) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, Losses ), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Company or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Company, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided , that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further , that if such Covered Person is a Member or a Withdrawn Member, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Company as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the Managing Member) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the Managing Member, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Company of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the
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extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Company and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Company and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Member institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Member shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Members Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Members pro rata share of the Companys expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the Managing Member. The Company may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Members will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Companys obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Company as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing GSJP and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced by GSJP and/or such portfolio entity (or applicable insurance policies maintained by GSJP and/or such portfolio entity). The Companys obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from GSJP and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Company (or any Affiliate thereof other than GSJP) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by GSJP and/or the applicable portfolio entity, it is agreed among the Members that the Company shall have a subrogation claim against GSJP and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The Managing Member and the Company shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement as the Managing Member may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
3.6. Representations of Members .
(a) Each Regular or Special Member by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the LLC Act) represents and warrants to every other Member and to the Company, except as may be waived by the Managing Member, that such Member is acquiring each of such Members Interests for such Members own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Member hereunder; provided, that a Member may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Regular or Special Member represents and warrants that such Member understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Member must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. Each Regular or Special Member
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represents that such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Member is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company, and that such Member is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Regular or Special Member represents that such Members overall commitment to the Company and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Members net worth and the Member has no need for liquidity in the Members investment in Interests. Each Regular or Special Member represents that to the full satisfaction of the Member, the Member has been furnished any materials that such Member has requested relating to the Company, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Regular or Special Member represents that the Member has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Member with the Members own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Member.
(b) Each Regular or Special Member agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Member (1) makes a capital contribution to the Company (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Member or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Member hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Member hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
3.7. Tax Information . Each Regular or Special Member certifies that (A) if the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Members name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Company and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification ( W-9 ) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding ( W-8BEN ) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding ( W-8IMY ), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of any change of such status. The Member agrees to properly execute and provide to the Company in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Company or the Managing Member.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY
4.1. Capital Contributions by Members.
(a) Each Regular Member shall be required to make capital contributions to the Company ( GP-Related Capital Contributions ) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts ) as are required to satisfy the Companys obligation to make capital contributions to GSJP in respect of any GP-Related GSJP Investment and as are otherwise determined by the Managing Member from time to time or as may be set forth in such Regular Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any. Special Members shall not be required to make GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided , that the Managing Member and any Special Member may agree from time to time that such Special Member shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company; provided further , that each Investor Special Member shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Company related to the GP-Related GSJP Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Member shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Member in accordance with Section 5.2.
(c) The Managing Member may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Company to loan any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Member or (ii) permit any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company in installments, in each case on terms determined by the Managing Member.
(d) (i) The Members and the Withdrawn Members have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback ). The Managing Member shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for the Managing Member and each Member Category (such withheld percentage constituting the Managing Members and such Member Categorys Holdback Percentage ). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for the Managing Member, 15% for Existing Members (other than the Managing Member), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Members (other than the Managing Member) and 24% for Deceased Members (the Initial Holdback Percentages ). Any provision of this Agreement not the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the Managing Member shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
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(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Member Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Members is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Members Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the Managing Member concurrently increases the Existing Members Holdback Percentage to the Holdback Percentage of the Retaining Withdrawn Members. The Managing Member may not increase the Deceased Members Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the Managing Member increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Members and Retaining Withdrawn Members to 24%. The Managing Member may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Member Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the Managing Member from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the Managing Member reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the Managing Member shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Member in any Member Category (in such capacity, the Subject Member ) pursuant to a majority vote of the Regular Members (a Holdback Vote ); provided , that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to the Managing Member shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further , that a Subject Members Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Member (x) is notified by the Company of the decision to increase such Subject Members Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Member, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Company for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Member) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further , that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Members Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Member Category of such Subject Member; provided further , that a Member shall not
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vote to increase a Subject Members Holdback Percentage unless such voting Member determines, in his good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Member, or any of his successors or assigns (including his estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Member Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) | A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Company meeting. Each Regular Member shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Regular Members interest in the Company. Such vote may be cast by any Regular Member in person or by proxy. |
(C) | If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage, such Subject Member may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Member and the Company; provided , that if the Company and the Subject Member cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Company and the Subject Member shall request their candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further , that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Member that submits the decision of the Company pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Company shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Members and the Companys expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Company and the Subject Member shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Company if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Members Member Category; otherwise, the Subject Member shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party. |
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(D) | In the event of a decrease in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Company shall release and distribute to such Subject Member any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Member (in accordance with such Subject Members reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Members Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv). |
(v) (A) If a Members Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage ), such Member may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Members Excess Holdback ), and such Member (or a Withdrawn Member with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Member), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) satisfying such Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Company, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Member seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Company to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided , that, in the case of entities listed in the Companys books and records in which Members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto ( Pledgable Blackstone Interests ), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Member or Withdrawn Member seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Company a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further , that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the Managing Member otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Member or Withdrawn Member shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Companys books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Company shall, at the request of any Member or Withdrawn Member, assist such Member or Withdrawn Member in taking such action necessary to enable such Member or Withdrawn Member to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) | If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization ), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member. |
(C) | Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement), the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall apply thereto; provided , that clause (A) of the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(iii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C). |
(vi) Any Member or Withdrawn Member may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Member or Withdrawn Member or (B) require the Company to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C ) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Member or Withdrawn Member choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Member ) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term
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deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating ). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Member shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of GSJP, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Member fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Member 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Company in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Members obligation relating to the Companys obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Member has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, shall return to any L/C Member his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Companys obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Member satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members. If an L/C Member satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members in the Member Category of such L/C Member, the L/C of an L/C Member may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company; provided , that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Member to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Company relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Company may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) | In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Member may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in asset category 5 on the Companys books and records; provided , that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the |
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applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Member may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account. |
(viii) (A) Any Regular Member or Withdrawn Member may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Member or a Withdrawn Member may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously been satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) that satisfy such Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Member or Withdrawn Member (as more fully set forth below). Any Member seeking to satisfy such Members Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) | If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization ), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Member or Withdrawn Member in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Member or Withdrawn |
Member shall be required to promptly fund such Members or Withdrawn Members deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C. |
(C) | Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Companys books and |
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records), if such Members or Withdrawn Members Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Companys books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall apply thereto; provided , that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(iii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(iii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C). |
(D) | Upon a Member becoming a Withdrawn Member, at any time thereafter the Managing Member may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Member to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Members obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback). |
(E) | Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Member or Withdrawn Member from using any amount of such Members interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied. |
4.2. Interest. No interest shall accrue or be payable on the balances in a Members GP-Related Capital Accounts or Capital Commitment-Related Capital Accounts.
4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. Each Member may make partial withdrawals in respect of such Members GP-Related Capital Accounts or Capital Commitment-Related Capital Accounts in such amounts and at such times as may be permitted by the Managing Member from time to time. Payments with respect to any such partial withdrawals will be made at such times and in cash or in kind as may be determined by the Managing Member.
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ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
5.1. General Accounting Matters. (a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the Managing Member at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Company related to the GP-Related GSJP Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Company from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Company of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Company that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Company that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Company pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Company not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Company employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the Managing Member to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Company, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Company shall be allocated among the Company, Holdings
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and such Affiliates, among various Company activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the Managing Member, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ); provided , that the Managing Member shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the Managing Member, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Member or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Member, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the Managing Member does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the Managing Member may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Members average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided , that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Members in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the Managing Member may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the Managing Member and approved by the Companys independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Members, all Withdrawn Members, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Company or any successor thereto.
5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts . (a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the Managing Member may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Members interests in the capital of the Company related to the GP-Related GSJP Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company (each a GP-Related Capital Account ).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Company by one or more of the Members or a distribution by the Company to one or more of the Members, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be credited with the following amounts: (A)
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the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company related to such Members GP-Related Member Interest during such accounting period, and (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Member for such accounting period; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Company referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Member during such accounting period with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Member for such accounting period.
5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages. (a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the Managing Member shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage ) of each Member in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the Managing Member deems appropriate, including those referred to in Section 5.1(d); provided , that (i) the Managing Member may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Company during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The Managing Member may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Member in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Member, such former Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the Managing Member to one or more of the remaining Members. In the case of the admission of any Member to the Company as an additional Member, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Members shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Member pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Member for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The Managing Member may elect to allocate to the Members less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called an GP-Related Unallocated Percentage ); provided , that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the Managing Member within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all Members (including the Managing Member) in the manner determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any
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GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Members respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.7.
5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). (a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Company for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Members participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the Managing Member): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Members; second, to Members that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Members in such earlier years; and third, to the Members in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Company shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by GSJP and allocated to the Company with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Company to GSJP with respect to the GP-Related GSJP Interest) shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with each Members Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by GSJP and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by GSJP and allocated to the Company with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Members (including Withdrawn Members) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Members have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Members shall remain Members for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Company has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to GSJP, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The Managing Member may authorize from time to time advances to Members (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1
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but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
5.5. Liability of Members . Except as otherwise provided in the LLC Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Member shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company or of any other Member solely by reason of being a Member. In no event shall any Member or Withdrawn Member (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Company or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Member from the Company, in each case except as specifically provided in Sections 4.1(d) or 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Member shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]
5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The Managing Member may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Members GP-Related Member Interests relating to GP-Related GSJP Investments as the Managing Member may determine. The Managing Member shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Member until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Member that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Member, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
5.8. Distributions . (a) The Company shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Members at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Subject to Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Members in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Members in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages. At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by GSJP of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Company (a GP-Related Disposable Investment ), at the election of the Managing Member each Members Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Interests, an Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Members GP-Related Class B Interest ), and an Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Members GP-Related Class A Interest ). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by GSJP) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by
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GSJP) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Members in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Companys having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, the Company shall make cash distributions to each Member with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Company in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Member with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Member is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of state and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the Managing Member may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, such distribution is prohibited by § 18-607 of the LLC Act.
