UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 31, 2012

 

 

Par Petroleum Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-16203   84-1060803

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado

  80202
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(303) 293-9133

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Delta Petroleum Corporation

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

As previously reported, on December 16, 2011, Delta Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries Amber Resources Company of Colorado, DPCA, LLC, Delta Exploration Company, Inc., Delta Pipeline, LLC, DLC, Inc., CEC, Inc. and Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”). On January 6, 2012, Castle Exploration Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Delta Pipeline, LLC (collectively, with Delta Petroleum Corporation and the aforementioned subsidiaries, the “ Debtors ”), also filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. The Debtors’ chapter 11 cases were consolidated for the purpose of joint administration under the caption In re Delta Petroleum Corporation, et al., Case No. 11-14006 (KJC) (the “ Chapter 11 Cases ”). On August 16, 2012 (the “ Confirmation Date ”), the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (the “ Confirmation Order ”) confirming the Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates dated August 13, 2012 (as confirmed, the “ Plan ”). On August 31, 2012 (the “ Effective Date ”), the Debtors consummated their reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code and the Plan became effective.

On the Effective Date, Delta Petroleum Corporation was renamed Par Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company ”).

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company (the “ Guarantors ” and, together with the Company, the “ Loan Parties ”) entered into a Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “ Loan Agreement ”) with Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent (the “ Agent ”) for the lenders party thereto from time to time, including WB Delta, Ltd., Waterstone Offshore ER Fund, Ltd., Prime Capital Master SPC, GOT WAT MAC Segregated Portfolio, Waterstone Market Neutral MAC51, Ltd., Waterstone Market Neutral Master Fund, Ltd., Waterstone MF Fund, Ltd., Nomura Waterstone Market Neutral Fund, ZCOF Par Petroleum Holdings, L.L.C. and Highbridge International, LLC (collectively, the “ Lenders ”), pursuant to which the Lenders agreed to extend credit to the Company in the form of term loans (each a “ Loan ” and collectively, the “ Loans ”) of up to $30.0 million. The Company borrowed $13 million on the Effective Date in order to, along with the proceeds from the Contribution Agreement, (i) repay the loans and obligations under its senior secured debtor-in-possession credit facility, and (ii) pay allowed but unpaid administrative expenses to the Debtors related to the Chapter 11 Cases. The proceeds from any future Loan under the Loan Agreement will be used for the corporate purposes of the Company.

Set forth below are certain of the material terms of the Loan Agreement:

Interest . At the election of the Company, any Loans will bear interest at a rate equal to 9.75% per annum payable either (i) in cash, quarterly, in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter or (ii) in-kind, accruing quarterly.

At any time after an event of default under the Loan Agreement has occurred and is continuing, (i) all outstanding obligations will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 11.75% and (ii) all interest accrued and accruing will be payable in cash on demand.

Prepayment . The Company may prepay Loans at any time, in any amount. Such prepayment is to include all accrued and unpaid interest on the portion of the obligations being prepaid through the prepayment date. If at any time within the twelve months following the Effective Date, the Company prepays the obligations due, in whole, but not in part, then in addition to the repayment of 100% of the principal amount of the obligations being prepaid plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, the Company is required to pay the interest that would have accrued on the prepaid amount through the first anniversary of the Effective Date plus a 106% prepayment premium.

 

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In addition to the above described prepayment premium, the Company is to pay a repayment premium equal to the percentage of the principal repaid during the following periods:

 

Period

   Repayment Premium  

From the Effective Date through the first anniversary of the Effective Date

     6

From the day after the first anniversary of the Effective Date through the second anniversary of the Effective Date

     5

At all times from and after the day after the second anniversary of the Closing

     3

The Company is required to make certain mandatory repayments after certain dispositions of property, debt issuances, joint venture distributions from Piceance Energy LLC (“ Piceance Energy ”), casualty events and equity issuances, in each case subject to customary reinvestment provisions.

Collateral . The Loans and all obligations arising under the Loan Agreement are secured by (i) a perfected, first-priority security interest in all of the Company’s assets other than the equity interest in Piceance Energy held by Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC (“ Par Piceance Energy Equity ”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to a pledge and security agreement dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Pledge and Security Agreement ”), made by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries in favor of the Agent, and (ii) a perfected, second-lien security interest in the equity interest in Piceance Energy held by Par Piceance Energy Equity, pursuant to a pledge agreement dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Pledge Agreement ”), by Par Piceance Energy Equity in favor of the Agent. The priority of the Lenders’ security interest in the Company’s assets is specified in that certain intercreditor agreement dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), the Agent, as administrative agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), the Company and Par Piceance Energy Equity.

Guaranty . All obligations of the Company under the Loan Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors.

Fees and Commissions . The Company agreed to pay the Agent an annual nonrefundable administrative fee that was earned in full on the Effective Date. In addition, the Company agreed to pay the Lenders a nonrefundable closing fee that was earned in full on the Effective Date.

Warrants . As consideration for granting the Loans, the Company has also issued warrants to the Lenders to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock as described in “Warrant Issuance Agreement” below.

Term . All loans and all other obligations outstanding under the Loan Agreement are payable in full on August 31, 2016.

Covenants . The Loan Agreement requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants affecting its business and operations. However, the Company is not required to comply with any financial maintenance covenants.

The foregoing description of the Loan Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Loan Agreement, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9 and incorporated by reference herein.

Stockholders Agreement

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company and certain of its stockholders (collectively, the “ Stockholders ”), including affiliates of Whitebox Advisors, LLC (“ Whitebox ”), Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. (“ ZCOF ”) and Waterstone Capital Management, L.P. (“ Waterstone ”), entered into a stockholders agreement (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”) providing the Stockholders with the right, among other rights, to (i) elect members of the boards of directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) enter into the Registration Rights Agreement (as hereinafter defined). Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, each Stockholder agrees to vote all securities of the Company entitled to vote for members of the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) owned or controlled by such Stockholder such that the size of the Board is five (5) directors, and to cause the election of the following persons to the Board:

(a) two (2) individuals designated by Whitebox in the two-year period following the Effective Date, and after such two-year period, Whitebox shall designate two (2) individuals so long as Whitebox or its affiliates hold at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) individual so long as Whitebox or its affiliates

 

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hold at least five percent (5%) but less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, the “ Whitebox Designees ”). In the event that Whitebox or its affiliates no longer hold at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, the Whitebox Designees shall be designated by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock;

(b) two (2) individuals designated by ZCOF in the two-year period following the Effective Date, and after such two-year period, ZCOF shall designate two (2) individuals so long as ZCOF or its affiliates hold at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) individual so long as ZCOF or its affiliates hold at least five percent (5%) but less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, the “ ZCOF Designees ”). In the event that ZCOF or its affiliates no longer hold at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, the ZCOF Designees shall be designated by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock;

(c) one (1) individual (the “ Independent Designee ”) designated jointly by Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone, so long as Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone and/or their affiliates collectively hold at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, which Independent Designee shall not be an affiliate of Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone. In the event that Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone are no longer collectively holders of at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, then the Independent Designee shall be designated by holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, in the event that any of Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone (together with its affiliates) individually no longer holds at least five percent (5%) of the shares of the Company’s common stock, then such person shall no longer be entitled to jointly designate the Independent Designee, which Independent Designee shall thereafter be designated by the remaining persons who are still entitled to appoint the Independent Designee; and

(d) To the extent that any of clauses (a) through (c) above shall not be applicable, any member of the Board who would otherwise have been designated in accordance with the terms thereof (each a “ Designee ”) shall instead be voted upon by all the stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon in accordance with the Company’s certificate of incorporation.

Under the Stockholders Agreement, except with respect to Piceance Energy or as otherwise unanimously agreed by the Board, the Stockholders will cause their Designees to elect the same persons set forth above to be elected as the members of the board of directors or managers of all subsidiaries of the Company. Each Stockholder also will cause its Designees to vote to elect the following persons to the Board of Managers of Piceance Energy so long as the Company is a member of Piceance: (i) one person designated by Whitebox, so long as Whitebox, or any one of its affiliates, is a holder of the Company’s common stock and (ii) one person designated by ZCOF, so long as ZCOF, or any one of its affiliates, is a holder of the Company’s common stock. In the event that either Whitebox or ZCOF are no longer entitled to elect managers to the Board, then such Piceance Board of Managers position shall be elected by a majority of the Board.

Under the Stockholders Agreement, if (i) the Company issues additional shares of the Company’s common stock after the Effective Date to any person who, as a result of such issuance, is a holder of five percent (5%) or more of the Company’s common stock or (ii) any transferee or assignee of shares of the Company’s common stock that, by itself or together with its affiliates, is or becomes a holder of five percent (5%) or more of the shares of the Company’s common stock, then as a condition to such issuance, transfer or assignment, such purchaser, transferee or assignee shall become a party to the Stockholders Agreement.

Under the Stockholders Agreement, in the two years following the Effective Date, the Company may not consummate either (i) a merger, stock issuance, sale of all or substantially all assets, change of entity, or any similar transaction pursuant to which not all holders of securities of the Company entitled to vote for members of the Board are treated equally or (ii) a transaction with an affiliate, without prior approval from either (1) a majority of such securities not held by Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone or their affiliates (the “ Required Majority ”) or (2) the Independent Designee. If such transaction is approved by the Independent Designee without the approval of the Required Majority, the Company may not consummate any such transaction unless it also receives an opinion from an investment bank or other similar financial advisor that the contemplated transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company; provided, however, that such opinion shall only be required (i) for any transaction with a value in excess of $45 million or (ii) for any transaction with an affiliate with a value in excess of $7.5 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such opinion shall be required for any capital contributions used solely to support Par Piceance Energy Equity’s potential $60 million in additional capital contributions to Piceance Energy in accordance with the LLC Agreement (as hereinafter defined), if the timing of such capital contributions makes obtaining such opinion impractical. Certain other identified transactions are excluded from the above requirements.

 

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The foregoing description of the Stockholders Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Stockholders Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

Registration Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company and the Stockholders entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) providing the Stockholders with certain registration rights.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, among other things, at any time after the earlier of the consummation of a qualified public offering or sixty (60) days after the Effective Date, any Stockholder or group of Stockholders that, together with its or their affiliates, holds more than fifteen percent (15%) of the Registrable Shares (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), will have the right to require the Company to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) a registration statement on Form S-1 or S-3, or any other appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for a public offering of all or part of its Registrable Shares (each a “ Demand Registration ”), by delivery of written notice to the Company (each a “ Demand Request ”).

Within ninety (90) days after receiving the Demand Request, the Company shall file with the SEC the registration statement, on any form for which the Company then qualifies and which is available for the sale of the Registrable Shares in accordance with the intended methods of distribution thereof, with respect to the Demand Registration. The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after such filing. The Company will not be obligated (i) to effect a Demand Registration within ninety (90) days after the effective date of a previous Demand Registration, other than for a shelf registration, or (ii) to effect a Demand Registration unless the Demand Request is for a number of Registrable Shares with an expected market value that is equal to at least (x) $15 million as of the date of such Demand Request or is for one hundred percent of the demanding Stockholder’s Registrable Shares with respect to any Demand Registration made on Form S-1 or (y) $5 million as of the date of such Demand Request with respect to any Demand Registration made on Form S-3.

Upon receipt of any Demand Request, the Company is required to give written notice, within ten (10) days of such Demand Registration, to all other holders of Registrable Shares, who will have the right to elect to include in such Demand Registration such portion of their Registrable Shares as they may request, subject to certain exceptions.

In addition, subject to certain exceptions, if the Company proposes to register any class of its common stock for sale to the public, the Company is required, subject to certain conditions, to include all Registrable Shares with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion.

The rights of a holder of Registrable Shares may be transferred, assigned or otherwise conveyed on to any transferee or assignee of such Registrable Shares, subject to applicable state and federal securities laws and regulations, the Restated Certificate (as hereinafter defined) and the Stockholders Agreement. The Company will be responsible for expenses relating to the registrations contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement.

The registration rights granted in the Registration Rights Agreement are subject to customary indemnification and contribution provisions, as well as customary restrictions such as suspension periods and, if a registration is for an underwritten offering, limitations on the number of shares to be included in the underwritten offering imposed by the managing underwriter.

The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.3 and incorporated by reference herein.

Piceance Energy LLC Agreement

In connection with the closing of the Contribution Agreement described in Item 2.01 in this Current Report on Form 8-K, Laramie Energy II, LLC (“ Laramie ”) and Par Piceance Energy Equity entered into a limited liability company agreement for Piceance Energy (the “ LLC Agreement ”) that governs the operations of Piceance Energy. The business of Piceance Energy is to own the oil and gas, surface real estate, and related assets formerly owned by Laramie and the Company in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado, or other assets subsequently acquired by Piceance Energy, and to operate such assets. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, Piceance will be managed by Laramie, which will control the day-to-day operations of Piceance Energy, subject to the supervision of a board of managers, four of which will be appointed by Laramie and two of which will be appointed by Par

 

5


Piceance Energy Equity. Certain major decisions will require the unanimous consent of the board of managers. The LLC Agreement provides that the sole manager, which is initially Laramie, may make a written capital call such that each member shall make additional capital contributions up to an aggregate combined total capital contribution of $60 million, if approved by a majority of the board of managers. The LLC Agreement contains certain restrictions on transfers by the members of their units. One such restriction provides that in the event one member elects to sell or transfer a majority of its units, the other member may elect to participate in such sale. The LLC Agreement also provides that under certain circumstances, a member desiring to transfer all, but not less than all, of its units may require the other member to participate in such transfer.

The foregoing description of the LLC Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the LLC Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

Piceance Energy Credit Facility

On June 4, 2012, Piceance Energy entered into a credit facility, as amended by that First Amendment to Credit Agreement entered into on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan (the “ Piceance Energy Credit Facility ”), with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities LLC, each as an arranger, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”), and the lenders party thereto. The Piceance Energy Credit Facility is a $400 million secured revolving credit facility secured by a lien on Piceance Energy’s oil and gas properties and related assets. Par Piceance Energy Equity, a subsidiary of the Company, and Laramie are each guarantors of the Piceance Energy Credit Facility, with recourse limited to the pledge of the equity interests of Par Piceance Energy Equity and Laramie in Piceance Energy.

Availability under the Piceance Energy Credit Facility will be limited to the lesser of (i) $400 million or (ii) the borrowing base in effect from time to time. The initial borrowing base at the Effective Date is set at $140 million. The borrowing base is determined by the Administrative Agent and the lenders, in their sole discretion, based on customary lending practices, review of the oil and gas properties included in the borrowing base, financial review of Piceance Energy, and such other factors as may be deemed relevant. The borrowing base is redetermined (i) on or about March 15 of each year based on the previous December 31 reserve report prepared by an independent engineering firm acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (ii) on or about September 15 of each year based on the previous June 30 reserve report prepared by Piceance Energy’s internal engineers, with the first such redetermination occurring on or about March 15, 2013. In connection with the closing of the Contribution Agreement, Piceance Energy borrowed $100 million under the Piceance Energy Credit Facility and distributed approximately $74.1 million of that amount to the Company and approximately $24.8 million to Laramie.

The Piceance Energy Credit Facility will mature on June 4, 2016. Amounts borrowed under the facility will bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum for Eurodollar loans and the prime rate plus 0.75% to prime rate plus 1.75% per annum for Base Rate loans, depending upon the ratio of outstanding credit to the borrowing base. The agreement governing the facility contains customary operational and financial covenants, including a current ratio covenant, a total debt to consolidated EBITDAX covenant and a borrowing base covenant. Under the terms of the Piceance Energy Credit Facility, Piceance Energy will generally be prohibited from distributing cash to its owners, including Par Piceance Energy Equity.

The foregoing description of the Piceance Energy Credit Facility is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Piceance Energy Credit Facility and the First Amendment to Credit Agreement, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and 10.4 and incorporated by reference herein.

Recovery Trust Agreements

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Wapiti Recovery Trust (the “ Wapiti Trust ”) and the Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust (the “ General Trust ” and collectively with the Wapiti Trust, the “ Recovery Trusts ”) were formed and their respective trust agreements (the “ Recovery Trust Agreements ”) executed by the Debtors and John T. Young, Jr. as the trustee for each (the “ Recovery Trustee ”). The Company and each of its subsidiaries who were formerly Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases are the beneficiaries of the Recovery Trusts, but only to the extent of the assets contributed to the Recovery Trusts by such entities and only on account of allowed claims claims or equity interests against such entities.

On the Effective Date, each of the Recovery Trusts was funded with the assets described in the Plan and the relevant trust agreement. The Wapiti Trust was funded with $1 million in cash and all of the

 

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Wapiti Causes of Action (as such term is defined in the Plan). To conduct its operations and fulfill its responsibilities under the Plan and the Recovery Trust Agreements, the Recovery Trustee may request additional funding from the Company solely with respect to the Wapiti Trust in an aggregate amount of up to $5 million as provided in Section 1.3 of the Wapiti Recovery Trust Agreement. The General Trust was funded with $1 million in cash together with all of the Debtors’ causes of action not otherwise vested in the Wapiti Trust, including all responsibilities for claim objections and resolutions, and all other responsibilities for winding-up the Chapter 11 Cases, and any other assets to be vested in the General Trust pursuant to the General Recovery Trust Agreement. The Recovery Trustee also may request additional funding from the Company to conduct operations of the General Trust and fulfill its operations under the Plan.

The foregoing description of the Recovery Trusts is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan and the Recovery Trust Agreements, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 2.1, 10.5 and 10.6 and incorporated herein by reference.

Warrant Issuance Agreement

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company issued to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement warrants (the “ Warrants ”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 9,592,125 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ Warrant Shares ”). In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, the Company also entered into a Warrant Issuance Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date (the “ Warrant Issuance Agreement ”), with the investors named therein (the “ Investors ”). Subject to the terms of the Warrant Issuance Agreement, the Investors are entitled to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share of common stock (the “ Exercise Price ”), subject to certain adjustments from time to time as provided in the Warrant Issuance Agreement. The Warrants expire on the earlier of (i) August 31, 2022 or (ii) the occurrence of certain merger or consolidation transactions specified in the Warrant Issuance Agreement. An Investor may exercise the Warrants by paying the applicable exercise price in cash or on a cashless basis.

The number of Warrant Shares issued on the Effective Date was determined based on the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued as allowed claims on or about the Effective Date by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Plan. The Warrant Issuance Agreement provides that the number of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price shall be adjusted in the event that any additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock (the “ Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares ”) are authorized to be issued under the Plan by the Bankruptcy Court after the Effective Date as a result of any unresolved bankruptcy claims under the Plan. Upon each issuance of any Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares, the Exercise Price shall be reduced to an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such issuance or sale, by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be (x) 147,655,815 and (y) the denominator of which shall be sum of (1) 147,655,815 and (2) and the number of additional Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. Upon each such adjustment of the Exercise Price, the number of Warrant Shares shall be increased to the number of shares determined by multiplying (A) the number of Warrant Shares which could be obtained upon exercise of such Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment and the denominator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately after such adjustment. In the event that any Lender or its affiliates fails to fund its pro rata portion of any Loans required to be made under the Loan Agreement, then the number of Warrant Shares exercisable under the Warrants held by such Lender will be reduced to an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of Warrant Shares initially exercisable under the Warrant held by the Lender and (ii) a fraction equal to one minus the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the amount of Loans previously made under the Loan Agreement by such Lender by (y) such Lender’s full commitment for Loans under the Loan Agreement.

The Warrant Issuance Agreement includes certain restrictions on the transfer by holders of their Warrants, including, among others, that (i) the Warrants and the notes under the Loan Agreement are not detachable for transfer purposes, and for as long as obligations under the Loan Agreement are outstanding, the notes and Warrants may not be transferred separately, and (ii) in the event that any holder desires to transfer any pro rata portion of the notes and Warrants, then such holder must provide the other Lenders and/or holders of the Warrants with a right of first offer to make an election to purchase such offered notes and Warrants.

The number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants will be adjusted in connection with certain issuances or sales of shares of the Company’s common stock and convertible securities, or any subdivision, reclassification or combinations of common stock, as set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement. Additionally, in the case of any reclassification or capital reorganization of the capital stock of the Company, the holder of each Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the occurrence of such reclassification or reorganization shall have the right to receive upon exercise of the applicable Warrant, the kind and amount of stock, other securities, cash or other property that such holder would have received if such Warrant had been exercised.

The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Warrant Issuance Agreement and the Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 4.4 and 4.5 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

Cancellation of Indentures

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, all of the Company’s obligations with respect to its 7% Series A Senior Notes due 2015 and 3 3/4% Convertible Senior Note due 2037 (collectively, the “ Senior Notes ”) and the related two indentures were deemed cancelled and the notes under the indentures were cancelled. Each holder of Senior Notes received, in exchange for its total claim (including principal and interest), its pro rata portion of 145,736,082 shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued pursuant to the Plan.

Cancellation of Equity Incentive Plans

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, all shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding prior to the Effective Date were cancelled. Accordingly, on the Effective Date, the Company’s equity incentive plans in effect prior to the Effective Date, and all awards granted under such plans, were cancelled.

Item 1.03 Bankruptcy or Receivership.

The information in the Explanatory Note to this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.03. A copy of the Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Issuance of Common Stock

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, all shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding prior to the Effective Date were cancelled. Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, (i) each holder of Senior Notes received, in exchange for its total claim (including principal and interest), its pro rata portion of 145,736,082 shares of the Company’s common stock, (ii) each holder of an allowed general unsecured claim received, in exchange for its total claim, its pro rata portion of 1,919,733 shares of the Company’s common stock, and (iii) the Lenders under the Loan Agreement received warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 9,592,125 shares of the Company’s common stock (which number of shares may be increased to an aggregate of 12,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Issuance Agreement).

Current Equity Capitalization

As of the Effective Date, the Company’s equity capitalization consists of (i) 145,736,082 shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the holders of Senior Notes, (ii) 1,919,733 shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the holders of allowed general unsecured claims under the Plan immediately prior to the Effective Date and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 9,592,125 shares of the Company’s common stock (which number of shares may be increased to an aggregate of 12,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Issuance Agreement) issued to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement. In addition, as of the Effective Date, (x) up to 9,720,556 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to the holders of disputed unsecured claims (non-employee) under the Plan immediately prior to the Effective Date and (y) up to 8,917,689 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to the holders of disputed unsecured claims (employee) under the Plan immediately prior to the Effective Date.

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement (the “ Contribution Agreement ”) dated as of June 4, 2012, by and among the Company, Piceance Energy and Laramie. At closing, each of the Company and Laramie contributed their assets, with certain exceptions, located in or pertaining to Mesa and Garfield Counties, Colorado in exchange for 33.34% and 66.66%, respectively, of the membership interests in Piceance Energy. The assets contributed by the Company to Piceance Energy constituted substantially all of the assets of the Company. In connection with the closing of the Contribution Agreement, Piceance Energy borrowed $100 million under the Piceance Energy Credit Facility and distributed approximately $74.1 million of that amount to the Company and approximately $24.8 million to Laramie. The cash payments were subject to adjustment at closing based on title and environmental defects, and subject to further adjustment post-closing based on a final settlement statement to be agreed upon

 

8


between the Company and Laramie within 60 days of the closing. As provided in the Contribution Agreement, the effective date of the closing is July 31, 2012, and all proceeds and certain customary operational costs and expenses attributable to the contributed assets will be apportioned between the parties according to such date.

The foregoing description of the Contribution Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Contribution Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information provided under Item 1.01 in this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the Loan Agreement, the Piceance Energy Credit Facility, the Wapiti Trust and the LLC Agreement is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, all shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding prior to the Effective Date were cancelled. In addition, pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company issued (i) 145,736,082 shares of the Company’s common stock to the holders of Senior Notes, (ii) 1,919,733 shares of common stock to the holders of allowed general unsecured claims under the Plan, and (iii) warrants to purchase up to 9,592,125 million shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement. The Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock issued pursuant to the Plan were issued pursuant to Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, which exempts the issuance of securities from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The information included in Item 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

Item 5.01 Changes in Control of Registrant.

The information included in Item 1.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

The information included in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the Stockholders Agreement is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

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

Departure of Directors

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the following persons comprising the existing Board departed the Board: Kevin R. Collins, Jerrie F. Eckelberger, Carl E. Lakey, Jordan R. Smith and Daniel J. Taylor.

New Board of Directors

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the following five individuals became members of the Board (the “ New Board ”) and appointed to the committees of the New Board as set forth below:

 

Name

   Audit
Committee
   Compensation
Committee
   Strategic
and
Operations
Committee**

Jacob Mercer*

      C    X

William Monteleone*

      X    C

Benjamin Lurie

      X   

Michael R. Keener

   X      

L. Melvin Cooper

   C      

 

* Mr. Mercer was appointed Chairman of the Board for a period of 6 months from August 31, 2012 to February 28, 2013. It is anticipated that Mr. Monteleone will serve as Chairman from March 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013. It is also anticipated that the Chairman will be voted on by the Board starting September 1, 2013.

C = Appointed as chairman of the applicable committee.

X = Appointed as a member of the applicable committee.

** The Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was disbanded. The Company did not previously have a Strategic and Operations Committee, prior to the appointment of Messrs. Mercer and Monteleone to the same.

Messrs. Mercer, Monteleone, Lurie, Keener, and Cooper were elected to the Board pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, which provided for the election of five new members of the Board of directors to be selected by an ad hoc committee of institutional investors.

Jacob Mercer, age 37, joined Whitebox Advisors in October 2007 and is a Senior Portfolio Manager focusing on distressed and high yield investments. Previously, Mr. Mercer worked for Xcel Energy (XEL) from July 2005 to October 2007 as Assistant Treasurer and Managing Director. Prior to that, he worked at Piper Jaffray as a Senior Credit Analyst and Principal and at Voyageur Asset Management as a Credit Analyst. In addition, Mr. Mercer served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Army. Mr. Mercer holds a BA in both Business Management and Economics from St. John’s University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Mr. Mercer also serves on the Board of Directors for the following privately held companies: (i) ES Purchaser LLC, since January 2012, and (ii) Sunshine Enterprises Ltd., since November 2011.

William Monteleone, age 28, is an Associate at Equity Group Investments (EGI) having joined in 2008. Previously, Mr. Monteleone worked for Banc of America Securities LLC from 2006 to 2008 where he was involved in a variety of debt capital raising transactions, including leveraged buyouts, corporate-to-corporate acquisitions and other debt financing activities. At EGI, he is responsible for evaluating potential new investments and monitoring existing investments. In addition to Par Petroleum, Mr. Monteleone serves on the Board of Directors of Wapiti Oil and Gas, LLC and Kuwait Energy Company. Mr. Monteleone graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree.

 

9


Michael Keener, age 53, has over 30 years of experience in the energy sector. Since January 2011, Mr. Keener has served as a Principal of KP Energy, providing mezzanine debt, private equity and direct asset ownership primarily with exploration and production companies in North America. Prior to joining KP Energy, Mr. Keener worked as a Managing Director in the energy team of Imperial Capital LLC from October 2009 until December 2010. From February 2003 until their acquisition by Imperial Capital in October 2009, Mr. Keener served as Principal and Managing Director of Petrobridge Investment Management, LLC. From 1981 to 2003, Mr. Keener served in a number of roles in Royal Dutch Shell PLC including as Director and Vice President of Shell Capital and Financial Advisor to Shell Offshore. Mr. Keener also has served on the Board of Directors of Dune Energy (OTC Bulletin Board: DUNR) since January 2012. Mr. Keener holds a degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University and a Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University.

L. Melvin Cooper, age 59, has over 25 years of experience in various accounting and financial roles. Currently, Mr. Cooper serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Forbes Energy Services Ltd (NASDAQ Global Market: FES), a public company in the energy services industry. Prior to joining Forbes in June 2007, Mr. Cooper served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cude Oilfield Contractors, Inc., beginning in January 2007. From September 2004 to January 2007, Mr. Cooper served as President of SpectraSource Corporation, a supplier of products and services to the new home building industry. From April 2000 to September 2004, Mr. Cooper served as President of Cerqa, the supply chain management division of Nationwide Graphics, Inc., a national printing and supply chain management company where Mr. Cooper formerly served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Cooper has also served as President or CFO of various companies involved in telecommunications, nutritional supplements, water purification, scrap metal, drilling fluids, and natural gas marketing. Mr. Cooper also has served on the Board of Directors of Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FTK) since October 2010. In 2011, Mr. Cooper earned the Board Leadership designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mr. Cooper received a degree in accounting from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I) in 1975 and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Benjamin Lurie, age 29, is an Associate at Equity Group Investments (EGI) having joined in 2011. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, Mr. Lurie worked at Lurie Investments evaluating and developing new and existing business opportunities ranging from technology to services to real estate from January 2006 to December 2010. At EGI, Mr. Lurie is responsible for evaluating potential new investments and monitoring existing investments. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from INSEAD, and a postgraduate certificate from the United Nations University. He received dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Pursuant to the Plan and the Stockholders Agreement, the New Board was required to consist of five (5) directors, including (i) two (2) individuals designated by Whitebox (Jacob Mercer and L. Melvin Cooper), (ii) two (2) individuals designated by ZCOF (Will Monteleone and Ben Lurie) and (iii) one (1) individual designated jointly by Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone (Michael Keener).

New Officers and Departure of Officer

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, John T. Young, Jr. became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and R. Seth Bullock became the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. As a result, Carl E. Lakey, ceased to be the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Information regarding Messrs. Young and Bullock is set forth below.

John T. Young, Jr., age 39, currently serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company previously appointed Mr. Young as its Chief Restructuring Officer in November 2011, and appointed him as Chief Financial Officer in July 2012. Mr. Young also currently serves as Senior Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc., which the Company retained in late 2011 to assist with its strategic alternatives process. Mr. Young has served as Senior Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc. since December 2008. Mr. Young has substantial knowledge and experience providing restructuring advisory services, including interim management and debtor advisory, litigation support, post-merger integration and debt restructuring and refinancing. Mr. Young’s experience also includes serving in a multitude of advisory capacities within the energy and oilfield services industries as well as Lone Star Funds and KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Young is a Certified Public Accountant and received his BBA and MBA from Baylor University.

R. Seth Bullock, age 39, currently serves as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bullock previously served as the Company’s Treasurer from July 2012. He serves as a Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc. and has served in that capacity since

 

10


joining Conway MacKenzie, Inc. in November 2011. From May 2010 through November 2011, Mr. Bullock served as Managing Director at Kenmont Solutions Capital, a direct origination mezzanine fund focused on middle market companies in the energy, power and infrastructure sectors. From July 2007 through May 2010, Mr. Bullock served as Analyst at Kenmont Investments Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund focused on the energy, power and transportation sectors. Prior to Kenmont, Mr. Bullock held positions of increasing responsibility with Koch Capital Markets, a division of Koch Industries, Inc. Prior to Koch, Mr. Bullock held positions of increasing responsibility with Arthur Andersen’s Global Energy Corporate Finance Group. Mr. Bullock holds a BBA in Finance from Loyola University, New Orleans. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

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

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws were amended and restated in their entirety. Each of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Restated Certificate ”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “ Restated Bylaws ”) became effective on the Effective Date.

Under the Restated Certificate, the total number of all shares of capital stock that the Company is authorized to issue is 303 million shares, consisting of 300 million shares of common stock and 3 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Restated Certificate contains restrictions on the transfer of certain of the Company’s securities in order to preserve the net operating loss carryovers, capital loss carryovers, general business credit carryovers, alternative minimum tax credit carryovers and foreign tax credit carryovers, as well as any “net unrealized built-in loss” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary thereof.

Under the Restated Bylaws, the number of directors serving on the Board is initially set at five (5) and the Board is required to consist of the persons designated by the persons or groups entitled to designate the Board in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement. The act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be deemed to be the act of the Board; provided, however, in the event of a tie vote on any matter, then such deadlock shall be resolved in the following manner: (i) first, by a majority of the directors designated by Whitebox or its affiliates (the “ Whitebox Directors ”) and ZCOF or its affiliates (the “ ZCOF Directors ”) to the extent such directors have been elected in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement or (ii) second, if a majority of the Whitebox Directors and the ZCOF Directors cannot agree, then the Chairman of the Board shall cast the deciding vote. The Board may establish committees for the performance of delegated or designated functions to the extent permitted by law, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the Company; provided, however, that except as unanimously agreed by the Board, such committee shall include at least one Whitebox Director and one ZCOF Director so long as such persons are designated to the Board in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement. Subject to the laws of the State of Delaware, the certificate of incorporation and these Restated Bylaws, the Board may amend the Restated Bylaws or enact such other bylaws as in their judgment may be advisable for the regulation of the conduct of the affairs of the Company; provided, however, that such amendment of the Restated Bylaws or enacting of new bylaws may only occur with the approval of a majority of the Whitebox Directors and the ZCOF Directors so long as the Stockholders Agreement remains in full force and effect.

The foregoing descriptions of the Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On August 31, 2012, the Company issued a press release announcing the consummation of the Plan and the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

On September 6, 2012, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of a new board of directors and officers. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with General Instructions B.2 and B.6 of Form 8-K, the foregoing information, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information and Exhibit be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

11


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired

None.

 

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement, and accompanying notes thereto, are included as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference. As further described in Exhibit 99.3, the pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial statements of the Company after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012. Immediately following the consummation of this transaction, the Company emerged from bankruptcy and is adopting fresh start reporting which may change the effects of this transaction as reported in Form 8-K.

These unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended to represent and may not be indicative of operating results or financial position that would have occurred had the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement been consummated as of January 1, 2012, nor are such financial statements intended to represent and they may not be indicative of future operating results or financial position of the Company. These unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read together with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“ MD&A ”) included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, and the MD&A included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012.

 

(c) Shell Company Transactions

None.

 

(d) Exhibits

2.1* Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates dated August 13, 2012.

2.2* Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2012, among Piceance Energy, LLC, Laramie Energy, LLC and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012).

3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.

4.1 Form of the Company’s Common Stock Certificate.

4.2 Stockholders Agreement effective as of August 31, 2012, by and among the Company, Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., Waterstone Capital Management, L.P., Pandora Select Partners, LP, Iam Mini-Fund 14 Limited, Whitebox Multi-Strategy Partners, LP, Whitebox Credit Arbitrage Partners, LP, HFR RVA Combined Master Trust, Whitebox Concentrated Convertible Arbitrage Partners, LP and Whitebox Asymmetric Partners, LP.

4.3 Registration Rights Agreement effective as of August 31, 2012, by and among the Company, Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., Waterstone Capital Management, L.P., Pandora Select Partners, LP, Iam Mini-Fund 14 Limited, Whitebox Multi-Strategy Partners, LP, Whitebox Credit Arbitrage Partners, LP, HFR RVA Combined Master Trust, Whitebox Concentrated Convertible Arbitrage Partners, LP and Whitebox Asymmetric Partners, LP.

4.4 Warrant Issuance Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012, by and among the Company and WB Delta, Ltd., Waterstone Offshore ER Fund, Ltd., Prime Capital Master SPC, GOT WAT MAC Segregated Portfolio, Waterstone Market Neutral MAC51, Ltd., Waterstone Market Neutral Master Fund, Ltd., Waterstone MF Fund, Ltd., Nomura Waterstone Market Neutral Fund, ZCOF Par Petroleum Holdings, L.L.C. and Highbridge International, LLC.

 

12


4.5 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated as of June 4, 2012.

10.1 Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012, by and among the Company, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent for the Lenders.

10.2 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for Piceance Energy, LLC.

10.3 Credit Agreement dated as of June 4, 2012 among Piceance Energy, LLC, the financial institutions party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent.

10.4 First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2012, by and among Piceance Energy, LLC, the financial institutions party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10.5 Wapiti Recovery Trust Agreement dated August 27, 2012, by and among the Company, DPCA LLC, Delta Exploration Company, Inc., Delta Pipeline, LLC, DLC, Inc., CEC, Inc., Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership, Amber Resources Company of Colorado, Castle Exploration Company, Inc. and John T. Young.

10.6 Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust Agreement dated August 27, 2012, by and among the Company, DPCA LLC, Delta Exploration Company, Inc., Delta Pipeline, LLC, DLC, Inc., CEC, Inc., Castle Texas Production Limited. Partnership, Amber Resources Company of Colorado, Castle Exploration Company, Inc. and John T. Young

10.7 Pledge Agreement dated August 31, 2012, by Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC in favor of Jefferies Finance LLC.

10.8 Intercreditor Agreement dated August 31, 2012, by and among JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined therein), Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties (as defined therein), the Company and Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC.

10.9 Pledge and Security Agreement, dated August 31, 2012, by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries in favor of Jefferies Finance LLC.

99.1 Press Release dated August 31, 2012.

99.2 Press Release dated September 6, 2012.

99.3 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Par Petroleum Corporation.

 

* Schedules and similar attachments to the Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization and the Contribution Agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

13


SIGNATURE

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

 

    Par Petroleum Corporation
Dated: September 7, 2012    

/s/ R. Seth Bullock

   

R. Seth Bullock

Chief Financial Officer

 

14

Exhibit 2.1

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

In re

 

DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION, et al., 1

 

Debtors.

  

Chapter 11

 

Case No. 11-14006 (KJC)

 

(Jointly Administered)

THIRD AMENDED JOINT CHAPTER 11 PLAN

OF REORGANIZATION OF DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION

AND ITS DEBTOR AFFILIATES

Delta Petroleum Corporation and its above-captioned debtor affiliates, as debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the “ Debtors ”), propose the following joint chapter 11 plan of reorganization (as amended, the “ Plan ”) pursuant to section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. These Chapter 11 Cases have been consolidated for procedural purposes only and are being jointly administered pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. Capitalized terms used in this Plan and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Article I. Section 1.1. of this Plan.

Reference is made to the Disclosure Statement, filed by the Debtors on July 6, 2012 [D.I. 695] and approved by the Bankruptcy Court by order dated July 6, 2012 [D.I. 693], for a discussion of the Debtors’ history, businesses, results of operations, historical financial information, projections and future operations, as well as a summary and analysis of this Plan and certain related matters, including distributions to be made under this Plan.

This Plan amends and restates the plan of reorganization filed by the Debtors on June 4, 2012 [D.I. 590], as amended by the amended plan of reorganization filed by the Debtors on June 29, 2012 [D.I. 650], as further amended by the second amended plan of reorganization filed by the Debtors on July 6, 2012 [D.I. 694], and modifies the third amended plan of reorganization filed by the Debtors on August 13, 2012 [D.I. 885].

 

1. The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number are: Delta Petroleum Corporation (0803), DPCA LLC (0803), Delta Exploration Company, Inc. (9462), Delta Pipeline, LLC (0803), DLC, Inc. (3989), CEC, Inc. (3154), Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership (6054), Amber Resources Company of Colorado (0506), and Castle Exploration Company, Inc. (9007). The Debtors’ headquarters are located at: 370 17th Street, Suite 4300, Denver, Colorado 80202.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            Page  

ARTICLE I           DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1   

1.1.

    

Definitions

     1   

1.2.

    

Rules of Interpretation

     13   

ARTICLE II          PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TAX CLAIMS

     14   

2.1.

    

Administrative Claims

     14   

2.2.

    

Professional Compensation and Reimbursement Claims

     14   

2.3.

    

Priority Tax Claims

     15   

ARTICLE III        CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS

     15   

3.1.

    

Introduction

     18   

3.2.

    

Classes of Claims Against and Equity Interests in Debtors’ Estates

     18   

ARTICLE IV        TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

     20   

4.1.

    

Class A1: DIP Facility Claims

     20   

4.2.

    

Class A2: Priority Non-Tax Claims

     20   

4.3.

    

Class A3: Other Secured Claims

     20   

4.4.

    

Class A4: General Unsecured Claims Against Delta

     20   

4.5.

    

Class A5: Noteholder Claims

     21   

4.6.

    

Class A6: Intercompany Claims

     21   

4.7.

    

Class A7: Existing Equity Interests

     21   

4.8.

    

Class A8: Securities Litigation Claims

     21   

4.9.

    

Reserved

     21   

4.10.

    

Classes B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, G2, H2 and I2: Other Secured Claims against Debtors Other Than Delta

     21   

4.11.

    

Classes B3, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, H3, and I3: General Unsecured Claims against Debtors other than Delta

     21   

4.12.

    

Classes B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4 and I4: Noteholder Claims against Debtors other than Delta

     22   

4.13.

    

Classes B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5, and I5: Existing Equity Interests in Debtors Other Than Delta

     22   

4.14.

    

Compliance with Laws and Effects on Distributions

     22   

4.15.

    

Reservation of Rights Regarding Claims

     22   

ARTICLE V          IDENTIFICATION OF CLASSES OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS IMPAIRED; ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THIS PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

     23   

5.1.

    

Holders of Claims and Equity Interests Entitled to Vote

     23   

5.2.

    

Presumed Acceptance of the Plan

     23   

5.3.

    

Presumed Rejection of the Plan

     23   

 

i


5.4.

    

Acceptance by Impaired Classes

     23   

5.5.

    

Nonconsensual Confirmation

     23   

ARTICLE VI        MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND POST-EFFECTIVE DATE GOVERNANCE

     23   

6.1.

    

Corporate Action

     23   

6.2.

    

The Joint Venture Company

     25   

6.3.

    

JV Company Credit Agreement

     27   

6.4.

    

Issuance of New Common Stock

     27   

6.5.

    

New Stockholders’ Agreement

     27   

6.6.

    

Recovery Trusts

     28   

6.7.

    

Preservation of Documents

     30   

6.8.

    

Cancellation of Agreements

     30   

6.9.

    

Surrender of Existing Securities

     30   

6.10.

    

Cancellation of the Notes and Equity Interests

     31   

6.11.

    

Existing Liens

     32   

6.12.

    

Compromise of Controversies

     32   

6.13.

    

Restructuring Transactions

     32   

6.14.

    

Effectuating Documents; Further Transactions

     33   

ARTICLE VII      PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS; TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS

     33   

7.1.

    

Date of Distributions on Account of Allowed Claims

     33   

7.2.

    

Sources of Cash for Plan Distribution

     33   

7.3.

    

Time Bar to Cash Payments

     33   

7.4.

    

Disbursement Agent

     34   

7.5.

    

Record Date for Distribution

     34   

7.6.

    

Delivery of Distributions

     34   

7.7.

    

Objections to and Estimations of Claims; Resolution of Disputed Claims

     35   

7.8.

    

Noteholder Claims and DIP Facility Claims

     36   

7.9.

    

Recovery Trust Distributions

     37   

7.10.

    

Manner of Cash Payments Under Plan

     37   

7.11.

    

Fractional Shares

     37   

7.12.

    

Setoffs and Recoupment

     37   

7.13.

    

Exemption from Securities Law

     37   

7.14.

    

Allocation of Payments

     38   

7.15.

    

No Postpetition Interest on Claims

     38   

ARTICLE VIII     TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

     38   

8.1.

    

Assumption of Contracts and Leases

     38   

ARTICLE IX        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVE DATE

     40   

9.1.

    

Conditions Precedent to Effective Date of Plan

     40   

 

ii


9.2.

    

Debtors’ Waiver of Conditions Precedent

     41   

9.3.

    

Substantial Consummation

     41   

ARTICLE X          EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

     41   

10.1.

    

Vesting of Assets

     41   

10.2.

    

Corporate Existence

     42   

10.3.

    

Binding Effect

     42   

10.4.

    

Settlements, Releases and Discharges

     42   

10.5.

    

Discharge of the Debtors

     42   

10.6.

    

Exculpation

     43   

10.7.

    

Releases By the Debtors and their Estates

     43   

10.8.

    

Consensual Releases By Holders of Claims

     44   

10.9.

    

Abrogation of Successor Liability

     44   

10.10.

    

Term of Injunctions or Stays

     45   

10.11.

    

Termination of Subordination Rights and Settlement of Related Claims

     45   

10.12.

    

Indemnification Obligations

     45   

10.13.

    

Limitation on Indemnification

     46   

10.14.

    

Preservation of Claims

     46   

10.15.

    

No Acquisition of a Majority of Voting Interests

     47   

ARTICLE XI        RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

     47   

11.1.

    

Jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court

     47   

ARTICLE XII      MISCELLANEOUS

     49   

12.1.

    

Payment of Statutory Fees

     49   

12.2.

    

Payment of Noteholder Professional Fees

     49   

12.3.

    

Further Assurances

     50   

12.4.

    

Exhibits Incorporated

     50   

12.5.

    

Intercompany Claims

     50   

12.6.

    

Amendment or Modification of this Plan

     50   

12.7.

    

Inconsistency

     50   

12.8.

    

Section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code

     50   

12.9.

    

Compliance with SEC Requirements

     51   

12.10.

    

Compliance with Tax Requirements

     51   

12.11.

    

Determination of Tax Filings and Taxes

     51   

12.12.

    

Exemption from Transfer Taxes

     51   

12.13.

    

Dissolution of any Statutory Committees and Cessation of Fee and Expense Payment

     51   

12.14.

    

Severability of Provisions in this Plan

     52   

12.15.

    

Governing Law

     52   

12.16.

    

No Admissions

     52   

12.17.

    

Reservation of Rights

     52   

 

iii


12.18.

    

Notices

     52   

 

Plan Exhibit 1:

  Contribution Agreement 2

Plan Exhibit 2:

  Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement

Plan Exhibit 3:

  Management Services Agreement

Plan Exhibit 4:

  General Trust Agreement

Plan Exhibit 5:

  Wapiti Trust Agreement

Plan Exhibit 6:

  JV Company Credit Facility Term Sheet

Plan Exhibit 7:

  New Stockholders’ Agreement

Plan Exhibit 8:

  Restated Certificates of Incorporation

Plan Exhibit 9:

  Restated Bylaws

 

2. The Contribution Agreement is attached as an Exhibit hereto without certain schedules and exhibits thereto that contain confidential information about leases, property holdings and agreements. A party-in-interest may view copies of those schedules and exhibits upon entry into a confidentiality agreement with the Debtors, in form and substance satisfactory to the Debtors and the Plan Sponsor in their sole discretion.

 

iv


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1. Definitions . The following terms used herein shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

3 3/4% Indenture means that certain indenture, dated as of April 25, 2007, among Delta, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as the term is defined in the Indentures) and the Indenture Trustee, pursuant to which the 3 3/4% Notes were issued.

3 3/4% Notes means those certain 3 3/4% Convertible Senior Notes due 2037 issued by Delta pursuant to the 3 3/4% Indenture, $115,527,083.30 of which were outstanding as of the Petition Date.

7% Indenture means that certain indenture, dated as of March 15, 2005, among Delta, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as the term is defined in the Indentures) and the Indenture Trustee, pursuant to which the 7% Notes were issued.

7% Notes means those certain those 7% Senior Notes due 2015 issued by Delta pursuant to the 7% Indenture, $152,187,500 of which were outstanding as of the Petition Date.

Administrative Claim means a Claim for any right to payment of an administrative expense of the Chapter 11 Cases, of a kind specified in section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and entitled to priority pursuant to sections 507(a)(2) or 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, including (i) any actual and necessary costs and expenses of preserving the Estates, (ii) any indebtedness or obligations incurred or assumed by the Debtors during the Chapter 11 Cases and (iii) any compensation for professional services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred by the advisors to the Debtors. Any fees or charges assessed against the Estate of the Debtors under section 1930, title 28 of the United States Code are excluded from the definition of Administrative Claim and shall be paid in accordance with Section 12.1 hereof.

Affiliate has the meaning set forth in section 101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Allowed means, with reference to any Claim or Equity Interest, (a) any Claim or Equity Interest arising on or before the Effective Date (i) as to which the Debtor does not object before the Claims Objection Deadline, or (ii) as to which any objection (by any party) has been determined by a Final Order to the extent any interposed objection is determined in favor of the respective Holder, (b) any Claim or Equity Interest as to which the liability of the Debtor and the amount thereof are determined by Final Order of a court of competent jurisdiction other than the Bankruptcy Court, or (c) any Claim or Equity Interest expressly Allowed hereunder.

Avoidance Actions means any and all rights, claims and causes of action which a trustee, debtor in possession or other appropriate party in interest (including the Recovery Trustee) would be able to assert on behalf of any of the Estates under applicable state statutes or the avoidance provisions of chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code, including actions under one or more of the provisions of Bankruptcy Code §§ 506, 542 through 551, and 553.


Bankruptcy Code means chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code.

Bankruptcy Court means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Bankruptcy Rules means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as promulgated by the United States Supreme Court under section 2075 of title 28 of the United States Code.

Bar Date means the deadline established by order of the Bankruptcy Court for filing a Proof of Claim against a Debtor, which was March 23, 2012, as the deadline for filing Claims against the Debtors that arose prior to the Petition Date, and June 13, 2012, as the bar date for governmental units (except for claims against CECI, where the Bar Date is July 5, 2012).

Board of Managers means the board of members of the Joint Venture Company composed of six representatives; four appointed by the Plan Sponsor and two appointed by Reorganized Delta (one of which is to be selected by members of Reorganized Delta’s board who are appointed by Whitebox and one of which is to be selected by members of Reorganized Delta’s board who are appointed by ZCOF).

Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a “legal holiday” (as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a)) or any other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are required or authorized to close by law or executive order.

Carry Agreement means that certain Carry and Earning Agreement between EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and Delta dated February 28, 2008.

Cash means legal tender of the United States of America or equivalents thereof, including, without limitation, payment in such tender by check, wire transfer or any other customary payment method.

Causes of Action means any and all rights, claims, causes of action, litigation, suits, proceedings, rights of setoff, rights of recoupment, complaints, defenses, counterclaims cross-claims and affirmative defenses of any kind or character whatsoever whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, reduced to judgment or otherwise, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, secured or unsecured, assertable directly or derivatively, currently existing or hereafter arising, whether Scheduled or not Scheduled and whether arising under the Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law, in contract or in tort, in law, in equity or otherwise, based in whole or in part upon any act or omission or other event occurring, prior to the Petition Date or during the course of the Chapter 11 Cases, to and including the Effective Date, including, without limitation, (a) claims pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 362, (b) claims and defenses such as fraud, mistake, duress and usury, (c) claims under Bankruptcy Code § 510(c), and (d) all Avoidance Actions, but in each case excluding the Wapiti Causes of Action.

Chapter 11 Cases means (a) when used with reference to a particular Debtor, the case pending for that Debtor under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and (b) when used with reference to all Debtors, the procedurally consolidated chapter 11 cases pending for the Debtors in the Bankruptcy Court under case number 11-14006 (KJC).

 

2


Claim has the meaning set forth in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Claims Objection Deadline means the date that is 180 days after the Effective Date.

Claims Register means a register of Claims in the Debtors’ cases maintained by the Disbursement Agent.

Claims Trading Order means that certain Order (A) Establishing Notice and Sell-Down Procedures for Trading in Claims Against the Debtors’ Estates and (B) Granting Related Relief Nunc Pro Tunc to the Petition Date entered on January 11, 2012 [D.I. 187].