(c) The Managing Member may provide that the GP-Related Member Interest of any Member or employee (including such Members or employees right to distributions and investments of the Company related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Company during such period as the Managing Member shall determine (a Repurchase Period ). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Company and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the Managing Member from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The Managing Member may elect in an individual case to have the Company distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Member Withdraws from the Company for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Company at a purchase price determined at such time by the Managing Member. Unless determined otherwise by the Managing Member, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Members with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Member has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the Managing Member; provided , that the Managing Member may allocate the Withdrawn Members share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Members who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Member shall be allocated a share of such unrealized
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investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Company is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to GSJP a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount ), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member and Withdrawn Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount ) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Members or Withdrawn Members Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Company in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Members pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP- Related GSJP Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related GSJP Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Members with an interest in the GP-Related GSJP Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related GSJP Investment, all GP-Related GSJP Investments. Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall promptly contribute to the Company, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Members or Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Member or Withdrawn Member by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Company, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP- Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount ), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Companys and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided , that to the extent a Members or Withdrawn Members share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Member or Withdrawn Member as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further , that such written instructions from the Company shall specify each Members and Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Companys judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further , that any amount from a Members Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the Managing Member) shall be contributed by such Member to such Members Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
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(B) | To the extent any Member or Withdrawn Member has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 10 days of the Companys call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Member or Withdrawn Member equals the sum of (I) such Members or Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Companys and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Member or Withdrawn Member to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(iii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(iii). |
(ii) In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Member or Withdrawn Members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Member or Withdrawn Member so fails to recontribute.
(iii) In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member (a GP-Related Defaulting Party ) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution ) if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided , that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Member or Withdrawn Member shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested
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from such Member or Withdrawn Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member or Withdrawn Member becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby appoints the Company as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or Withdrawn Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(iv) Any Members or Withdrawn Members failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member or Withdrawn Member to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Company shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member to satisfy such Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Member or Withdrawn Member in satisfaction of such Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(v) A Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Company.
(vi) The obligations of the Company and the Members set forth in this Section 5.8(d) shall be subject to and governed by the Clawback Provisions, and, in the event of any conflict between this Section 5.8(d) and the Clawback Provisions, the Clawback Provisions shall control.
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(e) The Members acknowledge that the Managing Member will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Members, including by allocating writedowns and losses on GP-Related GSJP Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment ) to those Members who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Members receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related GSJP Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Company is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related GSJP Investment (the Subject Investment ) that have been reduced under the GSJP Agreements as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the Managing Member shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Member as follows:
(A) | determine each Members share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Members (indirectly through the Company from GSJP) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount ); |
(B) | determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Member with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Company from GSJP) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions ); and |
(C) | subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Member, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Member ( Net Carried Interest Distribution ). |
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Member as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the Managing Member shall (I) notify such Member, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Members, of his obligation to recontribute to the Company prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount ), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution Amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Member, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Members (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the GSJP Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related
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Amount ), then such Member may, in lieu of paying such Members Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Member in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Member becomes a Withdrawn Member.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Member remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Members pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Member who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the Managing Member (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Member may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Company by such Member).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Member, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Members as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided , that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Members to the extent a Member receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Member to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Company as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Members with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the Managing Member as follows:
(A) | determine each Members share of any losses in any GP-Related GSJP Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount ( i.e. , the losses that followed the last GP-Related GSJP Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Members Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related GSJP Investments; |
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(B) | determine each Members obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Members Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and |
(C) | subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Member to determine the amount of adjustment to each Members share of the Clawback Amount (a Members Clawback Adjustment Amount ). |
A Members share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Members Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Members share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Members Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided , that in no way shall a Members aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Member, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Members (including any Member whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the Managing Member shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Member shall have any claim against the Company, the Managing Member or any other Members as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Members, including Withdrawn Members.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Members and in no way modifies the obligations of each Member regarding the Clawback as provided in the GSJP Agreements.
5.9. Business Expenses . The Company shall reimburse the Members for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Companys business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Managing Member from time to time.
5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations .
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Member a single capital account combining such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the Managing Member determines is appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Company income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Members in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Members pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the Managing
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Member may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines is appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Members, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION
6.1. Additional Members . (a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Managing Member shall have the right to admit one or more additional persons into the Company as Regular Members or Special Members. Each such person shall make the representations with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6. The Managing Member shall determine and negotiate with the additional Member all terms of such additional Members participation in the Company, including the additional Members initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Member shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the Managing Member from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Company of any Special Member, the Managing Member shall designate that such Special Member shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Member being called a Nonvoting Special Member ). Any additional Member shall, as a condition to becoming a Member, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages to be allocated to an additional Member as of the date such Member is admitted to the Company, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member.
(c) An additional Member shall be required to contribute to the Company his pro rata share of the Companys total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the Managing Member in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Member will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Member or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by all the Members (including the additional Member), as determined by the Managing Member. In addition, each additional Member shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of
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such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is accepted by the Managing Member on behalf of the Company.
6.2. Withdrawal of Members . (a) Any Member may Withdraw voluntarily from the Company on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Member to the Managing Member (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Member and the Managing Member); provided , that a Member may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the Managing Member if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Company to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business; provided further , that a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, and a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Member, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the LLC Act with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Regular Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Regular Member with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest; provided , that the Managing Member may elect to admit such Withdrawn Member to the Company as a Nonvoting Special Member with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest, with such GP-Related Member Interest as the Managing Member may determine. The determination of whether any Member has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the Managing Member in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the Managing Member and such Member, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the Managing Member determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Company for any Member (including any Member who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Company (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, such Member, upon written notice by the Managing Member to such Member, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the Managing Member requires any Member to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
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(e) The withdrawal from the Company of any Member shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Members to continue the Company during the remainder of its term.
6.3. GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable . No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Members GP-Related Member Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Member and the Company; provided , that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Member, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further , that a Regular Member may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Regular Member controls investments related to any interest in the Company held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle ). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Member. Such Regular Member and the Nonvoting Special Member shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Regular Member and such Nonvoting Special Member with respect to the Company (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The Managing Member may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to withdraw from the Company on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Members GP-Related Member Interest shall have any right to be a Member without the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Member, such Member shall continue to be a Member of the Company.
6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member . (a) The Withdrawal of a Regular Member shall not dissolve the Company if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Regular Members and any one or more of such remaining Regular Members continue the business of the Company (any and all such remaining Regular Members being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Company without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(b), if upon the Withdrawal of a Regular Member there shall be no remaining Regular Member, the Company shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Members agree in writing to continue the business of the Company and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Regular Members.
(b) The Company shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Member, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Members as members thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Interest . (a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member. The term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member
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Interest is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Regular Member who Withdraws from the Company, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Member Interest is retained as a Special Member, shall be considered a Withdrawn Member for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Members interest in the Company may be agreed to by the Managing Member and a Withdrawn Member, a Withdrawn Members Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided , that if a Withdrawn Members Withdrawal is not the last day of a month, then the Managing Member may elect for such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Member shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to capital contributions, interest on capital, allocations of Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Member remained a Member of the Company during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Member, the Managing Member shall promptly after such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Members allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the Managing Member shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, a Withdrawn Member shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Member Withdraws from the Company (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Member, the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company of a Member with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, such Withdrawn Member thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Member (including voting rights) with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Member shall not have any interest in the Companys GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Members GP-Related Member Interest. If a Member Withdraws from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Member shall be entitled to
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receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Members percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Member has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Member shall pay the amount thereof to the Company upon demand by the Managing Member on or after the date of the statement referred to in paragraph (i) below; provided , that if the Withdrawn Member was solely a Special Member on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Member who was solely a Special Member, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Members GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the Managing Member as of such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Company name or the anticipation of any value the Company or any successor thereto might have in the event the Company or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Member whose Withdrawal with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest resulted from such Members death or Incompetence, such Members estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Member GP-Related Member Interest and retain such Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Company in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Members Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Members percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Member shall retain his percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Member (a Retaining Withdrawn Member ) shall become and remain a Special Member for such purpose (and, if the Managing Member so designates, such Special Member shall be a Nonvoting Special Member). The GP-Related Member Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Member pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Member Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and
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conditions as are established by the Managing Member. At the option of the Managing Member in its sole discretion, the Managing Member and the Retaining Withdrawn Member may agree to have the Company acquire such GP-Related Member Interest without the approval of the other Members; provided , that the Managing Member shall reflect in the books and records of the Company the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The Managing Member may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Company issue to the Withdrawn Member a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Member such Withdrawn Members pro rata share (as determined by the Managing Member) of any securities or other investments of the Company. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Member under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the Managing Member.
(h) [Intentionally omitted.]
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Member as shall be determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Member in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Member Interest in the Company ( e.g. , payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the Managing Member. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Member without examination of the accounting books and records of the Company or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Company to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided , that such Withdrawn Member shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the Managing Member as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the Managing Member, to be excessive or inadequate, the Managing Member may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Member or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Member or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
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(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Member to the Company at any time on or after the Settlement Date ( e.g. , outstanding Company loans or advances to such Withdrawn Member) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Member to the Company, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member to the Company under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Members Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Member in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Member has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5, the Managing Member may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Member of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Member, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Member or such Withdrawn Members right to any payment from the Company.
(m) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Member Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided , that the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Members interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the Managing Member may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Member his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Member with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Member or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided , that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Members percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date
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(the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the Managing Member). The Withdrawn Member shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Member with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the Managing Member. Upon written notice to the Managing Member, any Withdrawn Member who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the Managing Member pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the Managing Member shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Member (other than the Managing Member) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Member relating to a Regular Member or Special Member and to any transferee of any GP-Related Member Interest of such Member pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Member Withdraws from the Company.
(q) (i) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.
(ii) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Companys day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.
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(r) Each Member (other than the Managing Member) hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which the Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.
6.6. Dissolution of the Company . The Managing Member may dissolve the Company prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Members.
6.7. Certain Tax Matters . (a) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company shall be allocated among the Members for Federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Members pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the
Managing Member may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Members as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Company, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(b) The Managing Member shall cause to be prepared all Federal, state and local tax returns of the Company for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the Managing Member, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The Managing Member shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several states and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The Managing Member may cause the Company to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Member agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his
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interest in the Company in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Company as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Company to such Member for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Company, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Member (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Company and all Members except to the extent a Member shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Member in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Company and (C) no Member shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Company tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member. The Company and each Member hereby designate any Member selected by the Managing Member as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Member ). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all other Members from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Member of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Member shall provide to the Company copies of each Federal, state and local income tax return of such Member (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
6.8. Special Basis Adjustments . In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Company interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the Managing Member may cause the Company, on behalf of the Members and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Companys property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
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ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc .
(a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Member Interests or the GP-Related GSJP Interest.
(b) Each Member, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Company ( Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions ) as required to fund the Companys capital contributions to GSJP in respect of the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest, if any. No Member shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in an amount in excess of such Members Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements of the Members may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Member will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Member necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member participates; provided , that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Member the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Company and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Member shall be evidenced by receipt by the Company of funds equal to such Members Capital Commitment- Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the Managing Member may submit to the Members from time to time.
(c) The Company or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party ) may in its sole discretion advance to any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment Capital Contributions due to the Company from such Member with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment ( Firm Advances ). Each such Member shall pay interest on each Firm Advance from the date of each such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Member. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Company, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Member and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of
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the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Member of such rate upon such Members request; provided , that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Member pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided , that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Members of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts .
(a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company as of the date of formation of the Company, or such later date on which such Member is admitted to the Company, and on each such other date as such Member first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment Capital Contribution of a Member shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member on the date such Capital Commitment Capital Contribution is paid to the Company. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Members interest in the Company related to his Capital Commitment Member Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Member shall not have any obligation to the Company or to any other Member to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member. Until distribution of any such Members interest in the Company with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Company of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Company, neither such members Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the Managing Member.
7.3. Allocations .
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members (including the Managing Member) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion which such Members aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; provided, that if any Member makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
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(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Member.
7.4. Distributions .
(a) Each Members allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Member that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Company (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Company will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the Managing Member) with any cash amount distributable to such Member pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Member (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Member of an amount equal to the Federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Company allocated to such Member for such year in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the Managing Member, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Company related to all Members Capital Commitment Member Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Company was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of state and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided , that additional amounts shall be paid to the Member pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further , that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment
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Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Member of (A) all Capital Commitment Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Company) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Member to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Member who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Company or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Member, until all such Members Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Member.
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Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the Managing Member. At the Managing Members discretion, any amounts distributed to a Member in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Company distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the Managing Member in its sole discretion elect to apply this paragraph (e) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided , that such deferral shall not apply to a Member that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Member shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Member pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Company or GSJP (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment ), at the election of the Managing Member each Members Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Members Capital Commitment Class B Interest ), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Members Capital Commitment Class A Interest ). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Company is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to GSJP in respect of any Capital Commitment GSJP Interest
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that may be held by the Company (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount ), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company with respect to the Capital Commitment GSJP Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount ) which equals such Members pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment GSJP Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment GSJP Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Members with an interest in the Capital Commitment GSJP Investment referred to in clause (a) above, and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment GSJP Investment, all Capital Commitment GSJP Investments. Each Member shall promptly contribute to the Company upon notice thereof such Members Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, at the Managing Members discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Managing Members judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) In the event any Member (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party ) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution ) if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided , that no Member shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital
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Commitment Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof. Each Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Company or any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member hereby appoints the Company as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(iii) Any Members failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iv) A Members obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Company.
7.5. Valuations . Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the Managing Member) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Company (or any Affiliate of the Company that is a general partner of GSJP) in valuing investments of GSJP or, in the case of investments not held by GSJP, in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value ) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided , that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the Managing Member in good faith; provided further , that such value may be adjusted by the Managing Member to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Members; provided further , that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct Member of the Company.
7.6. Disposition Election .
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Companys execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion permit a Member to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Members Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the Managing Member so permits,
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such Member shall instruct the Managing Member in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Members pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Member on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Company on behalf of such Member until such time as such Member shall instruct the Managing Member upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Member. Such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Company of such Retained Portion or the Companys disposition of other Members pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Member or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Company.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election .
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Member, distribute to such Member any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Members Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution ). Such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS
8.1. Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests .
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Member may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided , that in the event that a Member prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine
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months prior to the date on which such Member is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Company (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further , that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Member shall apply pro rata against all of such Members Investor Notes; provided , that such Member may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Member. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Member ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Member dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Member (the Withdrawn Member ) and the Company or any other person designated by the Managing Member shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Member within 30 days and by the Company or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Members ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Company, subject to the LLC Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Member) or the Withdrawn Member to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Company or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount ) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Member on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Member on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Member on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided , that, if the Withdrawn Member was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the Managing Members sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Member from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Member at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Member from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Company or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Member at the time of such purchase; provided , that the Company and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Member against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Member. Until so paid, such remaining
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Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Member nor the Company nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Member shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Member in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Member at his option, and the Company shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Member purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Member, the purchasing Members Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Member shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Member. The sole right, as against the Company and the remaining Members, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Member shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Company to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Member pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Member had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Member, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Members interest in the Company upon the dissolution of the Company as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the Managing Member. The Company shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Member as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest.
(d) If a Member dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member shall be purchased by the Company or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such Members death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash) and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Member, if the estate or personal representative of such Member so requests in writing within 180 days of the Members death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Company or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Company or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member as of the last day of the Companys then current fiscal year at a price equal to the
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Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Member shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Member within 30 days of the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such Members death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Company or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Member as a Member with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the Managing Member may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Member within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Member the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Company or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Company or another person designated by the Managing Member (who may be itself another Member or another Affiliate of the Company) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The Managing Member shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Members execution and delivery to the Company of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Company or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Company may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the Managing Member. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Companys designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Company, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable. To the extent that a Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Company and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, (i) be allocated to each Member already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Member in the Company, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Company itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests ). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Members as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the
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Company to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Members. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Members shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Members receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Members and the Managing Member shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Company may require an assumption by the Members of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Members; provided , that a Member shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Company itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Company and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Company to which all income of the Company is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Company allocable to all Members in such proportions.
(g) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided , that if such Member was not at any time a direct Regular Member of the Company, the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Member to retain such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided , that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Member if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Member with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
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(h) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.
(i) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Companys day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.
(j) Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.
8.2. Transfer of Members Capital Commitment Interest . Except as otherwise agreed by the Managing Member, no Member or former Member shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer ( Transfer ) all or part of any such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company; provided , that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair Transfers (i) as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Members or deceased or Totally Disabled Members Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) Transfers by a Member to another Member of Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers of up to 25% of a Regular Members Capital Commitment Member Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle and (iv) with the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). No person acquiring an interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Member of the Company, or acquire such Members right to participate in the affairs of the Company, unless such person shall be admitted as a Member pursuant to Section 6.1. A Member shall not cease to be a Member of the Company upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
8.3. Compliance with Law . Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Company may be made except in compliance with all Federal, state and other applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
9.1. Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the Term.
9.2. Final Distribution . Upon the dissolution of the Company, and following the payment of creditors of the Company and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Company as required under the LLC Act:
(a) The Members respective interests in the Company shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Members and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Members; and
(b) With respect to each Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Member in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Members respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided , that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Member in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Company related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests shall be paid to the Members in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The Managing Member shall be the liquidator. In the event that the Managing Member is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members voting at a meeting of Members (excluding Nonvoting Special Members).
9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests .
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Members interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Members participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Member, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other
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investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Company related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Member therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Member pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Member on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Company may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Member in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Member in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Member from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial .
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Managing Member may bring, or may cause the Company to bring, on behalf of the Managing Member or the Company or on behalf of one or more Members, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall
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not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.
(c)(i) EACH MEMBER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq .) (the Delaware Arbitration Act ). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name . The Company acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. ( TM ), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM. The Company shall not be permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark without the prior written consent of TM. To the extent the Company is permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, all services rendered by the Company under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM
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and its Affiliates and licensees. The Company understands that, to the extent TM hereinafter permits the Company to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, TM may thereafter terminate the Companys right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Company written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Company will take all steps necessary to change its company name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
10.3. Written Consent . Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Members at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Members consent thereto in writing.
10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules . The Managing Member may, or may cause the Company to, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Members, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, any other profit sharing agreements, benefits or any other matter (such letter agreements, the Admission Letters ). For the avoidance of doubt, any provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement, on the one hand, and a Members Admission Letter, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the Admission Letter of such Member shall control as between the Company and such Member. The Managing Member may from time to time execute and deliver to the Members schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members and any other matters deemed appropriate by the Managing Member. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided , that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Company has been formed pursuant to the LLC Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Members shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
10.6. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided , that no person claiming by, through or under a Member (whether such Members heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Member itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Member (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Member or Withdrawn Member shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Members or Withdrawn Members interest in the Company, unless waived by the Managing Member. The Company shall, if the Managing
73
Member determine, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(iii) and 7.4(g), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Members and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the GSJP Agreements, (x) each Limited Partner (as defined in the GSJP Agreements) of GSJP shall be a third-party beneficiary of the provisions of Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the GSJP Partnership Agreement), and (y) Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the GSJP Partnership Agreement), shall not be amended
in a manner adverse to the Limited Partners of GSJP without a 66 2 / 3 % Limited Partner Consent (as such terms are used in the GSJP Agreements).