Class means any group of substantially similar Claims or Equity Interests classified together hereby pursuant to sections 1122 and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Class Action means the putative securities class actions entitled George Darwin, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. Taylor, et al. , Civil Action No. 12-cv-01038-CMA-CBS and Patipan Nakkhumpun, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. Taylor, et al. , Civil Action No. 12-cv-0152-PAB-BNB, and any other actions arising from the same nucleus of facts against any non-Debtor defendant.

Collateral means any property or interest in property of the Estates subject to a Lien, charge or other encumbrance to secure the payment or performance of a Claim, which Lien, charge or other encumbrance is not subject to avoidance or otherwise invalid under the Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law.

Confirmation Date means the date on which the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases, within the meaning of Bankruptcy Rules 5003 and 9021.

Confirmation Hearing means the hearing conducted by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1128(a) of the Bankruptcy Code to consider confirmation of this Plan, as such hearing may be adjourned or continued from time to time.

Confirmation Order means the order or orders of the Bankruptcy Court entered pursuant to section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code confirming this Plan, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests) and reasonably acceptable in all respects to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee.

Contribution Agreement means the contribution agreement between the Plan Sponsor, the Debtors and the Joint Venture Company, substantially in the form attached as Plan Exhibit 1.

 

3


Creditors’ Committee means the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors consisting of the Persons appointed to such committee in the Chapter 11 Cases under section 1102(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and their appointed successors.

Cure means the payment of Cash by the Debtors, or the distribution of other property (as the parties may agree or the Bankruptcy Court may order), made in the ordinary course of business after the Effective Date pursuant to an executory contract or unexpired lease assumed or assigned under section 365 or 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code as necessary to (i) cure a monetary default by the Debtors or (ii) if an objection is filed to the Debtors’ proposed assumption or assignment of an executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the provisions of this Plan, the amount equal to the unpaid monetary obligations owing by the Debtors and required to be paid pursuant to section 365(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, as may be (x) determined by Final Order or (y) otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

Debtor means Delta Petroleum Corporation or any of its affiliated debtors and debtors in possession each in its respective individual capacity as a debtor and debtor in possession in the Chapter 11 Cases.

Debtors means collectively: (a) Delta Petroleum Corporation; (b) DPCA LLC; (c) Delta Exploration Company, Inc.; (d) Delta Pipeline, LLC; (e) DLC, Inc.; (f) CEC, Inc.; (g) Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership; (h) Amber Resources Company of Colorado; and (i) Castle Exploration Company, Inc.

Delta means Delta Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

DIP Agent means Whitebox, in its capacity as agent under the DIP Credit Agreement.

DIP Commitments means the commitments of the individual DIP Lenders to make their Pro Rata shares of the DIP Facility available under the DIP Credit Agreement.

DIP Credit Agreement means the Amended And Restated Senior Secured Debtor-In-Possession Credit Agreement , dated as of December 21, 2011, among the Debtors, the DIP Agent, the DIP Lenders and the DIP Guarantors, as such agreement has been amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time-to-time.

DIP Facility means the DIP credit facility governed by the DIP Credit Agreement.

DIP Facility Claims means any Claims arising under or related to any and all amounts outstanding and all other obligation under the DIP Credit Agreement.

DIP Guarantors means the institutions party from time to time as “Guarantors” under the DIP Credit Agreement.

DIP Lenders means the institutions party from time to time as “Lenders” under the DIP Credit Agreement.

 

4


DIP Order means that certain Order (Final) (I) Authorizing the Debtors (A) to Obtain Post-Petition Secured DIP Financing and (B) to Refinance Certain Pre-Petition Indebtedness;(II) Granting Liens and Providing for Superiority Administrative Expense Status;(III) Modifying the Automatic Stay; and (IV) Granting Related Relief .

Disbursement Agent means any Person in its capacity as a disbursement agent under Section 7.4 hereof. The initial Disbursement Agent shall be the Recovery Trustee.

Disclosure Statement means that certain disclosure statement relating to this Plan, including all exhibits and schedules thereto including this Plan and certain Plan Supplements, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code and rule 3017 of the Bankruptcy Rules.

Disputed means, with respect to any Claim or Interest, any Claim or Interest that is (a) subject to a timely objection and/or request for estimation in accordance with section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3018, which objection and/or request for estimation has not been withdrawn or determined by a Final Order as to which the time to appeal has expired or (b) disallowed pursuant to section 502(d) of the Bankruptcy Code. A Claim or Administrative Claim that is Disputed as to its amount shall not be Allowed in any amount for purposes of distribution until it is no longer a Disputed Claim.

Disputed Claim means any Claim that is Disputed.

Disputed Claims Reserve means that portion of property of the Estates constituting Cash or New Common Stock (to the extent the Holder of a Disputed Claims is to receive Cash or New Common Stock, as applicable) which otherwise would have been distributed to the holder of such Disputed Claim if the Disputed Claim had been Allowed in the full amount asserted by the Holder of such Claim or as estimated or otherwise fixed for distribution purposes by agreement of the parties or order of the Bankruptcy Court.

Effective Date means the first Business Day on which all the conditions precedent to the Effective Date specified in Section 9.1 hereof shall have been satisfied or waived as provided in Section 9.2 hereof and upon the filing of a notice by the Debtors of the occurrence of the Effective Date; provided , however , that if a stay, injunction or similar prohibition of the Confirmation Order is in effect, the Effective Date shall be the first Business Day after such stay, injunction or similar prohibition is no longer in effect.

Entity means an entity as such term is defined in section 101(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Equity Interest means the interest of any Holders of equity securities of the Debtors represented by issued and outstanding shares of common or preferred stock or other instruments evidencing a present ownership interest in the Debtors, whether or not transferable, or any option, warrant, or right, contractual or otherwise, to acquire any such interest.

 

5


Estates means, as to each Debtor, the estate created for the Debtor in its Chapter 11 Case pursuant to section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Executory Contract means a contract to which one or more of the Debtors is a party and that is subject to assumption or rejection under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Existing Equity Interest means any Equity Interest in any of the Debtors existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, which shall include, without limitation, all existing common and preferred stock, existing restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options.

Exit Loan means the exit term loan to be provided to Reorganized Delta in an amount sufficient, among other needs, to refinance all unpaid Allowed DIP Facility Claims.

Final Order means an order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court or other court of competent jurisdiction that has been entered on the docket maintained by the clerk of such court and (i) has not been reversed, vacated, stayed, or amended and (ii) as to which 14 calendar days have elapsed following such entry on the docket; provided , however , that no order or judgment shall fail to be a “Final Order” solely because of the possibility that a motion pursuant to section 502(j) or 1144 of the Bankruptcy Code or under Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or Bankruptcy Rule 9024 may be filed with respect to such order or judgment.

General Trust means the Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust created under the Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust Agreement for the benefit of the Reorganized Debtors, to the extent that each respective Reorganized Debtor transferred General Trust Assets to the General Trust, and only on account of Allowed Claims or Equity Interests against such Debtor.

General Trust Agreement means the Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust Agreement approved and entered into in accordance with this Plan pursuant to which the General Trust will be established and administered, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Plan Exhibit 4 .

General Trust Assets means all legal and equitable interests of the Debtors in the Causes of Action and all legal or equitable defenses or counterclaims of the Debtors to Claims, and any other assets to be vested in the General Trust pursuant to the General Trust Agreement.

General Trust Oversight Board means a three person board selected as follows: one person shall be selected by Whitebox, one person shall be selected by ZCOF, and one person shall be the Recovery Trustee.

General Unsecured Claim means any Claim against the Debtors that is (a) not an Administrative Claim, a Priority Tax Claim, a DIP Facility Claim, a Priority Non-Tax Claim, an Other Secured Claim, a Noteholder Claim, an Intercompany Claim or a Securities Litigation Claim, or (b) is otherwise determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be a General Unsecured Claim. General Unsecured Claims will not include Claims that are disallowed or released, whether by operation of law or pursuant to order of the Bankruptcy Court, written release or settlement, the provisions of this Plan or otherwise.

 

6


Governmental Unit means a governmental unit as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Holder means an Entity holding a Claim or an Equity Interest.

Impaired means, with respect to a Class of Claims or Equity Interests, a Class of Claims or Equity Interests that is impaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Indemnified Persons has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.12 of this Plan.

Indentures means the 3 3/4% Indenture and the 7% Indenture.

Indenture Trustee means U.S. Bank National Association and/or its successors, as indenture trustee under each of the Indentures.

Intercompany Claim means any Claim held by one Debtor against any other Debtor(s), including, without limitation, (a) any account reflecting intercompany book entries by such Debtor with respect to any other Debtor(s), (b) any Claim not reflected in intercompany book entries that is held by such Debtor, and (c) any derivative Claim asserted or assertable by or on behalf of such Debtor against any other Debtor(s).

Joint Venture Company means the limited liability company, Piceance Energy, LLC, established by the Plan Sponsor, and in which Reorganized Delta shall become a member, in accordance with the terms of the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, the Contribution Agreement, and the Management Services Agreement.

Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Joint Venture Company, substantially in the form attached as Plan Exhibit 2 .

JV Company Credit Facility means the $400,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, entered into by the Joint Venture Company, the JV Company Credit Facility Guarantors, the JV Company Credit Facility Lenders and the JV Company Credit Facility Agent to provide funds for distributions under this Plan and for the exploration, development, and/or acquisition of oil and gas properties, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

JV Company Credit Facility Agent means the institution party from time to time as “Agent” under the JV Company Credit Facility Agreement.

JV Company Credit Agreement means the senior secured revolving credit agreement, which shall be substantially on the terms summarized in Plan Exhibit 6 .

JV Company Credit Facility Guarantors means the Plan Sponsor and Reorganized Delta.

 

7


JV Company Credit Facility Lenders means the institutions party from time to time as “Lenders” under the JV Company Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

JV Company Credit Facility Documents means the JV Company Credit Agreement and all other documents comprising the definitive documentation of the JV Company Credit Facility, including, without limitation, all collateral and security documents and any inter-creditor agreements executed in connection therewith as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Lien has the meaning set forth in section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Local Bankruptcy Rules means the Local Bankruptcy Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Manager means the party from time to time named as “Sole Manager” under the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement. The initial Manager shall be the Plan Sponsor.

Management Fee means an amount equal to $650,000 per month paid by the Joint Venture Company to the Manager to reimburse the Manager for its general and administrative overhead expenses in accordance with the Management Services Agreement.

Management Services Agreement means the management services agreement between the Plan Sponsor and the Joint Venture Company, substantially in the form attached as Plan Exhibit 3 .

New Delta Board means the initial board of directors of Reorganized Delta.

New Boards mean, collectively, the New Delta Board and the New Subsidiary Boards.

New Common Stock means the new common stock issued by Reorganized Delta on the Effective Date, each par value $0.01 per share.

New Stockholders’ Agreement means the Stockholders’ Agreement, if any, to be entered into on the Effective Date by the Supporting Noteholders substantially in the form attached as Plan Exhibit 7 , with any modifications that are required to be consistent with the provisions of this Plan and the Bankruptcy Code.

New Subsidiary Boards means, with respect to each of the Reorganized Debtors other than Reorganized Delta, the initial board of directors of each such Reorganized Debtor.

Notes means the 3 3/4% Notes and the 7% Notes collectively.

Noteholder means any Holder of the 3 3/4% Notes or the 7% Notes.

Noteholder Claim means any Claim of a Noteholder arising under or related to the 3 3/4% Notes and the 7% Notes.

 

8


Other Secured Claim means any Secured Claim against the Debtors other than the DIP Facility Claims.

Oversight Board means the General Trust Oversight Board and/or the Wapiti Trust Oversight Board.

Person means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, cooperative, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture, government or agency or political subdivision thereof or any other form of legal entity.

Petition Date means December 16, 2011, the date on which each of the Debtors except for Castle Exploration Company, Inc. commenced their Chapter 11 Cases, together with January 6, 2012, the date on which Castle Exploration Company, Inc. commenced its Chapter 11 Case.

Plan means this Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates , including the exhibits and schedules hereto and documents contained in the Plan Supplements.

Plan Documents means this Plan, the Exit Loan documents, all Plan Exhibits, all documents referenced in or attached as exhibits or schedules to any of the Plan Exhibits, and all other documents described or contemplated herein to be included in the Plan Supplements, including, as the case may be, the documents comprising, or summarized by, the Plan Exhibits.

Plan Exhibit means an exhibit to this Plan, which may be altered, amended, modified or supplemented by Plan Supplements, each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee and, to the extent applicable, the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests). Any Plan Exhibits not previously filed will be filed with the Bankruptcy Court no later than seven (7) days prior to the Voting Deadline, provided that the Debtors may amend such Plan Exhibits at any time prior to the Confirmation Hearing.

Plan Sponsor means Laramie Energy II, LLC.

Plan Supplements means, collectively, the documents, agreements, instruments, schedules and exhibits and forms or, as applicable, summaries thereof, specified in this Plan or amending Plan Exhibits, to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court no later than seven (7) days prior to the Voting Deadline, each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee and, to the extent applicable, the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests), provided that the Debtors may amend such Plan Supplements at any time prior to the Confirmation Hearing.

Priority Non-Tax Claim means any unsecured Claim entitled to priority in payment as specified in section 507(a)(4), (5), (6) or (7) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

9


Priority Tax Claim means any unsecured Claim of a Governmental Unit of the kind entitled to priority in payment pursuant to sections 502(i) and 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Pro Rata means the proportion that a Claim in a particular class bears to the aggregate amount of all Claims in such class, except in cases where Pro Rata is used in reference to multiple classes, in which case Pro Rata means the proportion that a Claim in a particular class bears to the aggregate amount of all Claims in such multiple classes. For purposes of distribution of the stock of Reorganized Delta, the aggregate amount of all Claims in such multiple classes shall be determined by taking into account (i) the total amount of Noteholder Claims plus (ii) the total amount of General Unsecured Claims against Delta.

Professional means an Entity: (a) employed pursuant to a Bankruptcy Court order in accordance with sections 327, 363 or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code and to be compensated for services rendered before or on the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 327, 328, 329, 330, 331 and 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or (b) awarded compensation and reimbursement by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 503(b)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Proof of Claim means a proof of Claim filed against any of the Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases.

Record Date means the Confirmation Date.

Recovery Trusts means the General Trust and the Wapiti Trust.

Recovery Trust Agreements means the General Trust Agreement and the Wapiti Trust Agreement.

Recovery Trust Assets means the General Trust Assets and the Wapiti Trust Assets.

Recovery Trust Beneficiaries means each of the Reorganized Debtors, but, in each case, only to the extent that each respective Debtor transferred Recovery Trust Assets to a Recovery Trust, and only on account of Allowed Claims or Equity Interests against such Debtor.

Recovery Trustee means John T. Young, Jr., the trustee of the Recovery Trusts, and any successor to that trustee.

Released Parties means each of: (a) the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors and their Affiliates and Subsidiaries; (b) the DIP Agent; (c) the DIP Lenders; (d) the Indenture Trustee, (e) the Plan Sponsor and the Joint Venture Company; (f) the Supporting Noteholders; (g) the Creditors’ Committee, and (h) with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (g), each such Entity’s current Affiliates, Subsidiaries, officers, directors, members, principals, employees, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives and other Professionals, provided , however , that with respect to the entities identified in clause (a), this clause (h) shall only include Persons employed and/or retained by the Debtors as of the Effective Date. Subject to Section 10.7 of this Plan, Released Parties shall not include any defendant or potential defendant to a Wapiti Cause of Action.

 

10


Reorganized Delta means Delta on and after the Effective Date, which shall be renamed Par Petroleum Corp.

Reorganized Debtors means the Debtors, or any successor thereto, by merger, consolidation or otherwise, on or after the Effective Date.

Restated Bylaws means the amended and restated bylaws (or other analogous charter documents) to be adopted by each of Reorganized Delta and if necessary, any other Reorganized Debtor upon the Effective Date, which shall be substantially in the form to be included in Plan Exhibit 9 , and which shall be in a form and substance reasonably acceptable in all respects to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee and, with respect to restrictions on transfer described in Section 6.1(b) of this Plan, is acceptable to each of the Supporting Noteholders, with any modifications that are required to be consistent with the provisions of this Plan and the Bankruptcy Code.

Restated Certificate of Incorporation means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation (or other analogous formation document) to be adopted by each of Reorganized Delta and if necessary any other Reorganized Debtor and filed with the applicable Secretaries of State and/or other applicable authorities in their respective states prior to or on the Effective Date, which shall be substantially in the form to be included in Plan Exhibit 8 , and which shall be in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee and, with respect to restrictions on transfer described in Section 6.1(b) of this Plan, is acceptable to each of the Supporting Noteholders, with any modifications that are required to be consistent with the provisions of this Plan and the Bankruptcy Code.

Restructuring Transactions means those transactions or other actions (including, without limitation, mergers, consolidations, conversions, joint ventures, restructurings, recapitalizations, dispositions, liquidations or dissolutions) that one or more of the applicable Debtors or Reorganized Debtors may enter into or undertake on, prior to, or after the Effective Date outside the ordinary course of business of such Debtors or Reorganized Debtors in accordance with Section 6.13 of this Plan.

Schedules means, with respect to each Debtor, those certain Schedules of Assets and Liabilities filed in the Bankruptcy Court, as such Schedules may be amended from time to time.

Secured Claim means, with respect to any Claim against the Debtors, that portion which, pursuant to section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code, is (a) secured by a valid, perfected and enforceable security interest, Lien, mortgage or other encumbrance, that is not subject to avoidance under applicable bankruptcy or non-bankruptcy law, in or upon any right, title or interest of the Debtors in and to property of the relevant Estates, to the extent of the value of the Holder’s interest in such property as of the relevant determination date or (b) Allowed as such pursuant to the terms of this Plan (subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date). The defined term Secured Claim includes any Claim to the extent that it is: (i) subject to an offset right under applicable law and (ii) a secured claim against the Debtors pursuant to sections 506(a) and 553 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

11


Securities Litigation Claim means any Claim against any of the Debtors, (i) arising from the rescission of a purchase or sale of shares, notes or any other securities of any of the Debtors or an Affiliate of any of the Debtors, (ii) for damages arising from the purchase or sale of any such security, (iii) for violations of the securities laws or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (unless there has been a judicial determination by Final Order that any such Claim is not subject to subordination under section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code), or for misrepresentations or any similar Claims related to the foregoing or otherwise subject to subordination under section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, (iv) for attorneys’ fees, other charges or costs incurred on account of any of the foregoing Claims, or (v) for reimbursement, contribution or indemnification Allowed under section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code on account of any of the foregoing Claims, including Claims based upon allegations that the Debtors made false and misleading statements or engaged in other deceptive acts in connection with the offer, purchase, or sale of securities.

Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any other Person as to whom such first Person directly or indirectly (a) owns or controls the majority of equity interests, (b) owns or controls the majority of voting interests or (c) has the power to elect or nominate a majority of the board of directors (or other persons having similar functions).

Supporting Noteholders means Waterstone, Whitebox, and ZCOF.

Tax Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.

Wapiti Causes of Action means any and all rights, claims, causes of action, litigation, suits, proceedings, rights of setoff, rights of recoupment, complaints, defenses, counterclaims cross-claims and affirmative defenses of any kind or character whatsoever whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, reduced to judgment or otherwise, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, secured or unsecured, assertable directly or derivatively, currently existing or hereafter arising, whether Scheduled or not Scheduled and whether arising under the Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law, in contract or in tort, in law, in equity or otherwise, based in whole or in part upon any act or omission or other event occurring, prior to the Petition Date or during the course of the Chapter 11 Cases, to and including the Effective Date, including, without limitation, (a) claims pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 362, (b) claims and defenses such as fraud, mistake, duress and usury, (c) claims under Bankruptcy Code § 510(c), and (d) all Avoidance Actions, in each case against Wapiti Oil & Gas Energy, LLC and affiliated persons and entities, excluding ZCOF, any of its affiliates (other than Wapiti Oil & Gas Energy, LLC, and Wapiti Oil & Gas, LLC), and their directors, officers, and employees, but including the ZCOF Parties solely to the extent explicitly set forth in Section 10.7 of this Plan.

Wapiti Trust means the Wapiti Recovery Trust created under the Wapiti Recovery Trust Agreement for the benefit of the Recovery Trust Beneficiaries, as applicable.

Wapiti Trust Agreement means the Wapiti Recovery Trust Agreement approved and entered into in accordance with this Plan pursuant to which the Wapiti Recovery Trust will be established and administered, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Plan Exhibit 5 .

 

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Wapiti Trust Assets means all legal and equitable interests of the Debtors in the Wapiti Causes of Action.

Wapiti Trust Oversight Board means a three person board selected as follows: one person shall be selected by Whitebox, one person shall be selected by Waterstone, and one person shall be the Recovery Trustee.

Waterstone means Waterstone Capital Management L.P. and/or Waterstone Advisors, LLC.

Whitebox means Whitebox Advisors, LLC.

ZCOF means Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P.

ZCOF Parties shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.7 of this Plan.

1.2. Rules of Interpretation . For purposes of this Plan: (a) whenever from the context it is appropriate, each term, whether stated in the singular or the plural, shall include both the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, feminine and the neuter gender; (b) unless otherwise specified, any reference in this Plan to a contract, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document being in a particular form or on particular terms and conditions means that such document shall be substantially in such form or substantially on such terms and conditions; (c) unless otherwise specified, any reference in this Plan to an existing document, schedule or exhibit, whether or not filed with the Bankruptcy Court, shall mean such document, schedule or exhibit, as it may have been or may be amended, modified or supplemented; (d) any reference to a Person as a Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest includes that Person’s successors and assigns; (e) unless otherwise specified, all references in this Plan to articles are references to articles of this Plan; (f) unless otherwise specified, all references in this Plan to exhibits are references to exhibits hereto or in the Plan Supplements; (g) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” refer to this Plan in its entirety rather than to a particular portion of this Plan; (h) subject to the provisions of any contract, certificate of incorporation, bylaw, instrument, release or other agreement or document entered into in connection with this Plan, the rights and obligations arising pursuant to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, applicable federal law, including the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules; (i) captions and headings to articles of this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the interpretation of this Plan; (j) unless otherwise set forth in this Plan, the rules of construction set forth in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply; (k) any term used in capitalized form in this Plan that is not otherwise defined but that is used in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, as applicable; (l) all references to docket numbers of documents filed in the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases are references to the docket numbers under the Bankruptcy Court’s CM/ECF system; (m) all references to statutes, regulations, orders, rules of courts and the like shall mean as amended from time to time, as applicable to the Debtors’

 

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Chapter 11 Cases, unless otherwise stated; and (n) any immaterial effectuating provisions may be interpreted by the Reorganized Debtors and the Recovery Trustee after the Effective Date in such a manner that is consistent with the overall purpose and intent of this Plan all without further Bankruptcy Court order.

In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Plan, the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a) shall apply.

ARTICLE II

PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED

ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TAX CLAIMS

2.1. Administrative Claims . Each Holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim will receive payment in full in Cash of the unpaid portion of such Allowed Administrative Claim (a) in the case of professional fees and expenses for professionals and advisors retained by the Debtors or the Creditors’ Committee, as soon as practicable after Bankruptcy Court approval thereof, or, in the case of professionals retained by the Debtors in the ordinary course of its business, if any, on such terms as are customary between the Debtors and such professionals; (b) with respect to all other Holders of Allowed Administrative Claims, on the later of (i) the Effective Date, (ii) the date such Claim becomes an Allowed Administrative Claim, and (iii) such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may order; or (c) with respect to any Claim described in clauses (a) and (b) above, such later date(s) as otherwise agreed by the Holder of such Claim and the Debtors. Disputed but not yet Allowed Administrative Claims will receive payment on the later of (i) the date such disputed Allowed Administrative Claim becomes Allowed and (ii) the date on which such payment would be made in the ordinary course of the Debtors’ business, consistent with past practice and in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of any agreements or regulations governing, instruments evidencing or other documents relating to such transactions; provided , however , that Allowed Administrative Claims with respect to liabilities incurred by the Debtors in the ordinary course of business during the Reorganization Case shall be paid in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of any agreements relating thereto, provided further , however , that prior to the Effective Date any Administrative Claim asserted by an employee, officer or director of the Debtors other than ordinary course wage payments earned but unpaid as of the Effective Date shall not be Allowed or paid until approval of such Claim by the Bankruptcy Court, a majority (by total amount of Claims held) of the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee. All Administrative Claims against the Debtors (except for professional fees and expenses for professionals and advisors retained by the Debtors or the Creditors’ Committee as provided in Section 2.2 below, DIP Facility Claims, and Claims of governmental units pursuant to section 503(b)(1)(D) of the Bankruptcy Code) must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served upon the Debtors and their counsel on or before the date that is sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

2.2. Professional Compensation and Reimbursement Claims . Except as provided in Section 2.1 hereof, all Persons seeking awards by the Bankruptcy Court of compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred through and including the Effective Date under sections 330, 331, 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4) or 503(b)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code shall (a) file, on or before the date that is thirty (30) days after

 

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the Effective Date, their respective applications for final allowances of compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred and (b) be paid in full, in Cash, in such amounts as are Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the order relating to or Allowing any such Administrative Claim. The Recovery Trustee is authorized to pay compensation for professional services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Debtors’ and the Creditors’ Committee after the Effective Date in the ordinary course and without the need for Bankruptcy Court approval.

2.3. Priority Tax Claims . Each Holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim shall, in full satisfaction, release, and discharge of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, at the Recovery Trustee’s election: (a) be paid in full, in Cash on (i) the Effective Date, (ii) the date such Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Tax Claim, (iii) such other date as may be agreed upon by the Recovery Trustee and the Holder of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, or (iv) such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may order; or (b) be paid in Cash in regular installment payments over the period ending on the fifth anniversary of the Petition Date in accordance with section 1129(a)(9)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code; provided , however , that any such Priority Tax Claim, if Allowed, will be paid solely from the assets (if any) of the Debtor against whom such Priority Tax Claim was asserted.

ARTICLE III

CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS

The categories of prepetition Claims and Equity Interests are classified for all purposes, including voting, confirmation, and distribution, pursuant to this Plan as follows:

Delta Petroleum Corporation

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class A1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class A2    Priority Non-Tax Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class A3    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class A4    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class A5    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class A6    Intercompany Claims    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)
Class A7    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)
Class A8    Securities Litigation Claims    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

 

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DPCA LLC

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class B1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class B2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class B3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class B4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class B5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

Delta Exploration Company, Inc.

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class C1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class C2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class C3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class C4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class C5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

Delta Pipeline, LLC

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class D1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class D2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class D3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class D4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class D5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

DLC, Inc.

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class E1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class E2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class E3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class E4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class E5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

 

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CEC, Inc.

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class F1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class F2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class F3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class F4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class F5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class G1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class G2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class G3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class G4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class G5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

Amber Resources Company of Colorado

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class H1    Priority Non-Tax Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class H2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class H3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class H4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class H5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

 

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Castle Exploration Company, Inc.

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Entitled to Vote

Class I1    DIP Facility Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class I2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class I3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class I4    Noteholder Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class I5    Existing Equity Interests    Impaired    No (deemed to reject)

3.1. Introduction .

In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Claims and Priority Tax Claims have not been classified, and the respective treatment of such unclassified claims is set forth in Article II of this Plan.

A Claim or Equity Interest is placed in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Equity Interest is of the type described in such Class and such Claim or Equity Interest has not been paid, released, or otherwise settled prior to the Effective Date. A Claim or Equity Interest may be bifurcated and classified in other Classes to the extent that any portion of the Claim or Equity Interest is of a type described in such other Classes. The Debtors have not substantively consolidated their estates. Except for Delta, each of the other Debtors is non-operational and owns few, if any, assets. To the extent a Claim exists against a Debtor other than Delta, such Claim if Allowed will be paid solely from the assets (if any) of such Debtor, and any such assets owned by a Debtor will be distributed solely to the creditors and shareholders of such Debtor.

3.2. Classes of Claims Against and Equity Interests in Debtors’ Estates .

Delta Petroleum Corporation :

Class A1: DIP Facility Claims

Class A1 consists of all DIP Facility Claims against Delta.

Class A2: Priority Non-Tax Claims

Class A2 consists of all Priority Non-Tax Claims against Delta.

 

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Class A3: Other Secured Claims

Class A3 consists of all Other Secured Claims against Delta.

Class A4: General Unsecured Claims

Class A4 consists of all General Unsecured Claims against Delta.

Class A5: Noteholder Claims

Class A5 consists of all Noteholder Claims against Delta.

Class A6: Intercompany Claims

Class A6 consists of all Intercompany Claims against Delta.

Class A7: Existing Equity Interests

Class A7 consists of all Existing Equity Interests in Delta.

Class A8: Securities Litigation Claims

Class A8 consists of all Securities Litigation Claims against the Debtors.

Each of the other Debtors other than Delta :

Classes B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, and I1: DIP Facility Claims

Classes B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, and I1 consist of all DIP Facility Claims against the other Debtors except for Delta, respectively.

Class H1: Priority Non-Tax Claims

Class H1 consists of all Priority Non-Tax Claims against Amber Resources Company of Colorado.

Classes B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, G2, H2, and I2: Other Secured Claims

Classes B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, G2, H2 and I2 consist of all Other Secured Claims against the other Debtors except for Delta, respectively.

Classes B3, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, H3, and I3: General Unsecured Claims

Classes B3, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, H3 and I3 consist of all General Unsecured Claims against the other Debtors except for Delta, respectively.

Classes B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4 and I4: Noteholder Claims

Classes B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4 and I4 consist of all Noteholder Claims against the other Debtors except for Delta, respectively.

 

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Classes B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5, and I5: Existing Equity Interests

Classes B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5 and I5 consist of all Equity Interests in the other Debtors except for Delta, respectively.

ARTICLE IV

TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

4.1. Class A1: DIP Facility Claims . On the Effective Date, each Holder of a DIP Facility Claim shall receive, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such DIP Facility Claim, Cash equal to such Holder’s DIP Facility Claims.

4.2. Class A2: Priority Non-Tax Claims . Each Holder of an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim shall receive, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, Cash equal to the unpaid portion of such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim (i) at the Disbursement Agent’s election, either (a) in accordance with the reinstated terms of such indebtedness; (b) in accordance with section 1129(a)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code; or (c) on the latest to occur of (x) the Effective Date, (y) the date such Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, and (z) such other date as may be agreed upon by the Disbursement Agent and the Holder of such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim; or (ii) on such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may order.

4.3. Class A3: Other Secured Claims . Each Holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim shall receive, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such Allowed Other Secured Claim, Cash equal to the unpaid portion of such Allowed Other Secured Claim (i) at the Recovery Trustee’s election, either (a) in accordance with the reinstated terms of such indebtedness; (b) in accordance with section 1129(a)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code; or (c) on the latest to occur of (x) the Effective Date, (y) the date such Claim becomes an Allowed Other Secured Claim, and (z) such other date as may be agreed upon by the Recovery Trustee and the Holder of such Allowed Other Secured Claim; or (ii) on such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may order.

Delta’s failure to object to any Other Secured Claim shall be without prejudice to Delta’s or the Recovery Trustee’s right to contest or otherwise defend against such Claim in the appropriate forum when and if such Claim is sought to be enforced by the Other Secured Claim Holder. Nothing in this Section 4.3 or elsewhere in this Plan shall preclude Delta or Reorganized Delta from challenging the validity of any alleged Lien on any asset of Delta or the value of the property that secures any alleged Lien.

4.4. Class A4: General Unsecured Claims Against Delta . On the Effective Date, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim against Delta shall receive, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such General Unsecured Claim, its Pro Rata Share of the New Common Stock of Reorganized Delta.

 

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4.5. Class A5: Noteholder Claims. On the Effective Date, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, each Holder of a Noteholder Claim shall receive (along with any distribution that such Holder is entitled to receive from Debtors other than Delta), in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such Noteholder Claim, its Pro Rata Share of the New Common Stock of Reorganized Delta. The A5 Noteholder Claims shall be Allowed in the full principal amount thereof ($265,000,000) plus interest as of the Petition Date ($2,685,416.66).

4.6. Class A6: Intercompany Claims . On the Effective Date the legal, equitable and contractual rights of each Holder of an Intercompany Claim against Delta shall be extinguished and such Holders of Intercompany Claims shall not receive any distribution or consideration in connection with such Intercompany Claims.

4.7. Class A7: Existing Equity Interests. On the Effective Date the legal, equitable and contractual rights of each Holder of an Existing Equity Interest in Delta shall be extinguished, canceled and discharged and such Holders of Existing Equity Interests shall not receive any distribution or consideration in connection with such Existing Equity Interests.

4.8. Class A8 : Securities Litigation Claims . On the Effective Date the legal, equitable and contractual rights of each Holder of a Securities Litigation Claim against Delta shall be extinguished and such Holders of Securities Litigation Claims shall not receive any distribution or consideration in connection with such Securities Litigation Claims.

4.9. Reserved .

4.10. Classes B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, G2, H2 and I2: Other Secured Claims against Debtors Other Than Delta. Each Holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim in one of the above respective Classes shall receive, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such Allowed Other Secured Claim, Cash equal to the unpaid portion of such Allowed Other Secured Claim (i) at the Recovery Trustee’s election, either (a) in accordance with the reinstated terms of such indebtedness; (b) in accordance with section 1129(a)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code; or (c) on the latest to occur of (x) the Effective Date, (y) the date such Claim becomes an Allowed Other Secured Claim, and (z) such other date as may be agreed upon by the Recovery Trustee and the Holder of such Allowed Other Secured Claim; or (ii) on such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may order. A Debtor’s failure to object to any Other Secured Claim shall be without prejudice to the such Debtor’s or the Recovery Trustee’s right to contest or otherwise defend against such Claim in the appropriate forum when and if such Claim is sought to be enforced by the Other Secured Claim Holder. Nothing in this Section 4.10 or elsewhere in this Plan shall preclude the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor from challenging the validity of any alleged Lien on any asset of such Debtor or the value of the property that secures any alleged Lien.

4.11. Classes B3, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, H3, and I3: General Unsecured Claims against Debtors other than Delta. On the Effective Date, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim against a Debtor other than Delta shall receive its Pro Rata Share of any Cash (including any proceeds from the wind down or liquidation of any remaining assets) that may exist in such Debtor’s Estate after all Allowed

 

21


Claims senior to the General Unsecured Claims and Allowed Noteholder Claims against such Debtor (including any DIP Facility Claims) are paid in full, or reserved in accordance with Article VII of this Plan, in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such General Unsecured Claim.

4.12. Classes B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4 and I4: Noteholder Claims against Debtors other than Delta. On the Effective Date, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, each Holder of an Allowed Noteholder Claim shall receive (along with any distribution that such Holder is entitled to receive from Delta) , in full satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for such Allowed Noteholder Claim, its Pro Rata Share of any Cash (including proceeds from the wind down or liquidation of any remaining assets) that may exist in such Debtor’s Estate after all Claims senior to the General Unsecured Claims and Allowed Noteholder Claims against such Debtor (including DIP Facility Claims) are paid in full or reserved in accordance with Article VII of this Plan. The Noteholder Claims in Classes B4, C4 and D4 shall be Allowed in the full principal amount thereof ($265,000,000) plus interest as of the Petition Date ($2,685,416.66), and Allowed for Class E4 as to the 3 3/4% Notes in the full principal amount thereof ($115,527,083.30) plus interest as of the Petition Date ($527,083.33).

4.13. Classes B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5, and I5: Existing Equity Interests in Debtors Other Than Delta. On the Effective Date the legal, equitable and contractual rights of each Holder of an Existing Equity Interest against a Debtor other than Delta shall be extinguished, canceled and discharged and such Holders of Existing Equity Interests shall not receive any distribution or consideration in connection with such Existing Equity Interests, provided , however , that if Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and Noteholder Claims against such Debtor’s Estate have been paid in full on account of such Allowed Claim, such Existing Equity Interests will not be extinguished, canceled or discharged, and any remaining assets owned by such Debtor will be held by the Recovery Trustee on behalf of such Debtor’s Estate pending a decision by such Debtor’s board of directors on if and when to distribute the proceeds of such Assets.

4.14. Compliance with Laws and Effects on Distributions. In connection with the consummation of this Plan, the Recovery Trustee will comply with all withholding and reporting requirements imposed by federal, state, local or foreign taxing authorities, and all distributions hereunder will be subject to applicable withholding and reporting requirements.

4.15. Reservation of Rights Regarding Claims . Except as otherwise explicitly provided in this Plan, nothing shall affect the Debtors’, the Reorganized Debtors’ or the Recovery Trustee’s rights, defenses, and counterclaims, both legal and equitable, with respect to any Claims, including, but not limited to, all rights with respect to legal and equitable defenses to alleged rights of setoff or recoupment or any claimant’s right to object to such setoff or recoupment made by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors.

 

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ARTICLE V

IDENTIFICATION OF CLASSES OF CLAIMS AND

EQUITY INTERESTS IMPAIRED; ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION

OF THIS PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

5.1. Holders of Claims and Equity Interests Entitled to Vote . Each Holder of General Unsecured Claims and Noteholder Claims against an applicable Debtor is entitled to vote to accept or reject this Plan.

5.2. Presumed Acceptance of the Plan. Each Holder of a DIP Facility Claim and Other Secured Claim is unimpaired by this Plan. Pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Holders of Claims in such Classes are conclusively presumed to have accepted this Plan and the votes of such Holders will not be solicited.

5.3. Presumed Rejection of the Plan . Each of Classes A6, A7, A8, B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5 and I5 shall not receive any distribution under this Plan on account of such Claims or Equity Interests. Pursuant to section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Holders of Claims and Equity Interests in such Classes are presumed to have rejected this Plan and the votes of such Holders will not be solicited.

5.4. Acceptance by Impaired Classes. Pursuant to section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise provided in section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, an impaired Class of Claims shall have accepted this Plan if the Holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount and more than one-half in number of the Claims of such Class entitled to vote that actually vote on this Plan have voted to accept this Plan. Because General Unsecured Claims and Noteholder Claims are impaired, the votes of Holders of General Unsecured Claims and Noteholder Claims will be solicited.

5.5. Nonconsensual Confirmation . The Debtors intend to request that the Bankruptcy Court confirm this Plan under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to Classes A6, A7, A8, B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, H5 and I5 and, should any of the following Classes not accept this Plan by the requisite statutory majority provided in section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code: General Unsecured Claims against a particular Debtor as well as Noteholder Claims against a particular Debtor.

ARTICLE VI

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND POST-EFFECTIVE DATE GOVERNANCE

6.1. Corporate Action .

(a) General . Upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, all actions contemplated by this Plan shall be deemed authorized and approved in all respects, including (i) selection of the directors and officers for the Reorganized Debtors, (ii) the issuance and distribution of the New Common Stock, (iii) entry into the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, (iv) entry into the Contribution Agreement, (v) entry into the Management Services Agreement, (vi) entry into the JV Company Credit Facility, (vii) entry into the Exit Loan facility,

 

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(viii) the adoption of the Restated Certificates of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws, (ix) entry into the New Stockholders’ Agreement, if any, (x) entry into the Recovery Trust Agreements and (xi) all other actions contemplated by this Plan (whether to occur before or on the Effective Date). All matters provided for in this Plan involving the corporate structure of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, and any corporate action required by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors in connection with this Plan, shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect, without any requirement of further action by the Equity Interest Holders, directors or officers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors. On or (as applicable) prior to the Effective Date, the appropriate officers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall be authorized and directed to issue, execute and deliver the agreements, documents, securities, and instruments contemplated by this Plan (or necessary or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Plan) in the name of and on behalf of the Reorganized Debtors, including the JV Company Credit Facility Documents and any and all other agreements, documents, securities and instruments relating to the foregoing.

(b) Restated Certificates of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws . The Restated Bylaws and the Restated Certificates of Incorporation attached hereto as Plan Exhibits 9 and 8 , respectively, shall be (i) consistent with the provisions of this Plan and the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) satisfactory to the Supporting Noteholders and (iii) in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Creditors’ Committee. On or immediately before the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors will file their respective Restated Certificates of Incorporation with the applicable Secretaries of State and/or other applicable authorities in their respective states, provinces or countries of incorporation in accordance with the corporate laws of the respective states, provinces or countries of incorporation. Pursuant to section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Restated Certificates of Incorporation will prohibit the issuance of non-voting equity securities. After the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may amend and restate their respective Restated Certificates of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws and other constituent documents as permitted by the laws of their respective states, provinces or countries of organization and their respective Restated Certificates of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Reorganized Delta will, among other things, authorize the New Common Stock and, at the Supporting Noteholders’ discretion and with the Supporting Noteholders’ unanimous consent, contain restrictions on the transfer of the New Common Stock to minimize the likelihood of any potential adverse federal income tax consequences resulting from an ownership change (as defined in section 382 of the Tax Code) in Reorganized Delta. The restrictions will remain in effect until either (a) the board of directors of Reorganized Delta (with the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the shareholders of Reorganized Delta) (as set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation) determines that (i) the “382(l)(5) Exception” (as described below in Section XII.B.2.b of the Disclosure Statement) is not available or not in the best interests of the Company, its affiliates and its shareholders, (ii) an ownership change (as defined in Section 382 of the Tax Code) would not substantially limit Reorganized Delta (or its direct or indirect subsidiaries) ability to use otherwise available tax attributes, or (iii) no significant value attributable to the tax attributes would be preserved from maintaining the transfer restrictions, or (b) such other date determined by the board of directors of Reorganized Delta, and approved by at least 66 2/3% of the shareholders of Reorganized Delta. While in effect, the restrictions will prevent any person who is not a 5% or greater shareholder of Reorganized Delta (a 5% Shareholder ) at the Effective Date from acquiring sufficient shares to become a 5% Shareholder, unless such person obtains the permission of the board of directors

 

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of Reorganized Delta. All 5% Shareholders of Reorganized Delta at the Effective Date shall be permitted to acquire or dispose of shares of Reorganized Delta so long as, in the aggregate, Reorganized Delta does not undergo an “owner shift” (as that term is defined in section 382 of the Tax Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) of greater than 33% (as adjusted by the board of directors of Reorganized Delta from time to time to reflect transactions undertaken by Reorganized Delta) (the Permitted Owner Shift ) in any “testing period” (as that term is defined in section 382 of the Tax Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder). Each 5% Shareholder at the Effective Date shall not be permitted to cause a greater “owner shift” in any “testing period” than the product of (i) the Permitted Owner Shift and (ii) a fraction equal to such 5% Shareholder’s ownership as of the Effective Date divided by the aggregate ownership of all 5% Shareholders as of the Effective Date (such product, the Owner Shift Limit ). For any transaction occurring between 5% Shareholders, any resulting “owner shift” shall be allocated equally to each such 5% Shareholder’s Owner Shift Limit. All transfers in violation of the transfer restrictions contained in Reorganized Delta’s certificate of incorporation shall be void ab initio . Any material modification to the originally filed Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Restated Bylaws of Reorganized Delta after the Confirmation Date but prior to the Effective Date may become effective; provided , however that any such modification must be approved by the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee (which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably).

(c) Directors and Officers of the Reorganized Debtors and Reorganized Delta . As of the Effective Date, the term of the current members of the board of directors of the Debtors shall expire, and the New Boards, including the New Delta Board and the New Subsidiary Boards, as well as the officers of each of the Reorganized Debtors shall be appointed in accordance with the Restated Certificates of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws of each Reorganized Debtor. On the Effective Date, the New Delta Board shall consist of five directors. The initial New Delta Board shall be selected as follows: two Directors shall be selected by Whitebox, two Directors shall be selected by ZCOF, and one Director shall be an independent Director jointly selected by unanimous consent of Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone Capital Management, L.P., provided that if non-Noteholder shareholders own 20% or more of the New Common Stock of Reorganized Delta, then a sixth Director shall be selected by the non-Noteholder shareholders. Reorganized Delta’s formation documents shall contain provisions for tie-breaking in the event there are an even number of board members. Pursuant to section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors will disclose the identity and affiliations of any Person proposed to serve on the initial New Delta Board and the New Subsidiary Boards, as well as those Persons that serve as an officer of any of the Reorganized Debtors in a Plan Supplement. To the extent any such director or officer is an “insider” under the Bankruptcy Code, the nature of any compensation to be paid to such director or officer will also be disclosed. Each such director and officer shall serve from and after the Effective Date pursuant to the terms of the Restated Certificates of Incorporation, Restated Bylaws and other constituent documents of the Reorganized Debtors.

6.2. The Joint Venture Company . On the Effective Date, Reorganized Delta and the Plan Sponsor shall amend the organizational documents of the Joint Venture Company in accordance with the terms of the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, the Contribution Agreement, and the Management Services Agreement. Drafts of the Limited Liability Company Agreement, Contribution Agreement, and the Management Services Agreement are attached hereto as Plan Exhibits 2, 1 and 3 , respectively.

 

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(a) The Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement . Pursuant to the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, the Joint Venture Company will serve as an operating company owning the oil and gas, surface real estate and related assets formerly owned by each of Delta and the Plan Sponsor in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado. Upon the execution of the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, there shall be 1,000,000 authorized membership units and 500,000 issued units. The Plan Sponsor shall own 333,333 (66.66%) and Reorganized Delta shall own 166,667 (33.34%) of the issued units. Each member shall have one vote for each unit that it holds in all matters subject to a vote, and the affirmative act of the members shall require the vote of at least 51% of the outstanding units. The Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement provides for corporate governance of the Joint Venture Company through the Manager and Board of Managers. The initial Manager shall be the Plan Sponsor. The Manager’s duties are set forth in the Management Services Agreement. The Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Managers, composed of six representatives; four appointed by the Plan Sponsor and two appointed by Reorganized Delta. For all actions taken by members, the member must act through the Board of Managers. Board of Managers decisions shall be binding on the Manager and the Joint Venture Company. The Board of Managers shall have a duty of good faith to the Joint Venture Company but shall owe no other fiduciary duties to the Joint Venture Company. Lastly, the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement contains a number of minority protections that require the unanimous approval of the Board of Managers.

(b) The Contribution Agreement . Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, both the Plan Sponsor and Delta will contribute assets to the Joint Venture Company in exchange for their respective membership interests. A full list of the assets is set forth in Section 1.1 to the Contribution Agreement. Such assets include all of the Plan Sponsor’s oil and gas assets and all surface real estate assets in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado, and all of Delta’s oil and gas assets and surface real estate assets in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado (except for the Buzzard Creek Elk Ranch lease). Excluded assets are set forth in Section 1.3 of the Contribution Agreement and, among other things, comprise both the Plan Sponsor’s or Delta’s oil and gas assets located outside of Mesa and Garfield Counties, Colorado, records relating to their businesses generally or excluded assets and their respective office leases. Delta’s excluded assets additionally include, among other things, Delta’s Point Arguello interests, certain compressors owned by Delta that were located in the State of Wyoming as of September 30, 2011, all Cash on hand, and all of the Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action (including the Avoidance Actions). The Contribution Agreement further provides for the assumption and assignment of various contracts and leases of both the Plan Sponsor and Delta to the Joint Venture Company. Such contracts and leases are listed on Exhibits C-1, C-6, D-1 and D-6 to the Contribution Agreement. Cure amounts owed pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code shall be paid in accordance with the Contribution Agreement; provided , however , that in the event cure amounts exceed $2,000,000, such cure amounts will be paid by the Plan Sponsor in its sole discretion, or the applicable executory contract or unexpired lease shall be rejected unless otherwise agreed by the Debtors, the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee (which agreement shall not be withheld unreasonably) prior to the Effective Date or by Reorganized Delta after the Effective Date. The transfer to the Joint Venture Company of any of the Debtors’ rights and interests in or to property, including the assumption and assignment to

 

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the Joint Venture Company of any executory contracts, and the Debtors’ assumption of any contracts and leases shall be free and clear of all Liens, Claims and interests to the fullest extent permitted under sections 365 and 1141(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, with the exception of certain existing mortgage liens on certain Plan Sponsor assets to be assigned to the JV Company Credit Facility Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contribution Agreement shall be subject to amendment according to the terms thereof.

(c) The Management Services Agreement . Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, the Joint Venture Company will retain the Manager as an independent contractor to manage the Joint Venture Company’s assets and perform activities not performed by the Joint Venture Company’s own employees. In particular, the services to be rendered by the Manager shall include: (i) executive level services, (ii) administrative and operating level management responsibilities, and (iii) supervision of oil and gas field development services. In compensation for such services, the Joint Venture Company will pay the Manager the Management Fee in an amount equal to $650,000 per month.

6.3. JV Company Credit Agreement . The JV Company Credit Agreement was executed and delivered on June 4, 2012. On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors and the JV Company Credit Facility Guarantors shall be authorized to execute and deliver the JV Company Credit Facility Documents, including Reorganized Delta’s grant of a non-recourse lien against Reorganized Delta’s interest in the Joint Venture Company, without the need for any further corporate action and without further action by the Holders of Claims or Equity Interests. On the Effective Date, no less than $75,000,000 (subject to any adjustments made by the Plan Sponsor, the Debtors and the Supporting Noteholders on account of title or environmental defects and other adjustments as described in the Contribution Agreement), which will be borrowed under the JV Company Credit Agreement, shall be transferred to the Recovery Trustee in accordance with a flow of funds memorandum agreed upon by the Debtors, the Creditors’ Committee (which agreement shall not be withheld unreasonably) and the Supporting Noteholders, a form of which shall be filed as a Plan Supplement.

6.4. Issuance of New Common Stock . On the Effective Date, the New Common Stock shall be issued and distributed on behalf of Reorganized Delta to the Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and Noteholder Claims, as applicable, in each case against Delta.

6.5. New Stockholders’ Agreement . At the Supporting Noteholders’ discretion and with the Supporting Noteholders’ unanimous consent, Supporting Noteholders may execute and enter into the New Stockholders’ Agreement containing, among other things, restrictions on the transfer of the New Common Stock to minimize the likelihood of any potential adverse federal income tax consequences resulting from an ownership change (as defined in section 382 of the Tax Code) in Reorganized Delta consistent with those described in Section 6.1(b) of this Plan.

 

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6.6. Recovery Trusts.

(a) Creation of Recovery Trusts . On the Effective Date, the Recovery Trusts shall be formed pursuant to this Plan, the Recovery Trust Agreements shall be executed, and the Recovery Trusts shall be established and become effective.

(b) The Recovery Trust Assets . Except as otherwise set forth in this Plan or the Confirmation Order, on the Effective Date, the Debtors shall transfer and assign to the General Trust all of their legal and equitable interests in the General Trust Assets, including, without limitation, all Causes of Action, and shall transfer and assign to the Wapiti Trust all of their legal and equitable interests in the Wapiti Trust Assets, including, without limitation, all Wapiti Causes of Action. The Recovery Trustee shall maintain separate accounts for each of the Debtors, and shall not commingle assets of the various Debtors. The Recovery Trustee, as trustee of each of the Recovery Trusts, shall, without further order of any court, be substituted as the plaintiff, defendant, or other party in all lawsuits regarding Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action pending in which any of the Debtors is the plaintiff as of the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date, the General Trust shall also be deemed to have taken an assignment of all Causes of Action, and the Wapiti Trust shall also be deemed to have taken an assignment of the Wapiti Causes of Action, in each case against third parties for obligations or claims existing on or created by virtue of the Effective Date, unless expressly released in this Plan.

(c) The Recovery Trustee . The initial Recovery Trustee of each Recovery Trust shall be John T. Young, Jr., the Chief Restructuring Officer of Delta subject to a contractual arrangement for compensation approved by the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee (which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably) prior to the deadline set to vote on this Plan. The Recovery Trustee shall retain and have all the rights, powers and duties necessary to carry out his responsibilities under this Plan and the Recovery Trust Agreements, and as otherwise provided in the Confirmation Order. The Recovery Trustee shall be the exclusive trustee of the Recovery Trust Assets for the purposes of 31 U.S.C. § 3713(b) and 26 U.S.C. § 6012(b)(3), as well as the representative of the Estates appointed pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 1123(b)(3)(B). Matters relating to the appointment, compensation, removal and resignation of the Recovery Trustee and the appointment of any successor Recovery Trustee shall be set forth in the Recovery Trust Agreements. The Debtors, the Recovery Trustee or the Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, shall file post-confirmation quarterly reports or any pre-confirmation monthly operating reports not filed as of the Confirmation Hearing in conformity with the U.S. Trustee guidelines, until entry of an order closing or converting the Chapter 11 Cases.

(d) Retention of Professionals . The Recovery Trustee shall have the right to retain the services of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals that are necessary to assist the Recovery Trustee in the performance of his duties subject to review and approval by the Oversight Board. The reasonable fees and expenses of such professionals shall be paid by the Recovery Trustee from the General Trust or the Wapiti Trust, as applicable, upon the monthly submission of statements to the Recovery Trustee in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Recovery Trust Agreements. The payment of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Recovery Trustee’s retained professionals shall be made in the ordinary course of business from the applicable Recovery Trust Assets, and shall not be subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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(e) Recovery Trust Expenses . The Recovery Trusts shall be funded in the initial amounts as set forth in their respective Recovery Trust Agreements. Subject to the provisions of the Recovery Trust Agreements, and in the discretion of Reorganized Delta, all costs, expenses and obligations incurred by the Recovery Trustee in administering this Plan, the Recovery Trusts, or in any manner connected, incidental or related thereto, in effecting distributions from, as applicable, the General Trust or the Wapiti Trust thereunder (including the reimbursement of reasonable expenses) shall be a charge against the applicable Recovery Trust Assets remaining from time to time in the hands of the Recovery Trustee. Such expenses shall be paid as they are incurred without the need for Bankruptcy Court approval. To conduct its operations and fulfill its responsibilities under this Plan and the Recovery Trust Agreements, the Recovery Trustee may request additional funding from Reorganized Delta as set forth in the Recovery Trust Agreements; provided , however , all Directors nominated by ZCOF shall recuse themselves from all discussions and decision-making by the Reorganized Delta Board of Directors regarding funding requests for the benefit of the Wapiti Trust, provided further, however , that the maximum amount of funding available to the Wapiti Trust shall be $5,000,000, plus any value generated by the Recovery Trusts through the prosecution of the Causes of Action, the Wapiti Causes of Action and objections to Claims.

(f) Liability; Indemnification . The Recovery Trustee shall not be liable for any act or omission taken or omitted to be taken in his or her capacity as the Recovery Trustee, other than acts or omissions resulting from the Recovery Trustee’s willful misconduct, gross negligence or fraud. The General Trust or the Wapiti Trust, as applicable, shall, subject to the terms approved by the Oversight Board, indemnify and hold harmless the Recovery Trustee and his or her agents, representatives, professionals, and employees from and against and in respect to any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, including, but not limited to attorneys’ fees and costs arising out of or due to their actions or omissions, or consequences of such actions or omissions, with respect to such trust, or the implementation or administration of this Plan; provided , however , that no such indemnification will be made to such Persons for such actions or omissions as a result of willful misconduct, gross negligence or fraud.

(g) No Distributions or Dividends from Litigation Recoveries to Defendants . If a litigation recovery on behalf of a Cause of Action or Wapiti Cause of Action arising from a defendant Person’s bad faith, willful misconduct, or gross negligence is obtained by the Recovery Trustee against a Person, such Person shall not be entitled to share directly or indirectly in the proceeds from such litigation recovery.

(h) Termination . The duties, responsibilities and powers of the Recovery Trustee shall terminate after all Recovery Trust Assets, including the Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action, transferred and assigned to the Recovery Trusts, or involving the Recovery Trustee on behalf of the Recovery Trusts, are fully resolved, abandoned or liquidated and been distributed in accordance with this Plan and the Recovery Trust Agreements and the administration of the Recovery Trusts has otherwise been completed. The Recovery Trusts shall terminate no later than five (5) years after the Effective Date unless extended by order of the Bankruptcy Court. Upon the occurrence of the termination of the Recovery Trusts, the Recovery Trustee shall file with the Bankruptcy Court a report thereof, seeking an order discharging the Recovery Trustee.

 

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(i) Conflicts Between the Recovery Trust Agreements and the Plan . In the event of any inconsistencies or conflict between the Recovery Trust Agreements and this Plan, the terms and provisions of this Plan shall control.

6.7. Preservation of Documents. From and after the Effective Date, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Recovery Trusts, the Recovery Trustee and any transferee of the Debtors’ Documents (defined infra), as the case may be, shall preserve and maintain all of the Debtors’ documents, files, books, records, electronic data (including, but not limited to, emails and email server back-up tapes) (collectively, the “ Documents ”), whether retained by the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors or any successors to or transferees of the Debtors, or transferred to the Recovery Trusts or the Recovery Trustee, pursuant to the applicable Recovery Trust Agreement, or such other transferee pursuant to this Plan, and the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors, any successors to or transferees of the Debtors, the Recovery Trusts, the Recovery Trustee and/or such other transferee shall not destroy or otherwise abandon any such Documents absent further order of this Court or other court of competent jurisdiction after a hearing upon notice to counsel for lead plaintiffs in the Class Action, counsel to defendants of pending adversary proceedings, and all parties on the Debtors’ Rule 2002 service list subject to a contested matter or claim objection in an adversary proceeding or state court action with an opportunity to be heard, or the later to occur of the conclusion of the Class Action by entry of a Final Order or the liquidation and distribution of the Recovery Trust Assets upon written notice to the parties listed in this Section 6.7 with an opportunity to be heard.

6.8. Cancellation of Agreements. On the Effective Date, the DIP Facility and the Indentures shall be canceled and shall be of no further force and effect except as to obligations between parties other than the Debtors and their Affiliates and Subsidiaries. The rights of the Indenture Trustee as trustee, paying agent and registrar, including but not limited to, any rights to payment of fees, expenses and indemnification obligations and liens securing such rights to payment including, but not limited to, from or on property distributed under this Plan to the Indenture Trustee, shall survive notwithstanding the cancellation of the Indentures. After the performance by the Indenture Trustee and its representatives, including without limitation its professionals, of any duties that are required under the Plan, the Confirmation Order and the Indentures, the Indenture Trustee and its representatives shall be relieved of and released from all obligations arising under the Indentures.

6.9. Surrender of Existing Securities . Each Holder of a Noteholder Claim shall surrender its note(s) to the Indenture Trustee or in the event such note(s) are held in the name of, or by a nominee of, The Depository Trust Company, the Reorganized Debtors shall seek the cooperation of The Depository Trust Company to provide appropriate instructions to the Indenture Trustee. Each Holder of a Noteholder Claim shall send its note(s) to the Indenture Trustee or The Depository Trust Company shall provide appropriate instructions to the Indenture Trustee, or the loss, theft or destruction of such note shall be established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Indenture Trustee as applicable, which satisfaction may require such Holder to submit (a) a lost instrument affidavit and (b) an indemnity bond holding the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and the Indenture Trustee harmless in respect of such note and any

 

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distributions made on account thereof. Upon compliance with this Section 6.8 by a Holder of any Note, such Holder shall, for all purposes under this Plan, be deemed to have surrendered such note. All property in respect of such forfeited distributions, including interest thereon, shall be promptly returned to the Reorganized Debtors by the Indenture Trustee and any such security shall be canceled.

6.10. Cancellation of the Notes and Equity Interests . On the Effective Date, except to the extent otherwise provided in this Plan, all notes, instruments, certificates and other documents evidencing (a) the 3 3/4% Notes, (b) the 7% Notes and (c) the Equity Interests shall be canceled (except as provided in Section 4.13 of this Plan), and the obligations of the Debtors thereunder and in any way related thereto shall be fully satisfied, released and discharged; provided , however , that such cancellation shall not itself alter the obligations or rights of any third parties (apart from the Debtors, their Affiliates and Subsidiaries, the Reorganized Debtors, and the Joint Venture Company). With respect to the Notes, on the Effective Date, except to the extent otherwise provided in this Plan, the Indentures and any similar agreements, including, without limitation, any related note, guaranty or similar instrument of the Debtors shall be deemed to be canceled, as permitted by section 1123(a)(5)(F) of the Bankruptcy Code, and discharged (i) with respect to all obligations owed by the Debtors under any such agreement and (ii) except to the extent provided herein below, with respect to the respective rights and obligations of the Indenture Trustee under the Indentures against the Holders of Noteholder Claims. Solely for the purpose of clause (ii) in the immediately preceding sentence, only the following rights of the Indenture Trustee shall remain in effect after the Effective Date: (A) rights as trustee, paying agent and registrar, including but not limited to any rights to payment of fees, expenses and indemnification obligations and liens securing such rights to payment including, but not limited to, from or on property distributed under this Plan to the Indenture Trustee (but excluding any other property of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates), (B) rights relating to distributions to be made to the Holders of the 3 3/4% Notes or the 7% Notes by the Indenture Trustee from any source, including, but not limited to, distributions under this Plan including, without limitation, any Liens on distributions to the Holders that may be provided to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indentures (but excluding any other property of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates), (C) rights relating to representation of the interests of the Holders of the 3 3/4% Notes or the 7% Notes by the Indenture Trustee in the Chapter 11 Cases to the extent not discharged or released by this Plan or any order of the Bankruptcy Court and (D) rights relating to participation by the Indenture Trustee in proceedings and appeals related to this Plan. Notwithstanding the continued effectiveness of such rights after the Effective Date, such Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation to object to Claims against the Debtors and the Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation to locate certificated Holders of the 3 3/4% Notes or the 7% Notes who fail to surrender the 3 3/4% Notes and/or the 7% Notes in accordance with Section 6.8 of this Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, after the performance by the Indenture Trustee and its representatives, including without limitation its professionals, of any duties that are required under the Plan, the Confirmation Order and the Indentures, the Indenture Trustee and its representatives shall be relieved of and released from all obligations arising under the Indentures. The rights of the Indenture Trustee as trustee, paying agent and registrar, including but not limited to, any rights to payment of fees, expenses and indemnification obligations and liens securing such rights to payment including, but not limited to, from or on property distributed under this Plan to the Indenture Trustee, shall survive notwithstanding the cancellation of the Indentures.

 

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6.11. Existing Liens . All property rights and interests to be transferred to the Joint Venture Company by the Debtors, including any executory contracts that shall be assumed and assigned to the Joint Venture Company by the Debtors, shall be free and clear of all Liens, Claims and liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by sections 365 and 1141(c) of the Bankruptcy Code.

6.12. Compromise of Controversies . In consideration for the distributions and other benefits provided under this Plan, the provisions of this Plan constitute a good faith compromise and settlement of all Claims and controversies resolved under this Plan and the entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of such compromises and settlements under Bankruptcy Rule 9019.

6.13. Restructuring Transactions . On or prior to the Effective Date, any Debtor and, after the Effective Date, any Reorganized Debtor, may enter into or undertake any Restructuring Transactions and may take such actions as may be determined by such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor to be necessary or appropriate to effect such Restructuring Transactions. The actions to effect the Restructuring Transactions may include, without limitation: (i) the execution and delivery of appropriate agreements or other documents of merger, consolidation, conversion, restructuring, recapitalization, disposition, liquidation or dissolution containing terms that are consistent with the terms herein and that satisfy the requirements of applicable law and such other terms to which the applicable entities may agree; (ii) the execution and delivery of appropriate instruments of transfer, assignment, assumption, disposition, or delegation of any asset, property, right, liability, duty or obligation on terms consistent with the terms herein and having such other terms to which the applicable entities may agree; (iii) the filing of appropriate certificates or articles of merger, consolidation, conversion or dissolution (or similar instrument) pursuant to applicable law; and (iv) all other actions which the applicable entities may determine to be necessary or appropriate, including making filings or recordings that may be required by applicable law in connection with such transactions. The Restructuring Transactions may include one or more mergers, consolidations, conversions, restructurings, recapitalizations, dispositions, liquidations or dissolutions, as may be determined by the applicable Debtors or Reorganized Debtors to be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such Restructuring Transactions for the benefit of the Reorganized Debtors, including, without limitation, the potential simplification of the organizational structure of the Reorganized Debtors or the creation of new subsidiaries that are to be wholly owned by Reorganized Delta. In each case in which the surviving, resulting or acquiring person in any such Restructuring Transaction is a successor to a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, such surviving, resulting or acquiring person will perform the obligations of the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor pursuant to this Plan to pay or otherwise satisfy the Allowed Claims against such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, except as provided in any contract, instrument or other agreement or document effecting a disposition to such surviving, resulting or acquiring person, which may provide that another Debtor or Reorganized Debtor will perform such obligations. Implementation of the Restructuring Transactions shall not affect any distributions, discharges, exculpations, releases or injunctions set forth in this Plan. On or prior to, or as soon as practicable after, the Effective Date, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may take such steps as they may deem necessary or appropriate to effectuate any Restructuring Transactions that satisfy the requirements set forth in this Section 6.13. The Restructuring Transactions shall be authorized and approved by the Confirmation Order pursuant to, among other provisions, sections 1123 and 1141 of the

 

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Bankruptcy Code and section 303 of title 8 of the Delaware Code, if applicable, without any further notice, action, third-party consents, court order or process of any kind, except as otherwise set forth herein or in the Confirmation Order.

6.14. Effectuating Documents; Further Transactions . The chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, the general counsel or any other appropriate officer of the Debtors, of the Reorganized Debtors, or the Recovery Trustee, as the case may be, shall be authorized to execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, instruments, releases, indentures and other agreements or documents, and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and further evidence the terms and conditions of this Plan. The secretary or assistant secretary of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or the Recovery Trustee, as the case may be, shall be authorized to certify or attest to any of the foregoing actions.

ARTICLE VII

PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS;

TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS

7.1. Date of Distributions on Account of Allowed Claims . Unless otherwise provided herein, any distributions and deliveries to be made under this Plan shall be made on the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter. In the event that any payment or act under this Plan is required to be made or performed on a date that is not a Business Day, then the making of such payment or the performance of such act may be completed on the next succeeding Business Day, but shall be deemed to have been completed as of the required date.

7.2. Sources of Cash for Plan Distribution . Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or Confirmation Order, all Cash required for the payments to be made hereunder to Delta’s prepetition and administrative creditors shall be obtained from the Cash proceeds drawn from the JV Company Credit Facility, the Exit Loan and Delta and Reorganized Delta’s operations and Cash on hand, and all Cash required for the payments to be made hereunder to the prepetition and administrative creditors of all Debtors other than Delta shall be obtained from the Cash proceeds available in such Debtor’s Estate, all as set forth in the flow of funds memorandum agreed upon by the Debtors, the Creditors’ Committee (which agreement shall not be withheld unreasonably) and the Supporting Noteholders, a form of which shall be filed as a Plan Supplement.

7.3. Time Bar to Cash Payments. Checks issued in respect of Allowed Claims shall be null and void if not negotiated within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of issuance thereof. Requests for reissuance of any voided check shall be made directly to the Disbursement Agent by the Holder of the Allowed Claim to whom such check was originally issued. Any Claim in respect of such a voided check shall be made on or before the first anniversary of the date on which such distribution or payment was made. If no Claim is made as provided in the preceding sentence, all Claims in respect of voided checks shall be discharged and forever barred and such unclaimed distributions shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors, notwithstanding any federal or state escheat laws to the contrary.

 

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7.4. Disbursement Agent . The Disbursement Agent, or such other Person designated by the Recovery Trustee as Disbursement Agent, shall make all distributions under this Plan on the Effective Date. A Disbursement Agent shall not be required to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of its duties unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court.

7.5. Record Date for Distribution . Except as otherwise required to comply with the provisions of the Claims Trading Order, distributions shall only be made to the record Holders of Allowed Claims as of the Confirmation Date. On the Confirmation Date, at the close of business for the relevant register, all registers maintained by the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, and each of their respective agents, successors and assigns, shall be deemed closed for purposes of determining whether a Holder of such a Claim is a record Holder entitled to distributions under this Plan. The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, and all of their respective agents, successors and assigns shall have no obligation to recognize, for purposes of distributions pursuant to or in any way arising from this Plan (or for any other purpose), any Claims that are transferred after the Confirmation Date. Instead, they shall be entitled to recognize only those record Holders set forth in the registers as of the Confirmation Date, irrespective of the number of distributions made under this Plan or the date of such distributions. Furthermore, if a Claim is transferred twenty (20) or fewer calendar days before the Confirmation Date, the Disbursement Agent shall make distributions to the transferee only if the transfer form or other appropriate writing contains an unconditional and explicit certification and waiver of any objection to the transfer by the transferor. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.5 to the contrary, (i) distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims under section 502(h) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be made to the Holder of such Claim after a Final Order has been entered by the Court that deems such Claim as Allowed and (ii) distributions may be made to Holders of Allowed Claims who acquired their Claims after the Confirmation Date pursuant to the “Sell-Down Procedures” set forth in the Claims Trading Order.

If any dispute arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim that is entitled to receive a distribution pursuant to this Plan, the Disbursement Agent or the servicers, as applicable, may, in lieu of making such distribution to such Person, make the distribution into an escrow account until the disposition thereof is determined by Final Order or by written agreement among the interested parties to such dispute.

7.6. Delivery of Distributions . Subject to Bankruptcy Rule 9010, all distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims shall be made at the address of such Holder as set forth in the books and records of the Debtors as of the Record Date. In the event that any distribution to any Holder is returned as undeliverable, the Disbursement Agent shall use reasonable efforts to determine the current address of such Holder, but no distribution to such Holder shall be made unless and until the Disbursement Agent has determined the then current address of such Holder, at which time such distribution shall be made to such Holder without interest; provided , however , that such distributions shall be deemed unclaimed property under section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code at the expiration of one year from the Effective Date. After such date, all unclaimed property or interest in property shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors and the Claim of any other Holder to such property or interest in property shall be discharged and forever barred notwithstanding any applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned or unclaimed property laws to the contrary.

 

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7.7. Objections to and Estimations of Claims; Resolution of Disputed Claims.

(a) On and after the Effective Date, the Recovery Trustee, the Reorganized Debtors and any creditor, may continue to attempt to consensually resolve any disputes regarding the amount of any Claim and shall have the right, but not the obligations, to object to the allowance of any Claim and may file with the Court any other appropriate motion or adversary proceeding with respect thereto. All such objections may be litigated to Final Order. The Recovery Trustee shall retain the rights and defenses the Debtors or their Estates had with respect to any Claim or Equity Interest immediately prior to the Effective Date, subject to the provisions of this Plan.

(b) All objections to Claims shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court by the Claims Objection Deadline in accordance with its local rules, and a copy of the objection must be served on the Holder of the subject Claim before the expiration of the Claims Objection Deadline; otherwise such Claims shall be deemed Allowed in accordance with section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code. The objection shall notify the Holder of the subject Claim of the deadline for responding to such objection. The Claims Objection Deadline can be extended up to an additional ninety (90) days by the Recovery Trustee filing a notice with the Court and thereafter as permitted by order of the Bankruptcy Court, upon notice and a hearing.

(c) Within thirty (30) days after service of an objection, the Holder whose Claim was objected to must, in accordance with the local rules of the Bankruptcy Court, serve and file a written response to the objection with the Bankruptcy Court and serve a copy on the Disbursement Agent, the Recovery Trustee, the Reorganized Debtors, any objecting creditor and the notice parties for the Debtors and the Supporting Noteholders identified in section 12.18 of this Plan. Failure to serve and file a written response within the thirty (30) day time period may result in the Bankruptcy Court granting the relief demanded in the Claim objection without further notice or hearing.

(d) Before the Effective Date, the Debtors or any objecting creditors may (but are not required to) at any time request that the Bankruptcy Court estimate any Disputed Claim pursuant to § 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, that is contingent or unliquidated or any Disputed Claim arising from a right to an equitable remedy or breach of performance for any reason, regardless of whether any party previously has objected to such Claim or whether the Bankruptcy Court has ruled on any such objection. From and after the Effective Date, the Recovery Trustee, the Reorganized Debtors or any objecting creditor may (but are not required to) at any time request that the Bankruptcy Court estimate any Disputed Claim pursuant to § 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, that is contingent or unliquidated or any Disputed Claim arising from a right to an equitable remedy or breach of performance for any reason, regardless of whether any party previously has objected to such Claim or whether the Bankruptcy Court has ruled on any such objection. With respect to any request for estimation, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction to estimate any such Claim at any time, including during the litigation of any objection to any Claim or during the pendency of any appeal relating to such objection. Notwithstanding any provision otherwise in this Plan, a Claim that has been expunged from the Claims Register, but that either is subject to appeal or has not been the subject of a Final Order, shall be deemed to be estimated for distribution purposes at zero ($0) dollars, unless otherwise

 

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ordered by the Bankruptcy Court. In the event that the Bankruptcy Court estimates any contingent or unliquidated Claim, that estimated amount shall constitute a maximum limitation on such Claim for all purposes under this Plan (including for purposes of distributions), and the relevant party may elect to pursue any supplemental proceedings to object to any distribution under this Plan on such Claim. All of the aforementioned objection, estimation and resolution procedures are intended to be cumulative and not exclusive of one another. Claims may be estimated and subsequently compromised, settled, withdrawn, recharacterized or resolved by any mechanism approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

(e) The Debtors, the Disbursement Agent or the Recovery Trustee , as applicable, may set off against any Claim, and the payments made pursuant to this Plan in respect of such Claim, any claims of any nature whatsoever that any of the Debtors or the Recovery Trustee (as assignee of such claims) may have against the Holder of the Claim, but neither the failure to do so nor the allowance of such Claim shall constitute a waiver or release by the Debtors or the Recovery Trustee of any claims or rights against the Holder of the Claim; provided , however , that any claimant shall have the right to object to any such setoff made by the Debtors. Any payment in respect of a disputed, unliquidated, or contingent Claim shall be returned promptly to the Disbursement Agent in the event and to the extent such Claims are determined by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction not to be Allowed Claims.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan and except as otherwise agreed by the relevant parties, the Disbursement Agent shall not be required to make any partial payments or partial distributions to a Person, estate or trust with respect to a Disputed Claim until all such disputes in connection with such Disputed Claim have been resolved by settlement or Final Order. To the extent that there is any Holder of a Claim that is the subject of a Cause of Action, the Disbursement Agent shall have the authority to withhold any distribution to such Holder of a Claim until such Cause of Action is subject to final nonappealable order or otherwise is settled or adjudicated in the Bankruptcy Court.

(g) The holder of a Disputed Claim is not entitled to recover unless a Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed Claim and in such event any Holder of a Disputed Claim may only be entitled to receive a distribution on its Allowed Claim from the Disputed Claim Reserve.

(h) The Disbursement Agent shall establish and maintain the Disputed Claim Reserve as a separate reserve in order to satisfy Disputed Claims upon the resolution of such claims. Property of the Estate deposited into the Disputed Claim Reserve shall be distributed to the holders of Disputed Claims when such Disputed Claims become Allowed Claims. Any funds remaining in the Disputed Claim Reserve after all Disputed Claims are resolved shall be transferred to Reorganized Delta.

7.8. Noteholder Claims and DIP Facility Claims . (a) The Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to be the Holder of all Noteholder Claims, for purposes of distributions to be made hereunder, and all distributions on account of such notes shall be made to or at the direction of the Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee shall hold or direct such distributions for the benefit of the Holders of Allowed Noteholder Claims. As soon as practicable following compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 6.9 of this Plan, the Indenture Trustee shall

 

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arrange to deliver such distributions to or on behalf of such Noteholders. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the distribution to the Indenture Trustee on account of the Allowed amount of Noteholder Claims shall be made in full on the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, and the Indenture Trustee shall disburse or direct such distribution promptly upon receipt to each beneficial Holder of a Noteholder Claim in all respects consistent with the Indentures.

(b) For purposes of distributions to be made hereunder, all distributions on account of the DIP Facility Claims shall be made at the direction of the DIP Agent in accordance with the provisions of the DIP Credit Agreement and shall be distributed to the DIP Agent.

7.9. Recovery Trust Distributions . The Recovery Trust Agreements shall govern distributions from the Recovery Trusts and shall include the terms of the other sections of this Article VII and other relevant provisions of this Plan.

7.10. Manner of Cash Payments Under Plan . At the Reorganized Debtors’ option, any Cash payment to be made hereunder may be made by a check or wire transfer or as otherwise required or provided in applicable agreements, or as agreed by the Recovery Trustee and the claimant subject to the terms of the Recovery Trust Agreements.

7.11. Fractional Shares . No fractional shares of New Common Stock shall be distributed and no Cash shall be distributed in lieu of such fractional shares. When any distribution pursuant to this Plan on account of an Allowed Claim would otherwise result in the issuance of a number of shares of New Common Stock that is not a whole number, the actual distribution of shares of New Common Stock shall be rounded as follows: (a) fractions of one-half (1/2) or greater shall be rounded to the next higher whole number and (b) fractions of less than one-half (1/2) shall be rounded to the next lower whole number with no further payment therefor. The total number of authorized shares of New Common Stock to be distributed to Holders of Allowed Claims shall be adjusted as necessary to account for the foregoing rounding.

7.12. Setoffs and Recoupment . Except as provided in this Plan, the Debtors may, but shall not be required to, set off against or recoup from any Claim or Claims of any nature whatsoever that the Debtors may have against the claimant and such claimant shall have the right to object to any such setoff or recoupment made by the Debtors, but neither the failure to do so nor the allowance of any Claim hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors of any such Claim it may have against such claimant.

7.13. Exemption from Securities Law . The issuance of the New Common Stock and any other securities issued pursuant to this Plan and any subsequent sales, resales or transfers, or other distributions of any such securities shall be exempt from any federal or state securities laws registration requirements to the fullest extent permitted by section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. Transfers of securities issued under this Plan will be subject to (a) the terms of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and (b) as to holders of New Common Stock of Reorganized Delta that are party to the New Stockholders’ Agreement, the terms and conditions of the New Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

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7.14. Allocation of Payments . In the case of distributions with respect to Claims pursuant to this Plan (except for Claims of taxing authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service), the amount of any Cash and the fair market value of any other consideration received by the Holder of such Claim will be allocable first to the principal amount of such Claim (as determined for federal income tax purposes), and then, to the extent of any excess, the remainder of the Claim.

7.15. No Postpetition Interest on Claims . Unless otherwise specifically provided for in this Plan or the Confirmation Order, or required by applicable bankruptcy law, to the extent a Claim is not paid in full on the Effective Date, postpetition interest shall not accrue or be paid on any Claims, and no Holder of a Claim shall be entitled to interest accruing on or after the Petition Date on such Claim. For the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Claims of tax authorities (including any Administrative Claims of the Internal Revenue Service for any federal taxes, which shall accrue interest at the rate and in the manner established under 26 U.S.C. §§ 6621 and 6622), shall accrue interest at the rate and in the manner specified by the applicable tax regulation. Nothing herein shall be deemed an admission of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or the Recovery Trustee that any such Claim is an Allowed Claim and the parties reserve all rights with respect to such determination.

ARTICLE VIII

TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

8.1. Assumption of Contracts and Leases . On the Effective Date, all executory contracts and unexpired leases to which the Debtors are a party that have not been expressly assumed and/or assumed and assigned by the Debtors on or before the Effective Date shall be deemed rejected in accordance with sections 365 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, unless such contract or lease (i) was previously assumed or rejected by the Debtors, (ii) previously expired or was terminated pursuant to its own terms, (iii) is the subject of a separate assumption or rejection motion filed by the Debtors on or before the Confirmation Date or is required under this Plan to be included in such a motion, (iv) is set forth in a schedule as an executory contract or unexpired lease to be assumed on or after the Effective Date, if any, filed by the Debtors as part of the Plan Supplement, which schedule shall separately set forth those executory contracts or unexpired leases which will be assigned to the Joint Venture Company or (v) if there is a dispute as to the amount of cure that cannot be resolved consensually among the parties, the Debtors or Reorganized Delta shall have the right to assume or reject the contract or lease, by written notice to the counterparty, for a period of five (5) Business Days after entry of a Final Order establishing a cure amount in excess of that provided by the Debtors. The Confirmation Order shall constitute an order of the Bankruptcy Court under sections 365 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code approving the contract and lease assumptions, assignments or rejections described above, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date. Without limitation of the foregoing, upon the Effective Date, and in accordance with the Contribution Agreement, all rights of Delta in, to and under the Carry Agreement, and all right, title and interest of Delta in and to (i) the Delta Properties, the Existing Agreement Wells, the EnCana Wells, the Carry Wells (as all of the foregoing terms are defined in the Carry Agreement), (ii) all other contract rights and interests of Delta under any contracts provided for in the Carry Agreement and (iii) all other oil and gas rights and interests of every kind and nature owned by Delta, or which Delta may in

 

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the future have the right to own or receive, under or pursuant to the Carry Agreement, shall be assigned to, and shall be vested in, the Joint Venture Company, which shall acquire and own such rights, free and clear of any transfer or assignment restrictions in the Carry Agreement, and the Confirmation Order shall provide as such. Cure amounts owed pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code shall be paid in accordance with the Contribution Agreement; provided , however , that in the event that cure amounts exceed $2,000,000, such cure amounts shall be paid by the Plan Sponsor, in its sole discretion, or such executory contracts or unexpired leases shall be rejected by written notice to the counterparty unless otherwise agreed by the Debtors, the Creditors’ Committee (which agreement shall not be withheld unreasonably) and the Supporting Noteholders prior to the Effective Date or by Reorganized Delta after the Effective Date.

(a) To the extent applicable, all executory contracts of the Reorganized Debtors assumed, or assumed and assigned, pursuant to this Plan shall be deemed modified such that the transactions contemplated by this Plan shall not be a “change of control,” however such term may be defined in the relevant executory contract, and any required consent under any such contract or lease shall be deemed satisfied by the confirmation of this Plan, and all executory contracts assumed, or assumed and assigned, pursuant to this Plan shall be assumed, or assumed and assigned, notwithstanding any provisions therein that purport to modify Delta’s rights, or the rights of any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Debtors, thereunder as a result of the Debtors’ commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, which rights shall not be modified by such assumption or assumption and assignment.

(b) Each executory contract assumed, or assumed and assigned, pursuant to this Plan (or pursuant to other Bankruptcy Court order) shall remain in full force and effect and be fully enforceable by the Reorganized Debtors or the Joint Venture Company, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, except as modified by the provisions of this Plan, or any order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing and providing for its assumption, or assumption and assignment, or applicable law.

(c) Any monetary amounts required as cure payments on each executory contract and unexpired lease to be assumed, or assumed and assigned, pursuant to this Plan shall be satisfied, pursuant to section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, by payment of the Cure amount in Cash on the Effective Date or upon such other terms and dates as the parties to such executory contracts or unexpired leases otherwise may agree. If there is a dispute regarding (i) the nature or amount of any Cure, (ii) the ability of the Debtors or any assignee to provide “adequate assurance of future performance” (within the meaning of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code) under the contract or lease to be assumed, or assumed and assigned, or (iii) any other matter pertaining to assumption or assignment, Cure shall occur following the entry of a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court resolving the dispute.

(d) The Debtors hereby give notice that the Cure amounts for each such contract and lease shall be zero dollars unless otherwise noticed on a schedule filed by the Debtors hereafter.

(e) All Claims arising out of the rejection of executory contracts and unexpired leases under this Plan must be served upon the Debtors and their counsel within thirty (30) days after the later of (i) the date of entry of an order of the Bankruptcy Court approving

 

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such rejection, (ii) service of notice of the occurrence of the Effective Date or (iii) service of notice of rejection as provided in this Article VIII. Any Claims not filed within such time shall be forever barred from assertion against the Debtors, their Estates, the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company and their respective property.

ARTICLE IX

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVE DATE

9.1. Conditions Precedent to Effective Date of Plan . The occurrence of the Effective Date of this Plan is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent and the filing by the Debtors of a notice of the occurrence of the Effective Date in the Chapter 11 Cases:

(a) Confirmation Order . The clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Confirmation Order in the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests) and reasonably acceptable in all respects to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee, and fourteen (14) calendar days shall have elapsed following the entry of the Confirmation Order on the docket.

(b) Exit Loan . Reorganized Delta shall have entered into agreements for the Exit Loan in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee in all respects and, to the extent applicable, the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests), and all conditions precedent to the consummation thereof shall have been waived or satisfied in accordance with the terms thereof, the proceeds of which shall be disbursed in accordance with a flow of funds memorandum agreed upon by the Debtors, the Creditors’ Committee (which agreement shall not be withheld unreasonably) and the Supporting Noteholders, a form of which shall be filed as a Plan Supplement.

(c) Contracts and Leases . The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered one or more orders, which may include the Confirmation Order, authorizing the assumption, assignment, or rejection of unexpired leases and executory contracts by the Debtors as contemplated by Article 8.1 of this Plan.

(d) Execution and Delivery of Other Documents . All other actions and all agreements, instruments or other documents necessary to implement the terms and provisions of this Plan, including, without limitation, the Plan Documents, the Plan Exhibits, and the Plan Supplements shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Supporting Noteholders and the Creditors’ Committee, and, to the extent applicable, the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests). The Recovery Trust Agreements, the Joint Venture Company LLC Agreement, the Contribution Agreement, the Management Services Agreement, the JV

 

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Company Credit Facility Documents and the Exit Loan, shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Supporting Noteholders, the Creditors’ Committee and the Plan Sponsor (with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests) and shall have been effected, duly and validly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and all conditions to their effectiveness shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with their respective terms.

(e) Corporate Formalities . The Restated Certificates of Incorporation shall be filed with the applicable Secretaries of State and/or other applicable authorities in the Debtors’ respective states contemporaneously with the Effective Date.

(f) SEC Filings . Delta shall be in compliance with all applicable SEC reporting obligations required of a public reporting company.

(g) Other Acts . Any other actions the Debtors, in consultation with the Plan Sponsor, determines are necessary to implement the terms of this Plan shall have been taken.

9.2. Debtors’ Waiver of Conditions Precedent . Each of the conditions precedent in Section 9.1 (except for Section 9.1(a)) hereof may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Debtors, with approval of the Plan Sponsor ((with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests), the Creditors’ Committee (which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably) and the Supporting Noteholders, without notice or an order of the Bankruptcy Court.

9.3. Substantial Consummation . Substantial consummation of this Plan under section 1101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be deemed to occur on the Effective Date.

ARTICLE X

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

10.1. Vesting of Assets . Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, on the Effective Date all property comprising the Estates not otherwise vested in the Joint Venture Company or the Recovery Trusts shall revest in the Estate of the applicable Reorganized Debtor, free and clear of all Liens, Claims and Equity Interests (other than as expressly provided herein), including, without limitation: (i) the 33.34% membership interest in the Joint Venture Company; (ii) the Delta oil and gas assets not located in Mesa and Garfield Counties, Colorado; (iii) the certain compressors owned by the Debtors that were located in the State of Wyoming as of September 30, 2011; (iv) the Plan Documents; (v) Cash, any accounts receivables or other cash equivalent forms of value (vi) the oil and gas lease in Mesa County, CO, between Delta and Buzzard Creek Elk Ranch and its Amendment effective August 15, 2011 and all rights and obligations thereunder, (vii) all frac water tanks, (viii) the gathering agreement between Delta and Encana dated September 24, 2008, (ix) Delta’s Denver and Grand Junction office leases, office fixtures, and personal property located in such offices not pertaining to the Delta Records (as defined in the Contribution Agreement), except for the HP T-1100 Map Plotter Scanner

 

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referenced in Section 1.1(d)(5) of the Contribution Agreement, and (x) all other assets not specifically described in Exhibits D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, D-5 and D-6 to the Contribution Agreement. On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to operate their respective businesses, and to use, acquire or dispose of assets without supervision or approval by the Bankruptcy Court, and free from any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules.

10.2. Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, each Debtor, as a Reorganized Debtor, shall continue to exist on and after the Effective Date as a separate corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other form of entity, as the case may be, with all the powers of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other form of entity, as the case may be, pursuant to the applicable law in the jurisdiction in which each applicable Debtor is incorporated or formed and pursuant to the respective certificate of incorporation and by-laws (or other analogous formation documents) in effect before the Effective Date, except to the extent such certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or other analogous formation documents) are amended by this Plan or otherwise and without prejudice to any right to alter or terminate such existence (whether by merger or otherwise) in accordance with such applicable law.

10.3. Binding Effect . Except as otherwise provided in section 1141(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the provisions of this Plan shall bind any Holder of a Claim against, or Equity Interest in, the Debtors and such Holder’s respective successors and assigns, whether or not the Claim or Equity Interest of such Holder is impaired under this Plan and whether or not such Holder has accepted this Plan. The provisions of this Plan shall bind the respective Estates of the Debtors and any chapter 7 Trustee that might be appointed upon a subsequent conversion of any of the Chapter 11 Cases to cases under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

10.4. Settlements, Releases and Discharges . The settlements, releases and discharges of Claims and Causes of Action described in this Plan, including releases by the Debtors and by Holders of Claims, constitute good faith compromises and settlements of the matters covered thereby and are consensual. Such compromises and settlements recognize the substantial contributions by parties in these Chapter 11 Cases, are made in exchange for consideration, including the release of certain Claims, and are in the best interest of Holders of Claims, are fair, equitable and reasonable and are integral elements of the resolution of the Chapter 11 Cases in accordance with this Plan. Each of the discharge, release, indemnification and exculpation provisions set forth in this Plan (a) is within the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court under sections 1334(a), 1334(b) and 1334(d) of title 28 of the United States Code, (b) is an essential means of implementing this Plan pursuant to section 1123(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, (c) is an integral element of the transactions incorporated into this Plan, (d) confers material benefit on, and is in the best interests of, the Debtors, their Estates and their creditors, (e) is important to the overall objective of this Plan to finally resolve all Claims among or against the parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases with respect to the Debtors and (f) is consistent with sections 105, 1123, 1129 and other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

10.5. Discharge of the Debtors . Except to the extent otherwise provided in this Plan or the Confirmation Order, the treatment of all Claims against or Equity Interests in the

 

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Debtors under this Plan shall be in exchange for and in complete satisfaction, discharge and release of, all Claims against or Equity Interests in the Debtors of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, including any interest accrued or expenses incurred thereon from and after the Petition Date, or against their Estates or properties or interests in property. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or the Confirmation Order, upon the Effective Date, all Claims against and Equity Interests in the Debtors shall be satisfied, discharged and released in full exchange for the consideration provided under this Plan. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or the Confirmation Order or under the terms of the documents evidencing the Exit Loan, all Persons shall be precluded from asserting, against the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or their respective properties or interests in property, any other Claims based upon any act or omission, transaction or other activity of any kind or nature that occurred prior to the Effective Date. In accordance with the foregoing, except as provided in this Plan or the Confirmation Order, the Confirmation Order shall constitute a judicial determination, as of the Effective Date, of the discharge of all such Claims and other debts and liabilities of the Debtors, pursuant to sections 524 and 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, and such discharge shall void and extinguish any judgment obtained against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors at any time, to the extent such judgment is related to a discharged Claim.

10.6. Exculpation . To the extent permitted by applicable law and approved by the Bankruptcy Court, the Released Parties shall not have any liability to any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest for any act or omission in connection with, or arising out of, the negotiation and the pursuit of approval of the Disclosure Statement, this Plan or the solicitation of votes for, or confirmation of, this Plan, the funding of this Plan, the consummation of this Plan, or the administration of this Plan or the property to be distributed under this Plan (except for any liability that results from bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a Final Order).

10.7. Releases By the Debtors and their Estates . Except for the right to enforce this Plan, the Debtors shall, on their own behalf and on behalf of their Estates, effective upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, be deemed to forever release, waive and discharge the Released Parties of and from any and all Claims, demands, causes of action and the like, existing as of the Effective Date or thereafter arising from any act, omission, event, or other occurrence that occurred on or prior to the Effective Date, whether direct or derivative, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, at law, in equity or otherwise (except for any liability that results from bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a Final Order); provided , however , that to the extent the Wapiti Trust prevails in a fraudulent conveyance action under section 548 or section 544 against Wapiti Oil & Gas, L.L.C. or any affiliated person or entity (excluding ZCOF, the affiliate of ZCOF that has directly invested in Wapiti (collectively, the “ ZCOF Parties ”), and each of its directors and employees) (collectively, other than the ZCOF Parties and each of their directors and employees, “ Wapiti ”) pursuant to a final, non-appealable order (the “ Judgment ”), and, Wapiti is unable to pay on the Judgment after the Wapiti Trust has used reasonable efforts to collect from Wapiti, then, subject to the ZCOF Parties’ reservation of rights below, the Wapiti Trust may take action against the ZCOF Parties in connection with such fraudulent conveyance action pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 550(a)(2), but only to the extent (a) of the deficiency between the amount of the Judgment and the amount paid, (b) of the value of the assets distributed, dividended or otherwise paid from Wapiti to the ZCOF

 

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Parties, if any, and (c) the commencement of such litigation against the ZCOF Parties has been approved in advance by a majority of the Wapiti Trust Oversight Board, which majority shall include the vote of Whitebox, provided that to the extent Whitebox votes against the commencement of such litigation against the ZCOF Parties and the Recovery Trustee disagrees with such determination, then the Recovery Trustee is hereby authorized to file a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking a finding that such determination not to pursue the litigation against the ZCOF Parties was not reasonable and upon such a finding, the Bankruptcy Court shall order the Wapiti Trust to pursue such litigation against the ZCOF Parties; provided further , however , that the ZCOF Parties reserve all rights and defenses, at law and in equity to defend against any and all actions and no release of any party provided for herein shall prejudice the ZCOF Parties’ rights or defenses. Such release, waiver and discharge shall not operate as a release, waiver or discharge of any Released Party in respect of any express contractual obligation of any such party effective from and after the Effective Date, provided that no Person who votes to reject this Plan will receive the benefit of a release.

10.8. Consensual Releases By Holders of Claims . Except for the right to enforce this Plan, each Holder of a Claim who affirmatively votes to accept this Plan and does not indicate its preference to opt-out of the releases contained in this Section 10.8 on its ballot shall for good and adequate consideration, be deemed to forever release, waive and discharge the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, of and from any and all Claims, demands, causes of action and the like, existing as of the Effective Date or thereafter arising from any act, omission, event, or other occurrence that occurred on or prior to the Effective Date, whether direct or derivative, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, at law, in equity or otherwise that is based on, relates to, or in any manner arises from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Debtors’ restructuring, the Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim that is treated in this Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between the Debtors and any Released Party relating to the restructuring of Claims prior to or in the Chapter 11 Cases or the negotiation, formulation or preparation of this Plan, or any related agreements, instruments or other documents (except for any liability that results from bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a Final Order). Holders of Claims not voting to accept this Plan are not granting the releases contained in this Section 10.8. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the Holder of a Claim in a voting Class votes to accept this Plan with respect to that Claim and does not opt-out of the releases under section 10.8 of this Plan, and such Holder also holds a Claim in a non-voting Class, any release granted as a result of such Holder’s vote with respect to its voting Class Claim shall not be deemed a release of such Holder’s non-voting Class Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that this Plan is not confirmed, no party shall be deemed to have released or shall release any claims or be released hereby. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing, such release, waiver and discharge shall not operate as a release, waiver or discharge of any Released Party in respect of any express contractual obligation of any such Released Party incurred in connection with this Plan or of any express contractual obligation of any non-Debtor party due to any other non-Debtor party.

10.9. Abrogation of Successor Liability . To the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, the transfer of property of the Debtors to the Joint Venture Company, the

 

44


Reorganized Debtors and the Recovery Trusts shall be free and clear of any claim, or resulting liability, that the Joint Venture Company, the Plan Sponsor, the Reorganized Debtors or the Recovery Trusts is to any extent a “successor” to any of the Debtors under any state or federal statutory or common law relating to “successor liability,” or any claim that an entity is legally responsible for the debts or liabilities of another entity as a successor to, continuation of, or participant in a de facto or actual merger with, the other entity, under any theory or legal doctrine of any type or nature whatsoever. To the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, neither of the Joint Venture Company, the Plan Sponsor, any Reorganized Debtor or either Recovery Trust shall be, or shall be deemed to be, a successor to any of the Debtors for any purpose.

10.10. Term of Injunctions or Stays .

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, and except with respect to enforcement of this Plan, all Persons who have held, hold or may hold any Claim against, or Equity Interest in, the Debtors as of the Effective Date will be permanently enjoined, from and after the Effective Date, from (i) commencing or continuing in any manner any action or other proceeding of any kind in any forum with respect to such Claim or Equity Interest against the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company, the Recovery Trusts, or their property, (ii) the enforcement, attachment, collection or recovery in any manner or by any means any judgment, award, decree or order against the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company, the Recovery Trusts, or their respective property with respect to such Claim or Equity Interest, (iii) creating, perfecting or enforcing any Lien or other encumbrance of any kind against the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company, the Recovery Trusts, or against any property or interests in property of the Reorganized Debtors with respect to any such Claim or Equity Interest, (iv) asserting a right of setoff, subrogation or recoupment of any kind against any obligation due from the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company, the Recovery Trusts, or against any property or interests in property of the Reorganized Debtors, the Joint Venture Company or the Recovery Trusts with respect to such Claim or Equity Interest, (v) commencing or continuing any action, in any forum, that does not comply or is inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan and (vi) pursuing any such Claim released pursuant to Section 10.5, 10.6, 10.7 or 10.8 hereof.

(b) Unless otherwise provided herein, all injunctions or stays arising under or entered during the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases under section 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise, and in existence on the Confirmation Date, shall remain in full force and effect until the Effective Date.

10.11. Termination of Subordination Rights and Settlement of Related Claims . The classification and manner of satisfying all Claims and Equity Interests under this Plan takes into consideration all subordination rights, whether arising by contract or under general principles of equitable subordination, section 510(b) or 510(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise.

10.12. Indemnification Obligations. As of the Effective Date, the Restated Certificates of Incorporation and/or Restated Bylaws shall provide for the indemnification, defense, reimbursement, exculpation and/or limitation of liability of, and advancement of fees and expenses to, directors and officers and employees of the Reorganized Debtors (including in

 

45


the case of officers and employees serving as directors, managers, officers and employees of any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Reorganized Debtors or as trustee (or similar position) of any employee benefit plan or trust (or similar Person) of the Reorganized Debtors and their Affiliates and Subsidiaries, in such capacities), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable state law. The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall indemnify and hold harmless (i) the DIP Agent and the DIP Lenders, (ii) the Plan Sponsor, (iii) the Joint Venture Company, (iv) the Creditors’ Committee, and (v) the respective advisors, officers, directors, members and employees of the parties described in clauses (i) through (iv) hereof, and (vi) each of their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Indemnified Persons ”), to the full extent lawful, from and against all losses, claims, damages, and liabilities incurred by them that are related to or arise out of (a) the formulation, negotiation and pursuit of the confirmation or consummation of this Plan or (b) the Indemnified Persons’ consideration of other proposals for the reorganization of the Debtors under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

10.13. Limitation on Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Plan or elsewhere, neither the Reorganized Debtors nor the Joint Venture Company shall be obligated to indemnify and hold harmless any Person or entity for any claim, cause of action, liability, judgment, settlement, cost or expense that results from such Person’s fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct as determined by a Final Order as to which the time to appeal has expired.

10.14. Preservation of Claims .

(a) Preservation of Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action . All Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action, rights of setoff and other legal and equitable defenses of any Debtor or any Estate are preserved for the benefit of the Recovery Trusts unless expressly released, waived, or relinquished under this Plan or Confirmation Order. No Person may rely on the absence of a specific reference in this Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action or any Wapiti Cause of Action against them as an indication that the Recovery Trusts will not pursue a Cause of Action or Wapiti Cause of Action against them.

(b) Recovery Trustee as Representative of the Estate . The Recovery Trustee shall be appointed representative of the Estates pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 1123(b)(3)(B) with respect to the Claims, the Causes of Action and the Wapiti Causes of Action and, except as otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court and subject to any releases in this Plan, on the Effective Date, the Recovery Trusts shall be transferred (i) all defenses and counterclaims, whether legal or equitable, of the Debtors against all Claims and (ii) all Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action, and may object to, enforce, sue on, defend and, subject to Bankruptcy Court approval (except as otherwise provided herein) settle or compromise (or decline to do any of the foregoing) any or all of Claims or the Causes of Action or Wapiti Causes of Action. Except as otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court, and subject to the provisions of the Recovery Trust Agreements and the oversight of the applicable Oversight Board, the Recovery Trustee shall be vested with authority and standing to prosecute any Causes of Action and any Wapiti Causes of Action and to defend against any Claim. The Recovery Trustee and his or her attorneys and other professional advisors shall have no liability for pursuing or failing to pursue any such Causes of Action or Wapiti Causes of Action or for defending or failing to defend against any Claim.

 

46


(c) Settlement of Causes of Action, Wapiti Causes of Action and Disputed Claims Prior to Effective Date . At any time after the Confirmation Date and before the Effective Date, notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Debtors, with the consent of the DIP Agent and the Creditors’ Committee (which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably), may settle some or all of the Causes of Action, the Wapiti Causes of Action or the Disputed Claims subject to obtaining any necessary Bankruptcy Court approval. The proceeds from the settlement of a Cause of Action shall constitute a General Trust Asset that shall be transferred to the General Trust on the Effective Date, for distribution in accordance with this Plan and the General Trust Agreement. The proceeds from the settlement of a Wapiti Cause of Action shall constitute a Wapiti Trust Asset that shall be transferred to the Wapiti Trust on the Effective Date, for distribution in accordance with this Plan and the Wapiti Trust Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, proceeds of Causes of Action (including the Wapiti Causes of Action), to the extent not used to fund the Recovery Trusts, shall be for the benefit of Reorganized Delta.