10.7. Confidentiality . By executing this Agreement, each Member expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Company and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Member of the Company, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Company, another Member or a person designated by the Company, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Company that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided , that any corporate Member may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Member (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Member) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Company, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Members or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Members, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Members; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Members or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Members, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
10.8. Notices . Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given to any Member at its address or telecopy number shown in the Companys books and records or, if given to the Managing Member, at the address of the Company provided herein. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Member or Managing Member specified as aforesaid.
10.9. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
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10.10. Power of Attorney . Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Company shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and
subsisting existence of the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Member.
10.11. Members Will . Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Company that is satisfactory to the Managing Member and each such Member and Withdrawn Member shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision remains in his current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Member or Withdrawn Member to which a portion of such Members or Withdrawn Members Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Company has notified such Member or Withdrawn Member of his failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Company may withhold any and all distributions to such Member until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
10.12. Cumulative Remedies . Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
10.13. Legal Fees . Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Member or Withdrawn Member and the Company, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
10.14. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any of the Members to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Members executing the same.
MANAGING MEMBER: |
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GSO Holdings I L.L.C. |
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By: Blackstone Holdings I L.P., its managing member |
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By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., its general partner |
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By: |
/s/ Robert L. Friedman |
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Name: Robert L. Friedman | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
Consented and agreed to: |
/s/ Marisa Beeney |
Marisa Beeney, Initial Member |
Exhibit 10.5
EXECUTION VERSION
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
GSO CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATES II LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF MARCH 21, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
||||||
1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
1.2. |
Terms Generally | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
||||||
2.1. |
Managing, Regular and Special Members | 17 | ||||
2.2. |
Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions | 18 | ||||
2.3. |
Term | 18 | ||||
2.4. |
Purposes; Powers | 18 | ||||
2.5. |
Place of Business | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
||||||
3.1. |
Managing Member | 21 | ||||
3.2. |
Member Voting, etc | 21 | ||||
3.3. |
Management | 21 | ||||
3.4. |
Responsibilities of Members | 23 | ||||
3.5. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 23 | ||||
3.6. |
Representations of Members | 25 | ||||
3.7. |
Tax Information | 26 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY |
||||||
4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Members | 27 | ||||
4.2. |
Interest | 34 | ||||
4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 34 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
||||||
5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 35 | ||||
5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 36 | ||||
5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 37 | ||||
5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 38 | ||||
5.5. |
Liability of Members | 39 | ||||
5.6. |
[Intentionally omitted.] | 39 | ||||
5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 39 | ||||
5.8. |
Distributions | 39 | ||||
5.9. |
Business Expenses | 47 | ||||
5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 47 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
||||||
6.1. |
Additional Members | 47 | ||||
6.2. |
Withdrawal of Members | 48 | ||||
6.3. |
GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable | 49 | ||||
6.4. |
Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member | 49 | ||||
6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Interest | 50 | ||||
6.6. |
Dissolution of the Company | 55 | ||||
6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 55 | ||||
6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 57 | ||||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
||||||
7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc | 57 | ||||
7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 58 | ||||
7.3. |
Allocations | 58 | ||||
7.4. |
Distributions | 59 | ||||
7.5. |
Valuations | 63 | ||||
7.6. |
Disposition Election | 64 | ||||
7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 64 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS |
||||||
8.1. |
Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 64 | ||||
8.2. |
Transfer of Members Capital Commitment Interest | 69 | ||||
8.3. |
Compliance with Law. | 70 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
||||||
9.1. |
Dissolution | 70 | ||||
9.2. |
Final Distribution | 70 | ||||
9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests | 71 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
||||||
10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 71 | ||||
10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name | 73 | ||||
10.3. |
Written Consent | 73 | ||||
10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 73 | ||||
10.5. |
Governing Law; Separability of Provisions | 73 | ||||
10.6. |
Successors and Assigns | 74 | ||||
10.7. |
Confidentiality | 74 |
-ii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
10.8. |
Notices | 74 | ||||
10.9. |
Counterparts | 75 | ||||
10.10. |
Power of Attorney | 75 | ||||
10.11. |
Members Will | 75 | ||||
10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 75 | ||||
10.13. |
Legal Fees | 75 | ||||
10.14. |
Entire Agreement | 76 |
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GSO CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATES II LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of GSO Capital Opportunities Associates II LLC (the Company ), dated as of March 21, 2011, by and among GSO Holdings I L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the Managing Member or Holdings ), the other members of the Company as set forth in the books and records of the Company, and such other persons that are admitted to the Company as members after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the original limited liability company agreement of the Company was executed as of October 21, 2010 (the Original Agreement ); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto now wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as of the date hereof and as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. Definitions . Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Admission Letter has the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Company), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Investment Vehicle means any investment vehicle or structure formed pursuant to Section 6.12 of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement or any other Alternative Investment Vehicle (as defined in any other GCOF II Agreements).
Applicable Collateral Percentage has the meaning with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral as set forth in the books and records of the Company with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a
voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCOM means (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital
2
Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A -SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFMEZP means Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings II L.P., any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BMEZP I, BMEZP II, any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BMEZP I, BMEZP II or any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International-A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
3
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P.
BMEZP I means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BMEZP II means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BREP VI means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.2 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above), or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
BSSF Europe means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.1 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.2 L.P., each a limited partnership formed or to be formed under the laws of the United Kingdom pursuant to the Limited Partnerships Act 1907 of the United Kingdom, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
BSSF II means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (iii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and any alternative vehicles thereof or parallel funds formed in connection therewith.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Member, the account maintained for such Member to which are credited such Members contributions to the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such
4
Member and any net losses allocated to such Member with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest means the Interest (as defined in the GCOF II Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Company as a capital partner in GCOF II.
Capital Commitment GCOF II Investment means the Companys interest in a specific investment of GCOF II through the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Member in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any investment of the Company in respect of the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest, including any Capital Commitment GCOF II Investment, but excluding any GP-Related Investment.
5
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Company, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Member (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest means, with respect to any Member, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Member (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Company in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Company from any fund (including GCOF II), any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any private equity merchant banking, real estate or mezzanine funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Member Interest means a Members interest in the Company which relates to the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Member in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment , with respect to any Member, means such Members commitment to the Company relating to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
6
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest Distributions, as defined in the GCOF II Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any GCOF II Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the Managing Member, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the Managing Member may allocate amongst all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Member or Withdrawn Member, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Member or Withdrawn Member from the Company or any Other Fund GPs in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Members, Withdrawn Members or any other person by the Company or any Other Fund GP in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Company or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Member or Withdrawn Member (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Members and Withdrawn Members as members, partners or other equity owners of the Company or any of the Other Fund GPs.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Cause with respect to any Member has the meaning ascribed to such term in the letter agreement between such Member and Blackstone setting forth the terms of such Member becoming a Senior Managing Director or otherwise an employee (as applicable) of Blackstone (such agreement as from time to time amended and as in effect as of the applicable date, the Employment Agreement ); provided , that with respect to any Member who is not a party to an Employment Agreement, Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to such Member, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the Managing Member: (i) (w) any breach by any Member of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Member that are established by the Managing Member, (y) such Members deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Members committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Company or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the Managing Member; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the Managing Member has given such Member written notice (a Notice of Breach ) within fifteen days after the Managing Member becomes aware of such action and such Member fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the Managing Member (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such
7
cure, provided that such Member is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere ) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Member individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Members ability to function as a Member of the Company, taking into account the services required of such Member and the nature of the business of the Company and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Company and its Affiliates.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount (as defined in Section 5.05(A) of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement) and any other clawback amount payable to GCOF II (or to the limited partners of GCOF II) pursuant to any GCOF II Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 5.05 and Appendix B of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other GCOF II Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into, which Appendix B is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Company and the Members, pursuant to which each Member undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1. The Commitment Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.
Company has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
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Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Deceased Member means any Member or Withdrawn Member who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Member shall refer collectively to the Deceased Member and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Member, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Members interest in the Company.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Member means any Member who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Member nor a Deceased Member.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or withdrawal from the Company of any person who is a Member.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Members or Withdrawn Members interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Company, and certain other assets of such Member or Withdrawn Member, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Member or Withdrawn Member as more fully described in the Companys books and records; provided , that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement ( e.g. , the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B) with respect to Firm Collateral, and Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B) with respect to Special Firm Collateral.
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the Managing Member.
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Fund GP means the Company (only with respect to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(a).
GCOF II means (i) GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. and GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II L.P., each a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, and (ii) any other private investment partnerships for which the Company serves as general partner and, where the context requires, any parallel funds thereof or Alternative Investment Vehicles related thereto.
GCOF II Agreements means (i) the GCOF II Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other GCOF II partnership agreements, as any of them may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
GCOF II Partnership Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P., as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Giveback Amount means the amount of the Companys obligations under the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Sections 6.05 and 6.06 of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other GCOF II Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment with respect to any Member means such Members commitment to the Company relating to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
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GP-Related GCOF II Interest means the interest held by the Company in GCOF II, in the Companys capacity as general partner of GCOF II, excluding any Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest that may be held by the Company.
GP-Related GCOF II Investment means the Companys interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the GCOF II Partnership Agreement), in the Companys capacity as the general partner\of GCOF II, excluding any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company in respect of the GP-Related GCOF II Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related GCOF II Investment but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Member Interest of a Member means all interests of such Member in the Company (other than such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest), including, without limitation, such Members interest in the Company with respect to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Member; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (a) in connection with voting or voting rights or (b) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Member; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related GCOF II Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related GCOF II Investment if GCOF IIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by GCOF II to the Company (indirectly through the general partner of GCOF II) pursuant to the GCOF II Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related GCOF II Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than a Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net
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Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. or GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II L.P., or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Member, the determination by the Managing Member in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Member is incompetent to manage his person or his property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Interest means a limited liability company interest (as defined in § 18-101(8) of the LLC Act) in the Company, including those that are held by a Retaining Withdrawn Member and including any Members GP-Related Member Interest and Capital Commitment Member Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company designated by the Managing Member from time to time as an investment in which the Members respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Companys other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Member evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Member to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the Managing Member and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Member and all other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided , that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to
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Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further , that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Member means any Special Member so designated at the time of its admission by the Managing Member as a Member of the Company.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Member has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
LLC Act means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.C. § 18-101, et seq. , as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such Act.