(d) Settlement of Causes of Action, Wapiti Causes of Action and Claims By Recovery Trustee . Notwithstanding any requirement that may be imposed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, from and after the Effective Date, the Recovery Trustee may, subject to the Recovery Trust Agreements and, as applicable, approval of the Recovery Trust Oversight Board, settle all Claims, Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action without supervision or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the local rules of the Bankruptcy Court, and the guidelines and requirements of the United States Trustee.

10.15. No Acquisition of a Majority of Voting Interests. The confirmation and consummation of this Plan, and the issuance of New Common Stock pursuant thereto, shall not, and shall not be deemed to, constitute or result in an acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of the Debtors or any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries for purposes of any agreement to which the Debtors or any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries are a party.

ARTICLE XI

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

11.1. Jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court . Unless otherwise provided for herein or in a prior order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Bankruptcy Court shall have jurisdiction over all matters arising out of, or related to, the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases and this Plan pursuant to, and for the purposes of, sections 105(a) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code and for, among other things, the following purposes:

(a) To hear and determine pending applications for the assumption, assignment or rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases and the allowance of Claims resulting therefrom;

(b) To determine any and all applications and contested matters in the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases and grant or deny any application involving the Debtors that may be pending on the Effective Date;

 

47


(c) To ensure that distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims are accomplished as provided in this Plan;

(d) To hear and determine any timely objections to Administrative Claims or to proofs of claim and equity interests, including any objections to the classification of any Claim or Equity Interest, and to allow or disallow any disputed claim in whole or in part;

(e) To determine any and all adversary proceedings, motions, applications, and contested or litigated matters, including, but not limited to, all Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action, and consider and act upon the compromise and settlement of any Claim against, or Causes of Action or Wapiti Causes of Action on behalf of, the General Trust or the Wapiti Trust, as applicable;

(f) To enter and implement such orders as may be appropriate in the event the Confirmation Order is for any reason stayed, revoked, modified or vacated;

(g) To issue such orders in aid of execution of this Plan, to the extent authorized by section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(h) To consider any amendments to or modifications of this Plan, or to cure any defect or omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in any order of the Bankruptcy Court, including the Confirmation Order;

(i) To hear and determine all applications of retained professionals under sections 330, 331 and 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for awards of compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the Effective Date;

(j) To hear and determine disputes arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of this Plan, the Confirmation Order, the Plan Supplements, the Recovery Trusts, any transactions or payments contemplated by this Plan or any agreement, instrument or other document governing or relating to any of the foregoing;

(k) To hear and determine matters concerning state, local and federal taxes in accordance with sections 346, 505 and 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code (including the expedited determination of taxes under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code);

(l) To hear any other matter not inconsistent with the Bankruptcy Code;

(m) To hear and determine all disputes involving the existence, scope and nature of the discharges granted under Sections 10.4 and 10.5 hereof;

(n) To hear and determine all disputes involving or in any manner implicating the exculpation provisions granted under Section 10.6 hereof;

(o) To issue injunctions and effect any other actions that may be necessary or desirable to restrain interference by any Person with the consummation or implementation of this Plan;

 

48


(p) To enforce all orders, judgments, injunctions, releases, exculpations, indemnifications and rulings entered in connection with this Plan with respect to any Person;

(q) To enter a final decree closing the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases;

(r) To hear and determine all disputes relating to whether the confirmation and consummation of this Plan, and the issuance of New Common Stock pursuant thereto, shall have, or shall be deemed to, constitute or result in an acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of the Debtors or any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries for purposes of any agreement to which the Debtors or any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries are a party;

(s) To hear and determine all disputes relating to the effect of this Plan under any agreement to which the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors are a party; and

(t) To hear and determine all disputes relating to whether any third party consent is required for the assumption or assignment under this Plan of any executory contract.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

12.1. Payment of Statutory Fees . All fees payable pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code shall be paid on the earlier of when due or the Effective Date by the Debtors. From and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be jointly liable for and shall pay the fees under 28 U.S.C. section 1930 assessed against the Debtors’ estate under 28 U.S.C. section 1930 until entry of a final decree closing the Chapter 11 Cases.

12.2. Payment of Noteholder Professional Fees . The Reorganized Debtors shall pay all reasonable and documented fees, costs and expenses incurred by the DIP Agent, ZCOF and the Indenture Trustee after the Petition Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fees, costs and expenses discussed in this subsection in respect of ZCOF and the Indenture Trustee shall only be paid in the event that this Plan is confirmed and the Effective Date occurs. Within 30 days after the Effective Date, the Indenture Trustee shall serve its invoice (with backup detail) on Reorganized Delta, the Creditors’ Committee, the Recovery Trustee, the Office of the United States Trustee and the Supporting Noteholders. Such parties shall have 20 days thereafter to indicate to the Indenture Trustee if they object to any portion of the invoice. At the end of the 20-day period, the Recovery Trustee shall pay any portion of the invoice not subject to an objection; the Recovery Trustee shall thereafter have 30 days to ask for a hearing on that part of the invoice subject to an objection, and shall reserve the invoiced amount subject to objection pending the 30-day hearing request period and, if a hearing is requested, conclusion of that contested matter. Until the payment of all reasonable and documented fees, costs and expenses of the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee shall retain its right to any liens on distributions to the Holders of all Noteholder Claims in accordance with the Indentures and Section 6.10 of the Plan in connection with all fees, costs and expenses incurred prior to and after the Effective Date.

 

49


12.3. Further Assurances . The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable may file such agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and further evidence the terms and conditions of this Plan.

12.4. Exhibits Incorporated . All exhibits to this Plan, including the Plan Exhibits and the Plan Supplements, are incorporated into and are a part of this Plan as if fully set forth herein.

12.5. Intercompany Claims . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, on or after the Effective Date, any claims held by one Debtor against any other Debtor may be adjusted (including by contribution, distribution in exchange for new debt or equity, or otherwise), paid, continued, or discharged to the extent reasonably determined appropriate by the Debtors and the Plan Sponsor.

12.6. Amendment or Modification of this Plan . Subject to section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and, to the extent applicable, sections 1122, 1123 and 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, alterations, amendments or modifications of this Plan or the Plan Exhibits may be proposed in writing jointly by the Debtors, and the Supporting Noteholders, with the reasonable consent of the Creditors’ Committee, and, with respect only to those provisions that have a material effect on the Plan Sponsor’s or the Joint Venture Company’s commercial, economic or management (with respect to the Joint Venture Company) rights or interests, the Plan Sponsor at any time prior to or after the Confirmation Date, but prior to the Effective Date. Holders of Claims that have accepted this Plan shall be deemed to have accepted this Plan, as altered, amended or modified, if the proposed alteration, amendment or modification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim of such Holder; provided , however , that any Holders of Claims who were deemed to accept this Plan because such Claims were unimpaired shall continue to be deemed to accept this Plan only if, after giving effect to such amendment or modification, such Claims continue to be unimpaired. If the Debtors make material changes to the terms of this Plan, the Debtors will disseminate additional solicitation materials and extend the solicitation period, in each case to the extent required by law or further order of the Court.

12.7. Inconsistency . In the event of any inconsistency among this Plan, the Disclosure Statement and any exhibit to the Disclosure Statement, the provisions of this Plan shall govern.

12.8. Section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code . As of the Confirmation Date, the Debtors shall be deemed to have solicited acceptances of this Plan in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors (and each of their successors, predecessors, control persons, members, Affiliates, Subsidiaries, agents, directors, officers, employees, investment bankers, financial advisors, accountants, attorneys and other professionals and any officer or employee serving as a director, manager, officer or employee of any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Debtors or trustee (or similar position) of any employee benefit plan or trust (or similar person) of the Debtors or its Affiliates or Subsidiaries) have participated in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code in the offer and issuance of the securities under this Plan. Accordingly, such entities and individuals shall not be liable at any time for the violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation governing the solicitation of acceptances or rejections of this Plan or the offer and issuance of the securities under this Plan.

 

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12.9. Compliance with SEC Requirements . The Debtors shall (i) take all steps necessary to remedy any past instances of SEC non-compliance with public-company reporting requirements prior to the Effective Date, and (ii) commence timely filing of all SEC reports, statements and other information required of a public reporting company.

12.10. Compliance with Tax Requirements . In connection with this Plan and all instruments issued in connection herewith and distributed hereunder, any party issuing any instruments or making any distribution under this Plan, shall comply with all applicable withholding and reporting requirements imposed by any federal, state or local taxing authority, and all distributions under this Plan shall be subject to any withholding or reporting requirements. To the extent that amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Plan as having been paid to the applicable Holder of an Allowed Claim in respect of which such withholding was made. Notwithstanding the above, each Holder of an Allowed Claim that is to receive a distribution under this Plan shall have the sole and exclusive responsibility for the satisfaction and payment of any tax obligations imposed by any governmental unit, including income, withholding and other tax obligations, on account of such distribution. Any party issuing any instruments or making any distribution under this Plan has the right, but not the obligation, to not make a distribution until such Holder has made arrangements satisfactory to such issuing or distributing party for payment of any such tax obligations.

12.11. Determination of Tax Filings and Taxes. The Reorganized Debtors shall have the right to request an expedited determination of its tax liability, if any, under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any tax returns filed, or to be filed, for any and all taxable periods ending after the Petition Date through the Effective Date. The Reorganized Debtors shall have the right, at their expense, to control, conduct, compromise and settle any tax contest, audit or administrative or court proceeding relating to any liability for taxes.

12.12. Exemption from Transfer Taxes . Pursuant to section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, the issuance, transfer or exchange of notes or equity securities (including issuance of warrants) under or in connection with this Plan, the creation of any mortgage, deed of trust or other security interest, the making or assignment of any lease or sublease, or the making or delivery of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in furtherance of, or in connection with this Plan, including any merger agreements or agreements of consolidation, deeds, bills of sale or assignments executed in connection with any of the transactions contemplated under this Plan shall not be subject to any stamp, real estate transfer, mortgage recording or other similar tax.

12.13. Dissolution of any Statutory Committees and Cessation of Fee and Expense Payment . On the Effective Date, the Creditors’ Committee shall be dissolved except for the purposes of (i) any appeal or request for reconsideration, stay pending appeal, other disputes, or litigation regarding this Plan or the Confirmation Order, and (ii) prosecuting and/or objecting to applications described in section 2.2 hereof.

 

51


12.14. Severability of Provisions in this Plan . If prior to the entry of the Confirmation Order, any term or provision of this Plan is determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the Bankruptcy Court, at the request of the Debtors, upon the consent of the Plan Sponsor and the Creditors’ Committee (which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably), shall have the power to alter and interpret such term or provision to render it valid or enforceable to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the original purpose of the term or provision held to be invalid, void or unenforceable, and such term or provision shall then be applicable as so altered or interpreted. Notwithstanding any such holding, alteration or interpretation, the remaining terms and provisions of this Plan shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated by such holding, alteration or interpretation. The Confirmation Order shall constitute a judicial determination and shall provide that each term and provision of this Plan, as it may have been altered or interpreted in accordance with the foregoing, is valid and enforceable pursuant to its terms.

12.15. Governing Law . Except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code or other federal law is applicable, or to the extent an exhibit to this Plan or Plan Supplements provides otherwise (in which case the governing law specified therein shall be applicable to such exhibit), the rights, duties and obligations arising under this Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws that would require application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

12.16. No Admissions . If the Effective Date does not occur, this Plan shall be null and void in all respects, and nothing contained in this Plan shall (a) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims by or against, or any Equity Interests in, the Debtors, (b) prejudice in any manner the rights of the Debtors or any other party in interest or (c) constitute an admission of any sort by the Debtors or other party in interest.

12.17. Reservation of Rights. Except as expressly set forth herein, this Plan shall have no force and effect unless and until the Bankruptcy Court has entered the Confirmation Order and the Effective Date has occurred. The filing of this Plan, any statement or provision contained in this Plan, or the taking of any action by the Debtors or any other party with respect to this Plan shall not be and shall not be deemed to be an admission or waiver of any rights of the Debtors or any other party with respect to Claims or Equity Interests or any other matter.

12.18. Notices . All notices, requests, and demands to or upon the Debtors to be effective shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission) and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when actually delivered or, in the case of notice by facsimile transmission, when received and telephonically confirmed, addressed as follows:

 

  (a) if to the Debtors, to:

Delta Petroleum Corporation

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

Facsimile:

  (303) 298-8251

Attention:

  Carl E. Lakey, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: clakey@deltapetro.com

 

52


with copies to:

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, New York 10004

Facsimile: (212) 422-4726

Attention: Kathryn A. Coleman, Esq.

E-mail: kcoleman@hugheshubbard.com

Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

1201 North Market Street,

Wilmington, DE 19899

Facsimile: 302-425-4664

Attention: Derek C. Abbott, Esq.

Email: dabbott@mnat.com

 

  (b) if to the Plan Sponsor, to:

Laramie Energy II, LLC

1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80202

Facsimile: (303) 339-4399

Attn: Bruce L. Payne, President and CFO

Email: bpayne@laramie-energy.com

with copies to:

Bryan Cave HRO

1700 Lincoln, Suite 4100

Denver, CO 80203

Facsimile: (303) 866-0200

Attn: Phillip R. Clark, Esq.

Email: phillip.clark@bryancave.com

 

  (c) if to the Creditors’ Committee, to:

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

One Bryant Park

New York, NY 10036

Facsimile: (212) 872-1002

Attn: Daniel H. Golden

Email: dgolden@akingump.com

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

1333 New Hampshire Ave, Northwest

 

53


Washington, DC 20036

Facsimile: (202) 887-4288

Attn: James R. Savin

Email: jsavin@akingump.com

 

  (d) if to the Supporting Noteholders, to:

Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Jon W. Kreidler

Facsimile: (952) 697-4140

Email: jkreidler@wscm.net

Whitebox Advisors, LLC

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 300

Minneapolis, MN 55416

Attention: Jake Mercer

Telephone: (612) 253-6001

Email: jmercer@whiteboxadvisors.com

with copies to:

 

Brown Rudnick LLP

Seven Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Attn: Robert J. Stark, Esq.

Facsimile (212) 209-4801

Email: rstark@brownrudnick.com

  

Brown Rudnick LLP

185 Asylum Street, 38th Floor

Hartford, CT 06103

Attn: Howard L. Siegel, Esq.

Facsimile (860) 509-6501

Email: hsiegel@brownrudnick.com

Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P.

Two North Riverside Plaza

Suite 600

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attn: Will Monteleone

Facsimile (312) 454-0335

Email: wmonteleone@egii.com

with copies to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

155 North Wacker Drive, Floor 32

Chicago, IL 60606

Attn: Ron E. Meisler

Facsimile: (312) 407-8641

Email: Ron.Meisler@skadden.com

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank .]

 

54


Dated:   August 16, 2012     DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
  Denver, Colorado    
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      DPCA LLC
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      DELTA EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      DELTA PIPELINE, LLC
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      DLC, INC.
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      CEC, INC.
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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      CASTLE TEXAS PRODUCTION LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      AMBER RESOURCES COMPANY OF COLORADO
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer
      CASTLE EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
      By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

      John T. Young, Jr.
      Chief Restructuring Officer

COUNSEL:

Derek C. Abbott, Esq.

Ann C. Cordo, Esq.

William M. Alleman, Jr., Esq.

Morris, Nichols Arsht & Tunnell

1201 North Market Street, 18th Floor

Wilmington, Delaware 19899

(302) 658-9200

-and-

Kathryn A. Coleman, Esq.

W. Peter Beardsley, Esq.

Christopher Gartman, Esq.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, New York 10004

(212) 837-6000

 

56

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Delta Petroleum Corporation (the “Company”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY AS FOLLOWS:

1. The name of the Company is Delta Petroleum Corporation. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Company was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 7, 2005.

2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which amends and restates in its entirety the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, is authorized by and is being filed in connection with the Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates dated August 16, 2012 (the “ Plan ”), and was duly adopted pursuant to Sections 242, 245 and 303 of the DGCL. The Plan was confirmed by order entered on August 16, 2012, by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

3. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

ARTICLE 1

NAME

The name of the corporation is Par Petroleum Corporation.

ARTICLE 2

REGISTERED AGENT

The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE 3

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a Corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware, as amended (the “ DGCL ”).


ARTICLE 4

CAPITAL STOCK

4.1 Common Stock .

(a) The total number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, that the Company is authorized to issue is three hundred million (300,000,000).

(b) Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters as to which holders of common stock shall be entitled to vote. Except for and subject to those preferences, rights, and privileges expressly granted to the holders of all classes of stock at the time outstanding having prior rights, and any series of preferred stock which may from time to time come into existence, and except as may be otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware, the holders of common stock shall have exclusively all other rights of stockholders of the Company, including, but not limited to, (i) the right to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of assets lawfully available therefor, and (ii) in the event of any distribution of assets upon the dissolution and liquidation of the Company, the right to receive ratably and equally all of the assets of the Company remaining after the payment to the holders of preferred stock of the specific amounts, if any, which they are entitled to receive as may be provided herein or pursuant hereto.

4.2 Preferred Stock .

(a) The total number of shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, that the Company is authorized to issue is 3,000,000.

(b) The Board of Directors is expressly authorized at any time, and from time to time, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series, with such voting powers, full or limited, or without voting powers and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue thereof adopted by the Board of Directors, subject to the limitations prescribed by law and in accordance with the provisions hereof, including but not limited to the following:

(1) The designation of the series and the number of shares to constitute the series.

(2) The dividend rate of the series, the conditions and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, the relation which such dividends shall bear to the dividends payable on any other class or classes of stock, and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative.

(3) Whether the shares of the series shall be subject to redemption by the corporation and, if made subject to such redemption, the times, prices and other terms and conditions of such redemption.

(4) The terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of the shares of the series.

 

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(5) Whether or not the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of any class or classes of stock of the corporation, and, if provision be made for conversion or exchange, the times, prices, rates, adjustments and other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange.

(6) The extent, if any, to which the holders of the shares of the series shall be entitled to vote with respect to the election of directors or otherwise.

(7) The restrictions, if any, on the issue or reissue of any additional preferred stock.

(8) The rights of the holders of the shares of the series upon the dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Company.

4.3 Non-Voting Equity Securities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall in no event issue any non-voting equity securities in violation of chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code; provided, however, that the foregoing prohibition (i) will have no further force and effect beyond that required under Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) will have such force and effect, if any, only for so long as such Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code is in effect and (iii) may be amended or eliminated in accordance with applicable law. The prohibition on the issuance of nonvoting equity securities is included in this Certificate of Incorporation in compliance with Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. § 1123(a)(6)).

ARTICLE 5

DIRECTORS

5.1 Authority, Number and Election of Directors . The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by the Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Company shall be fixed from time to time in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company and may be increased or decreased from time to time in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company; provided, however, that except as otherwise provided in this Article 5, the number of directors shall not be less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15). Election of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

In the event the holders of any class or series of preferred stock shall be entitled, by a separate class vote, to elect directors as may be specified pursuant to Article 4, then the provisions of such class or series of stock with respect to their rights shall apply. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such class or series of preferred stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Article 5.

5.2 Resignation . Any director of the Company may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors. The resignation of any director shall take effect at the time specified therein; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

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5.3 Removal . Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, or as may be otherwise limited under the DGCL, a director may be removed from office by the stockholders prior to the expiration of his or her term of office with or without cause.

5.4 Quorum . A quorum of the Board of Directors for the transaction of business shall not consist of less than a majority of the total number of directors, except as otherwise may be provided in this Certificate of Incorporation or in the Bylaws of the Company with respect to filling vacancies.

5.5 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, or by a sole remaining director, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors; provided , however , that at any time prior to the termination of any Stockholders Agreement in existence from time to time between the Company and certain of its stockholders (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”), any vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled only with nominees chosen to fill such vacancies in accordance with the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the new directorship which was created or in which the vacancy occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.

ARTICLE 6

BYLAWS

Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, in furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the Bylaws of the Company.

ARTICLE 7

STOCKHOLDERS

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as determined by the Board of Directors. Each meeting of stockholders will be held on the date and at the time and place determined by the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer or any officer of the Company upon the written request of a majority of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 8

VOTING REQUIREMENT

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or of the Bylaws of the Company (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be otherwise specified by law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company), the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class), shall be required to amend or repeal or adopt any provisions inconsistent with Articles 5, 8, 9, 10, or 11 of this Certificate of Incorporation.

 

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ARTICLE 9

LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

9.1 General . A director of the Company shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as currently in effect or as the same may hereafter be amended. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.

9.2 Amendment . Unless applicable law requires otherwise, no amendment, modification or repeal of this Article 9 shall adversely affect any right or protection of a director that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

ARTICLE 10

INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Company . Subject to Section 10.4 , the Company shall indemnify each Authorized Representative who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) arising on or after the effective date of the Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates, dated August 16, 2012 (the “Plan”), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such Authorized Representative in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such Authorized Representative acted in good faith and in a manner such Authorized Representative reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such Authorized Representative’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Authorized Representative did not act in good faith and in a manner which such Authorized Representative reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

10.2 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation . Subject to Section 10.4 , the Company shall indemnify each Authorized Representative who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor

 

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arising on or after the effective date of the Plan, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such Authorized Representative in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such Authorized Representative acted in good faith and in a manner such Authorized Representative reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such Authorized Representative shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such Authorized Representative is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

10.3 Advancement of Expenses . The right to indemnification conferred by this Article 10 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition within 10 days after receipt by the Company of the written request of the Authorized Representative for such advance. The Company may condition such advance upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Authorized Representative receiving advancement to repay the amount advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under this Article 10. Such undertaking shall not be required to be guaranteed by any other person or collateralized, and shall be accepted by the Company without regard to the financial ability of the person providing such undertaking to make such repayment. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Company deems appropriate.

10.4 Procedure for Indemnification . To obtain indemnification under this Article 10, an Authorized Representative shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the Authorized Representative and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the Authorized Representative is entitled to indemnification. Such determination shall be made, with respect to an Authorized Representative who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to an Authorized Representative who is a former director or officer, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Company. To the extent, however, that the Authorized Representative has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such Authorized Representative shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such Authorized Representative in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case. If it is so determined that the Authorized Representative is entitled to indemnification, payment to the Authorized Representative shall be made within 10 days after such determination.

 

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10.5 Certain Remedies . If a claim under Section 10.1 is not paid in full by the Company within thirty days after a written claim pursuant to Section 10.4 has been received by the Company, the Authorized Representative may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the Authorized Representative shall be entitled to be paid also the reasonable expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Company) that the Authorized Representative has not met the standard of conduct which makes it permissible under the DGCL for the Company to indemnify the Authorized Representative for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company. Neither the failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the Authorized Representative is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or stockholders) that the Authorized Representative has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the Authorized Representative has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

10.6 Binding Effect . If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10.4 that the Authorized Representative is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 10.5.

10.7 Validity of this Article . The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 10.5 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article 10 are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Article 10.

10.8 Nonexclusivity . The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws of the Company, agreement, vote of stockholders or Board of Directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Company that indemnification of the Authorized Representative shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. No amendment, repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall, unless otherwise required by law, in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any present or former director or officer of the Company or any predecessor thereof hereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such amendment, repeal or modification.

10.9 Insurance . The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

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10.10 Presumptions . For all purposes of this Article 10 and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, there shall be a rebuttable presumption in favor of any Authorized Representative that all requested indemnifications and advancements of expenses are reasonable and that all conditions to indemnification or expense advancements, whether required under this Article 10 or the DGCL, have been satisfied.

10.11 Reliance . Each Authorized Representative shall be deemed to have acted in reliance upon the rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses established in this Article 10. Unless applicable law requires otherwise, any repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of an Authorized Representative existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

10.12 Certain Definitions . For purposes of any determination under Section 10.4 , a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Company or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Company or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Company or another enterprise. The provisions of this Section 10.12 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 , as the case may be. As used in this Article 10, “Authorized Representative” means, collectively: (i) any person who, following the effective date of the Plan, is or was an officer or director of the Company and (ii) any other person who may be designated by the Board of Directors from time to time as an “authorized representative” for purposes of Article 10 of the Certificate of Incorporation, including (but not limited to) any present or former employee or agent of the Company or any predecessor of the Company or any officer or director of the Company or any predecessor of the Company before the effective date of the Plan

10.13 Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Article 10 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article 10 (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Article 10 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article 10 (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Article 10 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

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ARTICLE 11

TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

11.1 Certain Definitions . For purposes of this Article 11, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Agent” shall mean an agent designated by the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

“Company Securities” shall mean (i) shares of common stock, (ii) shares of preferred stock (other than preferred stock described in Section 1504(a)(4) of the Code), (iii) warrants, rights, or options (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-4(d)(9)) to purchase stock of the Company (other than preferred stock described in Section 1504(a)(4) of the Code), and (iv) any other interests that would be treated as “stock” of the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-2T(f)(18), or any successor provision.

“Effective Date” shall mean the Effective Date as defined in the Plan.

“Filing Date” shall mean the date of filing of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

“Excess Securities” shall mean the Company Securities which are the subject of the Prohibited Transfer.

“Five-Percent Shareholder” shall mean (i) a Person or group of Persons that is identified as a “5-percent shareholder” of the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-2T(g) or (ii) a Person that is a “first tier entity” or “higher tier entity” (as such terms are defined in Section 1.382-2T(f) of the Treasury Regulations) of the Company if that Person has a Public Group or individual, or a “higher tier entity” of that Person has a Public Group or individual, that is treated as a “5-percent shareholder” of the Company pursuant to Section 1.382-2T(g) of the Treasury Regulations.

“Initial Five-Percent Shareholder” shall mean a Person who was a Five-Percent Shareholder on the Effective Date, other than the initial direct Public Group of the Company.

“Owner Shift Limit” shall mean, with respect to an Initial Five-Percent Shareholder in any “testing period” (within the meaning of Section 382 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder), the product of (i) the Permitted Owner Shift and (ii) a fraction equal to such Initial Five-Percent Shareholder’s beneficial ownership of the Company Securities as of the Effective Date divided by the aggregate beneficial ownership of the Company Securities owned by all Initial Five-Percent Shareholders as of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Initial Five-Percent Shareholders who are Five-Percent Shareholders during the applicable “testing period” may agree to an alternative allocation of the Permitted Owner Shift by providing written notice of their unanimous consent to such alternative allocation to the Board of Directors after the date hereof.

“Percentage Stock Ownership” shall mean the percentage stock ownership interest as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.382-2(a)(3), 1.382-2T(g), (h), (j) and (k),

 

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1.382-3(a), and 1.382-4(d); provided, however, that for the sole purpose of determining the percentage stock ownership of any entity (and not for the purpose of determining the percentage stock ownership of any other Person), Company Securities held by such entity shall not be treated as no longer owned by such entity pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-2T(h)(2)(i)(A).

“Permitted Owner Shift” shall mean an “owner shift” (as that term is defined in Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) of 33%.

“Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, trust, syndicate, estate, association, joint venture or similar organization, other entity, or group of persons making a “coordinated acquisition” of Company Securities or otherwise treated as an “entity” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-3(a)(1) or otherwise, and includes, without limitation, an unincorporated group of persons who, by formal or informal agreement or arrangement (whether or not in writing), have embarked on a common purpose or act, and also includes any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such individual or entity.

“Prohibited Distributions” shall mean any dividends or other distributions that were paid by the Company and received by a Purported Transferee with respect to any Excess Securities.

“Prohibited Transfer” shall mean any purported Transfer of Company Securities to the extent that such Transfer is prohibited and/or void under this Article 11.

“Public Group” shall mean a “public group” as that term is defined in Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

“Purported Transferee” shall mean the purported transferee of a Prohibited Transfer.

“Restriction Release Date” shall mean the earliest date on which the Board of Directors, with the approval of holders of not less than sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, determines that (1) the consummation of the Plan did not satisfy the requirements of Section 382(1)(5) of the Code or treatment under Section 382(1)(5) of the Code is not in the best interests of the Company, its affiliates and its shareholders, taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the market and other impact of maintaining these Transfer restrictions herein, (2) an ownership change (within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) would not result in a substantial limitation on the ability of the Company (or a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company) to use otherwise available Tax Benefits, or (3) no significant value attributable to the Tax Benefits would be preserved by continuing the Transfer restrictions herein.

“Tax Benefits” shall mean the net operating loss carryovers, capital loss carryovers, general business credit carryovers, alternative minimum tax credit carryovers and foreign tax credit carryovers, as well as any “net unrealized built-in loss” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary thereof.

“Transfer” shall mean, subject to the last sentence of this definition, any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance, pledge, or other disposition. A Transfer also shall include the

 

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creation or grant of an option (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-4(d)(9)) other than the grant of an option by the Company or the modification, amendment or adjustment of an existing option granted by the Company. A Transfer shall not include an issuance or grant of Company Securities by the Company, the modification, amendment or adjustment of an existing option by the Company and the exercise by an employee of the Company of any option to purchase Company Securities granted to such employee pursuant to contract or any stock option plan or other equity compensation plan of the Company.

“Treasury Regulation” shall mean the income tax regulations (whether temporary, proposed or final) promulgated under the Code and any successor regulations. References to any subsection of such regulations include references to any successor subsection thereof.

11.2 Restrictions on Transfer . In order to preserve the Tax Benefits, subject to Section 11.3, any attempted Transfer of Company Securities prior to the Restriction Release Date, or any attempted Transfer of Company Securities pursuant to an agreement entered into prior to the Restriction Release Date, shall be prohibited and void ab initio if (a) the transferor is a Five-Percent Shareholder or (b) to the extent that, as a result of such Transfer (or any series of Transfers of which such Transfer is a part), either (i) any Person or group of Persons shall become a Five-Percent Shareholder or (ii) the Percentage Stock Ownership interest in the Company of any Five-Percent Shareholder shall be increased.

11.3 Certain Exceptions .

(a) The restrictions set forth in Section 11.2 shall not apply to an attempted Transfer of Company Securities if the transferor or the transferee obtains the written approval of the Board of Directors of the Company, which approval may be granted or denied in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and may be granted prospectively or retroactively; provided , however , that as a condition of such approval, any transferee that would become a Five-Percent Shareholder and that is not an Initial Five-Percent Shareholder must execute and agree to be bound by the Stockholders Agreement so long as the Stockholders Agreement remains in full force and effect. As a condition to granting its approval, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, require (at the expense of the transferor and/or transferee) an opinion of counsel selected by the Board of Directors that the Transfer will not result in the application of any Section 382 limitation on the use of the Tax Benefits; provided that the Board of Directors may grant such approval notwithstanding the effect of such approval on the Tax Benefits if it determines that the approval is in the best interests of the Company. The Board of Directors may impose any conditions that it deems reasonable and appropriate in connection with such approval, including, without limitation, restrictions on the ability of any transferee to Transfer Company Securities acquired through a Transfer. Approvals of the Board of Directors hereunder may be given prospectively or retroactively. The Board of Directors, to the fullest extent permitted by law, may exercise the authority granted by this Article 11 through duly authorized officers or agents of the Company. Nothing in this Article 11 shall be construed to limit or restrict the Board of Directors in the exercise of its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

(b) Each Initial Five-Percent Shareholder shall be permitted to acquire or dispose of Company Securities so long as, in the aggregate, the Company does not undergo an “owner shift” (as that term is defined in Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations

 

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thereunder) of greater than the Permitted Owner Shift in any “testing period” (as that term is defined in Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder). No Initial Five-Percent Shareholder shall be permitted to cause a greater “owner shift” than the Owner Shift Limit of such Initial Five-Percent Shareholder. For any transaction occurring between Initial Five-Percent Shareholders, any resulting “owner shift” shall be allocated equally to each such Initial Five-Percent Shareholder’s Owner Shift Limit.

11.4 Treatment of Excess Securities .

(a) No officer, director, employee or agent of the Company shall record any Prohibited Transfer, and a Purported Transferee shall not be recognized as a stockholder of the Company for any purpose whatsoever in respect of Excess Securities. Until the Excess Securities are acquired by another Person in a Transfer that is not a Prohibited Transfer, the Purported Transferee shall not be entitled with respect to such Excess Securities to any rights of stockholders of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote such Excess Securities and to receive dividends or distributions, whether liquidating or otherwise, in respect thereof, if any, and the Excess Securities shall be deemed to remain with the transferor unless and until the Excess Securities are transferred to the Agent pursuant to Section 11.4(c) or until approval is obtained under Section 11.3(a). Once the Excess Securities have been acquired in a Transfer that is not a Prohibited Transfer, the Securities shall cease to be Excess Securities. For this purpose, any Transfer of Excess Securities not in accordance with the provision of this Section 11.4(a) or Section 11.4(c) shall also be a Prohibited Transfer.

(b) The Company may require as a condition to the registration of the Transfer of any Company Securities or the payment of any distribution on any Company Securities that the proposed transferee or payee furnish the Company all information reasonably requested by the Company with respect to all the direct and indirect ownership interests in such Company Securities. The Company may make such arrangements or issue such instructions to its stock transfer agent as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be necessary or advisable to implement Article 11, including, without limitation, authorizing such transfer agent to require an affidavit from a Purported Transferee regarding such Person’s actual and constructive ownership of Company Securities and other evidence that a Transfer will not be prohibited by Section 11.2 as a condition to registering any Transfer.

(c) If the Board of Directors determines that a Transfer of Company Securities constitutes a Prohibited Transfer then, upon written demand by the Company, the Purported Transferee shall transfer or cause to be transferred any certificate or other evidence of ownership of the Excess Securities within the Purported Transferee’s possession or control, together with Prohibited Distributions, to the Agent. The Agent shall thereupon sell to a buyer or buyers, which may include the Company, the Excess Securities transferred to it in one or more arm’s-length transactions (on the public securities market on which the Company Securities may be traded, if possible, or otherwise privately); provided, however, that any such sale must not constitute a Prohibited Transfer and provided, further, that the Agent shall effect such sale or sales in an orderly fashion and shall not be required to effect any such sale within any specific time frame if, in the Agent’s discretion, such sale or sales would disrupt the market for the Company Securities or otherwise would adversely affect the value of the Company Securities. If the Purported Transferee has resold the Excess Securities before receiving the Company’s demand to surrender

 

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the Excess Securities to the Agent, the Purported Transferee shall be deemed to have sold the Excess Securities for the Agent, and shall be required to transfer to the Agent any Prohibited Distributions and proceeds of such sale, except to the extent that the Company grants written permission to the Purported Transferee to retain a portion of such sales proceeds not exceeding the amount that the Purported Transferee would have received from the Agent pursuant to Section 11.4(d) if the Agent rather than the Purported Transferee had resold the Excess Securities.

(d) The Agent shall apply any proceeds of a sale by it of Excess Securities, and if the Purported Transferee had previously resold the Excess Securities, any amounts received by the Agent from a Purported Transferee, as follows: (A) first, such amounts shall be paid to the Agent to the extent necessary to cover its costs and expenses incurred in connection with its duties hereunder; (B) second, any remaining amounts shall be paid to the Purported Transferee, up to the amount paid by the Purported Transferee for the Excess Securities (or their fair market value at the time of the Transfer, in the event the purported Transfer of the Excess Securities was, in whole or in part, a gift, inheritance, or similar Transfer) which amount shall be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors; and (C) third, any remaining amounts, subject to the limitations imposed by the following proviso, shall be paid to one or more organizations qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code (or any comparable or successor provision) selected by the Board of Directors. The Purported Transferee’s sole right with respect to such Company Securities shall be limited to the amount payable to the Purported Transferee pursuant to this Section 11.4(d). In no event shall the proceeds of any sale of Excess Securities pursuant to this Article 11 inure to the benefit of the Company.

(e) In the event of any Transfer which does not involve a transfer of securities of the Company within the meaning of Delaware law (“Securities,” and individually, a “Security”) but which would cause a Five-Percent Shareholder to violate a restriction on Transfers provided for in this Article 11, the application of Section 11.4(c) and Section 11.4(d) shall be modified as described in this Section 11.4(e). In such case, no such Five-Percent Shareholder shall be required to dispose of any interest that is not a Security, but such Five Percent Shareholder and/or any Person whose ownership of Securities is attributed to such Five Percent Shareholder shall be deemed to have disposed of and shall be required to dispose of sufficient Securities (which Securities shall be disposed of in the inverse order in which they were acquired) to cause such Five-Percent Shareholder, following such disposition, not to be in violation of this Article 11. Such disposition shall be deemed to occur simultaneously with the Transfer giving rise to the application of this provision, and such number of Securities that are deemed to be disposed of shall be considered Excess Securities and shall be disposed of through the Agent as provided in Section 11.4(c) and Section 11.4(d), except that the maximum aggregate amount payable either to such Five-Percent Shareholder, or to such other Person that was the direct holder of such Excess Securities, in connection with such sale shall be the fair market value of such Excess Securities at the time of the purported Transfer. All expenses incurred by the Agent in disposing of such Excess Securities shall be paid out of any amounts due such Five-Percent Shareholder or such other Person. The purpose of this Section 11.4(e) is to extend the restrictions in Section 11.2 and Section 11.4(c) to situations in which there is a Prohibited Transfer without a direct Transfer of Securities, and this Section 11.4(e), along with the other provisions of this Article 11, shall be interpreted to produce the same results, with differences as the context requires, as a direct Transfer of Company Securities.

 

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11.5 Board Determinations .

(a) The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the power to determine all matters necessary for determining compliance with this Article 11, including, without limitation: (A) the identification of Five-Percent Shareholders; (B) whether a Transfer is a Prohibited Transfer; (C) the Percentage Stock Ownership in the Company of any Five-Percent Shareholder; (D) whether an instrument constitutes a Company Security; (E) the amount (or fair market value) due to a Purported Transferee pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 11.4(d) of this Article 11; (F) whether compliance with any restriction or limitation on stock ownership and transfers set forth in this Article 11 is no longer required; and (G) any other matters which the Board of Directors determines to be relevant; and the determination of the Board of Directors on such matters shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error for all the purposes of this Article 11.

(b) Nothing contained in this Article 11 shall limit the authority of the Board of Directors to take such other action to the extent permitted by law as it deems necessary or advisable to protect the Company and its stockholders in preserving the Tax Benefits. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event of a change in law making one or more of the following actions necessary or desirable, the Board of Directors may, by adopting a written resolution and with the approval of holders of not less than sixty six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, (A) accelerate or extend the Restriction Release Date, (B) modify the ownership interest percentage in the Company or the Persons or groups covered by this Article 11, (C) modify the definitions of any terms set forth in this Article 11, or (D) modify the terms of this Article 11 as appropriate, in each case, in order to prevent an ownership change for purposes of Section 382 of the Code as a result of any changes in applicable Treasury Regulations or otherwise; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall not cause there to be such acceleration, extension or modification unless it determines, by adopting a written resolution, that such action is reasonably necessary or advisable to preserve the Tax Benefits or that the continuation of these restrictions is no longer reasonably necessary for the preservation of the Tax Benefits. Stockholders of the Company shall be notified of such determination through such method of notice as the Secretary of the Company shall deem appropriate.

(c) In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of this Article 11, including any definition used herein, the Board of Directors shall have the power to determine the application of such provisions with respect to any situation based on its reasonable belief, understanding or knowledge of the circumstances. In the event this Article 11 requires an action by the Board of Directors but fails to provide specific guidance with respect to such action, the Board of Directors shall have the power to determine the action to be taken so long as such action is not contrary to the provisions of this Article 11. All such actions, calculations, interpretations and determinations which are done or made by the Board of Directors in good faith shall be conclusive and binding on the Company, the Agent, and all other parties for all other purposes of this Article 11 absent manifest error. The Board of Directors may delegate all or any portion of its duties and powers under this Article 11 to a committee of the Board of Directors as it deems necessary or advisable and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, may exercise the authority granted by this Article 11 through duly authorized officers or agents of the Company. Nothing in this Article 11 shall be construed to limit or restrict the Board of Directors in the exercise of its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

 

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11.6 Securities Exchange Transactions . Nothing in this Article 11 shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of a national securities exchange or any national securities quotation system. The fact that the settlement of any transaction occurs shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this Article 11 and any Purported Transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this Article 11.

11.7 Legal Proceedings; Prompt Enforcement . If the Purported Transferee fails to surrender the Excess Securities or the proceeds of a sale thereof to the Agent within thirty days from the date on which the Company makes a written demand pursuant to Section 11.4(c), then the Company shall promptly take all cost effective actions which it believes are appropriate to enforce the provisions hereof, including the institution of legal proceedings to compel the surrender. Nothing in this Section 11.7 shall (a) be deemed inconsistent with any Transfer of the Excess Securities provided in this Article 11 being void ab initio or (b) preclude the Company in its discretion from immediately bringing legal proceedings without a prior demand. The Board of Directors may authorize such additional actions as it deems advisable to give effect to the provisions of this Article 11.

11.8 Liability . To the fullest extent permitted by law, any stockholder subject to the provisions of this Article 11 who knowingly violates the provisions of this Article 11 and any Persons controlling, controlled by or under common control with such stockholder shall be jointly and severally liable to the Company for, and shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless against, any and all damages suffered as a result of such violation, including but not limited to damages resulting from a reduction in, or elimination of, the Company’s ability to utilize its Tax Benefits, and attorneys’ and auditors’ fees incurred in connection with such violation.

11.9 Notice to Company . Any Person who acquires or attempts to acquire Company Securities in excess of the limitations set forth in this Article 11 shall immediately give written notice to the Company of such event and shall provide to the Company such other information as the Company may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Prohibited Transfer on the preservation and usage of the Tax Benefits. As a condition to the registration of the Transfer of any Company Securities, any Person who is a beneficial, legal, or record holder of Company Securities, and any proposed transferee and any Person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the proposed transferee, shall provide such information as the Company may request from time to time in order to determine compliance with this Article 11 or the status of the Tax Benefits of the Company.

11.10 Bylaws . The Bylaws of the Company may make appropriate provisions to effectuate the requirements of this Article 11.

 

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11.11 Certificates . All certificates representing Company Securities on or after the Filing Date shall, until the Restriction Release Date, bear a conspicuous legend in substantially the following form:

THE TRANSFER OF SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 11 OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AS AMENDED AND IN EFFECT FROM TIME TO TIME, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMPANY UPON REQUEST.

11.12 Reliance . To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and the members of the Board of Directors shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the information, opinions, reports or statements of the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the corporate controller of the Company or of the Company’s legal counsel, independent auditors, transfer agent, investment bankers or other employees and agents in making the determinations and findings contemplated by this Article 11, and the members of the Board of Directors shall not be responsible for any good faith errors made in connection therewith. For purposes of determining the existence and identity of, and the amount of any Company Securities owned by any stockholder, the Company is entitled to rely on the existence and absence of filings of Schedule 13D or 13G under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or similar filings), if any, as of any date, subject to its actual knowledge of the ownership of Company Securities.

11.13 Benefits of Article 11 . Nothing in this Article 11 shall be construed to give to any Person other than the Company or the Agent any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Article 11. This Article 11 shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company and the Agent.

11.14 Severability . The purpose of this Article 11 is to facilitate the Company’s ability to maintain or preserve its Tax Benefits. If any provision of this Article 11 or the application of any such provision to any Person or under any circumstance shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Article 11.

11.15 Waiver . With regard to any power, remedy or right provided herein or otherwise available to the Company or the Agent under this Article 11, (i) no waiver will be effective unless expressly contained in a writing signed by the waiving party; and (ii) no alteration, modification or impairment will be implied by reason of any previous waiver, extension of time, delay or omission in exercise, or other indulgence.

ARTICLE 12

AMENDMENTS

Subject to Article 8, the Company reserves the right to alter, amend, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and all rights conferred herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Delta Petroleum Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its Chief Restructuring Officer this 31 st day of August, 2012.

 

DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name: John T. Young, Jr.
Title: Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Adopted 31, 2012

 

 

ARTICLE 1

OFFICES

The registered office of Par Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company ”) in the State of Delaware will be as provided for in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”). The Company will have offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE 2

STOCKHOLDERS

2.1 Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting will be held on the date and at the time and place fixed, from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

2.2 Special Meetings . Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders may be called only by those persons specified in the Certificate of Incorporation.

2.3 Notice of Meeting . Written notice stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, will be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, either personally or by mail, electronic mail, prepaid telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, cablegram or overnight courier, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice will be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the stock records of the Company.

2.4 Waiver . Attendance of a stockholder of the Company, either in person or by proxy, at any meeting, whether annual or special, will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. A written waiver of notice of any such meeting signed by a stockholder or stockholders entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, will be equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purposes of, any meeting need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

2.5 Notice of Business to be Transacted at Meetings of Stockholders . No business may be transacted at any meeting of stockholders, including the nomination or election of


persons to the Board of Directors, other than business that is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) with respect to an annual meeting or a special meeting called by any of the persons specified in Section 7.1 of the Certificate of Incorporation, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by any stockholder of the Company (1) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and (2) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.5 . In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before a meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Company.

(a) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred twenty days prior to the date of the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that public disclosure of the date of the meeting is first made less than one hundred days prior to the date of the meeting, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made.

(b) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary regarding any business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and record address of such stockholder, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

(c) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary regarding nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must set forth (a) as to each proposed nominee, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by the nominee and (iv) any other information relating to the nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and record address of such stockholder, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iii) a description of all

 

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arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (v) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.

(d) No business shall be conducted at any meeting of stockholders, and no person nominated by a stockholder shall be eligible for election as a director, unless proper notice was given with respect to the proposed action in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.5 . Determinations of the chairman of the meeting as to whether those procedures were complied with in a particular case shall be final and binding.

2.6 Quorum . Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of not less than one-half of the shares entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present at any meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice if the time and place are announced at the meeting, until a quorum will be present. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting will be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

2.7 Procedure . The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the stockholders may be determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall be the chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his or her absence, the most senior officer of the Company present at the meeting.

2.8 Conduct of the Meeting . At each meeting of stockholders, the presiding officer of the meeting shall fix and announce the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting and shall determine the order of business and all other matters of procedure. The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.

ARTICLE 3

DIRECTORS

3.1 Number . The number of directors shall, as of the effective date of these Bylaws, be five (5) and may be increased to six (6) in accordance with Section 6.1(c) of the Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates, dated August 13, 2012 (the “ Plan ”). The Board of Directors shall consist of the persons designated by the persons or groups entitled to designate the Board of Directors in accordance with that certain Stockholders Agreement between the Company and certain stockholders of the Company dated

 

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August 31, 2012, as amended, modified or restated from time to time (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”). Following termination of the Stockholders Agreement, the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.

3.2 Regular Meetings . The Board of Directors shall meet immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the stockholders, provided a quorum is present, and no notice of such meeting will be necessary in order to legally constitute the meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

3.3 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time, at any place and for any purpose by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, or by a majority of the Board of Directors.

3.4 Notice of Meetings . Notice of regular meetings of the Board of Directors need not be given. Notice of every special meeting of the Board of Directors will be given to each director at his usual place of business or at such other address as will have been furnished by him for such purpose. Such notice will be properly and timely given if it is (a) deposited in the United States mail not later than the third calendar day preceding the date of the meeting or (b) personally delivered, telegraphed, sent by facsimile transmission or communicated by telephone at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting. Such notice need not include a statement of the business to be transacted at, or the purpose of, any such meeting.

3.5 Waiver . Attendance of a director at a meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. A written waiver of notice signed by a director or directors entitled to such notice, whether before, at, or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, will be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

3.6 Quorum; Voting . Except as may be otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the presence of a majority of the directors then in office will be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors. A majority of the directors present, even if less than a quorum, may adjourn a meeting of the Board of Directors and continue it to a later time. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, each director shall have one vote. The act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be deemed the act of the Board of Directors; provided , however , in the event of a tie vote on any matter, then such deadlock shall be resolved in the following manner: (i) first, by a majority of the directors designated by Whitebox Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (the “ Whitebox Directors ”) and Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. or its affiliates (the “ ZCOF Directors ”) to the extent such directors have been elected in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement or (ii) second, if a majority of the Whitebox Directors and the ZCOF Directors cannot agree, then the Chairman of the Board shall cast the deciding vote.

3.7 Participation in Meetings by Telephone . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such board or committee by means of

 

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conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation will constitute presence in person at such meeting.

3.8 Action Without a Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if written consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. Any such consent may be in counterparts and will be effective on the date of the last signature thereon unless otherwise provided therein.

3.9 Fees and Compensation of Directors . Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, by resolution or resolutions may, fix the compensation of directors. The directors may be reimbursed for their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as a director. Nothing contained in these Bylaws shall preclude any director from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

3.10 Election of Subsidiary Directors . Unless otherwise unanimously agreed by the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall cause the managers designated by the Company to the Board of Managers of Piceance LLC to consist of the persons appointed by the stockholders under Section 2 of the Stockholders Agreement.

ARTICLE 4

COMMITTEES

4.1 Designation of Committees . The Board of Directors may establish committees for the performance of delegated or designated functions to the extent permitted by law, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the Company; provided , however , that except as unanimously agreed by the Board of Directors, such committee shall include at least one Whitebox Director and one ZCOF Director so long as such persons are designated to the Board of Directors in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member.

4.2 Committee Powers and Authority . Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the Board of Directors may provide, by resolution or by amendment to these Bylaws, that a committee may exercise all the power and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company.

 

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ARTICLE 5

OFFICERS

5.1 Number . The officers of the Company shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall include, except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, a President, a Chief Executive Officer, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be chosen by the Board of Directors from time to time. Any two offices may be held by one person unless statute or the Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise.

5.2 Term of Office . Officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Any officer may resign upon notice given in writing or electronic transmission to the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the occurrence of some other event.

5.3 Removal . Any officer or agent may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its best judgment the best interests of the Company will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.

5.4 Vacancies . Any vacancy occurring in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors in the manner prescribed in this Article 5 for the unexpired portion of the term.

5.5 Duties . The officers of the Company will perform the duties and exercise the powers as may be assigned to them from time to time by the Board of Directors, the President and/or the Chief Executive Officer.

ARTICLE 6

CAPITAL STOCK

6.1 Certificates . Shares of stock in the Company shall be uncertificated and shall not be represented by certificates, except to the extent as may be required by applicable law or as may otherwise be authorized by the Board of Directors. In the event shares of stock are represented by certificates, such certificates shall be registered upon the books of the Company and signed by the chairman of the Board or a vice chairman, if any, or the president, if any, or any vice president, and by the Secretary. Any and all signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile and may be sealed with the seal of the Company or a facsimile thereof; provided, however, that no such seal of the Company shall be required thereon. If any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon, a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar whether because of death, resignation or otherwise before such certificate is issued by the Company, such certificate may nevertheless be issued and delivered by the Company with the same effect as if the person who signed such certificate or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon such certificate had not ceased to be an officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue. All certificates for shares of stock shall be consecutively numbered and shall be entered in the books of the Company as they are issued and shall exhibit the holder’s name and the number of shares.

6.2 Registered Stockholders . The Company will be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock of the Company as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, will not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it has actual or other notice thereof, except as provided by law.

 

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6.3 Cancellation of Certificates . All certificates surrendered to the Company will be canceled and, except in the case of lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, no new certificates will be issued until the former certificate or certificates for the same number of shares of the same class of stock have been surrendered and canceled.

6.4 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact in a form acceptable to the Board of Directors by the person claiming the certificate or certificates to be lost, stolen or destroyed. In its discretion, and as a condition precedent to the issuance of any such new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors may require that the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such person’s legal representative, give the Company and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars a bond in such form and amount as the Board of Directors may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Company and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

6.5 Transfers . Stock of the Company shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Company, and in the case of certificated shares of stock, only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, properly endorsed for transfer and payment of all necessary transfer taxes; or, in the case of uncertificated shares of stock, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the shares or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing, and upon payment of all necessary transfer taxes and compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form; provided, however, that such surrender and endorsement, compliance or payment of taxes shall not be required in any case in which the officers of the Company shall determine to waive such requirement. With respect to certificated shares of stock, every certificate exchanged, returned or surrendered to the Company shall be marked “Cancelled,” with the date of cancellation, by the Secretary or Treasurer of the Company or the transfer agent thereof. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Company for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Company by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

ARTICLE 7

FISCAL YEAR

The Company’s fiscal year will end on the 31 st of December of each year.

 

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ARTICLE 8

JOINTLY INDEMNIFIABLE CLAIMS

The Company shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to any Authorized Representative (defined below) in respect of indemnification and advancement of expenses under Article 10 of the Certificate of Incorporation in connection with any Jointly Indemnifiable Claim (defined below), irrespective of any right of recovery the Authorized Representative may have from any Indemnitee-Related Entities (defined below). Under no circumstance shall the Company be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the Indemnitee-Related Entities and no right of recovery any Authorized Representative may have from the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of any Authorized Representative or the obligations of the Company under Article 10 of the Certificate of Incorporation. For purposes of this Article 8 : “ Authorized Representative ” means, collectively: (i) any person who, following the date of the Plan, is or was an officer or director of the Company and (ii) any other person who may be designated by the Board of Directors from time to time as an “authorized representative” for purposes of Article 10 of the Certificate of Incorporation, including (but not limited to) any present or former employee or agent of the Company or any predecessor of the Company or any officer or director of the Company or any predecessor of the Company before the date of the Plan; “ Jointly Indemnifiable Claim ” means any claim for which any Authorized Representative shall be entitled to indemnification from both an Indemnitee-Related Entity and the Company pursuant to applicable law, any indemnification agreement or the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Company and an Indemnitee-Related Entity; and “ Indemnitee-Related Entities ” means any person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Company) from whom an Authorized Representative may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Company may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation (other than as a result of obligations under an insurance policy).

ARTICLE 9

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Amendments . Subject to the laws of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws or enact such other bylaws as in their judgment may be advisable for the regulation of the conduct of the affairs of the Company; provided, however, that such amendment of these Bylaws or enacting of new bylaws may only occur with the approval of a majority of the Whitebox Directors and the ZCOF Directors so long as the Stockholders Agreement remains in full force and effect. The stockholders of the Company shall have the power to amend, modify or repeal these Bylaws, or adopt any new provision authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware in force at such time, at a duly called meeting of the stockholders; provided , that notice of the proposed adoption, amendment, modification or repeal was given in the notice of the meeting; provided , further , notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class), shall be required to amend, modify or repeal any provision, or adopt any new or additional provision, in a manner inconsistent with Article 2 , Article 3 , Article 8 and this Article 9 of these Bylaws.

 

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9.2 Stockholders Agreement . To the extent there is a conflict between these Bylaws and the Stockholders Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement (so long as it exists) shall control, except to the extent that any provision of the Shareholders Agreement is inconsistent with applicable law.

 

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Exhibit 4.1

 

LOGO


PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

CORPORATE STOCK TRANSFER, INC.

TRANSFER FEE: AS REQUIRED

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED THERETO PURSUANT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION, DATED AUGUST 31, 2012, AND THE STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT, DATED AUGUST 31, 2012. THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO A SHAREHOLDER, ON DEMAND AND WITHOUT CHARGE, A FULL COPY OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND/OR A FULL COPY OF THE STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT.

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM

  -   as tenants in common      

TEN ENT

  -   as tenants by the entireties   UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -  

Custodian

JT TEN

  -   as joint tenants with right       (Cust)                                 (Minor)
    of survivorship and not as       under Uniform Gifts to Minors
    tenants in common      
        Act  

 

          (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 

 

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER

IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

 
   
   
   

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,

 

 

  hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

 

 

 

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Shares

of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint

 

 

   Attorney to transfer

the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                      20       ,

 

  Signature: X  

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed:    
  Signature: X  

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER. THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

Exhibit 4.2

EXECUTION COPY

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of this 31st day of August, 2012 to be effective as of the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined), by and among Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation formerly known as Delta Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company ”), certain holders of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (“ Common Stock ”) listed on Schedule A (the “ Key Holders ”), and any subsequent investors, or transferees, who become parties hereto as “Investors” pursuant to Sections 6.1 and 6.2 below (the “ Investors ,” and together collectively with the Key Holders, the “ Stockholders ”). As used herein, the terms “ own ” or “ hold ,” and all variations of such terms, shall mean to own, hold or otherwise exercise investment discretion, whether directly or indirectly, over the applicable Shares (as defined below).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, on December 16, 2011, and January 6, 2012, the Company and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) initiating cases under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code;

WHEREAS, the Joint Amended Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and Its Debtor Affiliates, as confirmed on July 16, 2012, by an order of the Bankruptcy Court entered on July 16, 2012, (the “ Plan ”), provides for the cancellation of all existing equity in the Company and the issuance of the Common Stock;

WHEREAS, the Stockholders desire to enter into an agreement to provide the Key Holders with the right, among other rights, to elect certain members of the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) and the subsidiaries of the Company, to enter into the registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) dated as of the date hereof and attached as Exhibit A hereto, and to provide for certain obligations among the Stockholders, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, this Agreement is intended to become effective as of the effective date (the “ Effective Date ”) of the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual agreements, covenants, and provisions contained herein, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1. Voting Provisions Regarding Board of Directors .

1.1 Size of the Board . Each Stockholder agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares (as defined below) owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that the size of the Board shall be set and remain at five (5) directors except as provided in Section 1.6 below. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Shares ” shall mean and include any securities of the Company the holders of which are entitled to vote for members of the


Board, including without limitation, all shares of Common Stock, by whatever name called, now owned or subsequently acquired by a Stockholder, however acquired, whether through stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications, recapitalizations, similar events or otherwise.

1.2 Board Composition . Each Stockholder agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that at each annual or special meeting of stockholders at which an election of directors is held or pursuant to any written consent of the stockholders, in order to cause the election to the Board, until there are no Board seats left vacant, of:

(a) Two (2) individuals designated by Whitebox Advisors, LLC (“ Whitebox ”) in the two-year period following the Effective Date, and after such two-year period, Whitebox shall designate two (2) individuals so long as Whitebox or its Affiliates (as defined below) hold at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock and one (1) individual so long as Whitebox or its Affiliates hold at least five percent (5%) but less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock (collectively, the “ Whitebox Designees ”). In the event that Whitebox or its Affiliates no longer hold of at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock, the Whitebox Designees shall be designated by holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock. The Whitebox Designees shall initially be Jacob Mercer and Mel Cooper;

(b) Two (2) individuals designated by Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. (“ ZCOF ”) in the two-year period following the Effective Date, and after such two-year period, ZCOF shall designate two (2) individuals so long as ZCOF or its Affiliates hold at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock and one (1) individual so long as ZCOF or its Affiliates hold at least five percent (5%) but less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock (collectively, the “ ZCOF Designees ”). In the event that ZCOF or its Affiliates no longer hold at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock, the ZCOF Designees shall be designated by holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock. The ZCOF Designees shall initially be Will Monteleone and Ben Lurie;

(c) One (1) individual (the “ Independent Designee ”) designated jointly by Whitebox, ZCOF and Waterstone Capital Management, L.P. (“ Waterstone ”), so long as Whitebox, ZCOF, Waterstone and/or their Affiliates collectively hold at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock, which Independent Designee shall not be an Affiliate of any of the Key Holders and shall initially be Michael Keener. In the event that the Key Holders are no longer collectively holders of at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares of Common Stock, then the Independent Designee shall be designated by holders of a majority of the then outstanding Shares of Common Stock. In addition, in the event that any of the Key Holders (together with its Affiliates) individually no longer holds at least five percent (5%) of the Shares of Common Stock, then such Key Holder shall no longer be entitled to jointly designate the Independent Designee, which Independent Designee shall thereafter be designated by the remaining Key Holders who are still entitled to appoint the Independent Designee. The Independent Designee shall initially be Michael Keener; and

 

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(d) To the extent that any of clauses (a) through (c) above shall not be applicable, any member of the Board who would otherwise have been designated in accordance with the terms thereof (each a “ Designee ”) shall instead be voted upon by all the stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon in accordance with, and pursuant to, the Company’s Amended and Certificate of Incorporation (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “ Certificate ”).

For purposes of this Agreement, an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company, trust or any other entity (collectively, a “ Person ”) shall be deemed an “ Affiliate ” of another Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, including, without limitation, any general partner, officer, director, or manager of such Person and any venture capital fund now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners of or shares the same management company with such Person.

1.3 Failure to Designate a Board Member . In the absence of any designation from the Persons or groups with the right to designate a director as specified above, any such undesignated director seat shall remain vacant until such designee is chosen, and the remaining members of the Board shall continue to operate as a fully functioning Board.

1.4 Removal of Board Members . Each Stockholder also agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that:

(a) no director elected pursuant to Section 1.2 or Section 1.6 of this Agreement may be removed from office other than for cause unless (i) such removal is directed or approved by the affirmative vote of the Person or the group entitled under Section 1.2 or Section 1.6 to designate that director or (ii) the Person(s) originally entitled to designate or approve such director pursuant to Section 1.2 or Section 1.6 is no longer so entitled to designate or approve such director or occupy such Board seat; and

(b) any vacancies created by the resignation, removal or death of a director elected pursuant to Section 1.2 or Section 1.6 shall be filled pursuant to the provisions of this Section 1 .

All Stockholders agree to execute any written consents required to perform the obligations of this Agreement, and the Company agrees at the request of any party entitled to designate directors to call a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing directors. If and so long as the stockholders of the Company are entitled to cumulative voting, if less than the entire Board is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against his or her removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire Board.

1.5 No Liability for Election of Recommended Directors . No party, nor any Affiliate of any such party, shall have any liability as a result of designating a person for election as a director for any act or omission by such designated person in his or her capacity as a director of the Company, nor shall any party have any liability as a result of voting for any such designee in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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1.6 Additional Director . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.2 above, in the event that Persons other than the holders of class 5 “Noteholder Claims” under the Plan, other Investors, and their respective Affiliates (together, the “Noteholders”) collectively own 20% or more of the outstanding Common Stock on the Effective Date, then the size of the Board shall be increased to six (6) persons and the holders of a majority of the Common Stock held by Persons other than the Noteholders shall be entitled to designate one (1) director to serve on the Board.

1.7 Subsidiary Boards . Except with respect to Piceance (as hereinafter defined) or as otherwise unanimously agreed by the Board, the Stockholders shall cause their Designees to elect the same persons set forth in this Section 1 to be elected as the members of the Board of Directors or Managers of all subsidiaries of the Company.

2. Piceance Board . Each Stockholder agrees to cause their Designees to vote to elect the following persons to the Board of Managers of Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Piceance ”) so long as the Company is a member of Piceance: (i) one person designated by Whitebox, so long as Whitebox, or any one of its Affiliates, is a holder of the Common Stock and (ii) one person designated by ZCOF, so long as ZCOF, or any one of its Affiliates, is a holder of the Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that either Whitebox or ZCOF are no longer entitled to elect managers to the Board under the Agreement, then such Piceance Board of Managers position shall be elected by a majority of the Board.

3. Remedies .

3.1 Covenants of the Company . The Company agrees to use its best efforts, within the requirements of applicable law, to ensure that the rights granted under this Agreement are effective and that the parties enjoy the benefits of this Agreement. Such actions include, without limitation, the use of the Company’s best efforts to cause the nomination and election of the directors as provided in this Agreement and to comply with Sections 6.17 and 6.18 .

3.2 Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney . Each party to this Agreement, other than each Investor, hereby constitutes and appoints as the proxies of the party and hereby grants a power of attorney to the President of the Company with full power of substitution, with respect to the matters set forth herein, including without limitation, election of persons as members of the Board in accordance with Section 1 hereto or designation of managers of Piceance pursuant to Section 2 hereof, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent by proxy and to vote, if and only if the party (i) fails to vote or (ii) attempts to vote (whether by proxy, in person or by written consent), in a manner which is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, all of such party’s Shares in favor of the election of persons as members of the Board determined pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any designation of managers of Piceance, in each case, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and provisions of Sections 1 and 2 , respectively, of this Agreement. Each of the proxy and the power of attorney granted pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is each given in consideration of the agreements and covenants of the Company, and as such, each is coupled

 

4


with an interest and shall be irrevocable unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 4 hereof. Each party hereto hereby revokes any and all previous proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the Shares and shall not hereafter, unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 4 hereof, purport to grant any other proxy or power of attorney with respect to any of the Shares, deposit any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into any agreement (other than this Agreement), arrangement or understanding with any Person, directly or indirectly, to vote, grant any proxy or give instructions with respect to the voting of any of the Shares, in each case, with respect to any of the matters set forth herein.

3.3 Specific Enforcement . Each party acknowledges and agrees that each party hereto will be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the parties in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that each of the Company and the Stockholders shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement, and to specific enforcement of this Agreement and its terms and provisions in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having subject matter jurisdiction. This section shall also apply to any Person that is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.

3.4 Remedies Cumulative . All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

4. Term . This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall continue in effect until and shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (a) the consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of the capital stock or assets of the Company and distribution of proceeds to or escrow for the benefit of the Stockholders in accordance with the Certificate; and (b) termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.8 below.

5. Reserved .

6. Miscellaneous .

6.1 Additional Parties . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein and subject to Article 11 of the Certificate, if the Company issues additional Shares of Common Stock after the date hereof to any Person who, as a result of such transfer, is a holder of five percent (5%) or more of the Common Stock, then as a condition to the issuance of such Shares the Company shall require that any purchaser of such Common Stock become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering (i) the Adoption Agreement attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B , or (ii) a counterpart signature page hereto agreeing to be bound by and subject to the terms of this Agreement as an Investor and Stockholder hereunder. In either event, each such person shall thereafter be deemed a Stockholder for all purposes under this Agreement.

6.2 Transfers . Subject to Article 11 of the Certificate, each transferee or assignee that, by itself or together with its Affiliates, is or becomes a holder of five percent (5%) or more of the Shares subject to this Agreement shall continue to be subject to the terms hereof, and, as a condition precedent to the Company’s recognizing such transfer, each such transferee or assignee shall agree in writing to be subject to each of the terms of this Agreement by executing and delivering an Adoption Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as

 

5


Exhibit B . Upon the execution and delivery of an Adoption Agreement by any transferee, such transferee shall be deemed to be a party hereto as if such transferee were the transferor and such transferee’s signature appeared on the signature pages of this Agreement and shall be deemed to be an Investor and Stockholder. The Company shall not permit the transfer of the Shares subject to this Agreement on its books or issue a new certificate representing any such Shares unless and until such transferee shall have complied with the terms of this Section 6.2 .

6.3 Successors and Assigns . The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

6.4 Governing Law . This Agreement and any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the General Corporation Law and the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.

6.5 Counterparts; Facsimile or PDF Transmission . This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or PDF transmission signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.6 Titles and Subtitles . The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

6.7 Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on Schedule A hereto, or to such email address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.7 .

6.8 Consent Required to Amend, Terminate or Waive . Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only upon the prior written consent of the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. This Agreement may be amended, terminated or modified by a written instrument executed by (a) the Company, with Board approval; and (b) the holders of sixty-seven percent (67%) of the Shares then held by the Key Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

(i) this Agreement shall automatically terminate with respect to any Stockholder if such person no longer holds or has the right to acquire any capital stock of the Company or any security convertible into capital stock of the Company;

 

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(ii) subject to Section 6.8(i) , without a Stockholder’s consent, no amendment or modification shall adversely affect such Stockholder’s rights under this Agreement, unless such amendment or modification applies to all Stockholders in the same fashion;

(iii) Schedule A hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time to add information regarding additional Investors or to add additional Stockholders pursuant to Sections 6.1 or 6.2 or remove any Stockholder in the event of any termination of this Agreement with respect to such Stockholder pursuant to this Section 6.8 , without the consent of the other parties hereto;

(iv) The last provision of Section 3.1 , the last sentence of Section 3,3 , Section 6.8(iv) , Section 6.8(v) and Sections 6.17 and 6.18 (collectively, the “ Specified Sections ”) may be amended or waived only with the approval of holders of a majority of the Shares not held by the Key Holders or their Affiliates (such majority being the “ Required Majority ); and

(v) subject to the next proviso, this Agreement may be terminated, as set forth herein, without the consent of Persons other than the Stockholders party hereto; provided , that the Specified Sections may not be terminated unless, concurrently with such termination, the Company agrees in writing to provide, for the benefit of and enforceable by all holders of Shares, the rights set forth in the Specified Sections, except as such rights are amended or waived by the Required Majority.

The Company shall give prompt written notice of any amendment, termination or waiver hereunder to any party that did not consent in writing thereto. Any amendment, termination or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 6.8 shall be binding on each party and all of such party’s successors and permitted assigns, whether or not any such party, successor or assignee entered into or approved such amendment, termination or waiver.

6.9 Delays or Omissions . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default previously or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

6.10 Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

 

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6.11 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto), the Certificate, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as the same may be amended from time to time) and the Registration Rights Agreement, constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties are expressly canceled.

6.12 Manner of Voting . The voting of Shares pursuant to this Agreement may be effected in person, by proxy, by written consent or in any other manner permitted by applicable law.

6.13 Further Assurances . At any time or from time to time after the date hereof, the parties agree to cooperate with each other, and at the request of any other party, to execute and deliver any further instruments or documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably request in order to evidence or effectuate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and to otherwise carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.

6.14 Dispute Resolution . THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RELATED AGREEMENTS AND CONSENT TO A BENCH TRIAL WITH THE APPROPRIATE JUDGE ACTING AS THE FINDER OF FACT.

6.15 Costs of Enforcement . If any party to this Agreement seeks to enforce its rights under this Agreement by legal proceedings, the non-prevailing party shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees.

6.16 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Except with respect to the Specified Sections, this Agreement shall be solely for the benefit of the Stockholders and no other person or entity shall be a third party beneficiary hereof.

6.17 Reporting and Listing Requirements . In the event that the Company is no longer required to file annual and quarterly reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”), the Company shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable, comparable audited reports on an annual basis, unaudited reports on a quarterly basis (which annual and quarterly reports shall contain substantially similar descriptions of business and management discussion and analysis provisions as are then required to be included in relevant filings with the SEC), and earnings releases on a quarterly basis, made available to all holders of Shares through a secure web site such as Intralinks and subject to a standard click-through access and confidentiality agreement (and holders of Shares may request that the Company provide access to such secure web site to prospective holders of Shares, consent to which request the Company shall not unreasonably withhold, condition, or delay). The Company shall use reasonable commercial efforts to list the Common Stock on the OTCQX after the Effective Date. Holders of Shares other than the Stockholders shall be third-party beneficiaries, with direct right of enforcement, for the purposes of this Section 6.17 .

 

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6.18 Minority Holder Rights . In the two years following the Effective Date, the Company shall not consummate either (A) a merger, stock issuance, sale of all or substantially all assets, change of entity, or any similar transaction pursuant to which not all holders of Shares are treated equally or (B) a transaction with an Affiliate (an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), without prior approval from either (1) the Required Majority or (2) the Independent Designee. If such transaction is approved by the Independent Designee without the approval of the Required Majority, the Company shall not consummate any such transaction unless it also receives an opinion from an investment bank or other similar financial advisor that the contemplated transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company (a “ Fairness Opinion ”); provided , however , that a Fairness Opinion shall only be required (i) for any transaction with a value in excess of forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000) or (ii) for any Affiliate Transaction with a value in excess of seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($7,500,000). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Fairness Opinion shall be required for any capital contributions used solely to support the Company’s potential sixty million dollars ($60,000,000) in additional capital contributions to Piceance in accordance with that certain Piceance Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Piceance LLC Agreement ”), if the timing of such capital contributions makes obtaining a Fairness Opinion impractical. In addition, the following transactions shall not be deemed Affiliate Transactions: (x) any debt financing provided by Stockholders or their Affiliates for transactions in connection with the above-referenced capital contributions to Piceance or for transactions with Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company (provided, that any equity, warrants or options included in such debt financing shall still be considered an Affiliate Transaction and thus subject to the $7,500,000 threshold set forth in (ii) above); (y) indemnification or related payments made to officers, directors and employees of the Company pursuant to its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, or other contractual provisions; and (z) any employment or compensation arrangement with an officer, director, employee or consultant of the Company that is not ZCOF, Whitebox, or an Affiliate of ZCOF or Whitebox and that is entered into by the Company in the ordinary course of business. Holders of Shares other than the Stockholders shall be third-party beneficiaries, with direct right of enforcement, for the purposes of this Section 6.18 .

6.19 Piceance Drag Rights . Upon receipt of a Drag-Along Notice (as defined in the Piceance LLC Agreement), the Company and the Stockholders shall use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate a transfer (including by voting for such transfer) of Piceance membership interests if required pursuant to Section 11.4 of the Piceance LLC Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Stockholders Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

C OMPANY :
PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John T. Young

Name:   John T. Young
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

Address:

 

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Facsimile: (303 298-8251

 

Email: jyoung@conwaymackenzie.com

 

K EY H OLDERS :

 

ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P.

/s/ Illegible

By:   Chai Trust Company, LLC, General Partner
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

S IGNATURE P AGE T O S TOCKHOLDERS A GREEMENT


WATERSTONE OFFSHORE ER FUND, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel

PRIME CAPITAL MASTER SPC, GOT WAT

MAC SEGREGATED PORTFOLIO

By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MAC51, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MASTER FUND, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MF FUND, LTD.
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
NOMURA WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
DBX CONVERTIBLE ARBITRAGE 13 FUND
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel

S IGNATURE P AGE T O S TOCKHOLDERS A GREEMENT


PANDORA SELECT PARTNERS, LP
By:   Pandora Select Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Partner

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO
IAM MINI-FUND 14 LIMITED
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Investment Advisor

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

WHITEBOX MULTI-STRATEGY PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Multi-Strategy Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

S IGNATURE P AGE T O S TOCKHOLDERS A GREEMENT


WHITEBOX CREDIT ARBITRAGE PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Credit Arbitrage Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO
HFR RVA COMBINED MASTER TRUST
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Investment Advisor

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

WHITEBOX CONCENTRATED CONVERTIBLE ARBITRAGE PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

S IGNATURE P AGE T O S TOCKHOLDERS A GREEMENT


WHITEBOX ASYMMETRIC PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Asymmetric Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

S IGNATURE P AGE T O S TOCKHOLDERS A GREEMENT


SCHEDULE A

KEY HOLDERS

 

Name and Address

   Number of Shares Held

WHITEBOX ADVISORS, LLC

   ______

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 300

    

Minneapolis, MN 55416

    

Attention: Jake Mercer

    

Telephone: (612) 253-6001

Email: jmercer@whiteboxadvisors.com

  

ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P.

   ______

Two North Riverside Plaza

    

Suite 600

    

Chicago, Illinois 60606

    

Attn: Will Monteleone

    

Facsimile: (312) 454-0335

Email: wmonteleone@egii.com

WATERSTONE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.

   ______

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

    

Plymouth, MN 55447

    

Attn: Vincent Conley

    

Fax:  (952) 697-4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

  
    

 

TOTAL

    
    

 


EXHIBIT A

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


EXHIBIT B

ADOPTION AGREEMENT

This Adoption Agreement (“ Adoption Agreement ”) is executed on                     , by the undersigned (the “ Holder ”) pursuant to the terms of that certain Stockholders Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012 (the “ Agreement ”), by and among the Company and certain of its Stockholders, as such Agreement may be amended or amended and restated hereafter. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Adoption Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement. By the execution of this Adoption Agreement, the Holder agrees as follows.

1.1 Acknowledgement . Holder acknowledges that Holder is acquiring certain shares of the capital stock of the Company (the “ Stock ”), for one of the following reasons (Check the correct box):

 

  ¨ as a transferee of Shares from a party in such party’s capacity as an “Investor” bound by the Agreement, and after such transfer, Holder shall be considered an “Investor” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.

 

  ¨ as a transferee of Shares from a party in such party’s capacity as a “Key Holder” bound by the Agreement, and after such transfer, Holder shall be considered an “Investor” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.

 

  ¨ as a new Investor in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Agreement, in which case Holder will be an “Investor” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.

1.2 Agreement . Holder hereby (a) agrees that the Stock, and any other shares of capital stock or securities required by the Agreement to be bound thereby, shall be bound by and subject to the terms of the Agreement and (b) adopts the Agreement with the same force and effect as if Holder were originally a party thereto.

1.3 Notice . Any notice required or permitted by the Agreement shall be given to Holder at the address, facsimile number or email address listed below Holder’s signature hereto.

 

HOLDER:  

 

 

By:  

 

Name and Title of Signatory

 

Address:  

 

 

 

Facsimile Number:  

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

 

 

By:   

 

Title:   

 

Email:   

 

 

Exhibit 4.3

EXECUTION VERSION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of August 31, 2012, is entered into among Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and each of the other parties executing a counterpart signature page hereof whether on or after the date hereof.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Company and certain stockholders of the Company are party to that certain Stockholders Agreement (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”), with respect to certain corporate governance and related matters; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to provide certain stockholders of the Company who execute this Agreement with the registration rights specified in this Agreement with respect to any shares of Common Stock (as defined below) held by a Holder (as defined below), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1 Definitions

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth below:

Adverse Effect ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(e) .

Advice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 .

Affiliate ” has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.

Certificate ” has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.

Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share, as constituted on the date hereof, any such stock into which such Common Stock shall have


changed or any stock resulting from any reclassification of such Common Stock and any shares of any class of the Company’s common stock issued with respect to shares of Common Stock by way of stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble and will include any successors pursuant to Section 2.12 .

Covered Persons ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a) .

Demand Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i) .

Demand Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i) .

Demanding Stockholder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i) .

Disclosure Package ” means, with respect to any offering of securities, (i) the preliminary prospectus and (ii) each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.

Equity Security ” means any class of capital stock, including the Common Stock or any preferred stock of the Company, however described or whether voting or non-voting, and all securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable for or rights to purchase any such capital stock of the Company, if any, including any Equity Security Equivalent and any and all other equity securities of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such security or issued as a distribution with respect to or in exchange for such securities.

Equity Security Equivalent ” means any option, warrant, right, call or similar security or right exercisable into, exchangeable for, or convertible into Equity Securities.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

Excluded Registration ” means a registration under the Securities Act of (i) securities on Form S-8 or any similar successor form or (ii) securities to effect the acquisition of, or combination with, another Person registered on Form S-4 or any similar successor form.

Governmental Authority ” means any international, supranational or national government, any state, provincial, local or other political subdivision thereof; any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government; any court, tribunal or arbitrator; any self-regulatory organization; or any securities exchange or quotation system.

Holder ” means (i) each Person executing a counterpart signature hereto and (ii) any other Person who shall have become a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.9 .

Inspectors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(m) .

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus ” means any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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Long-Form Registration ” shall mean any Demand Registration that will be made on Form S-1 or any successor form or equivalent form under the Securities Act.

Joinder Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9 .

Material Disclosure Event ” means, as of any date of determination, any event relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that the Board reasonably determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel to the Company, (i) would require disclosure of material, non-public information in any registration statement or related prospectus including Registrable Shares (including documents incorporated by reference therein) so that such registration statement would not be materially misleading or otherwise not in compliance with applicable securities laws, (ii) would not otherwise be required to be publicly disclosed by the Company at that time in a periodic report to be filed with or furnished to the SEC under the Exchange Act but for the filing of such registration statement or related prospectus and (iii) if publicly disclosed at the time of such event, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, prospects or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries or would materially adversely affect a pending or proposed material acquisition, merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, financing or similar transaction, or negotiations with respect thereto.

NASD ” means the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(a) .

Party ” means any party to this Agreement.

Person ” or “ person ” means any natural person, firm, limited liability company, general or limited partnership, association, corporation, company, joint venture, trust, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Piggyback Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) .

Public Offering ” means the offer of Equity Securities on a broadly-distributed basis, not limited to sophisticated investors (except for qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act), pursuant to a firm-commitment or best-efforts underwriting or purchase commitment.

Qualified Public Offering ” means (i) a public offering of Common Stock under the United States securities laws or (ii) any merger, consolidation, business combination, amalgamation, transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or similar transaction to a third party as a result of which the shareholders of the Company receive, as the consideration in such merger, consolidation, business combination, amalgamation, transfer or similar transaction, equity securities of a class that (A) has been registered as part of a public offering under the United States securities laws and (B) is publicly traded on a national securities exchange or the London Stock Exchange or quoted on an automated interdealer quotation system in or outside the United States, which raises a minimum of $30 million of gross proceeds to the Company and/or the shareholders of the Company.

 

3


Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(m) .

register ,” “ registered ” and “ registration ” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of such registration statement.

Registrable Shares ” means (i) any and all shares of Common Stock owned by the Holders, whether owned on the date hereof or acquired hereafter (including shares acquired in a rights offering or upon the exercise of preemptive rights), and (ii) any and all shares of Common Stock issued or issuable with respect to the Registrable Shares by way of stock dividend or a stock split or in connection with any combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization; provided that Registrable Shares shall cease to be Registrable Shares as set forth in Section 3.1 .

Requesting Holders ” shall mean any Holder or Holders requesting to have its or their Registrable Shares included in any Demand Registration or Shelf Registration.

Required Filing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(ii) .

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, and any successor or similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

Shelf Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .

Short-Form Registration ” shall mean any Demand Registration that will be made on Form S-3 or any successor form or equivalent form under the Securities Act.

Stockholders Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Subsidiaries ” means any other Person (a) in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the securities or other ownership interests of such other Person, or (b) in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of managers or directors, or other persons performing similar functions, of such other Person.

Suspension Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 .

Suspension Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 .

 

4


Section 1.2 Headings

Headings shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

Section 1.3 Singular, plural, gender

References to one gender include all genders and references to the singular include the plural and vice versa.

 

Section 1.4 Recitals and Sections

References to this Agreement shall include the Recitals to it and references to Sections are to Sections of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.5 Information

References to books, records or other information mean books, records or other information in any form including paper, electronically stored data, magnetic media, film and microfilm.

 

Section 1.6 Interpretation

Whenever the words “ include ,” “ includes ” or “ including ” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “ without limitation .” This Agreement shall be construed as if it is drafted by all the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement if an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises.

ARTICLE 2

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 2.1 Demand Registration

 

  (a) Request for Registration

 

  (i)

At any time after the earlier of the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering or sixty (60) days after the date of this Agreement, any Holder or group of Holders that, together with its or their Affiliates, holds more than fifteen percent (15%) of the Registrable Shares (collectively, a “ Demanding Stockholder ”) shall have the right to require the Company to file a registration statement on Form S-1 or S-3 or any similar form or successor to such forms under the Securities Act, or any other appropriate form under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act for a public offering of all or part of its Registrable Shares (a “ Demand Registration ”), by delivering to the Company written notice stating that such right is being exercised, naming the Demanding Stockholder(s) whose Registrable Shares are to be included in such registration, specifying the aggregate number of the Demanding Stockholder’s Registrable Shares to be included in such registration and, subject to Section 2.1(c) hereof, describing the intended method of distribution thereof to the extent then known (a

 

5


  Demand Request ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any Demand Request involving an underwritten offering that is made prior to the earlier of the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering or two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, the term “Demanding Stockholder” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preceding sentence, except that the reference therein to “more than fifteen percent (15%)” shall be deemed to be a reference to “fifty percent (50%) or more.” The Demanding Stockholders hereunder shall collectively have the right to require up to three (3) Long-Form Registrations and an unlimited number of Short-Form Registrations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Holder together with its Affiliates holds 25% or more of the Common Stock held by such Holder as of the date hereof, then such Holder shall also have the right to require one (1) Demand Registration as a Demanding Stockholder. The number of Demand Registrations in the form of a Shelf Registration (as defined below) shall be unlimited.

 

  (ii) Subject to Section 2.1(f) , the Company shall file the registration statement in respect of a Demand Registration as soon as practicable and, in any event, within ninety (90) days after receiving a Demand Request (the “ Required Filing Date ”) on any form for which the Company then qualifies, and which form shall be available for the sale of the Registrable Shares in accordance with the intended methods of distribution thereof, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the same to be declared effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable after such filing; provided that:

 

  (A) other than a Shelf Registration, the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) within ninety (90) days after the effective date of a previous Demand Registration; and

 

  (B) the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) unless the Demand Request is for a number of Registrable Shares with an expected market value that is equal to at least (x) $15 million as of the date of such Demand Request or is for one hundred percent of the Demanding Stockholder’s Registrable Shares with respect to any Long-Form Registration or (y) $5 million as of the date of such Demand Request with respect to any Short-Form Registration.

 

  (b) Shelf Registration.

With respect to any Demand Registration, subject to the availability of a registration statement on Form S-3 (or any successor form), the Company shall, upon written request from a Demanding Stockholder, agree to effect a registration of the Common Stock in a continuous offering pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule) (a “ Shelf Registration ”), and, thereafter,

 

6


shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after the filing thereof.

 

  (c) Selection of Underwriters

At the request of a majority of the Demanding Stockholder(s) making a Demand Request, the offering of Registrable Shares pursuant to such Demand Registration, including pursuant to a Shelf Registration that is a Demand Registration, shall be in the form of a “ firm commitment ” underwritten offering. The Demanding Stockholders making such Demand Request shall select (i) the investment banking firm or firms to manage the underwritten offering and (ii) counsel to the Requesting Holders; provided that, in the case of clause (i), such selection shall be subject to the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. No Holder may participate in any underwritten registration pursuant to Section 2.1(a) unless such Holder (x) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting agreement described above as agreed upon by the Company and accepts the underwriters selected in accordance with the procedures described in this Section 2 and (y) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreements; provided that no such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (i) such Holder’s ownership of his, her or its Registrable Shares to be transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances created by such Holder, (ii) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer, and (iii) such matters pertaining to such Holder’s compliance with securities laws with respect to the Registrable Shares as may be reasonably requested; provided , further that any obligation of such Holder to indemnify any Person pursuant to any such underwriting agreement shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders selling Registrable Shares, and such liability shall be limited to the net amount received by such Holder from the sale of his, her or its Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration (which amounts shall include the amount of cash or the fair market value of any assets, including Common Stock, received in exchange for the sale or exchange of such Registrable Shares or that are the subject of a distribution), and the relative liability of each such Holder shall be in proportion to such net amounts; provided, further that this Section 2.1(c) shall not require any Holder of Registrable Shares to agree to any lock up agreement, market standoff agreement or holdback agreement other than those permitted by Section 2.4 hereof.

 

  (d) Rights of Nonrequesting Holders

Upon receipt of any Demand Request, the Company shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days) give written notice of such proposed Demand Registration to all other Holders of Registrable Shares, who shall have the right, exercisable by written notice to the Company within fifteen (15) days of their

 

7


receipt of the Company’s notice, to elect to include in such Demand Registration such portion of their Registrable Shares as they may request, so long as such Registrable Shares are proposed to be disposed of in accordance with the method or methods of disposition requested pursuant to this Section 2.1 . All Holders requesting to have their Registrable Shares included in a Demand Registration in accordance with the preceding sentence together with all Demanding Stockholders shall be deemed to be “ Requesting Holders ” for purposes herein.

 

  (e) Priority on Demand Registrations

No securities to be sold for the account of any Person (including the Company), other than a Requesting Holder, shall be included in a Demand Registration if the managing underwriters (or, in an offering that is not underwritten, a nationally recognized investment bank) shall advise the Company and the Requesting Holders in writing that the aggregate amount of such securities requested to be included in any offering pursuant to such Demand Registration would have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of any such offering, based on market conditions or otherwise (an “ Adverse Effect ”). Furthermore, if the managing underwriters (or such investment bank) shall advise the Company and the Requesting Holders that, even after exclusion of all securities of other Persons pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such Demand Registration by Requesting Holders is sufficiently large to cause an Adverse Effect, the Registrable Shares of the Requesting Holders to be included in such Demand Registration shall equal the number of shares which the Requesting Holders are so advised can be sold in such offering without an Adverse Effect and such shares shall be allocated pro rata among the Requesting Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by each such Requesting Holder; provided, that if the number of Registrable Shares owned by the Demanding Stockholder to be included in the Demand Registration is less than 80% of the number requested to be so included by such Demanding Stockholder, the Demanding Stockholder may withdraw such Demand Request by giving notice to the Company; if withdrawn, the Demand Request shall be deemed not to have been made for all purposes of this Agreement and the Company shall pay all expenses of such withdrawn Demand Registration in accordance with Section 2.7 hereof. A Demand Registration shall not count as a Demand Registration until it has become effective, and any Demand Registration shall not count as a Demand Registration unless the Demanding Stockholder is able to register and sell at least 80% of the Registrable Shares requested to be included by such Demanding Stockholder in such Demand Registration.

 

  (f) Deferral of Filing

The Company may defer the filing (but not the preparation) of a registration statement required by this Section 2.1 until after the Required Filing Date (i) for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180), if, at the time the Company receives the Demand Request, there exists a Material Disclosure Event, or (ii) for

 

8


a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180), if, at the time the Company receives the Demand Request, the Board determines in its reasonable judgment that such Demand Registration would (A) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate organization or other similar transaction involving the Company or (B) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act. A deferral of the filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.1(f) shall be lifted, and the requested registration statement shall be filed forthwith, if, in the case of a deferral pursuant to clause (i) of the preceding sentence, the Material Disclosure Event is disclosed or terminated, or, in the case of a deferral pursuant to clause (ii)(A) of the preceding sentence, the acquisition, corporate organization or similar transaction is abandoned, or, in the cause of a deferral pursuant to clause (ii)(B) of the preceding sentence, such Demand Registration would no longer render the Company unable to comply with the Requirements under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. In order to defer the filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.1(f) , the Company shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days), upon determining to seek such deferral, deliver to each Requesting Holder a certificate signed by an executive officer of the Company stating that the Company is deferring such filing pursuant to this Section 2.1(f) , a general statement of the reason for such deferral and an approximation of the anticipated delay. Within twenty (20) days after receiving such certificate, the Demanding Stockholder may withdraw such Demand Request by giving notice to the Company; if withdrawn, the Demand Request shall be deemed not to have been made for all purposes of this Agreement and the Company shall pay all expenses of such withdrawn Demand Registration in accordance with Section 2.7 hereof. The Company may defer the filing of a particular registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.1(f) only once in any consecutive twelve (12)-month period; provided that any deferral pursuant to this Section 2.1(f) shall be deemed to be a “ Suspension Period ” for purposes of Section 2.6 and shall be subject to the limitations and obligations during Suspension Periods set forth in Section 2.6 . Each Holder agrees to keep confidential the fact that the Company has exercised its rights under this Section 2.1(f) and all facts and circumstances relating to such exercise until such information is made public by the Company.

 

  (g) Withdrawal and Cancellation

Any Requesting Holder may withdraw its Registrable Shares from a Demand Registration at any time prior to effectiveness and any Demanding Stockholder shall have the right to cancel a proposed Demand Registration of Registrable Shares pursuant to this Section 2.1(g) . Upon such cancellation, the Company shall cease all efforts to secure registration and such Demand Registration shall not be counted as a Demand Registration under this Agreement for any purpose so long as the Demanding Stockholder pay all expenses (including the expenses of the Company) of such cancelled Demand Registration.

 

9


  (h) Inclusion of Other Securities

In any registration requested pursuant to this Section 2.1 , the Company shall not be permitted to register securities other than Registrable Shares for sale for the account of any Person (including the Company), unless permitted to do so by the written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares to be sold in such registration.

 

Section 2.2 Piggyback Registrations

 

  (a) Right to Piggyback

Each time the Company proposes to register any class of its common stock (other than pursuant to Section 2.1 or pursuant to an Excluded Registration) for sale to the public (whether for the account of the Company or the account of any security holder of the Company) (a “ Piggyback Registration ”), the Company shall give prompt written notice to each Holder of Registrable Shares not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the anticipated filing date of the Company’s registration statement. Such notice shall offer each such Holder the opportunity to include any or all of its Registrable Shares in such registration statement, subject to the limitations contained in Section 2.2(b) hereof. Each Holder who desires to have its Registrable Shares included in such registration statement shall so advise the Company in writing (stating the number of shares desired to be registered) within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of such notice from the Company. In the event the registration statement is not declared effective within ninety (90) days following the initial filing of such registration statement, unless a road show for an underwritten offering pursuant to such registration statement is actually in progress at such time, the Company shall promptly provide a new written notice to all Holders of Registrable Shares giving them another opportunity to elect to include Registrable Shares in the pending registration statement. Each Holder receiving such new written notice shall have the same rights afforded above. Subject to Section 2.2(b) below, the Company shall include in such registration statement all such Registrable Shares so requested to be included therein; provided that the Company may at any time withdraw or cease proceeding with any such registration if it shall at the same time withdraw or cease proceeding with the registration of all other equity securities originally proposed to be registered and shall provide each Requesting Holder with prompt written notice of such withdrawal or cessation; provided, further that any Holder shall have the right to withdraw such Holder’s request for inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Shares in any registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) by giving written notice to the Company of such withdrawal at least fifteen (15) days prior to such registration statement becoming effective.

 

  (b) Priority on Piggyback Registrations

 

  (i)

If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering and was initiated by the Company, and if the managing underwriters advise the Company that the inclusion of Registrable Shares or other securities requested to be included in the registration statement would cause an Adverse Effect, then

 

10


  the Company shall be required to include in such registration statement, to the extent of the amount of securities that the managing underwriters advise may be sold without causing such Adverse Effect, (A)  first , the securities the Company proposes to sell; (B)  second , the Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by any Holder thereof together with any other securities requested to be included by any other holders of piggyback registration rights in such registration, pro rata among such Holders and such other holder of piggyback registration rights on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares and such other securities requested to be registered by each such Holder or each such other holder of piggyback registration rights; and (C)  third , any other securities requested to be included in such registration. If, as a result of the provisions of this Section 2.2(b)(i) , any Holder shall not be entitled to include all Registrable Shares in a registration that such Holder has requested to be so included, such Holder may withdraw such Holder’s request to include Registrable Shares in such registration statement.

 

  (ii) If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering and was initiated by any of the other security holders of the Company (other than as set forth in Section 2.1 ) (the “ Secondary Offering Securityholders ”), and if the managing underwriters advise the Company that the inclusion of Registrable Shares and securities held by the Secondary Offering Securityholders and any other holders of piggyback registration rights requested to be included in the Registration Statement would cause an Adverse Effect, the Company shall include in such registration statement, to the extent of the amount of securities that the managing underwriters advise may be sold without causing such Adverse Effect, (A)  first , the other securities requested to be included by the Secondary Offering Securityholders, pro rata among such Secondary Offering Securityholders on the basis of the number of such other securities requested to be registered by each such Secondary Offering Securityholder; (B)  second , the Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by any Holder thereof together with any other securities requested to be included by any other holders of piggyback registration rights in such registration, pro rata among such Holders and such other holders of piggyback registration rights on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares and such other securities requested to be registered by each such Holder and each such other holder of piggyback registration rights; and (C)  third , any other securities requested to be included in such registration (including securities to be sold for the account of the Company). If, as a result of the provisions of this Section 2.2(b)(ii) , any Holder shall not be entitled to include all Registrable Shares in a registration that such Holder has requested to be so included, such Holder may withdraw such Holder’s request to include Registrable Shares in such registration statement.

 

11


  (iii) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 2.2(b)(i) and (ii) shall not apply to a Piggyback Registration that is a Shelf Registration.

 

  (iv) No Holder may participate in any registration statement in respect of a Piggyback Registration hereunder unless such Holder (x) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting agreement approved by the Company and (y) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents, each in customary form, reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreements; provided that no such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (i) such Holder’s ownership of his, her or its Registrable Shares to be transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances created by such Holder, (ii) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer, and (iii) such matters pertaining to such Holder’s compliance with securities laws with respect to the Registrable Shares as may be reasonably requested; provided , further that any obligation of such Holder to indemnify any Person pursuant to any such underwriting agreements shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders selling Registrable Shares, and such liability shall be limited to the net amount received by such Holder from the sale of his, her or its Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration (which amounts shall include the amount of cash or the fair market value of any assets, including shares of Common Stock, received in exchange for the sale or exchange of such Registrable Shares or that are the subject of a distribution), and the relative liability of each such Holder shall be in proportion to such net amounts; provided, further that this Section 2.2(b)(iv) shall not require any Holder of Registrable Shares to agree to any lock up agreement, market standoff agreement or holdback agreement other than those permitted by Section 2.4 hereof.

 

  (c) Selection of Underwriters and Counsel

Subject to Section 2.1(c) , if any Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering initiated by the Company or another security holder of the Company, the Company or such other securityholder shall select an investment banking firm or firms to manage the offering. The Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares included in any Piggyback Registration shall have the right to select one (1) counsel for the Requesting Holders.

 

  (d) Effect on Demand Registrations

No registration of the Registrable Shares effected under this Section 2.2 shall relieve the Company of its obligation to effect a registration of Registrable Shares pursuant to Section 2.1 .

 

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Section 2.3 SEC Registration Statements

 

  (a) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any Demand Registrations to be registered on Form S-3 (or any successor form), if applicable, once the Company becomes eligible to use Form S-3. If the Company is not then eligible under the Securities Act to use Form S-3, such Demand Registrations shall be registered on the form for which the Company then qualifies. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to become and remain eligible to use Form S-3.

 

  (b) All such registration statements shall comply with applicable requirements of the Securities Act, and, together with each prospectus included, filed or otherwise furnished by the Company in connection therewith, shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

Section 2.4 Holdback Agreements

 

  (a) The Company agrees (i) not to effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, except pursuant to Excluded Registrations, during the seven (7) days prior to the effective date of any registration statement in connection with a Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration and thereafter until the date on which all of the Registrable Shares subject to such registration statement have been sold (not to exceed ninety (90) days, as required by the underwriters managing the offering, subject to one extension of no more than seventeen (17) days if required by the underwriters managing the offering in connection with NASD Rule 2711(f) or any similar or successor provision) and (ii) if requested by the managing underwriters, to use reasonable efforts to cause each director and executive officer to agree not to effect any public sale or distribution (including sales pursuant to Section 144) of any such securities during such period (except as part of such underwritten registration, if otherwise permitted); provided that the foregoing described holdback shall not apply to the extent that the managing underwriters of such offering otherwise agree or, in the event a registration statement does not relate to an underwritten offering with respect to clause (i), if the holders of a majority of such Registrable Shares consent thereto.

 

  (b)

If any Holders of Registrable Shares notify the Company in writing that they intend to effect an underwritten sale of Common Stock registered pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the Company agrees (i) not to effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for its equity securities, except pursuant to Excluded Registrations, during the seven (7) days prior to and during the ninety (90)-day period beginning on the filing of the prospectus supplement with respect to such offering (not to exceed ninety (90) days, as required by the underwriters managing the offering, subject to one extension of no more than seventeen (17) days if required by the underwriters managing the offering in connection with

 

13


  NASD Rule 2711(f) or any similar or successor provision); and (ii) if requested by the managing underwriters, to use reasonable efforts to cause each director and executive officer to agree not to effect any public sale or distribution (including sales pursuant to Section 144) of any such securities during such period (except as part of such underwritten registration, if otherwise permitted); provided that the foregoing described holdback shall not apply to the extent that the managing underwriters of such offering otherwise agree.

 

  (c) Each Holder of Registrable Shares agrees, in the event of an underwritten offering by the Company (whether for the account of the Company or otherwise), not to effect any public sale or distribution of any Registrable Shares, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such Registrable Shares, including any sale pursuant to Rule 144 (except as part of such underwritten offering), during the seven (7) days prior to and ending up to one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of an initial Public Offering and otherwise ninety (90) days after the date of the final prospectus; provided that each other Holder of Registrable Shares is subject to substantially the same restrictions and each Holder of Registrable Shares shall be released from its obligations under this clause to the extent that any other Holder of Registrable Shares is released; and provided further , that after a Qualified Public Offering, any Holder, upon notice to the Company that such Holder wishes to surrender such Holder’s rights under the Agreement, shall upon such notice and in accordance with Section 3.1 no longer be subject to the obligations imposed by this Agreement, including without limitation this Section 2.4(c) .