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Company that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Member to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Members on any date (a vote date ) means one or more persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the Managing Member as of which the Members capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date.
Managing Member has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
Member means any person who is a member of the Company, including the Regular Members, the Managing Member and the Special Members. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Members, including the Special Members and any group of Members in the same Member Category, shall have any right to vote as a
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class on any matter relating to the Company, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Member Category means the Managing Member, Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members or Deceased Members, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Services, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Special Member has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means any entity (other than the Company) through which any Member or Withdrawn Member directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest and any successor thereto; provided , that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further , that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Member shall be considered a Fund GP for purposes hereof.
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Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Member but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Company) to such Member.
Pledgable Blackstone Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the Managing Member as a Qualifying Fund.
Regular Member means any Member, excluding the Managing Member and any Special Members.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
Retaining Withdrawn Member means a Withdrawn Member who has retained a GP-Related Member Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Member shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Member for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Company and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Members, pursuant to which each such Member undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Company and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.
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Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Companys books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Special Member means any person shown on the books and records of the Company as a Special Member of the Company, including any Nonvoting Special Member and any Investor Special Member.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Member has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Total Disability means the inability of a Member substantially to perform the services required of a Regular Member for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended to date, among the Members, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
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Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Member means a Member ceasing to be a member of the Company (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Member) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Member means, as aforesaid, a Member who has ceased to be a member of the Company.
Withdrawal Date means the date of Withdrawal from the Company of a Withdrawn Member.
Withdrawn Member means a Member whose interest in the Company has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Member.
1.2. Terms Generally . The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1. Managing, Regular and Special Members . The Members may be Managing Members, Regular Members or Special Members (including Investor Special Members). The Managing Member as of the date hereof is Holdings, the Regular Members as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Regular Members in the books and records of the Company, and the Special Members as of the date hereof are persons shown as Special Members in the books and records of the Company. The books and records of the Company contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company shall be amended by the Managing Member from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Company of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Company of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the admission and withdrawal of Members and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At
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the time of admission of each additional Member, the Managing Member shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member shall participate and such Members GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Member may have a GP-Related Member Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Member Interest.
2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions . The Company is hereby continued as a limited liability company pursuant to the LLC Act and shall continue to conduct its activities under the name of GSO Capital Opportunities Associates II LLC. The certificate of formation of the Company may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the Managing Member, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the LLC Act). The Managing Member is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Company to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company may wish to conduct business.
2.3. Term . The term of the Company shall continue until December 31, 2061, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement.
2.4. Purposes; Powers . (a) The purposes of the Company shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates,
(i) to serve as the general partner of GCOF II and perform the functions of a general partner of GCOF II specified in the GCOF II Agreements,
(ii) to serve as a capital partner and/or limited partner of GCOF II and perform the functions of a capital partner and/or limited partner of GCOF II specified in the GCOF II Agreements,
(iii) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnerships,
(iv) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(v) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through
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GCOF II (including any Alternative Investment Vehicles and any parallel funds), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(vi) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the Managing Member and as are permitted under the LLC Act, the GCOF II Agreements, the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iii) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (iv) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
(vii) any other lawful purpose, and
(viii) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Company shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Managing Member in the conduct of the Companys business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Company in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Company;
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(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Company, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Members cash or investments or other property of the Company, or any combination thereof; and
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(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware law.
2.5. Place of Business . The Company shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Company shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the Managing Member specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Company. The name and address of the Companys registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Managing Member may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of formation of the Company.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
3.1. Managing Member . (a) Holdings shall be an original managing member (the Managing Member ). The Managing Member shall cease to be the Managing Member only if (i) it Withdraws from the Company for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the Managing Member, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The Managing Member may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more Managing Members. In the event that one or more other Managing Members is admitted to the Company as such, all references herein to the Managing Member in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other Managing Members as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such Managing Members will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
(b ) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company or voluntary resignation of the last remaining Managing Member, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the LLC Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Members.
3.2. Member Voting, etc .
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the LLC Act, Members (including Special Members) as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Companys business or act for or bind the Company, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Members of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Member is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Company, such Member shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Member (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
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(c) Meetings of the Members may be called only by the Managing Member.
3.3. Management .
(a) The management, control and operation of the Company and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Company, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Company. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the Managing Member pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GCOF II, or in the Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Companys obligations under the GCOF II Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of GCOF II, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Companys obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Company Affiliate Governing Agreement ), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Company Affiliate ) of which the Company is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Company Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the GCOF II Agreements or any Company Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The Managing Member and any other person designated by the Managing Member, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Company or the Managing Member within the meaning of the LLC Act (the Managing Member hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GCOF II, or in the Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) |
any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the GCOF II Agreements and each Company Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of GCOF II, (III) side letters issued in connection with |
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investments in GCOF II, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof); |
(B) | the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and |
(C) | any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company, GCOF II or such Company Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner of GCOF II, or in the Companys capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Managing Member, the Company, GCOF II or any Company Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than the Managing Member) in this Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the Managing Member by an instrument in writing signed by the Managing Member.
3.4. Responsibilities of Members. (a) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, each Regular Member shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the
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Company and its Affiliates, and each Special Member shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Company or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Members (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the Managing Member from time to time.
(c) The Managing Member may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Members or other employees as the Managing Member deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Members or other employees to bind the Company to financial commitments or other obligations.
3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification . (a) Liability to Members . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Member nor any of such Members representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons ) shall be liable to the Company or any other Member for any act or omission (in relation to the Company, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Company, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Member or the Company. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Member has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company or to another Member, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Member acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any such other Member for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Member otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Member.
(b) Indemnification . (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Companys assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Members) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever,
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known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, Losses ), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Company or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Company, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided , that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further , that if such Covered Person is a Member or a Withdrawn Member, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Company as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the Managing Member) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the Managing Member, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Company of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Company and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Company and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Member institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Member shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Members Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Members pro rata share of the Companys expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the Managing Member. The Company may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Members will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Companys obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Company as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing GCOF II and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced by GCOF II and/or such portfolio entity (or applicable insurance policies maintained by GCOF II and/or such portfolio entity). The Companys obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from GCOF II and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Company (or any Affiliate thereof other than GCOF II) pays or causes to be
25
paid any amounts that should have been paid by GCOF II and/or the applicable portfolio entity, it is agreed among the Members that the Company shall have a subrogation claim against GCOF II and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The Managing Member and the Company shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement as the Managing Member may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
3.6. Representations of Members .
(a) Each Regular or Special Member by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the LLC Act) represents and warrants to every other Member and to the Company, except as may be waived by the Managing Member, that such Member is acquiring each of such Members Interests for such Members own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Member hereunder; provided, that a Member may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Regular or Special Member represents and warrants that such Member understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Member must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. Each Regular or Special Member represents that such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Member is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company, and that such Member is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Regular or Special Member represents that such Members overall commitment to the Company and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Members net worth and the Member has no need for liquidity in the Members investment in Interests. Each Regular or Special Member represents that to the full satisfaction of the Member, the Member has been furnished any materials that such Member has requested relating to the Company, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Regular or Special Member represents that the Member has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Member with the Members own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Member.
(b) Each Regular or Special Member agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Member (1) makes a capital contribution to the Company (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Member or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Member hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Member hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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3.7. Tax Information . Each Regular or Special Member certifies that (A) if the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Members name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Company and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification ( W-9 ) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding ( W-8BEN ) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding ( W-8IMY ), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of any change of such status. The Member agrees to properly execute and provide to the Company in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Company or the Managing Member.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY
4.1. Capital Contributions by Members .
(a) Each Regular Member shall be required to make capital contributions to the Company ( GP-Related Capital Contributions ) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts ) as are required to satisfy the Companys obligation to make capital contributions to GCOF II in respect of any GP-Related GCOF II Investment and as are otherwise determined by the Managing Member from time to time or as may be set forth in such Regular Members Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any. Special Members shall not be required to make GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided , that the Managing Member and any Special Member may agree from time to time that such Special Member shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company; provided further , that each Investor Special Member shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Company related to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Member shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Member in accordance with Section 5.2.
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(c) The Managing Member may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Company to loan any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Member or (ii) permit any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company in installments, in each case on terms determined by the Managing Member.