 

Section 2.5 Registration Procedures

Whenever any Holder has requested that any Registrable Shares be registered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such Registrable Shares in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof as promptly as is practicable, and pursuant thereto the Company shall as expeditiously as possible, but subject to the other provisions of this Agreement:

 

  (a) prepare and file with the SEC by the Required Filing Date a registration statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to such Registrable Shares and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective as soon as practicable after the initial filing thereof; provided that as far in advance as practicable before filing such registration statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Company shall furnish to the selling Holders copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents prepared to be filed (including exhibits and documents that are to be incorporated by reference into the registration statement, amendment or supplement), and any such Holder shall have the opportunity to provide comments to any information contained therein and the Company shall make any corrections or other amendments reasonably requested by such Holder with respect to such information prior to filing any such registration statement, amendment or supplement;

 

14


  (b) except in the case of a Shelf Registration, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments, post-effective amendments, and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period of not less than one hundred and eighty (180) days (or such lesser period as is necessary for the underwriters in an underwritten offering to sell unsold allotments) and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;

 

  (c) in the case of a Shelf Registration, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Shares subject thereto for a period ending on the earlier of (i) twenty-four (24) months after the effective date of such registration statement and (ii) the date on which all the Registrable Shares subject thereto have been sold pursuant to such registration statement;

 

  (d) furnish to each Holder selling Registrable Shares and the underwriters, if any, of the securities being registered such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus), any documents incorporated by reference therein and such other documents as such Holder or underwriters may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by such Holder or the sale of such securities by such underwriters (it being understood that, subject to this Section 2.5 and the requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, the Company consents to the use of the prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each such Holder and the underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Shares covered by the registration statement of which such prospectus, amendment or supplement is a part);

 

  (e) use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Shares under such other securities or “ blue sky ” laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder thereof or the managing underwriters reasonably request; use commercially reasonable efforts to keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the period in which such registration statement is required to be kept effective; and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such Holder to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by such Holder in such jurisdictions; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph (ii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not at such time so subject or (iii) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not at such time so subject;

 

15


  (f) promptly notify each Holder of such Registrable Shares and each underwriter, if any, in writing (i) when a prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed and, with respect to a registration statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective; (ii) of the issuance by any state securities or other regulatory authority of any order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Shares under state securities or “ blue sky ” laws or the initiation or threat of initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; and (iii) if such registration statement or related prospectus, at the time it or any amendment thereto became effective or at any time such prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, upon the discovery by the Company of such material misstatement or omission or of the happening of any event as a result of which the Company believes there would be such a material misstatement or omission; provided that, in the case of clause (iii), promptly after delivery of such notice, the Company shall, as the case may be, (x) prepare and file with the SEC a post-effective amendment to such registration statement and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to become effective so that such registration statement, as so amended, shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (y) prepare and furnish a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter deliverable to the purchasers of such Registrable Shares, such prospectus shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

  (g) permit (i) any selling Holder that, in such Holder’s reasonable judgment, may be deemed to be an underwriter or a controlling person of the Company (in each case, within the meaning of the Securities Act) and (ii) any selling Holder holding, or representing Holders of, a majority of the Registrable Shares included in such registration statement, to participate in the preparation of such registration statement or related prospectus and reasonably incorporate any information about such Holder furnished to the Company by such Holder that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, should be included;

 

  (h)

make reasonably available senior management of the Company, as selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares included in such registration, to assist in the marketing of the Registrable Shares covered by such registration, including the participation of such members of the Company’s senior management in road show presentations and other customary marketing activities, including “one on one” meetings with prospective purchasers of the Registrable Shares to be sold in the underwritten offering and otherwise to facilitate,

 

16


  cooperate with, and participate in each proposed offering contemplated herein and customary selling efforts related thereto, in each case to the same extent as if the Company were engaged in a primary registered offering of its capital stock; provided that such assistance does not unduly interfere with the normal operations of the Company in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice;

 

  (i) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and make generally available to the Company’s security holders an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder, as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the twelve (12)-month period beginning with the first day of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of a registration statement, which earnings statement shall cover said twelve (12)-month period; provided that such requirement shall be deemed satisfied if the Company timely files complete and accurate information on Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K under the Exchange Act as required thereby and otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act;

 

  (j) in the case of an underwritten offering, if requested by the managing underwriters or any selling Holder, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriters or such selling Holder reasonably requests to be included therein, including with respect to the Registrable Shares being sold by such selling Holder, the purchase price being paid therefor by the underwriters and with respect to any other terms of the underwritten offering of the Registrable Shares to be sold in such offering, and promptly make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

 

  (k) cooperate with the selling Holders and the managing underwriters to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing securities sold under any registration statement, which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required under applicable law, and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters or such selling Holders may request and keep available and make available to the Company’s transfer agent prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement a supply of such certificates;

 

  (l)

promptly make available for inspection by any selling Holder and any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to any registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent or representative retained by any such selling Holder or underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “ Records ”), as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration

 

17


  statement; provided that, unless the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement or the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company shall not be required to provide any information under this subparagraph (l) if (i) the Company reasonably determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that to do so would cause the Company to forfeit an attorney-client privilege that was applicable to such information or (ii) if either (A) the Company has requested and been granted from the SEC confidential treatment of such information contained in any filing with the SEC or documents provided supplementally or otherwise or (B) the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such Records are confidential and so notifies the Inspectors in writing, unless prior to furnishing any such information with respect to clause (ii) such selling Holder requesting such information agrees to enter into a confidentiality agreement in customary form and subject to customary exceptions; and provided , further that each selling Holder agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action and to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

 

  (m) furnish to each selling Holder and underwriter, if any, copies of (i) an opinion or opinions of counsel to the Company and updates thereof covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and (ii) a comfort letter or comfort letters and updates thereof from the Company’s independent public accountants, each in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by comfort letters by underwriters in connection with underwritten offerings;

 

  (n) cause the Registrable Shares included in any registration statement to be listed on each securities exchange or quotation system, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or quoted;

 

  (o) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Shares registered hereunder not later than the effective date of the registration statement related thereto;

 

  (p) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Registrable Shares covered by such registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other Governmental Authorities as may be necessary to enable the sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Shares;

 

  (q) notify each selling Holder promptly of any written comments by the SEC or any request by the SEC for the amending or supplementing of such registration statement or prospectus or for additional information;

 

  (r)

if applicable, enter into an underwriting agreement for such offering, such agreement to contain such representations and warranties by the Company and

 

18


  such other terms and provisions as are customarily contained in underwriting agreements with respect to that offering, including indemnities and contribution to the effect and to the extent provided in Section 2.8 and the provision of opinion of counsel and accountants’ letters to the effect and to the extent provided in Section 2.5(n) and enter into any other such customary agreements and take all such other actions as the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares covered by the registration statement or the underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Shares. The selling Holders shall be parties to any such underwriting agreement, and the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such selling Holders;

 

  (s) make every reasonable effort to prevent the entry of any order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of any security included in such registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal of such order;

 

  (t) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Shares not later than the effective date of the registration statement with respect thereto;

 

  (u) in connection with an underwritten offering make such representations and warranties to the selling Holders of such Registrable Shares and the underwriters with respect to the Registrable Shares and the registration statement as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings and deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by each seller of Registrable Shares covered by the registration statement and by the underwriters to evidence compliance with such representations and warranties and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company; and

 

  (v) advise each selling Holder, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance or threat of issuance of any stop order by the SEC suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal at the earliest possible moment if such stop order should be issued.

 

Section 2.6 Suspension of Dispositions

Each Holder agrees by acquisition of any Registrable Shares that, upon receipt of any notice (a “ Suspension Notice ”) from the Company of the happening of any Material Disclosure Event, such Holder shall promptly discontinue such Holder’s disposition of Registrable Shares until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus, or until it is advised in writing by the Company (the “ Advice ”) that the use of the prospectus may be

 

19


resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the prospectus, and, if so directed by the Company, such Holder shall deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registrable Shares current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event the Company shall give any Suspension Notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of registration statements set forth in Sections 2.5(b) and 2.5(c) hereof shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of the Suspension Notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Shares covered by such registration statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus or the Advice (such period, a “ Suspension Period ”). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts and take such actions as are reasonably necessary to render the Advice as promptly as practicable and shall as promptly as practicable after the expiration of the Suspension Period prepare a post-effective amendment or supplement to the registration statement or the prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference, or file any required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Registrable Shares included therein, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be entitled to more than two (2) Suspension Periods during any consecutive twelve (12)-month period, which Suspension Periods shall have durations of not more than one hundred twenty (120) days in the aggregate; provided that a Suspension Period shall automatically expire upon the public disclosure of the information to which the Material Disclosure Event relates.

 

Section 2.7 Registration Expenses

The Company shall pay all reasonable, out-of-pocket fees and expenses incident to any Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration, including all expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Article 2 , all registration and filing fees, all internal fees and expenses of the Company (including any allocation of salaries of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or other general overhead expenses of the Company and its Subsidiaries or other expenses related to the preparation of financial statements or other data normally prepared by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), all fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with any applicable Governmental Authority, as may be required by the rules and regulations of such Governmental Authority, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “ blue sky ” laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with “ blue sky ” qualifications of the Registrable Shares), rating agency fees, printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Shares in a form eligible for deposit with Depository Trust Company and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by a Holder of Registrable Shares), messenger, duplicating, distribution and delivery expenses, the expense of any annual audit or quarterly review, the expense of any liability insurance, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any listing or quotation of the Registrable Shares, fees and expenses of counsel for the Company and fees and expenses of its independent certified public accountants (including the expenses of any special audit or “ cold comfort ” letters required by or incident to such performance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in

 

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connection with such registration and the reasonable fees and expenses of any one (1) counsel for all Holders participating in such registration shall be paid for by the Company, which counsel shall be selected in accordance with Section 2.1(c) or Section 2.2(c) , as applicable. Any underwriting discounts, commissions, fees or stock transfer taxes attributable to the sale of the Registrable Shares shall be borne by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of shares so registered whether or not any registration statement becomes effective, and the fees and expenses of any counsel, accountants, or other persons retained or employed by any Holder (other than as set forth in the preceding sentence) shall be borne by such Holder.

 

Section 2.8 Indemnification

 

  (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each seller of Registrable Shares, its Affiliates and their respective employees, advisors, agents, representatives, partners, members, officers, and directors, each other Person who participates as an underwriter, broker or dealer in any offering or sale of securities and each other Person who controls such seller or any such participating Person (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) and any agent or investment advisor thereof (collectively, the “ Covered Persons ”) against, and reimburse, (i) any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, joint or several (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, other than to the extent limited by Section 2.8(c) and (d) ), based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement, any Disclosure Statement, any prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus included therein or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation or investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission; and (iii) any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) as may be reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending against any litigation, or investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission, or such violation of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the extent that any such expense or cost is not paid under clauses (i) or (ii) above; except (A) insofar as any such statements or omissions are caused by or contained in written information furnished to the Company by such seller or any Covered Person specifically for inclusion in such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, any Disclosure Package, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, amendment or supplement thereto or (B) to the extent that any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is incurred by a seller of Registrable Shares as a result of selling such Registrable Shares during a Suspension Period.

 

21


  (b) In connection with any registration statement in which a seller of Registrable Shares is participating pursuant to this Article 2 , each such seller shall furnish to the Company such written information and affidavits regarding such seller, the Registrable Shares and the intended distribution thereof as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or prospectus and as shall be reasonably required in connection with any registration, qualification or compliance required in connection with this Article 2 and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each such seller shall indemnify the Company, and its officers and directors and each other Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, joint or several (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, other than to the extent limited by Section 2.8(c) and (d) ), based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement, any prospectus, preliminary prospectus, Disclosure Package or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus included therein or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is contained in any written information furnished by such seller or any Covered Person specifically stating that it has been provided for inclusion in such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, Disclosure Package or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, or document incorporated by reference therein; provided that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such sellers of Registrable Shares, and the liability of each such seller of Registrable Shares shall be in proportion to, and shall be limited to, the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration statement.

 

  (c)

Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not limit the rights of such Person or relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have under subsection (a) and (b) above unless and only to the extent that failure to give such notice materially prejudices the indemnifying party; and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and any indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim at the expense of such indemnified person, unless (x) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses or (y) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the

 

22


  defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person. If such defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party when permitted hereunder, the indemnified party shall be entitled to assume and control such defense and to settle and agree to pay in full such claim without the consent of the indemnifying party without prejudice to the ability of the indemnified party to enforce its claim for indemnification against the indemnifying party hereunder.

 

  (d) Except as otherwise provided in the preceding paragraph, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If such defense is assumed by the indemnifying party pursuant to the provisions hereof, such indemnifying party shall not settle or otherwise compromise the applicable claim (i) unless (A) such settlement or compromise contains a full and unconditional release of the indemnified party and (B) such settlement or compromise does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of the indemnified party or (ii) if such settlement or compromise provides for injunctive or other non-monetary relief, in each case, unless the indemnified party otherwise consents in writing. An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one (1) counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such additional counsel or counsels.

 

  (e)

Each party hereto agrees that, if for any reason the indemnification provisions contemplated by Section 2.8(a) or Section 2.8(b) are unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party and the indemnified party from the offering of Registrable Shares (taking into account the portion of the proceeds of the offering realized by each such party, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, or provides a lesser sum to the indemnified party than the amount hereinafter calculated in this clause (ii), in such proportion as is appropriate not only to reflect the relative benefits referred to in clause (i), but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, respectively, in connection with the actions or omissions that resulted in the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information

 

23


  supplied by such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.8(e) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders or any underwriters or all of them were treated as one (1) entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 2.8(e) . The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include (subject to any limitation set forth thereon) any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or, except as provided in Section 2.8(c) and (d) , defending any such action, proceeding or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.8(e) , no Holder shall be required to contribute an amount greater than the dollar amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holder with respect to the sale of any Registrable Shares exceeds the amount of damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any and all untrue or alleged untrue statements of material fact or omissions or alleged omissions of material fact made in any registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein, related to such sale of Registrable Shares. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations in this Section 2.8(e) to contribute shall be several in proportion to the amount of Registrable Shares registered by them and not joint and several.

If indemnification is available under this Section 2.8 , the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the fullest extent provided in Section 2.8(a) and Section 2.8(b) without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying party or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this Section 2.8(e) subject, in the case of the Holders, to the limits set forth in Section 2.8(b) .

 

  (f) The indemnification and contribution provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director, or controlling Person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities and the termination of this Agreement.

 

  (g) As used in this Section 2.8 , the terms “ officers ” and “ directors ” shall include the direct or indirect partners, members or managers of Holders of Registrable Shares that are partnerships or limited liability companies, as the case may be.

 

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Section 2.9 Transfer of Registration Rights

Provided that the Company is given prompt written notice by the Holder of Registrable Shares of any transfer of Registrable Shares by such Holder of Registrable Shares stating the name and address of the transferee of such Registrable Shares and identifying the securities with respect to which the rights under this Article 2 are being assigned, the rights of such Holder of Registrable Shares under this Article 2 may be transferred in whole or in part at any time to any such transferee, so long as such transfer of securities is in accordance with all applicable state and federal securities laws and regulations, with the Certificate, with this Agreement and the provisions of any other instruments executed by and among each of the parties hereto (including the Stockholders Agreement), and such transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement by executing and delivering a Joinder Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the “ Joinder Agreement ”). The Company shall be responsible for the expenses of registration in accordance with Section 2.7 of any transferee or assignee pursuant to this Section 2.9 to the same extent as the original transferor.

 

Section 2.10 Rule 144

The Company shall timely file (taking into account all valid extensions) the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (or, if the Company is not required to file such reports, shall, upon the request of the Holders, make publicly available information substantially similar to the type of information that would be required if the Company was subject to rules under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take such further action as the Holders may reasonably request, in each case to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell Common Stock without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144. Upon the reasonable request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such parties a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements, a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company as may be reasonably requested by any Holder in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the SEC permitting the selling of any the securities without registration and shall, at its expense, forthwith upon the request of any such Holder, deliver to such Holder a certificate, signed by the Company’s principal financial officer, stating (a) the Company’s name, address and telephone number (including area code), (b) the Company’s Internal Revenue Service identification number, (c) the Company’s SEC file number, (d) the number of shares of each class of capital stock outstanding as shown by the most recent report or statement published by the Company, and (e) whether the Company has filed the reports required to be filed under the Exchange Act for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of such certificate and has filed the most recent annual report required to be filed thereunder.

 

Section 2.11 Preservation of Rights

From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not (a) enter into any agreement with any Holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company providing for the granting to the holder of registration rights that are more favorable in any material respect than or are otherwise inconsistent with the rights granted hereunder and which does not expressly

 

25


provide that the Holders in this Agreement shall be treated pari passu or with priority with respect to such other holders have priority over such new holders of securities of the Company in any subsequent registration statement or (b) with respect to its securities, enter into any agreement or arrangement, take any action, or permit any change to occur that violates or subordinates the rights expressly granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

 

Section 2.12 Applicability of Rights to Holders in the Event of an Acquisition

In the event the Company merges into, consolidates with, sells substantially all of its assets to or otherwise becomes an Affiliate of a Person pursuant to a transaction or series of related transactions in which members of the Holders receive equity securities of such Person (or of any Affiliate of such Person) in exchange for shares of Common Stock held by such Holders, all of the rights of the Holders set forth in this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect and shall apply to the Person the equity securities of which are received by such Holders pursuant to such transaction or series of related transactions. The Company agrees that the Company shall not enter into any agreement that has the effect set forth in the first clause of the preceding sentence unless such Person agrees to be bound by the foregoing provision.

 

Section 2.13 Deemed Underwriters

To the extent that, in connection with a registration of any of the Registrable Shares under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 2.1 or 2.2 , any selling Holder is deemed to be an underwriter of Registrable Shares pursuant to any SEC comments or policies, the Company agrees that (1) the indemnification and contribution provisions contained in Section 2.8 shall be applicable to the benefit of such selling Holder in its role as deemed underwriter in addition to its capacity as Holder and (2) such selling Holder shall be entitled to conduct the due diligence which it would normally conduct in connection with an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, including receipt of customary opinions and comfort letters.

ARTICLE 3

TERMINATION

 

Section 3.1 Termination

A particular Registrable Share shall cease to be a Registrable Share when: (a) a registration statement covering such Registrable Share has been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Share has been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement, (b) the sale to the public of such Registrable Share pursuant to Rule 144, or (c) such Registrable Share is proposed to be sold or distributed by a Person not entitled to the registration rights granted by this Agreement. The registration rights of a Holder in all of such Holder’s Registrable Shares shall cease to apply to such Holder and all such Registrable Shares (x) during any period when the entire amount of the Registrable Shares owned by a Holder may be sold in a single sale pursuant to Rule 144 or (y) at any time after one hundred eighty (180) days following a Qualified Public Offering effective upon such Holder’s election by written notice to the Company to no longer be a Party to this Agreement; provided , that if such Holder is subject to a holdback obligation pursuant to Section 2.4 at the time of such election, this clause (y) shall be effective at the time such obligation terminates. Upon the

 

26


effectiveness of a Holder’s election under clause (y) of the preceding sentence, without limiting the effect of such election, such Holder shall not have any further obligations under Section 2.4(c) . In connection with clauses (x) and (y) of this Section 3.1 , such Holder shall no longer be required for purposes of amending this Agreement and shall no longer be deemed a Holder of Registrable Shares for purposes of receiving any required notices hereunder. For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 3.1 , the Company shall, promptly upon the request of any Holder, furnish to such Holder evidence of the number of Registrable Shares then outstanding. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the written agreement of holders of at least 75% of all Registrable Shares then outstanding.

ARTICLE 4

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 4.1 Whole Agreement

This Agreement, together with the Stockholders Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

 

Section 4.2 Successors and Assigns

Except as otherwise provided herein, no party hereto may assign, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, any of its respective rights or delegate any of its responsibilities, liabilities or obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of each other party hereto.

 

Section 4.3 Amendment and Waiver

Except as otherwise provided herein and other than as a result of the execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement, no amendment, alteration or modification of this Agreement or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective against the Company or the Holders unless such amendment, alteration, modification or waiver is approved in writing by the Company and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares; provided, however, that no amendment, alteration, modification or waiver of the rights of any Holder who has a right to a Demand Registration may be made without such Holder’s prior written consent if such amendment, alteration, modification or waiver would have an Adverse Effect on such Holder’s rights under this Agreement. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 4.4 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement, including any phrase, sentence, clause, Section or subsection, is inoperative or unenforceable for any reason, such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative, or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever. If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, the

 

27


parties hereto intend that such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum degree necessary to make such provision valid and enforceable under applicable law and that such modified provision shall thereafter be enforced to the fullest extent possible.

 

Section 4.5 Remedies

The Parties agree that money damages or other remedy at law would not be a sufficient or adequate remedy for any breach or violation of, or a default under, this Agreement by them and that, in addition to all other remedies available to them, each of them shall be entitled to an injunction restraining such breach, violation or default or threatened breach, violation or default and to any other equitable relief including, without limitation, specific performance without bond or other security being required.

 

Section 4.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries

Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any person other than the Parties (including any permitted transferees that hereafter become Parties in accordance with Section 2.9 ) to this Agreement, or any of their respective successors and permitted assigns any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or provision contained herein.

 

Section 4.7 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts (including by facsimile, .pdf or other electronic transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.8 Notices

 

  (a) Any notice or other communication in connection with this Agreement (each, a “ Notice ”) shall be:

 

  (i) in writing in English; and

 

  (ii) delivered by hand, fax, registered post or by courier using an nationally recognized overnight delivery or courier company.

 

  (b) Notices to the Company shall be sent to at the following address, or such other person or address as the Company may notify to the stockholders from time to time:

Par Petroleum Corporation

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

Facsimile:  (303) 298-8251

Attention:  Chief Executive Officer

 

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with copies to:

Davis, Graham & Stubbs LLP

1550 17th Street, Suite 500

Denver, Colorado 80202

Facsimile: (303) 893-1379

Attention: John Elofson, Esq.

E-mail: john.elofson@DGSlaw.com

Brown Rudnick LLP

601 13th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

Facsimile: (202) 536-1701

Attention: Christopher J. Hagan, Esq.

Email: chagan@brownrudnick.com

 

  (c) Notices to the Holders shall be sent to such Holders at the addresses set forth on Exhibit B hereto or as provided on any Joinder Signature Page, as applicable, or such other addresses as the applicable Holder may notify the Company in writing from time to time in accordance with this Section 4.8 .

 

  (d) A Notice shall be effective upon receipt and shall be deemed to have been received:

 

  (i) at the time of delivery, if delivered by hand, registered post or courier; and

 

  (ii) at the expiration of two (2) hours after completion of the transmission, if sent by electronic transmission;

provided that if a Notice would become effective under the above provisions after 5.30 p.m. on any Business Day, then it shall be deemed instead to become effective at 9.30 a.m. on the next Business Day. References in this Agreement to time are to local time at the location of the addressee as set out in the Notice.

 

  (e) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.8 , in proving service of a Notice, it shall be sufficient to prove that the envelope containing such Notice was properly addressed and delivered by hand, registered post, overnight delivery service or courier to the relevant address pursuant to the above provisions or that the electronic transmission report (call back verification) states that the communication was properly sent or an e-mail was timely and properly sent attaching a copy of the subject notice as a .pdf.

 

Section 4.9 Governing Law and Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

  (a)

THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PARTIES UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO ITS EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, WILL BE GOVERNED

 

29


  BY AND INTERPRETED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE.

 

  (b) ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING SEEKING TO ENFORCE ANY PROVISION OF, OR BASED ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL ONLY BE BROUGHT IN ANY FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY DELAWARE STATE COURT, AND EACH PARTY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS (AND OF THE APPROPRIATE APPELLATE COURTS THEREFROM) IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH, ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEKING TO ENFORCE A FINAL JUDGMENT RENDERED IN SUCH COURT MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION. PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, SERVICE OF PROCESS ON SUCH PARTY AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.8 SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS ON SUCH PARTY.

 

  (c)

EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY EXPRESSLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION OR DISPUTE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO OR ANY DEALINGS AMONG THEM RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO ENCOMPASS ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER

 

30


  PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (iv) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND REPRESENTATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4.9 . IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

(This space intentionally left blank)

 

31


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

 

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

Name:  John T. Young
Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P.
By: Chai Trust Company, LLC, General Partner

/s/ Illegible

By:

 

Title:

 

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


WATERSTONE OFFSHORE ER FUND, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel

PRIME CAPITAL MASTER SPC, GOT WAT

MAC SEGREGATED PORTFOLIO

By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MAC51, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MASTER FUND, LTD
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MF FUND, LTD.
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
NOMURA WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel
DBX CONVERTIBLE ARBITRAGE 13 FUND
By:   Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Erb
Name:   Jeffrey Erb
Title:   General Counsel

 

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


PANDORA SELECT PARTNERS, LP
By:   Pandora Select Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Partner

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO
IAM MINI-FUND 14 LIMITED
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Investment Advisor

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

WHITEBOX MULTI-STRATEGY PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Multi-Strategy Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

 

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


WHITEBOX CREDIT ARBITRAGE PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Credit Arbitrage Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

HFR RVA COMBINED MASTER TRUST

By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Investment Advisor

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

WHITEBOX CONCENTRATED CONVERTIBLE ARBITRAGE PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Advisors, LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


WHITEBOX ASYMMETRIC PARTNERS, LP

By:   Whitebox Asymmetric Advisors, LLC
  its General Partner
By:   Whitebox Advisors LLC
  its Managing Member

/s/ Mark Strefling

By:   Mark Strefling
Title:   CLO

[Signature page to Registration Rights Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

JOINDER SIGNATURE PAGE

The undersigned hereby (i) joins as a “Holder” in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2012 (as the same shall be amended from time to time), by and among the parties set forth on the signature page thereto and any other signatories added thereafter (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), (ii) authorizes this signature page to be attached as a counterpart of such Registration Rights Agreement, and (iii) agrees to be bound by, and shall be entitled to the benefits of, such Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Dated:  

 

 

 

Name

 

 

Address

 

Signature


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE ADDRESSES

Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: (952) 697-4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

Highbridge International, LLC

c/o Highbridge Capital Management

40 West 57th Street, 32nd Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attn: Jonathan Segal

Email: jonathan.segal@highbridge.com

For all Whitebox Entities:

c/o Whitebox Advisors, LLC

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 300

Minneapolis, MN 55416

Attention: Jake Mercer

Telephone: (612) 253-6001

Email: jmercer@whiteboxadvisors.com

with copies to:

 

Brown Rudnick LLP

Seven Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Attn: Robert J. Stark, Esq.

Facsimile (212) 209-4801

Email: rstark@brownrudnick.com

  

Brown Rudnick LLP

185 Asylum Street, 38th Floor

Hartford, CT 06103

Attn: Howard L. Siegel, Esq.

Facsimile (860) 509-6501

Email: hsiegel@brownrudnick.com

Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P.

Two North Riverside Plaza

Suite 600

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attn: Will Monteleone

Facsimile (312) 454-0335

Email: wmonteleone@egii.com

with copies to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

155 North Wacker Drive, Floor 32

Chicago, IL 60606

Attn: Ron E. Meisler

Facsimile: (312) 407-8641

Email: Ron. Meisler@skadden.com

Exhibit 4.4

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT

Dated as of August 31, 2012

between

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

and

CERTAIN PURCHASERS OF WARRANTS

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1   

SECTION 1.1 Definitions

     1   

SECTION 1.2 Interpretation.

     8   

ARTICLE II. ISSUANCE OF WARRANT; CLOSING

     8   

SECTION 2.1 Issuance of Warrant.

     8   

SECTION 2.2 Closing.

     8   

ARTICLE III. FORM; EXCHANGE FOR WARRANTS; TRANSFER; TAXES

     9   

SECTION 3.1 Form of Warrant.

     9   

SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Warrants for Warrants.

     10   

SECTION 3.3 Transfer of Warrant.

     10   

ARTICLE IV. EXERCISE OF WARRANT; EXCHANGE FOR WARRANT SHARES

     12   

SECTION 4.1 Exercise of Warrants.

     12   

SECTION 4.2 Cashless Exercise.

     12   

SECTION 4.3 Issuance of Common Stock.

     12   

SECTION 4.4 Adjustment of Exercise Price and Number of Warrant Shares.

     13   

SECTION 4.5 Adjustment upon Issuance of Common Stock.

     13   

SECTION 4.6 Subdivisions or Combinations of Common Stock.

     16   

SECTION 4.7 Capital Reorganization or Capital Reclassifications.

     16   

SECTION 4.8 Consolidations and Mergers.

     17   

SECTION 4.9 Notice; Calculations; Etc.

     17   

SECTION 4.10 Excluded Transactions.

     17   

SECTION 4.11 Adjustment Rules.

     17   

SECTION 4.12 Regulated Holders.

     18   

SECTION 4.13 Unresolved Bankruptcy Claims Adjustment.

     18   

ARTICLE V. WARRANT FORFEITURE

     19   

SECTION 5.1 Failure to Fund Loans.

     19   

SECTION 5.2 Issuance of Additional Warrants.

     19   

ARTICLE VI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     19   

SECTION 6.1 Representations and Warranties of Investors.

     19   

SECTION 6.2 Representations and Warranties of the Corporation.

     20   

ARTICLE VII. COVENANTS OF THE CORPORATION

     21   

SECTION 7.1 Notices of Certain Actions.

     21   

SECTION 7.2 Financial Statements and Reports.

     21   

SECTION 7.3 Reserved.

     22   

SECTION 7.4 Merger or Consolidation of the Corporation.

     22   

SECTION 7.5 Reservation of Shares.

     22   

SECTION 7.6 Current Public Information.

     22   

SECTION 7.7 Public Disclosures.

     22   

 

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ARTICLE VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

     23   

SECTION 8.1 Notices.

     23   

SECTION 8.2 No Voting Rights; Limitations of Liability.

     24   

SECTION 8.3 Amendments and Waivers.

     24   

SECTION 8.4 Severability.

     24   

SECTION 8.5 Specific Performance.

     24   

SECTION 8.6 Binding Effect.

     24   

SECTION 8.7 Counterparts.

     24   

SECTION 8.8 Governing Law.

     24   

SECTION 8.9 Benefits of this Agreement.

     24   

SECTION 8.10 Headings.

     24   

SECTION 8.11 Reserved.

     25   

SECTION 8.12 Certain Taxes.

     25   

SECTION 8.13 Attorneys’ Fees.

     25   

SECTION 8.14 Filings.

     25   

SECTION 8.15 Other Transactions.

     25   

SECTION 8.16 Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction.

     25   

SECTION 8.17 Waiver of Jury Trial.

     26   

 

-ii-


WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT

WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of August 31, 2012, between PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”) and the investors named on the signature page hereto (each an “ Investor ” and collectively, the “ Investors ”).

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among the Corporation and certain lenders (the “ Lenders ”) and Jefferies Finance LLC, as agent for said lenders. In order to induce the Lenders to enter into the Credit Agreement and to make certain loans and provide other financial accommodations to the Corporation thereunder, the Corporation has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, to sell, issue and deliver Warrants (as hereinafter defined) to purchase Common Stock (as defined herein) of the Corporation to the Investors who are Lenders or Affiliates of Lenders under the Credit Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to such Warrant.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with such Person. An Affiliate of a Holder shall include any investment fund under common management or control by the managers of such Holder.

Affiliate Holder ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(d) hereof.

Allocable Number ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.2 .

Applicable Law ” shall mean all provisions of laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, certificates or orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Person in question or any of its assets or property, and all judgments, injunctions, orders and decrees of all courts and arbitrators in proceedings or actions in which the Person in question is a party or by which any of its assets or properties are bound.

Assignment Form ” shall mean the assignment form attached as Annex C to a Warrant.

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York, New York; provided, however, that any determination of a Business Day relating to a securities exchange shall mean a Business Day on which such exchange is open for trading.

 

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Cash Specified Transaction ” means a merger or consolidation of the Corporation that constitutes a Specified Transaction in which at least 25% of the consideration paid to the Corporation’s stockholders in such Specified Transaction consists of cash or cash equivalents.

Closing ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2 .

Closing Date ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.2 .

Commission ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission (or a successor thereto).

Common Stock ” shall mean the Common Stock, currently $0.01 par value, of the Corporation, and any similar equity security of any successor entity to the Corporation.

Control ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, 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 ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Corporation ” shall have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble.

Convertible Securities ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.5(b) .

Credit Agreement ” shall have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble.

Delivery Date ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.3(a).

Equivalent Nonvoting Security ” with respect to any security (a “ first security ”) issued or to be issued by any Person, shall mean a security (an “ equivalent security ”) of such Person that is identical in rights and benefits to such first security, except that (a) the equivalent security shall not be entitled to vote on any matter on which holders of voting securities of such Person are entitled to vote, other than as required by Applicable Law or with respect to any amendment or repeal of any provision of the Organizational Documents of such Person or any other agreement or instrument pursuant to which the equivalent security was issued which provision specifically affects such equivalent security, (b) subject to such reasonable restrictions as any affected Regulated Holder may request (including, without limitation, any restriction necessary to prevent the violation by such Regulated Holder of any provision of Applicable Law with respect to its Ownership of voting securities), the equivalent security shall be convertible in a one-to-one ratio into the first security and (c) the terms of the equivalent security shall include such provisions requested by any affected Regulated Holder as are reasonable and equitable to ensure that (i) the equivalent security is treated comparably to the first security with respect to dividends, distributions, stock splits, reclassifications, capital reorganizations, mergers, consolidations and other similar events and transactions, (ii) the conversion right provided in clause (b) above is equitably protected and (iii) the acquisition of the equivalent security will not cause such Regulated Holder to violate Applicable Law.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Form ” shall mean the exchange form attached as Annex B to a Warrant.

 

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Excluded Securities ” shall mean:

(i) securities issued upon exercise of the Warrants;

(ii) securities issued by the Corporation in a Qualified Public Offering;

(iii) securities issued pursuant to the direct or indirect acquisition by the Corporation of any Person or assets, whether by merger, purchase of stock, purchase of assets or otherwise;

(iv) securities issued to Persons in connection with a joint venture, strategic alliance or other commercial relationship with such Person (including Persons that are customers, suppliers and strategic partners of the Corporation) relating to the operation of the Corporation’s business and not for the primary purpose of raising equity capital;

(v) securities issued upon exercise of conversion or exchange rights, options or subscription calls, warrants, commitments or claims, provided that the foregoing are outstanding on the date hereof; and

(vi) securities or options or rights to purchase securities issued to directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Corporation, or the issuance of securities upon the exercise of any such options or rights; provided , however , that the aggregate amount of all such Common Stock or Common Stock which may be acquired upon the exercise of such options shall not exceed an aggregate of 10% of the Common Stock (on a Fully-Diluted Basis).

Excluded Securities shall also include any securities issued upon the exercise of rights, warrants or options issued pursuant to clauses (i) through (vi) above.

Executive Officer ” shall mean, with respect to the Corporation, its Chairman or President.

Exercise Form ” shall mean the exercise form attached as Annex A to a Warrant.

Exercise Price ” shall mean $.01 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment from time to time in the manner provided in Section 4.5 .

Expiration Date ” shall mean the earlier of (i) August 31, 2022; (ii) a Cash Specified Transaction; and (iii) any Non-Cash Specified Transaction if approved by the Requisite Holders, immediately prior to the closing of such Non-Cash Specified Transaction.

Financial Officer ” shall mean the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation.

Fiscal Quarter ” shall mean, with respect to the Corporation, any of the fiscal quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each Fiscal Year.

 

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Fiscal Year ” shall mean, with respect to the Corporation, the calendar year ending on December 31.

Fully Diluted Basi s” means, as applied to the calculation of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time, after giving effect to (a) all shares of Common Stock outstanding at the time of determination, (b) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of any option, warrant (including the Warrants) or similar right to purchase Common Stock outstanding at the time of determination and then exercisable at a per share price equal to or less than the price per share of Common Stock being determined and (c) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of any security convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock outstanding at the time of determination and then so convertible or exchangeable at a conversion or exchange price equal to or less than the price per share of Common Stock being determined. Such calculation will not be made in accordance with the “treasury method.”

GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America in effect from time to time.

Governmental Authority ” shall mean any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any court, in each case whether of the United States of America or foreign.

Holder ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1(c) .

Investors ” shall have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble.

Lenders ” shall have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble.

Market Price ” shall mean, with respect to a share of Common Stock on any Business Day:

(a) if the Common Stock is Publicly Traded at the time of determination, the average of the closing prices for the Common Stock on all domestic securities exchanges on which such security may at the time be listed, or, if there have been no sales on any such exchange on such day, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices on all such exchanges at the end of such day, or, if on any day such security is not so listed, the average of the representative bid and asked prices quoted on the NASDAQ System as of 4:00 P.M., New York time, on such day, or if on any day such security is not quoted in the NASDAQ System, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices on such day in the domestic over-the-counter market as reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated, OTCQX or any similar successor organization, in each such case averaged over a period of twenty-one (21) days consisting of the day as of which “Market Price” is being determined and the twenty (20) consecutive Business Days prior to such day;

or

(b) if the Common Stock is not Publicly Traded at the time of determination, for the purposes of Section 4 only, the fair value of one share of Common Stock,

 

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determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation exercising reasonable business judgment; provided , however , if the Common Stock is not Publicly Traded at the time of determination for all other purposes, the Market Price shall be the Market Value Per Share.

Market Value ” shall mean the highest price that would be paid for the entire common equity interest in the Corporation on a going-concern basis in a single arm’s-length transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller (neither acting under compulsion), using valuation techniques then prevailing in the securities industry and always determined in accordance with the Valuation Procedures, and assuming full disclosure and understanding of all relevant information and a reasonable period of time for effectuating such sale. For the purposes of determining the Market Value, (i) the exercise price of options or warrants to acquire Common Stock which are deemed to have been exercised for the purpose of determining the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on a Fully Diluted Basis, shall be deemed to have been received by the Corporation, (ii) the liquidation preference or indebtedness, as the case may be, represented by securities which are deemed exercised for or converted into Common Stock for the purpose of determining the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on a Fully Diluted Basis shall be deemed to have been eliminated or canceled, (iii) any contract limitation in respect of the shares of Common Stock, including their transfer, voting and other rights shall be disregarded; (iv) any illiquidity arising by contract law in respect of the shares of Common Stock and any voting rights or control rights amongst the Stockholders, shall be disregarded; and (v) in the event of an Specified Transaction, the Market Value shall be based on the fair value of the consideration received by the holders of the Common Stock in such Transaction as determined based on the Valuation Procedures.

Market Value Per Share ” shall mean the price per share of Common Stock obtained by dividing (A) the Market Value by (B) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (on a Fully Diluted Basis) at the time of determination.

NASDAQ ” shall mean the NASDAQ National Market or the NASDAQ Smallcap Market.

Non-Cash Specified Transaction ” means any Specified Transaction other than a Cash Specified Transaction.

Notes ” means those certain loans or other obligations owing to the Lenders under the Credit Agreement.

Obligations ” shall have the meaning given such term in the Credit Agreement.

Offer ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Offer Letter ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Offered Securities ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Offering Holders ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

 

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Options ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.5(b)(i) hereof.

Organizational Documents ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, each instrument or other document that (a) defines the existence of such Person, including its articles or certificate of incorporation, as filed or recorded with an applicable Governmental Authority or (b) governs the internal affairs of such Person, including its by-laws, in each case as amended, supplemented or restated.

OTCQX ” means the United States over the counter market trading platform maintained by OTC Markets Group Inc.

Other Holders ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Own ” shall mean, with respect to any security, to own, hold or Control. Owns and Ownership shall have correlative meanings.

Person ” shall mean and include any natural person, company, association, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, business trust, other legal entity or unincorporated organization or any government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Proportionate Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to any Holder at any time, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares then held by such Holder by (b) the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding (on a Fully Diluted Basis).

Pro Rata Portion of the Notes and Warrants ” shall mean a transfer of the same percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the aggregate number of Warrant Shares originally issued or issuable upon exercise of the Warrants (including any underlying Warrant Shares previously exercised) in any transfer permitted pursuant to Section 3.3 . For example, if a Holder desires to transfer 40% of the principal amount of the Notes held by such Holder and/or its Affiliates, then it must also transfer a corresponding percentage of Warrants and/or Warrants Shares in an amount equal to 40% of the aggregate number of all Warrants originally exercisable under the Warrants.

Publicly Traded ” shall mean, with respect to any security, that such security is (a) listed on a domestic securities exchange, (b) quoted on NASDAQ or (c) traded in the domestic over-the-counter market, which trades are reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or OTCQX.

Qualified Public Offering ” shall mean an underwritten public offering of the Common Stock, or of rights, warrants or options to purchase Common Stock, registered under the Securities Act, (a) which offering results in net proceeds to the Corporation of at least $20,000,000 and (b) after which the shares of Common Stock are Publicly Traded.

Regulated Holder ” shall mean any Holder subject to any provisions of Applicable Law (including without limitation the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, (12 U.S.C. § 1841 et seq.) and the regulations promulgated thereunder) limiting the quantity or kind of securities (or any class thereof) of the Corporation which such Holder is permitted to Own.

 

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Requisite Holders ” shall mean Holders holding Warrants or Warrant Shares representing at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of all Warrant Shares issued or issuable upon exercise of Warrants outstanding on the date of determination; provided, however, that any Warrants or Warrant Shares owned by the Corporation shall not be deemed to be outstanding.

Restricted Securities ” shall mean the Warrant Shares which are held by the Investors and which theretofore have not been sold to the public pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Securities Offer Price ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Selling Holder ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.3(e) hereof.

Specified Transaction ” shall mean (a) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or (b) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into another entity (other than a merger or consolidation solely involving a merger of the Corporation with or into a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation).

Stockholders Agreement ” means that certain Stockholders Agreement between the Corporation and certain holders of its Common Stock including the initial Investors dated on or about August 31, 2012, as amended, modified or restated from time to time.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, at any time, any Person of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of stock or other interests entitled to vote in the election of directors or comparable Persons performing similar functions (excluding shares or other interests entitled to vote only upon the failure to pay dividends thereon or other contingencies) are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries, by the Corporation.

Transfer ” shall mean any bona fide sale, transfer, assignment, or other disposition of any interest in, with or without consideration, any security (other than a pledge or hypothecation).

Valuation Procedure ” shall mean, with respect to the determination of any amount or value required to be determined in accordance with such procedure, a determination (which shall be final and binding on the Corporation and the Holders) made (i) by agreement among the Corporation and the Requisite Holders within thirty (30) days following the event requiring such determination; or (ii) in the absence of such an agreement, by an Appraiser (as defined below) selected in accordance with the further provisions of this definition. If required, the Appraiser shall be selected within 10 days following the expiration of the 30-day period referred to above, either by agreement among the Corporation and the Requisite Holders or, in the absence of such agreement, by the Corporation selecting the Appraiser from a list of three potential Appraisers submitted by the Requisite Holders. The Appraiser shall be instructed by the Corporation and the Requisite Holders to make its determination within twenty (20) days of its selection. The

 

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fees and expenses of an Appraiser selected hereunder shall be borne fifty percent (50%) by the Corporation and fifty percent (50%) by the Holders (on a pro rata basis) participating in the transaction to which the determination relates. As used herein, “Appraiser” shall mean with respect to a determination of Market Value, a nationally-recognized investment banking firm.

Warrant ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1(a) .

Warrant Register ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1(c) .

Warrant Shares ” shall mean (a) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of a Warrant in accordance with Section 4.1 or upon exchange of a Warrant in accordance with Section 4.2 , and/or (b) all other securities or other property issued or issuable upon any such exercise or exchange in accordance with this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “Warrant Shares then held” by any Holder or Holders shall mean Warrant Shares held at the time of determination by such Holder or Holders, and shall include Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants held at the time of determination by such Holder or Holders.

SECTION 1.2 Interpretation . Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, to the singular include the plural, and to the part include the whole. The term “including” is not limiting and the term “or” has the inclusive meaning represented by the term “and/or.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. References to “Articles”, “Sections,” “Subsections,” “Exhibits,” and “Schedules” are to Articles, Sections, Subsections, Exhibits and Schedules, respectively, of this Agreement, unless otherwise specifically provided. Terms defined herein may be used in the singular or the plural. Any capitalized terms used herein which are not specifically defined herein have the meaning given to them in the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE II.

ISSUANCE OF WARRANT; CLOSING

SECTION 2.1 Issuance of Warrant . The Corporation hereby agrees to issue a Warrant registered in the name of each Investor exercisable for the individual number of Warrant Shares set forth on Schedule A hereto at a price per share equal to the Exercise Price. The number of Warrant Shares which may be purchased upon exercise of each such Warrant and the Exercise Price to be paid for such Warrant Shares are subject to adjustment in the manner provided in Article IV .

SECTION 2.2 Closing . The closing (the “ Closing ”) for the issuance, sale and transfer of the Warrant shall take place on the “Closing Date” as defined in the Credit Agreement, and simultaneously with or immediately after the First Advance (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has been made (the “ Closing Date ”), or, in each case, if such date is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

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ARTICLE III.

FORM; EXCHANGE FOR WARRANTS; TRANSFER; TAXES

SECTION 3.1 Form of Warrant .

(a) Each Warrant issued hereunder shall be in the form of Exhibit A (each, a “ Warrant ”) and shall be executed on behalf of the Corporation by an Executive Officer and attested to by a Financial Officer. The signature of any officer on any Warrant may be manual, PDF or facsimile. Upon initial issuance, each Warrant shall be dated as of the date of counter-signature thereof by the Corporation.

(b) Each Warrant and each certificate representing Warrant Shares shall include a legend in substantially the following form:

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR OTHERWISE IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT AND THE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT, EACH DATED AS OF AUGUST 31, 2012, AND EACH BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND CERTAIN INVESTORS. A COPY OF THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT AND STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION AND WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE RECORD HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CORPORATION.

(c) Each Warrant issued, exchanged or transferred hereunder shall be registered in a warrant register (the “ Warrant Register ”). The Warrant Register shall set forth the number of each Warrant, the name and address of the holder (a “ Holder ”) thereof, and the original number of Warrant Shares purchasable upon the exercise thereof. The Warrant Register will be maintained by the Corporation and will be available for inspection by any Holder at the principal office of the Corporation or such other location as the Corporation may designate to the Holders in the manner set forth in Section 8.1 . The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the Holder of any Warrant as the owner in fact thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such Warrant on the part of any other person. The Corporation shall not be liable for complying with a request by a fiduciary or nominee of a fiduciary to register a transfer of any Warrant which is registered in the name of such fiduciary or nominee, unless made with the actual knowledge that such fiduciary or nominee is committing a breach of trust in requesting such registration of transfer, or with knowledge of such facts that the Corporation’s participation therein amounts to bad faith.

 

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SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Warrants for Warrants .

(a) Subject to applicable federal and state securities laws, the Holder may exchange any Warrant issued hereunder for another Warrant or Warrants of like kind and tenor representing in the aggregate the right to purchase the same number of Warrant Shares which could be purchased pursuant to the Warrant being so exchanged. In order to effect an exchange permitted by this Section 3.2 , the Holder shall deliver to the Corporation such Warrant accompanied by a written request signed by the Holder thereof specifying the number and denominations of Warrants to be issued in such exchange, and related documentation, the names in which such Warrants are to be issued and such other documentation as may be reasonably requested by the Corporation to comply with applicable Federal and State securities laws. Within five (5) Business Days of receipt of such a request and all related documentation, the Corporation shall issue, register and deliver to the Holder thereof each Warrant to be issued in such exchange.

(b) Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation (an affidavit of the Holder being satisfactory) of the ownership and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Warrant, and in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon surrender of such Warrant, the Corporation shall (at its expense) execute and deliver in lieu of such Warrant a new Warrant of like kind representing the same rights represented by and dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant. Any such new Warrant shall constitute an original contractual obligation of the Corporation, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by any Person.

SECTION 3.3 Transfer of Warrant .

(a) Subject to Sections 3.3(c) , (d) , (e)  and (f)  hereof, each Warrant may be transferred by the Holder thereof by delivering to the Corporation such Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Assignment Form. Within five (5) Business Days of receipt of such Assignment Form the Corporation shall issue, register and deliver to the Holder, subject to this Section 3.3 , a new Warrant or Warrants of like kind and tenor representing in the aggregate the right to purchase the same number of Warrant Shares which could be purchased pursuant to the Warrant being transferred. In all cases of transfer by an attorney, the original power of attorney, duly approved, or a copy thereof, duly certified, shall be deposited and remain with the Corporation. In case of transfer by executors, administrators, guardians or other legal representatives, duly authenticated evidence of their authority shall be produced and may be required to be deposited and remain with the Corporation in its discretion.

(b) Each Warrant issued, in accordance with this Section 3.3 shall bear the restrictive legend set forth in Section 3.1(b) , unless the Holder or transferee thereof supplies to the Corporation evidence, reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation, that the restrictions described in such legend are no longer applicable to such Warrant.

 

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(c) The Corporation and each Holder agrees that the Notes and Warrants (and any underlying Warrant Shares) are not detachable instruments for transfer purposes, and so long as the Obligations are outstanding, the Notes and Warrants (or underlying Warrant Shares) may not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged separately, and any purported sale, assignment, transfer or pledge in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void and of no effect. Subject to Section 3.3(d) below, any transfer of the Notes and Warrants (or underlying Warrant Shares) prior to repayment in full of the Obligations shall be subject to the right of first offer rights of the Holders set forth in Section 3.3(e) below.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.3(c) above, each Holder shall have the right to transfer a Pro Rata Portion of the Notes and Warrants together to any Affiliate of a Holder (“ Affiliate Holder ”) so long as such Affiliate Holder agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (including this Section 3.3 ), which respect to such acquired Notes and Warrants (or underlying Warrant Shares).

(e) In the event that any Holder (the “ Selling Holder ”) desires to sell any Pro Rata Portion of the Notes and Warrants to any Person (other than to an Affiliate Holder) while the Obligations are outstanding, then such Holder shall first deliver a written offer letter (the “ Offer Letter ”) to the Corporation and the other Lenders and/or Holders (collectively, the “ Other Holders ”) notifying them of its desire to sell a Pro Rata Portion of the Notes and Warrants and indicating the exact amount of Notes and Warrants (or underlying Warrant Shares) desired to be sold by the Selling Holders (collectively, the “ Offered Securities ”). Upon receipt of the Offer Letter, the Other Holders (or any of them) shall have three (3) Business Days to elect to make an offer to collectively purchase all of the Offered Securities for cash by delivering a written notice of an offer to the Selling Holder (the “ Offer ”). The Offer shall set forth the purchase price (the “ Securities Offer Price ”) for all of the Offered Securities that the Other Holders making the Offer (the “ Offering Holders ”) desire to purchase, which Securities Offer Price shall be determined by holders of a majority of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding held by the Offering Holders. The Selling Holder will then have ten (10) days from its receipt of the Offer to notify the Offering Holders in writing of its acceptance or rejection of the Offer. If no such acceptance or rejection notice is given by the Selling Holder, then the Selling Holder shall be deemed to have rejected the Offer. In the event that the Selling Holder accepts the Offer, the closing of the purchase of the Offered Securities by the Offering Holders shall occur within thirty (30) days after the Selling Holder’s acceptance of the Offer at the offices of the Corporation or as otherwise mutually agreed by the Selling Holder and the Offering Holders. In the event that more than one Other Holder elects to be an Offering Holder, than, unless otherwise agreed by such Offering Holders, such Offer shall be made on a pro rata basis among such Offering Holders on the basis of their pro rata ownership (together with their Affiliates) of the principal amount of the Notes prior to such Offer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Selling Holder rejects the Offer or the Offering Holders, taken together, fail to close such purchase within the time period provided above, then such Offered Securities may be sold by the Selling Holder to a third party within 120 days after the expiration of the applicable time period set forth above subject to Section 3.3(f) below. Any such sale of Offered Securities to a third party shall be for consideration with a fair market value of not less than the Securities Offer Price and upon other terms and conditions, if any, not materially less favorable to the purchaser than those specified in the Offer. Any Offered Securities not sold within such 120-day period shall continue to be subject to the requirements of a prior offer and re-sale pursuant to this Section 3.3(e) . The provisions of this Section 3.3(e) shall terminate upon payment in full of all of the Obligations.

 

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(f) After the repayment of the Obligations or in the event of any transfer otherwise permitted pursuant to Sections 3.3(d) or (e)  above, the transfer of Warrants and Warrant Shares shall be permitted, so long as such transfer is pursuant to a transaction that complies with, or is exempt from, the provisions of the Securities Act, and the Corporation may require an opinion of counsel (which may be internal counsel to each transferring Holder) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it to such effect prior to effecting any transfer of such Warrants or Warrant Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3.3 , no transfer of Warrants or Warrant Shares may be made unless each transferee becomes a party to the Stockholders Agreement.

ARTICLE IV.

EXERCISE OF WARRANT; EXCHANGE FOR WARRANT SHARES

SECTION 4.1 Exercise of Warrants . A Holder may exercise a Warrant at any time prior to the Expiration Date by delivering to the Corporation such Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exercise Form and a certified or bank check or wire transfer of immediately available funds in an aggregate amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the Exercise Price by (b) the number of Warrant Shares being purchased;. Any partial exercise of a Warrant shall be for a whole number of Warrant Shares only.

SECTION 4.2 Cashless Exercise . On any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date, a Holder may exchange a Warrant, in whole or in part, for Warrant Shares by delivering to the Corporation such Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exchange Form. The number of shares of Common Stock to be received by a Holder upon such exchange shall be equal to (a) the number of Warrant Shares allocable to the portion of the Warrant being exchanged (the “ Allocable Number ”), as specified by such Holder in the Exchange Form less (b) the number of shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the product obtained by multiplying (A) the Exercise Price by (B) the Allocable Number of Warrant Shares by (ii) the Market Price as of the close of business on the date of delivery of the Exchange Form. The Allocable Number shall be a whole number.

SECTION 4.3 Issuance of Common Stock .

(a) Within five (5) Business Days following the delivery date (the “ Delivery Date ”) of (i) an Exercise Form or Exchange Form in accordance with Section 4.1 or 4.2 , (ii) a Warrant and (iii) any required payments of the Exercise Price, the Corporation shall issue and deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates, registered in the name of such Holder, representing the Warrant Shares being purchased or to be received upon such exchange.

(b) If a Holder shall exercise or exchange a Warrant for less than all of the Warrant Shares which could be purchased or received thereunder, the Corporation shall issue to the Holder, within five (5) Business Days of the Delivery Date, a new Warrant evidencing the right to purchase the remaining Warrant Shares. In the case of an exchange pursuant to Section 4.2 , the number of remaining Warrant Shares shall be the original number of Warrant Shares subject to the Warrant so exchanged reduced by the Allocable Number of Warrant Shares. Each Warrant surrendered pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2 shall be canceled.

 

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(c) The Corporation shall not be required to issue fractional shares of Common Stock upon the exercise or exchange of a Warrant. If any fraction of a share of Common Stock would be issuable on the exercise or exchange of any Warrant, the Corporation may, in lieu of issuing such fractional share, pay to such Holder for any such fraction of a share an amount in cash equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) such fraction by (ii) the Market Price in effect on the Delivery Date.

(d) Reserved .

(e) If permitted by Applicable Law, the person in whose name any certificate for shares of Common Stock is issued upon exercise or exchange of a Warrant shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares on the Delivery Date, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate, except that, if the Delivery Date is a date when the stock transfer books of the Corporation are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the stock transfer books are open.

(f) If any shares of Common Stock required to be reserved for purposes of the exercise or exchange of a Warrant require registration or approval under any Applicable Law, the Corporation will in good faith and as expeditiously as possible cause such shares to be registered or seek such approval, as applicable. The Corporation may suspend the exercise of any Warrant so affected for the period during which such registration or approval is required but not in effect.

(g) Any Exercise Form or Exchange Form delivered under Section 4.1 or 4.2 may condition the exercise or exchange of any Warrant on the consummation of a sale contemplated by Section 3.3(d) or 3.3(e) , or on the consummation of a sale of Warrant Shares pursuant to a public offering registered under the Securities Act, and such exercise or exchange shall not be deemed to have occurred except concurrently with the consummation of any such sale, with all periods of required performance in connection therewith adjusted accordingly.

SECTION 4.4 Adjustment of Exercise Price and Number of Warrant Shares . The number and kind of Warrant Shares purchasable upon exercise of each Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in accordance with this Article 4 .

SECTION 4.5 Adjustment upon Issuance of Common Stock .

(a) If, at any time after the Closing Date, the Corporation shall issue or sell (or, in accordance with Section 4.5 , shall be deemed to have issued or sold) any shares of Common Stock without consideration or for a consideration per share less than 95% of the Market Price determined as of the date of such issuance or sale, then, effective immediately upon such issuance or sale, the Exercise Price shall be reduced to an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such issuance or sale, by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of (x) the product obtained by multiplying (1) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (on a Fully Diluted Basis) immediately prior

 

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to such issuance or sale by (2) the Market Price as of the date of such issuance or sale, and (y) the consideration, if any, received by the Corporation upon such issuance or sale, and the denominator of which shall be the product obtained by multiplying (C) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (on a Fully Diluted Basis) immediately after such issuance or sale, by (D) such Market Price. Upon each such adjustment of the Exercise Price hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares which may be obtained upon exercise of such Warrant shall be increased to the number of shares determined by multiplying (A) the number of Warrant Shares which could be obtained upon exercise of such Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment and the denominator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately after such adjustment.

(b) For the purpose of determining the adjusted Exercise Price under Section 4.5(a) , the following shall be applicable:

(i) Issuance of Rights or Options . If the Corporation in any manner issues or grants any rights or options to subscribe for or to purchase (A) Common Stock or (B) any stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock (such rights or options being herein called “ Options ” and such convertible or exchangeable stock or securities being herein called “ Convertible Securities ”), and the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon the exercise of such Options or upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities is less than 95% of the Market Price determined as of the date of issuance or grant of such Options, then the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of such Options (or upon conversion or exchange of the total maximum amount of such Convertible Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options) shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Corporation for such price per share (and the Exercise Price accordingly adjusted as provided in Section 4.5(a) ). For purposes of this paragraph, the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon exercise of Options or upon conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of Options shall be determined by dividing (A) the total amount, if any, received or receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the issuing or granting of such Options, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration payable to the Corporation upon the exercise of all such Options, plus in the case of such Options which relate to Convertible Securities, the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration, if any, payable to the Corporation upon issuance or sale of such Convertible Securities and the conversion or exchange thereof, by (B) the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Options or upon the conversion or exchange of all such Convertible Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options. No further adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such Common Stock or of such Convertible Securities upon the Exercise of such Options or upon the actual issuance of such Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities.

(ii) Issuance of Convertible Securities . If the Corporation in any manner issues or sells any Convertible Securities having an exercise or conversion or exchange price per share of Common Stock which is less than 95% of the Market Price determined

 

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as of the date of such issuance or sale, then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Corporation for such lower price per share (and the Exercise Price accordingly adjusted as provided in Section 4.5(a) ). For purposes of this paragraph, the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities is determined by dividing (A) the total amount received or receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the issuance or sale of such Convertible Securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration, if any, payable to the Corporation upon the conversion or exchange thereof, by (B) the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of all such Convertible Securities. No further adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, and if any such issuance or sale of such Convertible Securities is made upon exercise of any Options for which adjustments of the Exercise Price had been or are required to be made pursuant to other provisions of this Section 4.5(b) , no further adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be made by reason of such issuance or sale.

(iii) Change in Option Price or Conversion Rate . If the purchase price provided for in any Options, the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issuance, conversion or exchange of any Convertible Securities, or the rate at which any Convertible Securities are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock change at any time, then the Exercise Price in effect at the time of such change shall be readjusted to the Exercise Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Options or Convertible Securities still outstanding provided for such changed purchase price, additional consideration or changed conversion rate, as the case may be, at the time initially granted, issued or sold and the number of Warrant Shares shall be correspondingly readjusted.

(iv) Treatment of Expired Options and Unexercised Convertible Securities . Upon the expiration of any Option or the termination of any right to convert or exchange any Convertible Securities without the exercise of such Option or right, the Exercise Price then in effect and the number of Warrant Shares acquirable hereunder shall be adjusted to the Exercise Price and the number of shares which would have been in effect at the time of such expiration or termination had such Option or Convertible Securities, to the extent outstanding immediately prior to such expiration or termination, never been issued.

(v) Calculation of Consideration Received . If any Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold or deemed to have been issued or sold for cash, then the consideration received therefor shall be deemed to be the gross amount received by the Corporation therefor. If any Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold for consideration other than cash, then the amount of the consideration other than cash received by the Corporation shall be the fair value of such consideration determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

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(vi) Treasury Shares . The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any given time does not include shares owned or held by or for the account of the Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation and the disposition of any shares so owned or held shall be considered an issue or sale of Common Stock.

(vii) Record Date . If the Corporation takes a record of the holders of Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them (A) to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in Common Stock, Options or in Convertible Securities or (B) to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, then such record date shall be deemed to be the date of the issuance or sale of the shares of Common Stock deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of the granting of such right of subscription or purchase, as the case may be.

SECTION 4.6 Subdivisions or Combinations of Common Stock . If, at any time after the Closing Date, (a) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding is increased by a dividend or other distribution payable in shares of Common Stock or by a subdivision or split-up of shares of Common Stock or (b) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding is decreased by a combination or reverse stock split of shares of Common Stock, then, in each case, effective as of the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, of such event, (i) the Exercise Price shall be adjusted to a price determined by multiplying (A) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such event by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to such event, and (ii) the number of Warrant Shares subject to purchase upon the exercise of any Warrant shall be adjusted effective at such time, to a number equal to the product of (A) the number of Warrant Shares subject to purchase upon the exercise of such Warrant immediately prior to such event by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to such event and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such event.

SECTION 4.7 Capital Reorganization or Capital Reclassifications . If, at any time after the Closing Date, there shall be any capital reorganization or any reclassification of the capital stock of the Corporation (other than a change in par value or from par value to no par value or from no par value to par value or as a result of a stock dividend or subdivision, split-up or combination of shares), then in each case the Corporation shall cause effective provision to be made so that each Warrant shall, effective as of the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, of such event, be exercisable or exchangeable for the kind and number of shares of stock, other securities, cash or other property to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon exercise or exchange of such Warrant would have been entitled upon such reorganization or reclassification and any such provision shall include adjustments in respect of such stock, securities or other property that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Agreement with respect to such Warrant.

 

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SECTION 4.8 Consolidations and Mergers . If, at any time after the Closing Date, the Corporation shall consolidate with, merge with or into, or sell all or substantially all of its assets or property to, another corporation (other than in a Cash Specified Transaction or a Non-Cash Specified Transaction if the Requisite Holders elect to cause the Warrants to expire in connection with such Non-Cash Specified Transaction), then the Corporation shall cause effective provision to be made so that each Warrant shall, effective as of the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, of such event, be exercisable or exchangeable for the kind and number of shares of stock, other securities, cash or other property to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon exercise or exchange of such Warrant would have been entitled upon such event.

SECTION 4.9 Notice; Calculations; Etc . Whenever the Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares shall be adjusted as provided in this Section 4 , the Corporation shall provide to each Holder a statement, signed by an Executive Officer, describing in detail the facts requiring such adjustment and setting forth a calculation of the Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares applicable to each Warrant after giving effect to such adjustment. All calculations under this Section 4 shall be made to the nearest one hundredth of a cent ($.0001) or to the nearest one-tenth of a share, as the case may be. Adjustments pursuant to Sections 4.5 , 4.6 , 4.7 and 4.13 shall apply to successive events or transactions of the type covered thereby.

SECTION 4.10 Excluded Transactions . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4 , no adjustment shall be made pursuant to this Section 4 in respect of the issuance of Excluded Securities.

SECTION 4.11 Adjustment Rules .

(a) Any adjustments pursuant to this Section 4 shall be made successively whenever an event referred to herein shall occur, except that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4 , no adjustment shall be made to the number of shares of Common Stock or to the Exercise Price if such adjustment represents less than 1% of the number of shares previously required to be so delivered, but any lesser adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time and together with the next subsequent adjustment which together with any adjustments so carried forward shall amount to 1% or more of the number of shares to be so delivered.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the actual amount payable by a Holder in connection with the exercise of a Warrant hereunder shall not be less than the par value per share of the Common Stock, unless and until the Exercise Price, as adjusted pursuant to this Section 4 , has been reduced to an amount less than 1% of the par value per share of the Common Stock. Before taking any action which would cause an adjustment pursuant to this Section 4 which would reduce the Exercise Price below 1% of the par value per share, the Corporation shall use reasonable best efforts to take any corporate action which may be necessary in order that the Corporation may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares at the Exercise Price as so adjusted; provided, that if corporate action is not taken which enables the Corporation to so validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares at the Exercise Price as so adjusted, the Exercise Price shall be the lowest price required under Applicable Law to enable the Corporation to so validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares (i.e. the par value per share of the Common Stock).

 

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SECTION 4.12 Regulated Holders . If, in the written opinion of counsel to any Regulated Holder (which may be internal counsel), the receipt by such Regulated Holder of Warrant Shares (or any security included therein) upon any exercise or exchange pursuant to this Article IV would cause such Regulated Holder to violate any provision of Applicable Law with respect to its Ownership of voting securities of the Corporation, then the Corporation will use its reasonable best efforts (including without limitation using its reasonable best efforts to cause its Organizational Documents to be amended) to create an Equivalent Nonvoting Security with respect to Warrant Shares (or any such security included therein), and such Regulated Holder shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise or exchange, in lieu of such number (as it shall specify) of shares or other units of Warrant Shares (or any such security included therein) otherwise receivable by such Regulated Holder, the same number of shares or other units of such Equivalent Nonvoting Security.

SECTION 4.13 Unresolved Bankruptcy Claims Adjustment . The Corporation and the Holders each understand and acknowledge that the number of Warrant Shares issued on the Closing Date to the Holders has been determined based on the number of shares of Common Stock issued as “allowed claims” on or about the Closing Date by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) pursuant to the Joint Amended Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates, as confirmed on August 15, 2012, by an order of the Bankruptcy Court on August 16, 2012 (the “ Plan ”). The Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price shall be adjusted in the event that any additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock (the “ Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares ”) are authorized to be issued under the Plan by the Bankruptcy Court after the Closing Date as a result of any unresolved bankruptcy claims under the Plan. Upon each issuance of any Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares, the Exercise Price shall be reduced to an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such issuance or sale, by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be (x) 147,655,815 1 and (y) the denominator of which shall be sum of (1) 147,655,815 and (2) and the number of additional Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. Upon each such adjustment of the Exercise Price hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares which may be obtained upon exercise of such Warrant shall be increased to the number of shares determined by multiplying (A) the number of Warrant Shares which could be obtained upon exercise of such Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment and the denominator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect immediately after such adjustment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4 , the adjustments provided in this Section 4.13 shall be the sole adjustment to the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares under this Section 4 as a result of the issuance of any Unresolved Bankruptcy Shares.

 

1  

The fully-diluted number of shares of Common Stock issued or issuable as of the Closing Date for allowed claims.

 

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ARTICLE V.

WARRANT FORFEITURE

SECTION 5.1 Failure to Fund Loans . In the event that any Lender or its Affiliates (collectively, a “ Defaulting Lender ”) fails to fund its pro rata share of any loans (the “ Loans ”) required to be made by such Defaulting Lender under the Credit Agreement (a “ Funding Failure ”), then the number of Warrant Shares exercisable under the Warrants held by such Defaulting Lender shall be reduced (the “ Warrant Shares Adjustment ”) to an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of Warrant Shares initially exercisable under the Warrant held by the Defaulting Lender and (ii) a fraction equal to one minus the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the amount of Loans previously made under the Credit Agreement by the Defaulting Lender by (y) the Defaulting Lender’s full commitment for Loans under the Credit Agreement. In the event that any or all of the Warrant Shares have been previously exercised by such Defaulting Lender prior to such Funding Failure, then a portion of the Warrant Shares held by such Defaulting Lender shall be forfeited to the Corporation in an amount equal to the excess, if any, between (i) the number of Warrant Shares issued and outstanding and held by such Defaulting Lender and (ii) the maximum number of Warrant Shares that would have been exercisable under the Defaulting Lender’s Warrants after the Warrant Shares Adjustment. Each Holder of Warrant Shares agrees that any Warrant Shares exercised by a Holder prior to the date that the Lenders are no longer required to fund any Loans under the Credit Agreement shall bear a legend and transfer restriction referring to the obligations of such Holder under this Section 5.1 . In the event that the Defaulting Lender includes more than one Affiliated Lender, then the Warrant Shares Adjustment shall be made on a pro rata basis among all Lenders who are an Affiliate of such Defaulting Lender.

SECTION 5.2 Issuance of Additional Warrants . In the event of any Funding Failure in accordance with Section 5.1 above, the Corporation shall have the obligation to reissue additional Warrants under this Agreement to any Lenders or new Lenders who fulfill the Loans not funded as a result of the Funding Failure by a Defaulting Lender (the “ Additional Warrants ”). The Additional Warrants shall be equal in the aggregate to the difference between (i) the number of Warrant Shares initially exercisable under the Warrants held by the Defaulting Lender and (ii) the number of Warrant Shares exercisable or held by the Defaulting Lender after the Warrant Shares Adjustment. The Additional Warrants shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among any Lenders who fulfill the Funding Failure commitments of the Defaulting Lender. The Additional Warrants shall otherwise be on the same terms and conditions as the Warrants initially issued hereunder.

ARTICLE VI.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

SECTION 6.1 Representations and Warranties of Investors . Each Investor represents that it (i) is acquiring the Warrant to be issued to it on the Closing Date for its own account, for investment purposes only and not with a view to any distribution or public offering in violation of the Securities Act, (ii) has the financial resources and capabilities to purchase the Warrant and to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Corporation and (iii) is an accredited investor as that term is defined under Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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SECTION 6.2 Representations and Warranties of the Corporation . The Corporation hereby represents and warrants to Investors as follows:

(a) Organization . The Corporation is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, has all requisite power and authority and has all material governmental licenses, approvals, consents and authorizations necessary to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or the property owned or leased by it requires such qualification except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed would not have a material adverse effect on the business, condition, operations or properties of the Corporation.

(b) Corporate Power and Authority; No Required Consents or Approvals .

(i) The Corporation has the power to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Warrants.

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance by the Corporation of this Agreement, the issuance of Warrants and the issuance of Warrant Shares upon exercise of each Warrant, have been duly authorized by all required corporate and stockholder action of the Corporation and will not (i) violate any provision of Applicable Law, any Organizational Document, or any indenture or other material agreement or instrument to which the Corporation is a party or by which the Corporation or any of its properties are or may be bound, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any such indenture or other material agreement or instrument to which the Corporation is a party, or by which the Corporation or any of its properties are or may be bound, (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any property of the Corporation or (iv) require registration or filing with, or consent, approval or any other action by any Governmental Authority, except as may be required under federal and state securities law.

(c) Enforceability . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Corporation and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable Obligation of the Corporation except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar event affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and except as enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity, whether such principles are applied in a court of equity. When the Warrants and Warrant Certificates have been issued as contemplated hereby, (i) each Warrant will constitute the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Corporation and (ii) the Warrant Shares, when issued upon the exercise or exchange of a Warrant in accordance with the terms hereof and of such Warrant, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of the Common Stock.

(d) Capitalization . The authorized capital stock of the Corporation consists of 300,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of which 147,655,815 shares are outstanding. All such outstanding shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

-20-


ARTICLE VII.

COVENANTS OF THE CORPORATION

SECTION 7.1 Notices of Certain Actions .

(a) In the event that the Corporation:

(i) shall authorize issuance to all holders of Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase capital stock of the Corporation or of any other subscription rights or warrants; or

(ii) shall authorize a dividend or other distribution to all holders of Common Stock of evidences of its indebtedness, cash or other property or assets; or

(iii) proposes to become a party to any consolidation or merger for which approval of any stockholders of the Corporation will be required by Applicable Law, or to a conveyance or transfer of the properties and assets of the Corporation substantially as an entirety, or of any capital reorganization or reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination);

(iv) commences a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up;

(v) files a registration statement for a Qualified Public Offering;

(vi) commences a Specified Transaction; or

(vii) proposes to take any other action which would require an adjustment pursuant to Section 4.5 ;

then the Corporation shall provide a written notice to each Holder stating (i) the date as of which the holders of record of Common Stock to be entitled to receive any such rights, warrants or distribution are to be determined, (ii) the material terms of any such consolidation or merger and the expected effective date thereof, or (iii) the material terms of any such conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of record of Common Stock will be entitled to exchange their shares for securities or other property, if any, deliverable upon such reclassification, conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up. Such notice shall be given not later than twenty (20) Business Days (or such shorter period if twenty (20) Business Days’ notice is impractical) prior to the effective date (or the applicable record date, if earlier) of such event. The failure to give the notice required by this Section 7.1 or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of any distribution, right, warrant, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, or the vote upon any action.

SECTION 7.2 Financial Statements and Reports . The Corporation shall furnish to each Holder such financial statements and reports as it furnishes or makes available to all of its stockholders, and in the same manner and with the same restrictions as it so furnishes such financial statements and reports.

 

-21-


SECTION 7.3 Reserved .

SECTION 7.4 Merger or Consolidation of the Corporation . The Corporation will not merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property to, any other corporation or partnership unless the successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be (if not the Corporation), shall expressly agree to provide to one representative of all Holders the securities, cash or property required by Section 4 hereof upon the exercise or exchange of Warrants and expressly assumes, by supplemental agreement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to each Holder, the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every covenant and condition of this Agreement to be performed and observed by the Corporation; provided , however , that the initial obligation of such successor with respect to the exercise or exchange of Warrants shall be only as set forth in Section 4 , and, provided further that the foregoing shall not apply to a Cash Specified Transaction or a Non-Cash Specified Transaction if the Requisite Holders have provided for expiration of the Warrants upon occurrence of such Non-Cash Specified Transaction.

SECTION 7.5 Reservation of Shares . The Corporation will at all times have authorized, and reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, for the purpose of enabling it to satisfy any obligation to issue Warrant Shares upon the exercise or exchange of each Warrant, the number of Shares of Common Stock deliverable upon exercise or exchange of all outstanding Warrants.

SECTION 7.6 Current Public Information . At all times after the Corporation had a registration statement declared effective with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Corporation will file all reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder, and will take such further action as any Holder or Holders of restricted securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required to enable such holders to sell Restricted Securities pursuant to (i) Rule 144 or Rule 144A adopted by the Commission under the Securities Act (as such rule may be amended from time to time) or any successor rule hereafter adopted by the Commission. Upon request, the Corporation will deliver to such holders a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

SECTION 7.7 Public Disclosures . The Corporation will not disclose any Holder’s name or identity as an investor in the Corporation in any press release or other public announcement without the written consent of such Holder, unless such disclosure is required by Applicable Law or governmental regulations or by order of a court of competent jurisdictions in which case prior to making such disclosure the Corporation will give written notice to such Holder describing in reasonable detail the proposed content of such disclosure and will permit the Holder to review and comment upon the form and substance of such disclosure.

 

-22-


ARTICLE VIII.

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 8.1 Notices . All notices, demands and requests of any kind to be delivered to any party hereto in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing (i) delivered personally, (ii) sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier, (iii) sent by first class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or (iv) sent by facsimile, in each case to such party at its address as follows:

(a) if to the Corporation, to:

Par Petroleum Corporation

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, CO 80202

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Telephone:

Telecopier:   (303) 298-8251

with a copy to:

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

1550 17th Street

Suite 500

Denver, CO 80202

Attention: John A. Elofson, Esq.

Telephone:   (303) 892-7335

Telecopier:   (303) 893-1379

(b) if to the Investors, at their respective addresses set forth on Schedule A hereto.

with a copy to:

Brown Rudnick LLP

601 Thirteenth Street, NW

Suite 600S

Washington, DC 20005

Attention: Christopher J. Hagan, Esq.

Telephone:    (202) 536-1761

Telecopier:    (617) 289-0771

Any notice, demand or request so delivered shall constitute valid notice under this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been received (i) on the day of actual delivery in the case of personal delivery, (ii) on the next Business Day after the date when sent in the ease of delivery by nationally-recognized overnight courier, (iii) on the fifth Business Day after the date of deposit in the U.S. mail in the case of mailing or (iv) upon receipt in the case of a facsimile transmission. Any party hereto may from time to time by notice in writing served upon the other as aforesaid designate a different mailing address or a different Person to which all such notices, demands or requests thereafter are to be addressed.

 

-23-


SECTION 8.2 No Voting Rights; Limitations of Liability . No Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to any voting rights or, rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder of the Corporation. No provision hereof, in the absence of affirmative action by the Holder to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder shall give rise to any liability of such Holder for the Exercise Price of Warrant Shares acquirable by exercise hereof or as a stockholder of the Corporation.

SECTION 8.3 Amendments and Waivers . Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived, but only pursuant to a written agreement signed by the Corporation and the Requisite Holders.

SECTION 8.4 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such provision and such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction

SECTION 8.5 Specific Performance . Each Holder shall have the right to specific performance by the Corporation of the provisions of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedies it may have at law or in equity. The Corporation hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent that it may do so under applicable law, any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which may be asserted as a bar to the remedy of specific performance in any action brought against the Corporation for specific performance of this Agreement by the Holders of the Warrants or Warrant Shares.

SECTION 8.6 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Corporation, each Holder and their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 8.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in several counterparts, all of which shall constitute together but one and the same agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when counterparts hereof executed on behalf of the Corporation and each Holder shall have been received.

SECTION 8.8 Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE WARRANTS, SHALL EACH BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

SECTION 8.9 Benefits of this Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other than the Corporation and each Holder of a Warrant or a Warrant Share any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim hereunder.

SECTION 8.10 Headings . The various headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any provisions hereof or thereof.

 

-24-


SECTION 8.11 Reserved .

SECTION 8.12 Certain Taxes . The Corporation will promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days of receiving any statement or invoice therefor) pay all reasonable fees, expenses and costs relating to: (i) all transfer, stamp, documentary or other similar taxes, assessments or charges levied by any governmental or revenue authority in respect hereof (but expressly excluding any capital gains or taxes on income), (ii) reasonable fees and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in respect of the successful enforcement by Holders of the rights granted to Holders under this Agreement, and (iii) the Holders’ reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses relating to the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution of any amendments, waivers or consents requested by the Corporation in writing pursuant to the provisions hereof, whether or not any such amendments, waivers or consents are executed. In addition, the Corporation shall pay all expenses in connection with, and all taxes (other than withholding, income or similar taxes) that may be imposed with respect to, the issuance or delivery of Warrant Shares upon exercise of this Warrant or the exchange of Warrants pursuant to Section 3.2 ; provided, that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any expenses or tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the exchange of any Warrant or issuance of any Warrant or any certificate for Warrant Shares in a name other than that of the Holder of the Warrant being exercised.

SECTION 8.13 Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding brought by a party to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover the reasonable and documented costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with that action or proceeding (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees).

SECTION 8.14 Filings . The Corporation shall, at its own expense, promptly execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to any holder of Warrants all applications, certificates, instruments and all other documents and papers that such holder of Warrants may reasonably request in connection with the obtaining of any consent, approval, qualification, or authorization of any federal, provincial, state or local government (or any agency or commission thereof) necessary or appropriate in connection with, or for the effective exercise of, any Warrants then held by such holder.

SECTION 8.15 Other Transactions . Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Holder from engaging in any transaction, in addition to those contemplated by this Agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates in which the Corporation or such Affiliate is not restricted hereby from engaging with any other Person.

SECTION 8.16 Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction . ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, OR ACTIONS OF THE HOLDERS OR THE CORPORATION SHALL BE BROUGHT AND MAINTAINED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE; THE CORPORATION HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH

 

-25-


LITIGATION AS SET FORTH ABOVE AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH LITIGATION. THE CORPORATION FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE OF DELAWARE. THE CORPORATION HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE OR HEREAFTER MAY HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH LITIGATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE CORPORATION HAS OR HEREAFTER MAY ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION OF ANY COURT OF FROM ANY LEGAL PROCESS (WHETHER THROUGH SERVICE OR NOTICE, ATTACHMENT PRIOR TO JUDGMENT, ATTACHMENT IN AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH RESPECT TO ITSELF OR ITS PROPERTY, THE CORPORATION HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

SECTION 8.17 Waiver of Jury Trial . THE HOLDERS AND THE CORPORATION HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, OR ACTIONS OF THE HOLDERS OR THE CORPORATION. THE CORPORATION ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED FULL AND SUFFICIENT CONSIDERATION FOR THIS PROVISION AND THAT THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE HOLDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

-26-


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

 

THE CORPORATION
PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
INVESTORS
WB DELTA, LTD
By:  

/s/ Mark Strefling

Name:   Mark Strefling
Title:   Director
WATERSTONE OFFSHORE ER FUND, LTD.
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
PRIME CAPITAL MASTER SPC
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel


WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MAC51, LTD.
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MASTER FUND, LTD.
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MF FUND, LTD.
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel


NOMURA WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
ZCOF PAR PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, L.L.C.
By:  

/s/ Philip G. Tinkler

Name:   Philip G. Tinkler
Title:   Vice President
HIGHBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL LLC
By: Highbridge Capital Management, LLC, as Trading Manager
By:  

/s/ Jonathan Segel

Name:   Jonathan Segal
Title:   Managing Director


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Form of Warrant Certificate

SCHEDULES

 

Schedule A    Ownership of Warrants and Warrant Shares


EXHIBIT A

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR OTHERWISE IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST     , 2012, BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND CERTAIN INVESTORS A PARTY THERETO. A COPY OF THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION AND WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CORPORATION.

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

 

No. W-       Warrant to Purchase
           Shares of Common Stock
                       , 2012

Common Stock Purchase Warrant

THIS CERTIFIES that, for value received,                     is entitled to purchase from the PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”),             shares of the Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the “ Common Stock ”), of the Corporation, at the price (the “ Exercise Price ”) of $0.01 per share, at any time or from time to time during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at 5:00 P.M. on the tenth anniversary of the date hereof or such earlier time as set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided , however , that this Warrant may not be exercised for any shares of Common Stock by any Regulated Holder to the extent that such exercise will result in a violation of any Applicable Law.

This Warrant has been issued pursuant to the Warrant Issuance Agreement (the “ Warrant Issuance Agreement ”) dated August 31, 2012, between the Corporation and certain investors, and is subject to the terms and conditions, and entitled to the benefits, thereof, including provisions (i) for adjusting the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon the exercise hereof and the Exercise Price to be paid upon such exercise (including any adjustment required by Section 5.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement), (ii) providing for certain “right of first offer” rights and (iii) providing certain information and other rights. A copy of the Warrant Issuance Agreement is available for inspection at the principal office of the Corporation and will be furnished without charge to the Holder upon written request to the Corporation. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 1. Exercise of Warrant . On any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date, the Holder may exercise this Warrant, in whole or in part, by delivering to the Corporation this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exercise Form in the form of Annex A and a


check in an aggregate amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the Exercise Price by (b) the number of Warrant Shares being purchased. Any partial exercise of a Warrant shall be for a whole number of Warrant Shares only. Any exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to the potential forfeiture rights of the Corporation set forth in Section 5.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 2. Exercise Price . The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 3. Exchange of Warrant . On any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date, the Holder may exchange this Warrant, in whole or in part, for Warrant Shares by delivering to the Corporation this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exchange Form in the form of Annex B . The number of shares of Common Stock to be received by the Holder upon such exchange shall be determined as provided in Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 4. Transfer . Subject to the limitations set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement, this Warrant may be transferred by the Holder by delivery to the Corporation of this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Assignment Form in the form of Annex C .

SECTION 5. Lost, Stolen, Mutilated or Destroyed Warrant . If this Warrant is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, the Corporation will issue a new Warrant of like denomination and tenor upon compliance with the provisions set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 6. No Stockholder Rights . This Warrant shall not entitle the holder hereof to any voting rights or, except as otherwise provided in the Warrant Issuance Agreement, other rights of a stockholder of the Corporation, as such.

SECTION 7. Successors . All of the provisions of this Warrant by or for the benefit of the Corporation or the Holder shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 8. Headings . Section headings in this Warrant have been Inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Warrant.

SECTION 9. Governs . This Warrant shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without giving effect to principles or conflicts or laws).


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Warrant to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and this Warrant to be dated as of the date first set forth above.

 

  PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

ATTEST:

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:


ANNEX A

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Attention:     Corporate Secretary

The undersigned hereby elects to purchase, pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant, as follows:

 

  ¨             shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment in cash of the Exercise Price of such Warrant Shares in full.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that Representations and Warranties in Section 6.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement with respect to such Holder are true and correct as of the date hereof.

 

        HOLDER :
Date:  

 

      By:  

 

      Address:  

 

       

 

Name in which shares should be registered:      

 

     

 

1


ANNEX B

NOTICE OF CASHLESS EXCHANGE

Attention: Corporate Secretary

In accordance with Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement, the undersigned hereby elects to exchange the attached Warrant for either:

 

  ¨             shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith the attached Warrant in exchange for a new Warrant for any remaining Warrant Shares not exchanged for such shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement; or

 

  ¨ the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the terms of Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement by delivery of the attached Warrant (estimated to be             shares of Common Stock), and tenders herewith the attached Warrant in exchange for such Warrant Shares.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that Representations and Warranties in Section 6.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement with respect to such Holder are true and correct as of the date hereof.

 

        HOLDER :
Date:  

 

      By:  

 

      Address:  

 

       

 

Name in which shares should be registered:      

 

     

 

1


ANNEX C

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

  (To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)   

F OR V ALUE R ECEIVED , the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

Name:   

 

(Please Print)

 

Address:   

 

(Please Print)

 

Dated:   

 

  
Holder’s      
Signature:   

 

  
Holder’s      
Address:   

 

  

NOTE : The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should provide proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

 

2


SCHEDULE A

KEY HOLDERS

 

Name and Address

  

Number of Warrants
Shares Exercisable

WB DELTA, LTD

c/o Whitebox Advisors, LLC

3033 Excelsior Blvd. Suite 300

Minneapolis, MN 55416

Attn: Katrina Kramer

Fax: 612-253-6178

Email: kkramer@whiteboxadvisors.com

Attn: Jake Mercer

Fax: 612-253-6149

Email: Jmercer@whiteboxadvisors.com

Attn: Barb Reller

Fax: 612-253-6114

Email: Breller@whiteboxadvisors.com

   3,326,574

WATERSTONE OFFSHORE ER FUND, LTD

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   197,278

PRIME CAPITAL MASTER SPC

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   29,736

WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MAC51, LTD

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   109,030


WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MASTER FUND, LTD.

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   1,167,007

WATERSTONE MF FUND, LTD.

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   272,097

NOMURA WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND

c/o Waterstone Capital Management, LP

2 Carlson Parkway, Suite 260

Plymouth, MN 55447

Attn: Vincent Conley

Fax: 952.697.4140

Email: vconley@wscm.net

   22,062

ZCOF PAR PETROLUEM HOLDINGS, L.L.C.

Two North Riverside Plaza

Suite 600

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attn: Will Monteleone

Fax: (312) 454-0335

Email: wmonteleone@egii.com

   3,959,328

HIGHBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, L.P.

c/o Highbridge Capital Management

40 West 57th Street, 32nd Floor

New York, NY 10019

Attn: Jonathan Segal

Email: jonathan.segal@highbridge.com

   509,013
  

 

TOTAL

   9,592,125
  

 

Exhibit 4.5

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR OTHERWISE IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 31, 2012, BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND CERTAIN INVESTORS A PARTY THERETO. A COPY OF THE WARRANT ISSUANCE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION AND WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CORPORATION.

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

 

No. W-        Warrant to Purchase

         Shares of Common Stock

                     , 2012

Common Stock Purchase Warrant

THIS CERTIFIES that, for value received,                      is entitled to purchase from the PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”),              shares of the Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the “ Common Stock ”), of the Corporation, at the price (the “ Exercise Price ”) of $0.01 per share, at any time or from time to time during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at 5:00 P.M. on the tenth anniversary of the date hereof or such earlier time as set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided , however , that this Warrant may not be exercised for any shares of Common Stock by any Regulated Holder to the extent that such exercise will result in a violation of any Applicable Law.

This Warrant has been issued pursuant to the Warrant Issuance Agreement (the “ Warrant Issuance Agreement ”) dated August 31, 2012, between the Corporation and certain investors, and is subject to the terms and conditions, and entitled to the benefits, thereof, including provisions (i) for adjusting the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon the exercise hereof and the Exercise Price to be paid upon such exercise (including any adjustment required by Section 5.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement), (ii) providing for certain “right of first offer” rights and (iii) providing certain information and other rights. A copy of the Warrant Issuance Agreement is available for inspection at the principal office of the Corporation and will be furnished without charge to the Holder upon written request to the Corporation. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 1. Exercise of Warrant . On any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date, the Holder may exercise this Warrant, in whole or in part, by delivering to the Corporation this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exercise Form in the form of Annex A and a check in an aggregate amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the Exercise Price by (b) the number of Warrant Shares being purchased. Any partial exercise of a Warrant shall be


for a whole number of Warrant Shares only. Any exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to the potential forfeiture rights of the Corporation set forth in Section 5.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 2. Exercise Price . The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 3. Exchange of Warrant . On any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date, the Holder may exchange this Warrant, in whole or in part, for Warrant Shares by delivering to the Corporation this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Exchange Form in the form of Annex B . The number of shares of Common Stock to be received by the Holder upon such exchange shall be determined as provided in Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 4. Transfer . Subject to the limitations set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement, this Warrant may be transferred by the Holder by delivery to the Corporation of this Warrant accompanied by a properly completed Assignment Form in the form of Annex C .

SECTION 5. Lost, Stolen, Mutilated or Destroyed Warrant . If this Warrant is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, the Corporation will issue a new Warrant of like denomination and tenor upon compliance with the provisions set forth in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

SECTION 6. No Stockholder Rights . This Warrant shall not entitle the holder hereof to any voting rights or, except as otherwise provided in the Warrant Issuance Agreement, other rights of a stockholder of the Corporation, as such.

SECTION 7. Successors . All of the provisions of this Warrant by or for the benefit of the Corporation or the Holder shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 8. Headings . Section headings in this Warrant have been Inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Warrant.

SECTION 9. Governs . This Warrant shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without giving effect to principles or conflicts or laws).

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Warrant to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and this Warrant to be dated as of the date first set forth above.

 

  PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

ATTEST:

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature page to Warrant]


ANNEX A

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Attention:    Corporate Secretary

The undersigned hereby elects to purchase, pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant, as follows:

 

  ¨              shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment in cash of the Exercise Price of such Warrant Shares in full.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that Representations and Warranties in Section 6.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement with respect to such Holder are true and correct as of the date hereof.

 

        HOLDER :
Date:  

 

      By:  

 

      Address:  

 

       

 

Name in which shares should be registered:        

 

       

[Annex A]


ANNEX B

NOTICE OF CASHLESS EXCHANGE

Attention: Corporate Secretary

In accordance with Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement, the undersigned hereby elects to exchange the attached Warrant for either:

 

  ¨              shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith the attached Warrant in exchange for a new Warrant for any remaining Warrant Shares not exchanged for such shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement; or

 

  ¨ the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the terms of Section 4.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement by delivery of the attached Warrant (estimated to be              shares of Common Stock), and tenders herewith the attached Warrant in exchange for such Warrant Shares.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that Representations and Warranties in Section 6.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement with respect to such Holder are true and correct as of the date hereof.

 

        HOLDER :
Date:  

 

      By:  

 

      Address:  

 

       

 

Name in which shares should be registered:        

 

       

[Annex B]


ANNEX C

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

   (To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)   

F OR V ALUE R ECEIVED , the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

Name:   

 

   (Please Print)

 

Address:   

 

   (Please Print)     

 

Dated:   

 

  

 

Holder’s

Signature:

  

 

  

 

Holder’s

Address:

  

 

  

NOTE : The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should provide proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

[Annex C]

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

 

 

$30,000,000

DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT

among

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

as Borrower,

THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES HERETO from time to time,

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO from time to time

as Lenders,

and

JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,

as Administrative Agent

August 31, 2012

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     2   

Section 1.1

  

Certain Defined Terms

     2   

Section 1.2

  

Computation of Time Periods

     2   

Section 1.3

  

Accounting Terms; Changes in GAAP

     2   

Section 1.4

  

Miscellaneous

     3   

ARTICLE II. CREDIT FACILITIES

     3   

Section 2.1

  

Commitments

     3   

Section 2.2

  

Loans

     4   

Section 2.3

  

Funding Limitations

     5   

Section 2.4

  

Evidence of Debt; Repayment of Loans

     5   

Section 2.5

  

Fees

     6   

Section 2.6

  

Interest

     6   

Section 2.7

  

Termination and Reduction of Commitments

     7   

Section 2.8

  

Optional and Mandatory Prepayments

     8   

Section 2.9

  

Increased Costs

     12   

Section 2.10

  

Breakage Payments

     14   

Section 2.11

  

Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set Off

     14   

Section 2.12

  

Taxes

     16   

Section 2.13

  

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

     18   

Section 2.14

  

Defaulting Lenders

     19   

Section 2.15

  

Usury Recapture

     21   

Section 2.16

  

Allocation

     22   

ARTICLE III. CONDITIONS

     22   

Section 3.1

  

Conditions to the Making of the First Advance

     22   

Section 3.2

  

Conditions to All Credit Extensions

     25   

ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     26   

Section 4.1

  

Existence

     26   

Section 4.2

  

Power

     27   

Section 4.3

  

Authorization and Approvals

     27   

Section 4.4

  

Enforceable Obligations

     27   

Section 4.5

  

Financial Reporting

     27   

Section 4.6

  

True and Complete Disclosure

     28   

Section 4.7

  

Litigation; Compliance with Laws

     28   

Section 4.8

  

Use of Proceeds

     29   

Section 4.9

  

Investment Company Act

     29   

Section 4.10

  

Taxes

     29   

Section 4.11

  

Pension Plans

     30   

 

i


Section 4.12

  

Condition of Property; Casualties

     30   

Section 4.13

  

No Burdensome Restrictions; No Defaults

     31   

Section 4.14

  

Environmental Condition

     31   

Section 4.15

  

Permits, Licenses, Etc .

     32   

Section 4.16

  

Gas Contracts

     32   

Section 4.17

  

Liens; Titles, Leases, Etc .

     33   

Section 4.18

  

Solvency

     33   

Section 4.19

  

Hedging Agreements

     33   

Section 4.20

  

Material Agreements

     33   

Section 4.21

  

Equity Interests; Subsidiaries

     33   

Section 4.22

  

Labor Matters

     34   

Section 4.23

  

Insurance

     34   

Section 4.24

  

Foreign Assets Control Regulations

     34   

Section 4.25

  

Anti-Terrorism Law

     35   

ARTICLE V. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     35   

Section 5.1

  

Reserved

     35   

Section 5.2

  

Maintenance of Insurance

     35   

Section 5.3

  

Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc .

     37   

Section 5.4

  

Payment of Taxes, Etc .

     38   

Section 5.5

  

Maintenance of Records; Visitation Rights

     38   

Section 5.6

  

Reporting Requirements

     39   

Section 5.7

  

Maintenance of Property

     42   

Section 5.8

  

Agreement to Pledge

     42   

Section 5.9

  

Use of Proceeds

     42   

Section 5.10

  

Title Evidence and Opinions

     42   

Section 5.11

  

Further Assurances; Cure of Title Defects

     43   

Section 5.12

  

Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors

     43   

Section 5.13

  

Leases; Development and Maintenance

     44   

Section 5.14

  

Litigation and Other Notices

     45   

Section 5.15

  

Employee Benefits

     45   

Section 5.16

  

Compliance with Environmental Laws

     46   

Section 5.17

  

Information Regarding Collateral

     46   

Section 5.18

  

Immaterial Subsidiaries

     47   

ARTICLE VI. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     47   

Section 6.1

  

Liens, Etc .

     47   

Section 6.2

  

Debts, Guarantees, and Other Obligations

     49   

Section 6.3

  

Agreements Restricting Liens and Distributions

     50   

Section 6.4

  

Merger or Consolidation; Asset Sales

     50   

Section 6.5

  

Restricted Payments

     51   

Section 6.6

  

Reserved

     51   

Section 6.7

  

Investments

     52   

Section 6.8

  

Reserved

     53   

Section 6.9

  

Compliance with ERISA

     53   

 

ii


Section 6.10

  

Sale-and-Leaseback

     54   

Section 6.11

  

Change of Business; Accounting Change

     54   

Section 6.12

  

Organizational Documents, Other Documents

     54   

Section 6.13

  

Use of Proceeds

     55   

Section 6.14

  

Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments

     55   

Section 6.15

  

Hedging

     55   

Section 6.16

  

Additional Subsidiaries

     55   

Section 6.17

  

Reserved

     55   

Section 6.18

  

Anti-Terrorism; Anti Money Laundering

     55   

Section 6.19

  

Embargoed Person

     56   

Section 6.20

  

Prepayments of Debt

     56   

Section 6.21

  

Reserved

     56   

Section 6.22

  

Deposit Accounts

     56   

Section 6.23

  

Support of Subsidiaries

     56   

Section 6.24

  

Limitation on Certain Restrictions on Subsidiaries

     57   

Section 6.25

  

JV Holding Sub

     57   

ARTICLE VII.

     57   

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

     57   

Section 7.1

  

Events of Default

     57   

Section 7.2

  

Optional Acceleration of Maturity

     61   

Section 7.3

  

Automatic Acceleration of Maturity

     61   

Section 7.4

  

Right of Set off

     62   

Section 7.5

  

Non-exclusivity of Remedies

     62   

Section 7.6

  

Application of Proceeds

     62   

ARTICLE VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     63   

Section 8.1

  

Appointment, Authorization and Action

     63   

Section 8.2

  

Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Etc .

     64   

Section 8.3

  

The Administrative Agent and Its Affiliates

     65   

Section 8.4

  

Exculpatory Provisions

     65   

Section 8.5

  

Delegation of Duties

     66   

Section 8.6

  

Reserved

     67   

Section 8.7

  

Lender Credit Decision

     67   

Section 8.8

  

Indemnification

     67   

Section 8.9

  

Successor Administrative Agent

     68   

Section 8.10

  

Collateral Matters

     69   

ARTICLE IX. GUARANTEE

     71   

Section 9.1

  

The Guarantee

     71   

Section 9.2

  

Obligations Unconditional

     71   

Section 9.3

  

Reinstatement

     72   

Section 9.4

  

Subrogation; Subordination

     72   

 

iii


Section 9.5

  

Remedies

     73   

Section 9.6

  

Instrument for the Payment of Money

     73   

Section 9.7

  

Continuing Guarantee

     73   

Section 9.8

  

General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations

     73   

Section 9.9

  

Release of Guarantors

     73   

Section 9.10

  

Right of Contribution

     74   

ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS

     74   

Section 10.1

  

Amendments, Etc .

     74   

Section 10.2

  

Notices, Etc .

     75   

Section 10.3

  

No Waiver; Remedies

     77   

Section 10.4

  

Costs and Expenses

     77   

Section 10.5

  

Binding Effect; No Third Party Beneficiaries

     77   

Section 10.6

  

Lender Assignments and Participations

     78   

Section 10.7

  

Indemnification; Waiver

     81   

Section 10.8

  

Execution in Counterparts

     82   

Section 10.9

  

Survival of Representations, Etc .

     82   

Section 10.10

  

Severability

     82   

Section 10.11

  

Reserved

     82   

Section 10.12

  

Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction

     82   

Section 10.13

  

USA PATRIOT Act

     84   

Section 10.14

  

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     84   

Section 10.15

  

NO ORAL AGREEMENTS

     84   

Section 10.16

  

Confidentiality

     84   

Section 10.17

  

Separate Securities

     85   

Section 10.18

  

Obligations Absolute

     85   

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A – Form of Assignment and Acceptance

Exhibit B – Form of Responsible Officer’s Certificate

Exhibit C – Properties to be Encumbered

Exhibit D – Form of Mortgage

Exhibit E – Form of Note

Exhibit F – Confirmation Order

Exhibit G – Borrowing Request

Exhibit H – Non Bank Certificate

Exhibit I – Form of Pledge and Security Agreement

Exhibit J – Form of Transfer Letters

Exhibit K – Form of Pledge Agreement

SCHEDULES:

 

Schedule I

  -      Commitments

Schedule II

  -      Notice Information

 

iv


Schedule 4.5

  -      Existing Debt

Schedule 4.7

  -      Litigation

Schedule 4.12(b)

  -      Real Property and Property

Schedule 4.13(a)

  -      Burdensome Restrictions

Schedule 4.15(d)

  -      Violations of Intellectual Property Rights

Schedule 4.17

  -      Liens, Title, Leases, Etc.

Schedule 4.19

  -      Hedging Contracts

Schedule 4.20

  -      Material Agreements

Schedule 4.21

  -      Equity Interests

Schedule 4.23

  -      Insurance

Schedule 6.22

  -      Deposit Accounts

 

v


DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT

This Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012, is among Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Borrower ”), the Guarantors party hereto from time to time (together with the Borrower, each a “ Credit Party ” and collectively, the “ Credit Parties ”), the lenders party hereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”), and Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent for such Lenders (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Recitals

A. WHEREAS, the Borrower and its debtor affiliates, as debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the “ Debtors ”), commenced voluntary bankruptcy proceedings (the “ Chapter 11 Proceedings ”) on December 16, 2011 under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”);

B. WHEREAS, the Borrower is party to that certain Amended and Restated Senior Secured Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement dated as of December 21, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “ DIP Agreement ”) by and among the Borrower, the guarantors party thereto, certain of the Lenders, the other lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ DIP Lenders ”), and Whitebox Advisors LLC, as collateral agent and as administrative agent, and pursuant to the DIP Agreement and the Bankruptcy Court order captioned “Final Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105, 362, 364, 503(b) and 507(a), Fed. R. Bank. P. 2002, 4001 and 9014 and Del. Bankr. L.R. 4001-2 (I) Authorizing the Debtors to (A) Obtain Post-Petition Secured DIP Financing and (B) To Refinance Certain Pre-Petition Secured Indebtedness; (II) Granting Liens and Providing for Superpriority Administrative Expense Status; (III) Modifying the Automatic Stay and (IV) Granting Related Relief” as entered by the Bankruptcy Court on January 11, 2012, the DIP Lenders made loans in the outstanding principal amount as of July 31, 2012 of $57,020,056.24;

C. WHEREAS, in connection with the Chapter 11 Proceedings, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed a plan of reorganization (as such plan may be modified from time to time, in accordance with its terms, the “ Plan of Reorganization ”) under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code pursuant to a confirmation order dated August 16, 2012 (the “ Confirmation Order ”);

D. WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, the Borrower and Laramie Energy II, LLC shall form Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ JV Company ”), a joint venture which shall be owned 33.34% by the Borrower and 66.66% by Laramie Energy II, LLC, to which they each shall contribute certain assets (including each party’s oil and gas surface real estate and related assets located in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado) and the Borrower shall receive (i) a 33.34% interest in the JV Company and (ii) $75 million in cash drawn from a senior secured term loan to be made to the JV Company;

E. WHEREAS, the proceeds of the initial draw to be made hereunder shall be used by the Borrower, together with the proceeds of the JV Credit Agreement to repay all obligations outstanding under the DIP Agreement and allowed administrative expenses owing in respect to the Chapter 11 Proceedings and subsequent draws may be used by the Borrower for general corporate purposes and to pay allowed administrative expenses which are not paid out of the proceeds of the initial draw;

 

1


F. WHEREAS, as security for its Obligations under this Agreement, the Borrower and each Guarantor shall grant the Administrative Agent, liens and security interests on its membership interests in the JV Company, junior only to the liens granted pursuant to the JV Credit Facility Documents and first priority liens and security interests on substantially all of its other assets as set forth in the Loan Documents;

G. WHEREAS, in connection with and conditioned upon the confirmation and implementation of the Plan of Reorganization, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of the DIP Facility Claims, the Lenders have agreed to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions hereof.