(d) (i) The Members and the Withdrawn Members have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback ). The Managing Member shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for the Managing Member and each Member Category (such withheld percentage constituting the Managing Members and such Member Categorys Holdback Percentage ). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for the Managing Member, 15% for Existing Members (other than the Managing Member), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Members (other than the Managing Member) and 24% for Deceased Members (the Initial Holdback Percentages ). Any provision of this Agreement not the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the Managing Member shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Member Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Members is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Members Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the Managing Member concurrently increases the Existing Members Holdback Percentage to the Holdback Percentage of the Retaining Withdrawn Members. The Managing Member may not increase the Deceased Members Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the Managing Member increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Members and Retaining Withdrawn Members to 24%. The Managing Member may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Member Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the Managing Member from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback
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Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the Managing Member reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the Managing Member shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Member in any Member Category (in such capacity, the Subject Member ) pursuant to a majority vote of the Regular Members (a Holdback Vote ); provided , that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to the Managing Member shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further , that a Subject Members Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Member (x) is notified by the Company of the decision to increase such Subject Members Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Member, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Company for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Member) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further , that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Members Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Member Category of such Subject Member; provided further , that a Member shall not vote to increase a Subject Members Holdback Percentage unless such voting Member determines, in his good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Member, or any of his successors or assigns (including his estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Member Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) | A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Company meeting. Each Regular Member shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Regular Members interest in the Company. Such vote may be cast by any Regular Member in person or by proxy. |
(C) |
If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage, such Subject Member may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Member and the Company; provided , that if the Company and the Subject Member cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Company and the Subject Member shall request their candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further , that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Member that submits the decision of the |
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Company pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Company shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Members and the Companys expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Company and the Subject Member shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Company if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Members Member Category; otherwise, the Subject Member shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party. |
(D) | In the event of a decrease in a Subject Members Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Company shall release and distribute to such Subject Member any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Member (in accordance with such Subject Members reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Members Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv). |
(v) (A) If a Members Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage ), such Member may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Members Excess Holdback ), and such Member (or a Withdrawn Member with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Member), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) satisfying such Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Company, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Member seeking to
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satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Company to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided , that, in the case of entities listed in the Companys books and records in which Members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto ( Pledgable Blackstone Interests ), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Member or Withdrawn Member seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Company a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further , that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the Managing Member otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Member or Withdrawn Member shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Companys books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Company shall, at the request of any Member or Withdrawn Member, assist such Member or Withdrawn Member in taking such action necessary to enable such Member or Withdrawn Member to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) | If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization ), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member. |
(C) |
Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Excess Holdback requirement), the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to |
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satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall apply thereto; provided , that clause (A) of the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(iv) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C). |
(vi) Any Member or Withdrawn Member may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Member or Withdrawn Member or (B) require the Company to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C ) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Member or Withdrawn Member choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Member ) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating ). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Member shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of GCOF II, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Member fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Member 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Company in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Members obligation relating to the Companys obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Member has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, shall return to any L/C Member his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Companys obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Member satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members. If an L/C Member satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash
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and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members in the Member Category of such L/C Member, the L/C of an L/C Member may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company; provided , that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Member to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Company relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Company may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) | In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Member may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in asset category 5 on the Companys books and records; provided , that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Member may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account. |
(viii) (A) Any Regular Member or Withdrawn Member may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Member or a Withdrawn Member may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously been satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) that satisfy such Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Member or Withdrawn Member (as more fully set forth below). Any Member seeking to satisfy such Members Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) |
If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization ), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a |
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Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Members or Withdrawn Members Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Member or Withdrawn Member in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall be required to promptly fund such Members or Withdrawn Members deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C. |
(C) | Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Companys books and records), if such Members or Withdrawn Members Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Members Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Companys books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall apply thereto; provided , that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(iv) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(iv) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C). |
(D) | Upon a Member becoming a Withdrawn Member, at any time thereafter the Managing Member may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Member to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section |
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4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Members obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback). |
(E) | Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Member or Withdrawn Member from using any amount of such Members interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied. |
4.2. Interest . No interest shall accrue or be payable on the balances in a Members GP-Related Capital Accounts or Capital Commitment-Related Capital Accounts.
4.3. Withdrawals of Capital . Each Member may make partial withdrawals in respect of such Members GP-Related Capital Accounts or Capital Commitment-Related Capital Accounts in such amounts and at such times as may be permitted by the Managing Member from time to time. Payments with respect to any such partial withdrawals will be made at such times and in cash or in kind as may be determined by the Managing Member.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
5.1. General Accounting Matters . (a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the Managing Member at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Company related to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Company from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
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GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Company of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Company that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Company that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Company pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Company not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Company employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the Managing Member to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Company, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Company shall be allocated among the Company, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Company activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the Managing Member, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ); provided , that the Managing Member shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the Managing Member, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Member or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Member, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the Managing Member does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the Managing Member may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Members average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided , that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Members in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such
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accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the Managing Member may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the Managing Member and approved by the Companys independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Members, all Withdrawn Members, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Company or any successor thereto.
5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts . (a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the Managing Member may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Members interests in the capital of the Company related to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company (each a GP-Related Capital Account ).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Company by one or more of the Members or a distribution by the Company to one or more of the Members, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company related to such Members GP-Related Member Interest during such accounting period, and (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Member for such accounting period; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Company referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Member during such accounting period with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Member for such accounting period.
5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages . (a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the Managing Member shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage ) of each Member in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the Managing Member deems appropriate, including those referred to in Section 5.1(d); provided , that (i) the Managing Member may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Company during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with
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paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The Managing Member may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Member in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Member, such former Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the Managing Member to one or more of the remaining Members. In the case of the admission of any Member to the Company as an additional Member, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Members shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Member pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Member for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The Managing Member may elect to allocate to the Members less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called an GP-Related Unallocated Percentage ); provided , that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the Managing Member within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all Members (including the Managing Member) in the manner determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Members respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.7.
5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) . (a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Company for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Members participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the Managing Member): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Members; second, to Members that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Members in such earlier years; and third, to the Members in the same manner
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that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Company shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by GCOF II and allocated to the Company with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Company to GCOF II with respect to the GP-Related GCOF II Interest) shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with each Members Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by GCOF II and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by GCOF II and allocated to the Company with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Members (including Withdrawn Members) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Members have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Members shall remain Members for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Company has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to GCOF II, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The Managing Member may authorize from time to time advances to Members (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
5.5. Liability of Members . Except as otherwise provided in the LLC Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Member shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company or of any other Member solely by reason of being a Member. In no event shall any Member or Withdrawn Member (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Company or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Member from the Company, in each case except as specifically provided in Sections 4.1(d) or 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Member shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]
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5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc . The Managing Member may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Members GP-Related Member Interests relating to GP-Related GCOF II Investments as the Managing Member may determine. The Managing Member shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Member until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Member that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Member, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
5.8 Distributions . (a) The Company shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Members at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Subject to Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Members in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Members in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages. At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by GCOF II of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Company (a GP-Related Disposable Investment ), at the election of the Managing Member each Members Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Interests, an Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Members GP-Related Class B Interest ), and an Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Members GP-Related Class A Interest ). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by GCOF II) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by GCOF II) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Members in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Companys having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, the Company shall make cash distributions to each Member with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Company in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would
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be payable by such Member with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Member is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of state and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the Managing Member may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, such distribution is prohibited by § 18-607 of the LLC Act.
(c) The Managing Member may provide that the GP-Related Member Interest of any Member or employee (including such Members or employees right to distributions and investments of the Company related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Company during such period as the Managing Member shall determine (a Repurchase Period ). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Company and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the Managing Member from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The Managing Member may elect in an individual case to have the Company distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Member Withdraws from the Company for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Company at a purchase price determined at such time by the Managing Member. Unless determined otherwise by the Managing Member, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Members with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Member has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the Managing Member; provided , that the Managing Member may allocate the Withdrawn Members share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Members who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Member shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) Each of the Members shall, in addition to any other amount agreed to be contributed by such Member to the Company, contribute to the Company for contribution to GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. and any other vehicle formed to co-invest with such partnership to which a clawback payment may be due (including, without limitation, Section 5.05 of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement), such Members share of such clawback payment, which share shall be based upon the aggregate Carried Interest Distributions in respect of each of the entities referred to above made to such Member by the Company as a percentage of the total amount of such Carried Interest Distributions made by the Company to all Members. In no event will the obligation of a Member under this Section 5.8(d)(i) exceed 100% of the Carried Interest Distributions made to such Member (minus the applicable highest
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effective marginal U.S. Federal, state and local income tax rates for an individual resident in New York, New York applied to the taxable income with respect to such Carried Interest Distributions (taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. Federal income tax purposes and the character of the income giving rise to the Carried Interest Distributions and, without duplication, any entity-level taxes of the Company allocated to such Member, except to the extent that the aggregate amount to be contributed by the Members pursuant to this sentence is less than the General Partners obligation under Section 5.05 of the GCOF II Partnership Agreement. The limited partners of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. and each other fund formed to co-invest with such partnerships shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 5.8(d)(i) and shall be entitled to enforce the provisions of this Section 5.8(d)(i) as if such limited partners were parties hereto. This Section 5.8(d)(i) shall not be amended without the written consent of at least the minimum percentage required under the applicable GCOF II Agreement, as amended from time to time, of all non-defaulting limited partners of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. and any other entity to which a clawback payment may be due from the Company.
(ii) (A) In order to implement the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i) and to provide for contribution to the Company by each Member of such Members pro rata share of any GP-Related Giveback Amount, the parties hereto agree that if the Company is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to GCOF II a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount ), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member and Withdrawn Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount ) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Members or Withdrawn Members Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Company in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Members pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related GCOF II Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related GCOF II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Members with an interest in the GP-Related GCOF II Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related GCOF II Investment, all GP-Related GCOF II Investments. Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall promptly contribute to the Company, along with satisfying such Members comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Members or Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Member or Withdrawn Member by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Company, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount ), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Companys and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback
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Provisions; provided , that to the extent a Members or Withdrawn Members share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Member or Withdrawn Member as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further , that such written instructions from the Company shall specify each Members and Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Companys judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further , that any amount from a Members Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the Managing Member) shall be contributed by such Member to such Members Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Member or Withdrawn Member has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 10 days of the Companys call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Member or Withdrawn Member equals the sum of (I) such Members or Withdrawn Members GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Companys and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Member or Withdrawn Member to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(iv) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(iv).
(iii) In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Member or Withdrawn Members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i) or 5.8(d)(ii)(A), the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Member or Withdrawn Member so fails to recontribute.
(iv) In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member (a GP-Related Defaulting Party ) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution ) if the Managing
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Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided , that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Member or Withdrawn Member shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Member or Withdrawn Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member or Withdrawn Member becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby appoints the Company as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or Withdrawn Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(v) Any Members or Withdrawn Members failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member or Withdrawn Member to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Company shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member to satisfy such Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Member or Withdrawn Member in satisfaction of such Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(vi) A Members or Withdrawn Members obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Company.
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(vii) The obligations of the Company and the Members set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i) shall be subject to and governed by the Clawback Provisions, and, in the event of any conflict between Section 5.8(d)(i) and the Clawback Provisions, the Clawback Provisions shall control.
(e) The Members acknowledge that the Managing Member will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Members, including by allocating writedowns and losses on GP-Related GCOF II Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment ) to those Members who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Members receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related GCOF II Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Company is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related GCOF II Investment (the Subject Investment ) that have been reduced under the GCOF II Agreements as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the Managing Member shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Member as follows:
(A) | determine each Members share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Members (indirectly through the Company from GCOF II) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount ); |
(B) | determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Member with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Company from GCOF II) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions ); and |
(C) | subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Member, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Member ( Net Carried Interest Distribution ). |
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Member as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the Managing Member shall (I) notify such Member, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Members, of his obligation to recontribute to the Company prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount ), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution Amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due
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such Member, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Members (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the GCOF II Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount ), then such Member may, in lieu of paying such Members Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Member in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Member becomes a Withdrawn Member.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Member remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Members pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Member who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the Managing Member (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Member may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Company by such Member).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Member, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Members as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided , that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Members to the extent a Member receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Member to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Company as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Members with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the Managing Member as follows:
(A) |
determine each Members share of any losses in any GP-Related GCOF II Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount |
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( i.e. , the losses that followed the last GP-Related GCOF II Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Members Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related GCOF II Investments; |
(B) | determine each Members obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Members Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and |
(C) | subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Member to determine the amount of adjustment to each Members share of the Clawback Amount (a Members Clawback Adjustment Amount ). |
A Members share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Members Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Members share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Members Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided , that in no way shall a Members aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Member, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Members (including any Member whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the Managing Member shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Member shall have any claim against the Company, the Managing Member or any other Members as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Members, including Withdrawn Members.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Members and in no way modifies the obligations of each Member regarding the Clawback as provided in the GCOF II Agreements.
5.9. Business Expenses . The Company shall reimburse the Members for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Companys business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Managing Member from time to time.
5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations .
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Member a single capital account combining such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the Managing Member
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determines is appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Company income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Members in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Members pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the Managing Member may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines is appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Members, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION
6.1. Additional Members . (a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Managing Member shall have the right to admit one or more additional persons into the Company as Regular Members or Special Members. Each such person shall make the representations with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6. The Managing Member shall determine and negotiate with the additional Member all terms of such additional Members participation in the Company, including the additional Members initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Member shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the Managing Member from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Company of any Special Member, the Managing Member shall designate that such Special Member shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Member being called a Nonvoting Special Member ). Any additional Member shall, as a condition to becoming a Member, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages to be allocated to an additional Member as of the date such Member is admitted to the Company, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member.
(c) An additional Member shall be required to contribute to the Company his pro rata share of the Companys total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member does not acquire any
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interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the Managing Member in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Member will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Member or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by all the Members (including the additional Member), as determined by the Managing Member. In addition, each additional Member shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is accepted by the Managing Member on behalf of the Company.
6.2. Withdrawal of Members . (a) Any Member may Withdraw voluntarily from the Company on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Member to the Managing Member (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Member and the Managing Member); provided , that a Member may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the Managing Member if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Company to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business; provided further , that a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, and a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Member, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the LLC Act with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Regular Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Regular Member with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest; provided , that the Managing Member may elect to admit such Withdrawn Member to the Company as a Nonvoting Special Member with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest, with such GP-Related Member Interest as the Managing Member may determine. The determination of whether any Member has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the Managing Member in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the Managing Member and such Member, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the Managing Member determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Company for any Member (including any Member who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Company (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, such Member, upon written notice by the
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Managing Member to such Member, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the Managing Member requires any Member to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Member Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The withdrawal from the Company of any Member shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Members to continue the Company during the remainder of its term.
6.3. GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable . No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Members GP-Related Member Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Member and the Company; provided , that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Member, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further , that a Regular Member may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Regular Member controls investments related to any interest in the Company held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle ). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Member. Such Regular Member and the Nonvoting Special Member shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Regular Member and such Nonvoting Special Member with respect to the Company (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The Managing Member may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to withdraw from the Company on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Members GP-Related Member Interest shall have any right to be a Member without the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Member, such Member shall continue to be a Member of the Company.
6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member . (a) The Withdrawal of a Regular Member shall not dissolve the Company if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Regular Members and any one or more of such remaining Regular Members continue the business of the Company (any and all such remaining Regular Members being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Company without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(b), if upon the Withdrawal of a Regular Member there shall be no remaining Regular Member, the Company shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Members agree in writing to continue the business of the Company and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Regular Members.
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(b) The Company shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Member, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Members as members thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Interest . (a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member. The term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Regular Member who Withdraws from the Company, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Member Interest is retained as a Special Member, shall be considered a Withdrawn Member for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Members interest in the Company may be agreed to by the Managing Member and a Withdrawn Member, a Withdrawn Members Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided , that if a Withdrawn Members Withdrawal is not the last day of a month, then the Managing Member may elect for such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Member shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to capital contributions, interest on capital, allocations of Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Member remained a Member of the Company during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Member, the Managing Member shall promptly after such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Members allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the Managing Member shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, a Withdrawn Member shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Member Withdraws from the Company (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Members Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Member, the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
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(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company of a Member with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, such Withdrawn Member thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Member (including voting rights) with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Member shall not have any interest in the Companys GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Members GP-Related Member Interest. If a Member Withdraws from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Member shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Members percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Member has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Member shall pay the amount thereof to the Company upon demand by the Managing Member on or after the date of the statement referred to in paragraph (i) below; provided , that if the Withdrawn Member was solely a Special Member on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Member who was solely a Special Member, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Members GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the Managing Member as of such Withdrawn Members Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Company name or the anticipation of any value the Company or any successor thereto might have in the event the Company or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Member whose Withdrawal with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest resulted from such Members death or Incompetence, such Members estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Member GP-Related Member Interest and retain such Members GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Company in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Members Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5.
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(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Members percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Member shall retain his percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Member (a Retaining Withdrawn Member ) shall become and remain a Special Member for such purpose (and, if the Managing Member so designates, such Special Member shall be a Nonvoting Special Member). The GP-Related Member Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Member pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Member Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the Managing Member. At the option of the Managing Member in its sole discretion, the Managing Member and the Retaining Withdrawn Member may agree to have the Company acquire such GP-Related Member Interest without the approval of the other Members; provided , that the Managing Member shall reflect in the books and records of the Company the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The Managing Member may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Company issue to the Withdrawn Member a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Member such Withdrawn Members pro rata share (as determined by the Managing Member) of any securities or other investments of the Company. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Member under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the Managing Member.
(h) [Intentionally omitted.]
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Member as shall be determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Member in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Member Interest in the Company ( e.g. , payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the Managing Member. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Member without examination of the accounting books and records of the Company or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Company to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided , that such Withdrawn Member shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose
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Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the Managing Member as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the Managing Member, to be excessive or inadequate, the Managing Member may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Member or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Member or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Member to the Company at any time on or after the Settlement Date ( e.g. , outstanding Company loans or advances to such Withdrawn Member) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Member to the Company, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member to the Company under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Members Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Member in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Member has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5, the Managing Member may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Member of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Member, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Member or such Withdrawn Members right to any payment from the Company.
(m) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members GP-Related Member Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Member Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided , that the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Members interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the Managing Member may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Member his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate
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balance of such Withdrawn Members GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Member with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Member or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided , that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Members percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the Managing Member). The Withdrawn Member shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Member with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the Managing Member. Upon written notice to the Managing Member, any Withdrawn Member who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the Managing Member pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the Managing Member shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Member (other than the Managing Member) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Member relating to a Regular Member or Special Member and to any transferee of any GP-Related Member Interest of such Member pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Member Withdraws from the Company.
(q) (i) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Members GP-Related Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.
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(ii) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Companys day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.
(r) Each Member (other than the Managing Member) hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which the Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.
6.6. Dissolution of the Company . The Managing Member may dissolve the Company prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Members.
6.7. Certain Tax Matters . (a) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company shall be allocated among the Members for Federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Members pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the Managing Member may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Members as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Company, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
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(b) The Managing Member shall cause to be prepared all Federal, state and local tax returns of the Company for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the Managing Member, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The Managing Member shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several states and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The Managing Member may cause the Company to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Member agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the Company in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Company as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Company to such Member for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Company, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Member (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Company and all Members except to the extent a Member shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Member in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Company and (C) no Member shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Company tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member. The Company and each Member hereby designate any Member selected by the Managing Member as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Member ). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all other Members from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Member of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Member shall provide to the Company copies of each Federal, state and local income tax return of such Member (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
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6.8. Special Basis Adjustments . In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Company interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the Managing Member may cause the Company, on behalf of the Members and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Companys property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc .
(a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Member Interests or the GP-Related GCOF II Interest.
(b) Each Member, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Company ( Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions ) as required to fund the Companys capital contributions to GCOF II in respect of the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest, if any. No Member shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in an amount in excess of such Members Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements of the Members may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Member will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Member necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member participates; provided , that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Member the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Company and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Member shall be evidenced by receipt by the Company of funds equal to such Members Capital Commitment- Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the Managing Member may submit to the Members from time to time.
(c) The Company or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party ) may in its sole discretion advance to any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of
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the Capital Commitment Capital Contributions due to the Company from such Member with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment ( Firm Advances ). Each such Member shall pay interest on each Firm Advance from the date of each such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Member. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Company, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Member and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Member of such rate upon such Members request; provided , that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Member pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided , that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Members of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts .
(a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company as of the date of formation of the Company, or such later date on which such Member is admitted to the Company, and on each such other date as such Member first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment Capital Contribution of a Member shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member on the date such Capital Commitment Capital Contribution is paid to the Company. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Members interest in the Company related to his Capital Commitment Member Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Member shall not have any obligation to the Company or to any other Member to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member. Until distribution of any such Members interest in the Company with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Company of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Company, neither such members Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the Managing Member.
7.3. Allocations .
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members (including the Managing Member) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing
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Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion which such Members aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; provided, that if any Member makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Member.
7.4. Distributions .
(a) Each Members allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Member that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Company (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Company will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the Managing Member) with any cash amount distributable to such Member pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Member (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Member of an amount equal to the Federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Company allocated to such Member for such year in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the Managing Member, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Company related to all Members Capital Commitment Member Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Company was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of state and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided , that additional amounts shall be paid to the Member pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to a
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comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further , that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Member of (A) all Capital Commitment Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Company) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Members Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Member to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal
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payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Member who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Company or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Member, until all such Members Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Member.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the Managing Member. At the Managing Members discretion, any amounts distributed to a Member in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Company distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the Managing Member in its sole discretion elect to apply this paragraph (e) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided , that such deferral shall not apply to a Member that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Member shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Member pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Company or GCOF II (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment ), at the election of the Managing Member each Members Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Members Capital Commitment Class B Interest ), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Members Capital Commitment Class A Interest ). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those
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resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Company is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to GCOF II in respect of any Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest that may be held by the Company (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount ), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company with respect to the Capital Commitment GCOF II Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount ) which equals such Members pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment GCOF II Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment GCOF II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Members with an interest in the Capital Commitment GCOF II Investment referred to in clause (a) above, and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment GCOF II Investment, all Capital Commitment GCOF II Investments. Each Member shall promptly contribute to the Company upon notice thereof such Members Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, at the Managing Members discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Managing Members judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) In the event any Member (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party ) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution ) if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided , that no Member shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in
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light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof. Each Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Company or any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member hereby appoints the Company as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(iii) Any Members failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iv) A Members obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Company.
7.5. Valuations . Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the Managing Member) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Company (or any Affiliate of the Company that is a general partner of GCOF II) in valuing investments of GCOF II or, in the case of investments not held by GCOF II, in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value ) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided , that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the Managing Member in good faith; provided further , that such value may be adjusted by the Managing Member to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Members; provided further , that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply
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to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct Member of the Company.
7.6. Disposition Election .
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Companys execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion permit a Member to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Members Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the Managing Member so permits, such Member shall instruct the Managing Member in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Members pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Member on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Company on behalf of such Member until such time as such Member shall instruct the Managing Member upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Member. Such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Company of such Retained Portion or the Companys disposition of other Members pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Member or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Company.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election .
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Member, distribute to such Member any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Members Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution ). Such Members Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS
8.1. Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests .
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(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Member may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided , that in the event that a Member prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Member is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Company (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further , that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Member shall apply pro rata against all of such Members Investor Notes; provided , that such Member may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Member. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Member ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Member dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Member (the Withdrawn Member ) and the Company or any other person designated by the Managing Member shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Member within 30 days and by the Company or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Members ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Company, subject to the LLC Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Member) or the Withdrawn Member to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Company or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount ) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Member on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Member on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Member on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided , that, if the Withdrawn Member was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the Managing Members sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Member from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such
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Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Member at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Member from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Company or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Member at the time of such purchase; provided , that the Company and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Member against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Member. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Members Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Member nor the Company nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Member shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Member in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Member at his option, and the Company shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Member purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Member, the purchasing Members Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Member shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Member. The sole right, as against the Company and the remaining Members, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Member shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Company to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Member pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Member had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Member, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Members interest in the Company upon the dissolution of the Company as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the Managing Member. The Company shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Member as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest.
(d) If a Member dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member shall be purchased by the Company or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such
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Members death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash) and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Member, if the estate or personal representative of such Member so requests in writing within 180 days of the Members death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Company or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Company or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member as of the last day of the Companys then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Member shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Member within 30 days of the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such Members death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Company or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Member as a Member with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the Managing Member may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Member within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Member the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Company or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Company or another person designated by the Managing Member (who may be itself another Member or another Affiliate of the Company) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The Managing Member shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Members execution and delivery to the Company of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Company or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Company may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the Managing Member. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Companys designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Company, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable. To the extent that a Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Company and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital
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Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, (i) be allocated to each Member already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Member in the Company, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Company itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests ). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Members as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Members. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Members shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Members receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Members and the Managing Member shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Company may require an assumption by the Members of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Members; provided , that a Member shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Company itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Company and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Company to which all income of the Company is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Company allocable to all Members in such proportions.
(g) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided , that if such Member was not at any time a direct Regular Member of the Company, the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Members Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Member to retain such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided , that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any
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Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Member if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Member with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Members Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.
(i) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Companys day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.
(j) Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.
8.2. Transfer of Members Capital Commitment Interest . Except as otherwise agreed by the Managing Member, no Member or former Member shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer ( Transfer ) all or part of any such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company; provided , that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair Transfers (i) as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Members or deceased or Totally Disabled Members Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) Transfers by a Member to another Member of Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers of up to 25% of a Regular Members Capital Commitment Member Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle and (iv) with the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). No person acquiring an interest in the Company pursuant to this
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Section 8.2 shall become a Member of the Company, or acquire such Members right to participate in the affairs of the Company, unless such person shall be admitted as a Member pursuant to Section 6.1. A Member shall not cease to be a Member of the Company upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
8.3. Compliance with Law . Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Company may be made except in compliance with all Federal, state and other applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
9.1. Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the Term.
9.2. Final Distribution . Upon the dissolution of the Company, and following the payment of creditors of the Company and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Company as required under the LLC Act:
(a) The Members respective interests in the Company shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Members and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Members; and
(b) With respect to each Members Capital Commitment Member Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Member in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Members respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided , that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Member in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Company related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests shall be paid to the Members in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The Managing Member shall be the liquidator. In the event that the Managing Member is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative
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vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members voting at a meeting of Members (excluding Nonvoting Special Members).
9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests .
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Members interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Members participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Member, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Company related to the Members Capital Commitment Member Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Member therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Member pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Member on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Company may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Member in respect of such Members Capital Commitment Member Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Member in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Member from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial .
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the
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dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Managing Member may bring, or may cause the Company to bring, on behalf of the Managing Member or the Company or on behalf of one or more Members, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.
(c)(i) EACH MEMBER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq .) (the Delaware Arbitration Act ). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other
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applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name . The Company acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. ( TM ), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM. The Company shall not be permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark without the prior written consent of TM. To the extent the Company is permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, all services rendered by the Company under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Company understands that, to the extent TM hereinafter permits the Company to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, TM may thereafter terminate the Companys right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Company written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Company will take all steps necessary to change its company name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
10.3. Written Consent . Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Members at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Members consent thereto in writing.
10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules . The Managing Member may, or may cause the Company to, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Members, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, any other profit sharing agreements, benefits or any other matter (such letter agreements, the Admission Letters ). For the avoidance of doubt, any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement, on the one hand, and a Members Admission Letter, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the Admission Letter of such Member shall control as between the Company and such Member. The Managing Member may from time to time execute and deliver to the Members schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members and any other matters deemed appropriate by the Managing Member. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided , that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
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10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Company has been formed pursuant to the LLC Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Members shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
10.6. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided , that no person claiming by, through or under a Member (whether such Members heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Member itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Member (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Member or Withdrawn Member shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Members or Withdrawn Members interest in the Company, unless waived by the Managing Member. The Company shall, if the Managing Member determine, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(iv) and 7.4(g), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Members and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i) shall be subject to the last two sentences of said Section 5.8(d)(i).
10.7. Confidentiality . By executing this Agreement, each Member expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Company and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Member of the Company, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Company, another Member or a person designated by the Company, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Company that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided , that any corporate Member may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Member (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Member) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Company, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Members or any existing or future investor
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(or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Members, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Members; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Members or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Members, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
10.8. Notices . Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given to any Member at its address or telecopy number shown in the Companys books and records or, if given to the Managing Member, at the address of the Company provided herein. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Member or Managing Member specified as aforesaid.
10.9. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
10.10. Power of Attorney . Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Members true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Members name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Company shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Member.
10.11. Members Will . Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Company that is satisfactory to the Managing Member and each such Member and Withdrawn Member shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision remains in his current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Member or Withdrawn Member to which a portion of such Members or Withdrawn Members Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Company has notified such Member or Withdrawn Member of his failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of
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such notice, the Company may withhold any and all distributions to such Member until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
10.12. Cumulative Remedies . Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
10.13. Legal Fees . Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Member or Withdrawn Member and the Company, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
10.14. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any of the Members to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Members executing the same.
MANAGING MEMBER: |
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GSO Holdings I L.L.C. |
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By: Blackstone Holdings I L.P., its managing member |
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By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., its general partner |
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By: |
/s/ Robert L. Friedman |
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Name: Robert L. Friedman | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
Consented and agreed to: |
/s/ Marisa Beeney |
Marisa Beeney, Initial Member |
Exhibit 31.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of The Blackstone Group L.P.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The Registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The Registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of the Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 6, 2011
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Chief Executive Officer
of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. |
Exhibit 31.2
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, Laurence A. Tosi, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of The Blackstone Group L.P.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The Registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The Registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of the Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 6, 2011
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
Laurence A. Tosi |
Chief Financial Officer
of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. |
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the Partnership) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chief Executive Officer of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership. |
Date: May 6, 2011
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Chief Executive Officer
of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. |
* | The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document. |
Exhibit 32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the Partnership) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Laurence A. Tosi, Chief Financial Officer of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership. |
Date: May 6, 2011
/s/ Laurence A. Tosi |
Laurence A. Tosi |
Chief Financial Officer
of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. |
* | The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document. |