Agreements

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged by each of the parties, Credit Parties, Lenders and Administrative Agent hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the terms defined above shall have the meanings set forth therein and the following terms shall have the meanings set forth on Appendix I (unless otherwise indicated, such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

Section 1.2 Computation of Time Periods . In this Agreement, with respect to the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

Section 1.3 Accounting Terms; Changes in GAAP . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Lenders hereunder shall (unless otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders in writing at the time of delivery thereof) be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with those used in the preparation of the latest financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders hereunder. All calculations made for the purposes of determining compliance with this Agreement shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with those used in the preparation of the annual or quarterly financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.6 most recently delivered prior to or concurrently with such calculations. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth herein, and either Borrower or the Requisite Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Requisite Lenders); provided

 

2


that, until so amended, (a) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein, and (b) Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

Section 1.4 Miscellaneous . Article, Section, Schedule, and Exhibit references are to Articles and Sections of and Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented, and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “including” means “including, without limitation,”. Paragraph, article and/or section headings have been inserted in this Agreement as a matter of convenience for reference only and it is agreed that such paragraph and/or headings are not a part of this Agreement and shall not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II.

CREDIT FACILITIES

Section 2.1 Commitments .

(a) Maximum Commitment . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, each Lender severally, and not jointly, agrees to make its Pro Rata Share of the Loans available to the Borrower in Dollars during the Availability Period in accordance with this Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 hereof provided, however, (i) with regard to each Lender individually, the sum of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Loans shall not at any time exceed such Lender’s Commitment, which is set forth in Schedule I attached hereto, (ii) with regard to the Lenders collectively, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the Advances made hereunder (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all amounts applied to refinance the loans and obligations under the DIP Agreement) shall not at any time exceed the Total Commitment, (iii) in no event shall any Advance be made hereunder which would cause the aggregate Advances to be made hereunder to be in excess of the Borrowing Availability which then exists, and (iv) the Lenders shall not be required to make more than five advances hereunder (and each of such advances shall be made in accordance with Section 2.2 hereof). Upon any Lender funding its entire Commitment in accordance with the provisions hereof, such Lender will have no further commitment to fund Loans hereunder. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan shall not in itself relieve any other Lender of its obligation to lend hereunder (it being understood, however, that no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make any Loan required to be made by such other Lender). Amounts repaid or prepaid on any Loan may not be reborrowed.

(b) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account in New York City as the Administrative Agent may designate not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, and the

 

3


Administrative Agent shall promptly credit and/or remit the amounts so received to an account as directed by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request or, if a Borrowing shall not occur on such date because any condition precedent herein specified shall not have been met or waived in accordance herewith, return the amounts so received to the respective Lenders.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall only be required to advance funds to the Borrower with respect to a Loan to the extent that the Administrative Agent shall have received such funds from the Lenders.

(d) To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall deliver, by hand delivery or telecopier, a duly completed and executed Borrowing Request to the Administrative Agent and each Lender three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing (or four (4) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing if the Borrowing Request is received after 1:00 p.m. New York City time, by Administrative Agent or any Lender). Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify the following information in compliance with the foregoing provisions of Section 2.1 :

(i) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii) the location and number of Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed; and

(iv) with respect to the First Advance, that the conditions set forth in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 have been satisfied and with respect to the Second Advance, Third Advance, Fourth Advance and Fifth Advance that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied, in each case, as of the date of the notice.

(e) Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.1 , the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof.

Section 2.2 Loans . Subject to the other terms and conditions set forth herein (including without limitation, the provisions set forth in Section 2.1 hereof), the Loans shall be advanced to Borrower as follows:

(i) on the Closing Date, an initial advance of a Loan in an amount of up to $15,000,000.00 provided that the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and 3.2 (other than the condition set forth in Section 3.2(f) ) have been satisfied (“ First Advance ”);

(ii) after the Closing Date but prior to the expiration of the Availability Period, a second advance under the Loan in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of a Borrowing Request and (y) the remaining amount of Borrowing Availability provided that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied (“ Second Advance ”);

(iii) after the Closing Date but prior to the expiration of the Availability Period, a third advance under the Loan in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of a Borrowing Request and (y) the remaining amount of Borrowing Availability provided that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied (“ Third Advance ”);

 

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(iv) after the Closing Date but prior to the expiration of the Availability Period, a fourth advance under the Loan in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of a Borrowing Request and (y) the remaining amount of Borrowing Availability provided that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied (“ Fourth Advance ”); and

(v) after the Closing Date but prior to the expiration of the Availability Period, a fifth advance under the Loan in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of a Borrowing Request and (y) the remaining amount of Borrowing Availability provided that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied (“ Fifth Advance ”).

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, from the Closing Date through and including the first anniversary thereof, each Lender agrees that if a Credit Party’s bankruptcy estate has allowed but unpaid administrative expense claims, the Borrower shall be permitted to request an Advance, to the extent any Advance has not been previously funded, to pay such claims, and the Lenders shall fund any such Advance, notwithstanding that the condition set forth in Section 3.2(b) is not satisfied with respect to such Advance, but only to the extent that the failure to satisfy such condition is due to the existence of a Default or Event of Default arising pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) , (d)  or (t)  or pursuant to Section 7.1(f) to the extent resulting from the entry or obtaining of an order with respect to any Credit Party’s bankruptcy estate that causes an unpaid administrative expense claim to be an allowed but unpaid administrative expense claim; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that in no event shall the Lenders be required to fund any such Advance if the conditions set forth in Section 3.2(a) , (c) , (d)  and (e)  are not satisfied with respect thereto.

Section 2.3 Funding Limitations . For the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Agent shall have no Commitments (to make Loans) in its capacity as Administrative Agent and Administrative Agent’s requirement to make Loans (from the Loan proceeds received from the Lenders) in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be limited to the funds that it receives from the Lenders (to fund such Loans).

Section 2.4 Evidence of Debt; Repayment of Loans .

(a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender, the unpaid principal amount of each Loan of such Lender and all other Obligations on the Maturity Date (or sooner in accordance with the provisions hereof). All payments or repayments of Loans made pursuant to this Section 2.4(a) shall be made in Dollars.

(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 from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time under this Agreement.

 

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(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder; (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 Lender’s share thereof.

(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) above shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded in the absence of manifest error; 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 obligations of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with their terms. In the event of a conflict between records maintained by any Lender and the records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

(e) Any Lender by written notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) 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) in the form of Exhibit E. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 10.6 ) 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 as signs).

Section 2.5 Fees . Borrower shall pay (i) the Administrative Agent an annual administrative fee (the “ Administrative Fee ”) as set forth and in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, and (ii) the Lenders a closing fee (the “ Closing Fee ”) as set forth and in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Lenders Fee Letter. The Administrative Fee and the Closing Fee each shall be earned in full on the Closing Date and are nonrefundable. Neither the Administrative Fee nor the Closing Fee shall in any way limit Borrower’s obligations to pay any other fee, or reimburse the Administrative Agent or the Lenders for any cost or expense, under the Loan Documents.

Section 2.6 Interest .

(a) The Loans shall bear interest at the Borrower’s election, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, as follows:

(i) at a rate per annum equal to nine and three quarters percent (9.75%), payable in cash in accordance with Section 2.6(c) hereof; or

(ii) at a rate per annum equal to nine and three quarters percent (9.75%) which shall be paid in kind and capitalized (and thereby added to principal, which shall thereafter accrue interest) on the last day of each fiscal quarter (“ PIK Interest ”); provided that for purposes of calculating Borrowing Availability and the amount of unfunded Commitments, capitalized PIK Interest shall not reduce the amount of Borrowing Availability, the Total Commitment, the Total Commitment or the amount of the Lenders’ respective Commitments.

 

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The Borrower must elect the form of interest payment with respect to each Interest Period by delivering a written notice to the Administrative Agent and each Lender at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of each Interest Period which notice shall be irrevocable. In the absence of such an election for any Interest Period, interest on the Loans shall be payable according to the election for the previous Interest Period; provided, however, subject to Section 2.6(b) , at any time after an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Borrower may not elect PIK Interest. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 2.6(a) , the Borrower may file materials with the SEC stating its intention regarding the election of the form of interest provided, that such filing shall not constitute notice unless a copy of such filing is delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge and agree that the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected PIK Interest for the Interest Period beginning on the Closing Date.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, from and after the date that an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (including, without limitation, at any time during an Interest Period), at the request of the Requisite Lenders (which such request may be made by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Requisite Lenders), (i) all outstanding Obligations shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 11.75%, per annum (or 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Obligations as provided in Section 2.6(a)(i)) (the “ Default Rate ”) and (ii) all interest accrued and accruing shall be payable in cash on demand.

(c) Accrued interest on the Loans pursuant to Section 2.6(a) shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date in accordance with Section 2.6(a) ; provided that (i) interest accrued at the Default Rate pursuant to Section 2.6(b) shall be payable on demand and (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment.

(d) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and in shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

Section 2.7 Termination and Reduction of Commitments .

(a) The Commitments shall automatically terminate on the Maturity Date.

(b) At its option, the Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time permanently reduce, the unfunded Commitments; provided that each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000.

(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under Section 2.7(b) at least three (3) 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 2.7 shall be irrevocable, provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, such notice may

 

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be revoked upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, if the election to terminate or reduce the Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.7 was conditioned on a refinancing and such refinancing is not consummated. 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.

Section 2.8 Optional and Mandatory Prepayments .

(a) Optional Payments .

(i) Subject to Section 2.8(a)(ii) below, at any time and from time to time, the Borrower, at its option, may repay the Obligations, in whole or in part. Each such repayment shall include all accrued and unpaid interest on the portion of the Obligations being repaid (including, but not limited to, outstanding PIK Interest) through the Repayment Date and the Repayment Premium due in connection with such repayment pursuant to Section 2.8(a)(v) below; provided that each partial repayment shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $100,000 or, if less, the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything in Sections 2.8(a)(i) and 2.8(a)(v) to the contrary, if at any time within the twelve (12) months following the Closing Date, the Borrower, prepays the Obligations, in whole, but not in part (including but not limited to in connection with any refinancing of the Obligations), in addition to repayment of 100% of the principal amount of the Obligations plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including, but not limited to, any outstanding PIK Interest), through the Repayment Date, the Borrower shall pay the Applicable Premium calculated as of such Repayment Date (a “ Make-Whole Prepayment Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Applicable Premium shall be due in connection with any prepayment in full of the Obligations prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date whether or not such prepayment is (x) optional by the Borrower, (y) occurs as a result of a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Sections 2.8(c) , 2.8(d) , 2.8(e) , 2.8(f) or 2.8(g) , or (z) occurs pursuant to or following an acceleration of the Obligations as set forth in Sections 7.2 or 7.3 including, but not limited to, as a result of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lender’s exercise of their rights and remedies following the occurrence of an Event of Default or during a Debtor Relief Law proceeding.

(iii) If the Borrower elects to repay the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.8(a) , at least five (5) days prior to the Repayment Date (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to in writing by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) but not more than sixty (60) days before the Repayment Date, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which writing may be by electronic communication in accordance with Section 10.2(b) ) of the Repayment Date, the principal amount of such Loans to be repaid and the Repayment Premium or Applicable Premium, and deliver to the Administrative Agent, no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Repayment Date, an Officer’s Certificate stating that such repayment will comply with the conditions contained in this Section 2.8(a) . Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Repayments shall be accompanied by any accrued interest due through the Repayment Date to the extent required by Section 2.6 and any Repayment Premium or Applicable Premium, if applicable.

 

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(iv) Once the notice of repayment described in Section 2.8(a)(iii) is mailed, the Loans to be prepaid become irrevocably due and payable on the Repayment Date and at the Repayment Premium, including any premium, plus interest accrued to the Repayment Date; provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may revoke its notice of repayment if such repayment was conditioned on a refinancing and such refinancing is not consummated.

(v) In connection with any repayment of the Loans in full or in part (other than a repayment in full pursuant to paragraph (ii) of Section 2.8(a) in respect to which the Applicable Premium shall apply as provided in such paragraph), the Borrower shall pay a Repayment Premium equal to the percentage of the principal repaid during the following periods:

 

     Repayment  

Period

   Premium  

From the Closing Date through the first anniversary of the Closing Date

     6

From the day after the first anniversary of the Closing Date through the second anniversary of the Closing Date

     5

At all times from and after the day after the second anniversary of the Closing Date

     3

For the avoidance of doubt, the Repayment Premium shall be due in connection with any repayment of the Obligations in full or in part (other than as provided in Section 2.8(a)(ii)) , whether or not such repayment is (x) optional by the Borrower, (y) occurs as a result of a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Sections 2.8(c) , 2.8(d) , 2.8(e) , 2.8(f) or 2.8(g) , or (z) occurs pursuant to or following an acceleration of the Obligations as set forth in Sections 7.2 or 7.3 including, but not limited to, as a result of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lender’s exercise of their rights and remedies following the occurrence of an Event of Default or during a Debtor Relief Law proceeding.

(b) Reserved .

(c) Asset Sales .

(i) Not later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds of any Disposition of any Property of any Credit Party (except for Dispositions of the JV Interests or of the of the type described in Sections 2.8(e) , (f)  and (g) ) now owned or hereafter acquired, such Credit Party shall apply 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds to make repayments of the Obligations, if any are then outstanding, in accordance with Sections 2.8(h) and (i) ; provided that no such repayment shall be required under this Section 2.8(c) with respect to (A) the Disposition of Property that constitutes a Casualty Event, (B) Dispositions for fair market value resulting in no more than $100,000 in Net Cash Proceeds per Disposition (or series of related Dispositions) and less than $200,000 in aggregate Net Cash Proceeds before the

 

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Maturity Date, (C) any Disposition to the extent no Obligations are then outstanding on the date of receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, or (D) Dispositions permitted by Section 6.4(b)(i) , (ii) , (iii)  (other than subclause (B)  of Section 6.4(b)(iii) ), (iv) , (v) , (vii) , (viii)  and (ix) ; and provided, further that so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or arise therefrom, the Borrower shall have the option upon written notice stating its intention to the Administrative Agent and each Lender (or by filing materials with the SEC stating Borrower’s intention and contemporaneously delivering such materials to the Administrative Agent and each Lender) within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of Net Cash Proceeds from any Disposition, directly or through one or more Credit Party, to invest or commit to invest such Net Cash Proceeds in an amount such that the aggregate amount of all Net Cash Proceeds from any Disposition reinvested as described in clauses (I) and (II) below pursuant to this proviso (and not applied to the Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.8(c) ) shall not exceed an amount equal to $25,000,000 in the aggregate (I) within one (1) year of receipt thereof in long term productive assets of the general type used in the business of the Credit Parties, including through Acquisitions permitted hereunder, provided that if any amount is so committed to be reinvested within such one-year period, but is not reinvested within the later to occur of (x) six (6) months of the date of such commitment and (y) the end of such one-year period, the Borrower shall repay the Obligations in accordance with this Section 2.8(c) without giving further effect to such reinvestment right or (II) as a capital contribution or loan to the JV Company within ten (10) Business Days of receipt thereof, provided that if any amount is so committed to be reinvested but is not reinvested within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrower shall repay the Obligations in accordance with this Section 2.8(c) without giving further effect to such reinvestment right; and

(ii) Not later than one (1) Business Day following the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from the Disposition of the JV Interests, such Credit Party shall, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement apply 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds to make repayments of the Obligations, if any are then outstanding, in accordance with Sections 2.8(h) and (i) ; provided that no such repayment shall be required under this Section 2.8(c) with respect to any Disposition to the extent no Obligations are then outstanding on the date of receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds.

(d) Debt Issuance . Not later than one (1) Business Day following the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds of any Debt Issuance (including the issuance of any Permitted Subordinated Debt) by any Credit Party, the Borrower shall make repayments of the Obligations, if any are then outstanding, in accordance with Sections 2.8(h) and (i)  in an aggregate principal amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds; provided that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or arise therefrom, the Borrower shall have the option upon written notice stating its intention to the Administrative Agent and each Lender (or by filing materials with the SEC stating Borrower’s intention and contemporaneously delivering such materials to the Administrative Agent and each Lender) within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of Net Cash Proceeds from any Debt Issuance, directly or through one or more Credit Party, to invest or commit to invest such Net Cash Proceeds in investments permitted pursuant to Section 6.7(g) or (k)  within six (6) months of receipt thereof, provided that if any amount is so committed to be reinvested but is not reinvested within six (6) months of the date of receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrower shall repay the Obligations in accordance with this Section 2.8(d) without giving further effect to such reinvestment right.

 

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(e) JV Distributions . Not later than one (1) Business Day following the receipt of any cash Dividends or other distributions by any Credit Party in respect of any Credit Party’s ownership of the JV Interests, the Borrower shall make repayments of the Obligations, if any are then outstanding in accordance with Sections 2.8(h) and (i)  in an aggregate principal amount equal to 100% of such cash Dividends or other distributions, provided, however, that (i) the Borrower shall only be required to make such repayment after a Credit Party has received aggregate cash Dividends or other distributions totaling in excess of $250,000 in respect of any Credit Party’s ownership of the JV Interests and (ii) no such repayment shall be required under this Section 2.8(e) to the extent that such Dividends or other distributions are intended to be used by Borrower or the applicable Credit Party to pay Taxes attributable to such JV Interests and Dividends and distributions received thereunder that are owed by the Borrower or the applicable Credit Party and such Dividends and distributions are in fact so used.

(f) Casualty Events . Not later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from a Casualty Event by any Credit Party, the Borrower shall apply an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds to make repayments in accordance with Sections 2.8(h) and (i) ; provided that no such repayment shall be required under this Section 2.8(f) with respect to any Disposition of property which constitutes a Casualty Event resulting in no more than $100,000 in Net Cash Proceeds per Casualty Event and less than $500,000 in Net Cash Proceeds from Casualty Events in any fiscal year; provided, further :

(i) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or arise therefrom, such proceeds shall not be required to be so applied on such date to the extent that the Borrower shall, following the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, have delivered a certificate to the Administrative Agent and each Lender within ten (10) Business Days stating that such proceeds are expected to be used to purchase replacement assets or repair such assets and, in each case, to be used in connection with the purposes described in Section 5.9 or otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement no later than 365 days following the date of receipt of the entire amount of such proceeds; provided that if the property subject to such Casualty Event constituted Collateral under the Security Instruments, then all property purchased with the Net Cash Proceeds thereof pursuant to this subsection shall be made subject to the Lien granted pursuant to the Security Instruments in favor of the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Secured Parties in accordance with Sections 5.8 , 5.11 , and 5.12 ; and

(ii) if any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds shall not be so applied within such 365-day period, such unused portion shall be applied on the last day of such period as a mandatory prepayment as provided in this Section 2.8(f) .

(g) Equity Issuances . No later than five (5) Business Days following the date of receipt by the Borrower of any Net Equity Proceeds, the Borrower shall prepay the Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to 50% (the “ Equity Percentage ”) of such Net Equity Proceeds; provided, however, that so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall have the option upon written notice stating its intention to the Administrative Agent and each Lender (or by filing materials with the SEC stating Borrower’s intention and contemporaneously delivering such materials to the Administrative Agent and each Lender) within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such Net Equity Proceeds, directly or through one or more Credit Party, to invest or commit to invest such Net Equity Proceeds (x) in

 

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investments permitted pursuant to Section 6.7(g) or (k)  within six (6) months from the date of receipt of such Net Equity Proceeds; or (y) in long term productive assets of the general type used in the business of the Credit Parties, including through Acquisitions permitted hereunder, within one (1) year of receipt of such Net Equity Proceeds, provided that, in the case of investments described in clause (x) above, if any amount is so committed to be reinvested but is not so reinvested within six (6) months from the date of receipt of such Net Equity Proceeds, or in the case of investments described in clause (y) above, if any amount is so committed to be reinvested within such one-year period, but is not reinvested within such one-year period after the receipt of such Net Equity Proceeds, then, in each case, the Borrower shall use 50% of the unused portion of such Net Equity Proceeds to repay the Obligations in accordance with this Section 2.8(g) without giving further effect to such reinvestment right.

(h) Application of Repayments .

(i) Subject to the provisions of this Section 2.8(h) , prior to any optional or mandatory prepayment hereunder, the Borrower shall specify the amount of such prepayment in the notice of such prepayment pursuant to Section 2.8(i) .

(ii) Amounts to be applied pursuant to this Section 2.8 to the repayment of Loans shall be applied to the outstanding Loans, (i) first, towards payment of either the Applicable Premium or Repayment Premium which is due in connection with such repayment, (ii) second, towards payment of interest (including, but not limited to, any outstanding PIK Interest) and fees (other than the Applicable Premium or Repayment Premium) then due hereunder, and (iii) third, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, with all such amounts distributed ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal, interest and fees then due to such parties.

(i) Notice of Repayment . If the Borrower is required to make a repayment pursuant to Sections 2.8(c) , (d) , (e) , (f)  or (g) , the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by written notice of any repayment hereunder, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one (1) Business Day before the date of repayment. Each such notice shall specify the repayment date, the principal amount of the Loan to be repaid, the amount of accrued interest due in connection therewith and any Repayment Premium or Applicable Premium, if applicable. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Such notice to the Lenders may be by electronic communication. Each repayment of any or all of the Loan shall be applied according to Section 2.8(h) . Repayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.6 .

Section 2.9 Increased Costs .

(a) If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender;

 

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(ii) subject any recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, or other recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, or other recipient, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or other recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or other recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) If any Lender determines (in good faith, but in its sole absolute discretion) that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 2.9 shall be delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) and shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.9 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided, further , that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall not begin earlier than the date of effectiveness of the Change in Law.

 

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Section 2.10 Breakage Payments . In the event of the failure to borrow or prepay any Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense (but excluding consequential damages and loss of anticipated profits), if any, attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) and shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within five (5) days after receipt thereof.

Section 2.11 Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set Off .

(a) The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest or fees, or of amounts payable under Sections 2.9 , 2.10 or 2.12 , or otherwise) on or before the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without setoff, deduction 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 the Administrative Agent at its offices at 520 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Account Officer – Par Petroleum (or to such deposit account as directed by Administrative Agent), except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.9 , 2.10 , 2.12 , 8.8 and 10.4 shall be made directly to the persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the persons specified therein. 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 under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, unless specified otherwise, 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 under each Loan Document shall be made in Dollars, except as expressly specified otherwise.

(b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (subject to the priorities set forth in Section 7.6 in the case of proceeds received by the Administrative Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from or realization upon all or any part of the Collateral pursuant to the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its remedies) (i) first, towards payment of either the Applicable Premium or Repayment Premium which is due in connection with any repayment, (ii) second, towards payment of interest (including, but not limited to, any outstanding PIK Interest) and fees (other than the Applicable Premium or Repayment Premium) then due hereunder, and (iii) third, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, with all such amounts distributed ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal, interest and fees then due to such parties.

 

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(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Obligations resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its 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 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 aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective 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 or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to any Credit Party or its Affiliates (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Credit Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Credit Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Credit Party in the amount of such participation. If under applicable Debtor Relief Law any Secured Party receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff or counterclaim to which this Section 2.11(c) applies, such Secured Party shall to the extent practicable, exercise its rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights to which the Secured Party is entitled under this Section 2.11(c) to share in the benefits of the recovery of such secured claim.

(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice in writing from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may in its sole discretion, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Requisite Lenders 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 Sections 2.11(c) , 2.11(d) or 8.8 , then the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

 

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Section 2.12 Taxes .

(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made without setoff, counterclaim or other defense and free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any and all Indemnified Taxes; provided that if any Credit Party shall be required by law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions or withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.12 ) the Administrative Agent or any Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (ii) such Credit Party shall make such deductions or withholdings and (iii) such Credit Party shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate accompanied by reasonable detail as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(c) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.12 and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto), whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate accompanied by reasonable detail as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes and in any event within thirty (30) days of any such payment being due, by a Credit Party to a Governmental Authority, such Credit Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders.

(e) 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

 

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applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments under this Agreement to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding sentence, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in the following portion of this Section 2.12(e) ) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. Each Foreign Lender, on or before the date it becomes a Foreign Lender, shall to the extent it is legally entitled to do so (i) furnish two copies (which shall be accurate and complete, and originally executed) of either (a) U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or successor form), (b) U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or successor form), certifying, in the case of (a) or (b), to such Foreign Lender’s legal entitlement to an exemption or reduction from U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to payments hereunder, or (c), to the extent it does not act or ceases to act for its own account with respect to any portion of any sums paid or payable to such Foreign Lender, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-9 or such other appropriate documentation from each beneficial owner, together with any information, if any, required to be transmitted with such form, and any other certificate or statement of exemption required under the Code or the regulations issued thereunder, to establish that such party is not acting for its own account with respect to a portion of any such sums payable to such party, and (ii) to the extent it may lawfully do so at such times, upon reasonable request by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide a new Form W-8BEN (or successor form), Form W-8ECI (or successor form) or Form W-8IMY (or successor form) upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered form to confirm any complete exemption from, or any entitlement to a reduction in, U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to any payments hereunder, or to establish that such party is not acting for its own account with respect to a portion of any such sums payable to such party; provided that any Foreign Lender that is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code that is relying on the “portfolio interest exception” under Section 881(c) of the Code shall also furnish a “Non-Bank Certificate” in the form of Exhibit H if it is furnishing a Form W-8BEN. Each Foreign Lender that does not furnish Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or successor form) represents that, to its knowledge, any Fees paid hereunder are not attributable to services performed by such Lender in the United States.

(f) Any Administrative Agent or Lender that is not a Foreign Lender and is not an exempt recipient (as defined in Section 6049(b)(4) of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder) shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), on or prior to the date it become a party hereto, and at such other times as may be necessary in the determination of the Borrower in its reasonable discretion, two U.S. Internal Revenue Service Forms W-9 (or any successor forms) properly completed and duly executed by such party.

(g) If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably

 

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requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

(h) If the Administrative Agent or a Lender (or an assignee) determines in its reasonable discretion that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Credit Party or with respect to which a Credit Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.12 , it shall pay over such refund to such Credit Party (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Credit Party under this Section 2.12 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or the Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender (or assignee) and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, however , that such Credit Party, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender (or assignee), 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 Lender (or assignee) within a reasonable time (not to exceed twenty (20) days) after receipt of written notice that the Administrative Agent or such Lender (or assignee) is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Nothing contained in this Section 2.12(h) shall require the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or assignee) to make available its Tax Returns or any other information which it deems confidential to the Borrower or any other person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event will the Administrative Agent or any Lender be required to pay any amount to any Credit Party the payment of which would place such Person in a less favorable net after-tax position than the Administrative Agent or such Lender would have been in if the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund had never been paid in the first instance.

(i) Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.12 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

Section 2.13 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) Mitigation of Obligations . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.9 , 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 2.12 , 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 reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9 or 2.12 , as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or

 

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expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous in any material respect 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. A certificate setting forth such costs and expenses in reasonable detail submitted by such Lender to the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(b) Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.9 , 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 2.12 , and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 2.13(a) , or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 10.6 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an Eligible Assignee selected by the Borrower that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 10.6 , (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder (assuming for this purpose that the Loans of such Lender were being prepaid)from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts); (iii) such assignment does not conflict with applicable law; (iv) in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent, (v) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.9 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.12 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (vi) any such assignment shall be accompanied by an assignment of all of such Lender’s Warrants. 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.

Section 2.14 Defaulting Lenders .

(a) Defaulting Lender Adjustments . 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.

(i) Waivers and Amendments . Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Requisite Lenders.

(ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Sections 2.11(c) or 7.4 shall be applied at such time or times as the Requisite Lenders shall instruct the Administrative Agent

 

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(or, in the case of payments to the Administrative Agent, as determined by the Administrative Agent) as follows: (i) first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; (ii) second, to any other Lender which has made a Covering Advance to fund the Defaulting Lender’s share of any Advance which the Defaulting Lender has failed to fund; (iii) third, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Requisite Lenders; (iv) fourth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent (acting on the instructions of the Requisite Lenders) and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; (v) fifth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders (other than the Defaulting Lender) as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; (vi) sixth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and (vii) seventh, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 2.14(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii) Certain Fees . No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee pursuant to this Agreement for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee to such Defaulting Lender that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

(iv) Warrants . Except as provided in Section 2.14(c) below, if at any time a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender on account of a failure to fund its Pro Rata Share of any Advances hereunder, then such Defaulting Lender shall forfeit a portion of the Warrants it received on the Closing Date as provided in Section 5.1 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) and the Requisite Lenders agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Requisite Lenders shall determine to be necessary to cause the Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Commitments, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made for the benefit of the Defaulting Lender retroactively with respect to

 

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fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower or Warrants forfeited while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

(c) In the event that a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender because of its failure to fund an Advance hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly provide each Non-Defaulting Lender with written notice of such failure. On or before the tenth (10th) Business Day (the “ Substitute Funding Day ”) after the Administrative Agent’s issuance of such written notice, any Non-Defaulting Lender may notify the Administrative Agent that it desires to fund the Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such Advance. If one or more than one (1) Non-Defaulting Lender (each, a “ Covering Lender ”) elects in its sole discretion to fund the Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such Advance, each such Covering Lender shall be permitted to fund a portion of such Advance (“ Covered Advance ”) based on the respective amounts of the Commitments of each such Covering Lender. Any such Covering Lender shall be required to fund its portion of the Advance which the Defaulting Lender has failed to fund within five (5) Business Days of such Substitute Funding Day. In such event, each Covering Lender who funds such advance shall be entitled to receive additional Warrants as provided in Section 5.2 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, pursuant to Section 2.15(a)(ii) hereof, until each Covering Lender has received the full amount of principal and interest due to it in respect to any outstanding Covering Advances, any amounts which would otherwise be paid to the Defaulting Lender hereunder shall instead be paid pro rata to the Covering Lenders in proportion to their outstanding Covering Advances.

Section 2.15 Usury Recapture.

(a) If, with respect to any Lender, the effective rate of interest contracted for under the Loan Documents, including the stated rates of interest and fees contracted for hereunder and any other amounts contracted for under the Loan Documents which are deemed to be interest, at any time exceeds the Maximum Rate, then the outstanding principal amount of the loans made by such Lender hereunder shall bear interest at a rate which would make the effective rate of interest for such Lender under the Loan Documents equal the Maximum Rate until the difference between the amounts which would have been due at the stated rates and the amounts which were due at the Maximum Rate (the “ Lost Interest ”) has been recaptured by such Lender.

(b) If, when the loans made hereunder are repaid in full, the Lost Interest has not been fully recaptured by such Lender pursuant to the preceding paragraph, then, to the extent permitted by law, for the loans made hereunder by such Lender the interest rates charged under Section 2.6 hereunder shall be retroactively increased such that the effective rate of interest under the Loan Documents was at the Maximum Rate since the effectiveness of this Agreement to the extent necessary to recapture the Lost Interest not recaptured pursuant to the preceding sentence and, to the extent allowed by law, Borrower shall pay to such Lender the amount of the Lost Interest remaining to be recaptured by such Lender.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other term in this Agreement and the Loan Documents to the contrary, it is the intention of each Lender and Borrower to conform strictly to

 

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any applicable usury laws. Accordingly, if any Lender contracts for, charges, or receives any consideration which constitutes interest in excess of the Maximum Rate, then any such excess shall be canceled automatically and, if previously paid, shall at such Lender’s option be applied to the outstanding principal amount of the loans made hereunder by such Lender or be refunded to Borrower.

Section 2.16 Allocation . The Loans and Warrants taken together, constitute an “investment unit” for purposes of Section 1273(c)(2) of the Code. In accordance with Sections 1273(c)(2)(A) and 1273(b)(2) of the Code, the issue price of the investment unit is the amount of the Loans, with $2,200,000 thereof representing the fair market value of the Warrants. The Borrower and each Lender agree to use the foregoing purchase price allocation for income tax purposes (unless otherwise required by a final determination by the Internal Revenue Service or a court of competent jurisdiction) and for all other purposes (including, without limitation, for financial reporting purposes) and shall not take any position inconsistent with the allocation contained in this Section 2.16 on any tax return or for any other tax purpose.

ARTICLE III.

CONDITIONS

Section 3.1 Conditions to the Making of the First Advance . The obligation of each Lender to fund its Pro Rata Share of the First Advance shall be subject to the prior or concurrent satisfaction of each of the conditions precedent set forth in this Section 3.1 unless any such condition is waived, in writing by each Lender:

(a) Documentation . Administrative Agent shall have received the following duly executed by all the parties thereto, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and, where applicable, in sufficient copies for the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(i) this Agreement, any Note if requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.4(e) payable to such Lender in the amount of its Commitment, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, Mortgages on such of the Credit Party’s Properties as are listed on Exhibit C, and each of the other Loan Documents, and all attached exhibits and schedules hereto and thereto;

(ii) a favorable opinion of Credit Parties’ counsel dated as of the date of this Agreement covering the matters as Administrative Agent and Lenders may reasonably request;

(iii) certificates of a Responsible Officer of each Credit Party as of the date of this Agreement (A) attesting to the resolutions of the Board of Directors of such Credit Party approving the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such Credit Party is a party, (B) certifying and attaching the Organizational Documents of such Credit Party (C) certifying to and attaching all other documents evidencing other necessary corporate action and governmental approvals, if any, with respect to this Agreement, any Note, and the other Loan Documents and (D) certifying the names and true signatures of the officers of such Credit Party authorized to sign this Agreement, any Notes and the other Loan Documents to which such Credit Party is a party;

 

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(iv) Reserved.

(v) appropriate UCC-1 and UCC-3, as applicable, financing statements covering the Collateral for filing with the appropriate authorities and any other documents, agreements or instruments necessary to create an Acceptable Security Interest in such Collateral (other than the Excluded Collateral);

(vi) certificates of good standing for each Credit Party in each state in which such Credit Party is organized or qualified to do business, which certificate shall be dated as of a date not less than 15 days prior to the Closing Date and acceptable to the Requisite Lenders;

(vii) a certificate dated as of the date of this Agreement from the Responsible Officer of the Borrower stating that (A) all representations and warranties of each Credit Party set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of such date (except in the case of representations and warranties that are made solely as of an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date or time); (B) no Default has occurred and is continuing; and (C) the conditions in this Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 have been met;

(viii) such other documents, governmental certificates, agreements and lien searches as the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may reasonably request;

(ix) Each Lender shall otherwise be satisfied, in their sole discretion, with the capital structure of the Credit Parties, their Affiliates and the JV Company immediately following the Closing Date;

(x) Administrative Agent shall have received executed copies of the JV Credit Agreement and any other JV Company Credit Facility Documents requested by the Requisite Lenders, all in form and substance satisfactory to each Lender in its sole discretion; and

(xi) Administrative Agent shall have received final execution copies of all the JV Company’s Organizational Documents.

(b) Payment of Fees . On the date of this Agreement, Borrower shall have paid the fees required by the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, the Lenders Fee Letter and all costs and expenses that have been invoiced and are payable pursuant to Section 10.4 .

(c) Reserved.

(d) Confirmation Order and Bankruptcy Matters . (A) Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the Confirmation Order, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders in their sole discretion, and the Confirmation Order shall have become a Final Order on or before August 31, 2012 and the Plan Effective Date has occurred with all conditions to said Plan Effective Date as set forth in the Plan of Reorganization or the Plan Disclosure Statement on the date filed with the Bankruptcy Court (except as otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent and Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion and for the making of the Loans contemplated to be made under this Agreement on the Closing Date) having been timely satisfied (other than entering into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents) pursuant to the terms of such Plan

 

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of Reorganization and Plan Disclosure Statement on or before August 31, 2012; provided, however, that the Borrower, with the prior written consent of the Requisite Lenders, in their sole discretion, may elect to consummate the Plan of Reorganization prior to the Confirmation Order becoming a Final Order so long as such Confirmation Order shall be in full force and effect and shall not have been rescinded, reserved or stayed since its entry by the Bankruptcy Court; (B) Administrative Agent shall have received a certified copy of the docket of the Bankruptcy Court or a certification from Borrower’s counsel or other evidence in the Lenders sole discretion evidencing no appeal of the Confirmation Order and (C) Administrative Agent shall have received a certified copy of the Plan of Reorganization certified by the Bankruptcy Court.

(e) Reorganization Expenses . Administrative Agent shall have received a detailed sources and uses of proceeds or other evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to each Lender, that the Borrower and Debtors have paid or satisfied, or have made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to each Lender to pay or satisfy, all administrative and priority claims and expenses pursuant to the Plan or Reorganization, upon terms and conditions previously approved by, or otherwise reasonably acceptable to each Lender;

(f) Authorization from Confirmation Order . The Confirmation Order shall authorize the Debtors to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(g) Receipt of JV Proceeds . Borrower shall have received at least $70,000,000.00 in net cash proceeds and at least 33.34% of the membership interests in the JV Company (the “ Piceance JV Proceeds ”) in consideration of Borrower’s contributions of certain assets as described in the Plan of Reorganization to the JV Company.

(h) Intercreditor Agreement . Execution and delivery of the Intercreditor Agreement by the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, duly executed by all the parties thereto, in form and substance acceptable to the Lenders.

(i) Warrants . Execution and delivery of the Warrant Issuance Agreement, duly executed by all the parties thereto, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders and execution and delivery of the Warrants, duly executed by all the parties thereto, as required by the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

(j) Reserved.

(k) Reserved.

(l) Security Instruments . Administrative Agent shall have received all appropriate evidence required by Administrative Agent and Lenders in their sole discretion necessary to determine that Administrative Agent (for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have an Acceptable Security Interest in the Collateral other than Excluded Collateral and that all actions or filings necessary to protect, preserve and validly perfect such Liens have been made, taken or obtained, as the case may be, and are in full force and effect.

(m) No Default . No event or conditions exists that would constitute a Default or Event of Default.

 

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(n) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties contained in Article IV and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Change” shall be true and correct in all respects).

(o) Material Adverse Change . No event or circumstance that could cause a Material Adverse Change shall have occurred since the entry of the Confirmation Order.

(p) No Proceeding or Litigation, No Injunctive Relief . No action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including, without limitation, the enactment or promulgation of a statute or rule) by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority shall be threatened or pending and no preliminary or permanent injunction or order by a state or federal court shall have been entered (i) in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby or (ii) which, in any case, in the judgment of Requisite Lenders, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change (other than the developments under the litigation proceedings set forth on Schedule 4.7 which have been disclosed to Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to the Closing Date).

(q) Consents, Licenses, Approvals, etc . Administrative Agent shall have received true copies (certified to be such by the applicable Credit Party or other appropriate party) of all consents, licenses and approvals required in accordance with applicable law, or in accordance with any document, agreement, instrument or arrangement to which any Credit Party is a party, in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity and enforceability of this Agreement, and the other Loan Documents. In addition, each Credit Party shall have all such material consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the continued operation of such Credit Party, and such approvals shall be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose material and adverse conditions on this Agreement and the actions contemplated hereby.

(r) Repayment of Other Debt . Prior to, or concurrently with, the making of the First Advance hereunder, all outstanding obligations owing under the DIP Agreement shall have been paid in full and any other Debt required to be paid on the Closing Date pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan of Reorganization or Confirmation Order shall have been paid in full.

(s) USA PATRIOT Act . Each Credit Party shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act such information requested by the Administrative Agent and such Lender in order to comply with the PATRIOT Act.

(t) Deposit Accounts . As of the Closing Date, arrangements satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders shall have been made for each Credit Party to maintain their Deposit Accounts with an Acceptable Bank pursuant to Section 6.22 .

Section 3.2 Conditions to All Credit Extensions . The obligation of each Lender to fund its Pro Rata Share of any of the Advances shall be subject to the prior or concurrent satisfaction of, each of the conditions precedent set forth below (other than, with respect to the First Advance only, Section 3.2(f) ) unless any such condition is waived, in writing by each Lender.

 

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(a) Notice . The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request as required by Section 2.1 .

(b) No Default . The Borrower and each other Credit Party shall be in compliance in all material respects with all the terms and provisions set forth herein and in each other Loan Document on its part to be observed or performed, and, at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Loan and the application of the proceeds thereof, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date.

(c) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties made by any Credit Party set forth in Article IV hereof or in any other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Change” shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date on which the Loan is made (after giving effect thereto) with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date.

(d) No Legal Bar . No order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority shall purport to restrain any Lender from making any Loans to be made by it and no approvals from any Governmental Authority or third party approvals are necessary in connection with the making of the Advances.

(e) Commitment . After giving effect to such Loan, the aggregate then outstanding principal amount of the Loans then outstanding shall not exceed the Total Commitment at such time.

(f) Insurance Certificates . With respect to any Advance other than the First Advance, the Credit Parties shall have complied with the requirements of Section 5.8(iii) .

Each of the delivery of a Borrowing Request and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of the corresponding Loan shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower and each other Credit Party that on the date of such Loan (both immediately before and after giving effect to such Loan and the application of the proceeds thereof) the conditions contained in this Section 3.2 have been satisfied. The Borrower shall provide such information as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request to confirm that the conditions in this Section 3.2 have been satisfied.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Credit Party represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders as follows:

Section 4.1 Existence . Each Credit Party is an entity of the type identified on Schedule 4.21, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of

 

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organization identified on Schedule 4.21. Each Credit Party is in good standing and qualified to do business in each other jurisdiction where its ownership or lease of Property or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. As of the date hereof, no Credit Party has any Subsidiaries other than those identified in Schedule 4.21.

Section 4.2 Power . The execution, delivery, and performance by each Credit Party of this Agreement, any Notes, and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby and the Plan of Reorganization (a) are within such Credit Party’s governing powers, (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary governing action, (c) do not contravene (i) such Credit Party’s Organizational Documents or (ii) any law or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting such Credit Party, and (d) will not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien prohibited by this Agreement. Each Credit Party has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and proposed to be conducted and to own and leases its Property. On the Closing Date, there is no existing default under any of the Credit Parties’ Organizational Documents or any event which, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would constitute a default by any party thereunder.

Section 4.3 Authorization and Approvals . No consent, order, authorization, or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required for the due execution, delivery, and performance by any Credit Party of this Agreement, any Notes, or the other Loan Documents to which such Credit Party is a party or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and by the Plan of Reorganization, except for (a) the filing of UCC-1 financing statements and Mortgages in the state and county filing offices and (b) those consents and approvals that have been obtained or made on or prior to the date hereof and that are in full force and effect. The execution, delivery, and performance by each Credit Party of this Agreement, any Notes, and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby and the Plan of Reorganization will not violate or result in a default or require any consent or approval under any indenture, agreement, Organizational Document or other instrument biding upon the applicable Credit Party or its Property, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by such Credit Party, except for violations, defaults or the creation of such rights that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.4 Enforceable Obligations . This Agreement, any Notes, and the other Loan Documents to which any Credit Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Credit Party. Each Loan Document is the legal, valid, and binding obligation of each Credit Party which is a party to it enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

Section 4.5 Financial Reporting .

(a) All financial statements of any Credit Party or Subsidiary delivered to Administrative Agent or any Lender by or on behalf of any Credit Party or Subsidiary in

 

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connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document including any pro forma balance sheets of the Credit Parties and/or the JV Company delivered on the Closing Date have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly present in all material respects the financial positions and results of operations of the applicable Credit Party or Subsidiary covered thereby as of the dates and for the periods indicated therein. All projections delivered from time to time to Administrative Agent or Lenders have been prepared on the basis of assumptions that the Borrower believes are fair and reasonable as of the date of preparation in light of current and reasonably foreseeable business conditions (it being understood that actual results may differ materially from those set forth in such projections).

(b) Since entry of the Confirmation Order, no event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change has occurred.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 4.5 is a true and complete list of all Debt of each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries and the JV Company outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date that is to remain outstanding after the Closing Date. Such schedule accurately reflects the aggregate principal amount of such Debt and the principal terms thereof and whether (and to what extent) such Debt is secured.

(d) As of the Closing Date, Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a detailed sources and uses of proceeds or other evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Lenders, that the Borrower and Debtors have paid or satisfied, or have made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders to pay or satisfy, all administrative and priority claims and expenses pursuant to the Plan or Reorganization, upon terms and conditions previously approved by, or otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Lenders;

Section 4.6 True and Complete Disclosure . All factual information (excluding estimates, projections and proforma financial information) heretofore or contemporaneously furnished by or on behalf of any Credit Party in writing to any Lender or Administrative Agent for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, and all other such factual information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of any Credit Party in writing to Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders was or shall be, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such information was or is dated or certified and did not or does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading at such time. All projections, estimates, and pro forma financial information furnished by any Credit Party were prepared on the basis of assumptions, data, information, tests, or conditions believed to be reasonable at the time such projections, estimates, and pro forma financial information were furnished.

Section 4.7 Litigation; Compliance with Laws .

(a) There is no pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened action or proceeding affecting any Credit Party or the JV Company before any court, Governmental Authority or arbitrator which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change other than as set forth in Schedule 4.7 or which purports to affect the legality, validity, binding

 

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effect or enforceability of this Agreement, any Note, or any other Loan Document. As of the Closing Date, there is no pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened action or proceeding instituted against any Credit Party, the JV Company or any of their Subsidiaries which seeks to adjudicate any Credit Party, the JV Company or any of their Subsidiaries as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts under any Debtor Relief Law, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property.

(b) Each Credit Party has complied in all material respects with all material statutes, rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the conduct of its respective businesses or the ownership of its respective Property.

Section 4.8 Use of Proceeds; Federal Reserve Regulations .

(a) The proceeds of the Loans will be used by Borrower for the purposes described in Section 5.9 .

(b) No Credit Party is engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U).

(c) No proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with Regulation T, U or X or any other provisions of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. No pledge of any Collateral by any Credit Party pursuant to the Security Instruments will violate such regulations.

Section 4.9 Investment Company Act . No Credit Party is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Section 4.10 Taxes .

(a) Reports and Payments . All Returns (as defined below in clause (c) of this Section) required to be filed by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any member of the Controlled Group (hereafter collectively called the “ Tax Group ”) have been duly filed on a timely basis or appropriate extensions have been obtained and such Returns are and will be true, complete and correct, except where the failure to so file would not be reasonably expected to cause a Material Adverse Change; and all Taxes shown to be payable on the Returns or on subsequent assessments with respect thereto will have been paid in full on a timely basis, and no other Taxes will be payable by the Tax Group with respect to items or periods covered by such Returns, except in each case to the extent of (i) reserves reflected in the Financial Statements, or (ii) Taxes that are being contested in good faith. The reserves for accrued Taxes reflected in the financial statements delivered to Lenders under this Agreement are adequate in the aggregate for the payment of all unpaid Taxes, whether or not disputed, for the period ended as of the date thereof and for any period prior thereto, and for which the Tax Group may be liable in its own right, as withholding agent or as a transferee of the assets of, or successor to, any Person.

 

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(b) Taxes Definition . “Taxes” shall mean all taxes, charges, fees, levies, or other assessments imposed by any federal, state, local, or foreign taxing authority, including without limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, real or personal property, sales, occupation, use, service, leasing, environmental, value added, transfer, payroll, and franchise taxes (and including any interest, penalties, or additions to tax attributable to or imposed on with respect to any such assessment).

(c) Returns Definition . “Returns” shall mean any federal, state, local, or foreign report, declaration of estimated Tax, information statement or return relating to, or required to be filed in connection with, any Taxes, including any information return or report with respect to backup withholding or other payments of third parties.

Section 4.11 Pension Plans . No Credit Party nor any member of the Controlled Group is a party to, or has incurred any obligation or liability under, any Plan or Multiemployer Plan.

Section 4.12 Condition of Property; Casualties .

(a) Each Credit Party has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interest in, all of its Oil and Gas Properties as is customary in the oil and gas industry in all material respects, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens. Each Credit Party has good title to, or valid leasehold interest in, all of its other material Properties, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens. The material Properties used or to be used in the continuing operations of each Credit Party are in good repair, working order and condition, normal wear and tear excepted. Since entry of the Confirmation Order, neither the business nor the material Properties of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, has been materially and adversely affected as a result of any fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or other labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of Property or cancellation of contracts, Permits, or concessions by a Governmental Authority, riot, activities of armed forces, or acts of God or of any public enemy.

(b) Schedule 4.12(b) contains a true and complete list of each interest in (A) Real Property (i) owned by each Credit Party as of the Closing Date and describes the type of interest therein held by such Credit Party and (ii) leased or subleased by any Credit Party, as lessee or sublessee as of the Closing Date and describes the type of interest therein held by such Credit Party and (B) to the extent not described in the Plan of Reorganization and related disclosure statement any material Property (i) owned by any Credit Party as of the Closing Date and describes the type of interest therein held by such Credit Party and (ii) leased or subleased by any Credit Party, as lessee or sublessee as of the Closing Date and describes the type of interest therein held by such Credit Party.

(c) As of the Closing Date, no Credit Party has received any notice of, nor has any knowledge of, the occurrence or pendency or contemplation of any Casualty Event currently affecting all or any portion of its Property.

(d) Each Credit Party owns or has rights to use all of the Collateral and all rights with respect to any of the foregoing used in, necessary for or material to each Credit Party’s business as currently conducted. The use by each Credit Party of such Collateral and all such rights with

 

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respect to the foregoing does not infringe on the rights of any person other than such infringement which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. No claim has been made and remains outstanding that any Credit Party’s use of any Collateral does or may violate the rights of any third party that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(e) The Equipment of each Credit Party is in good repair, working order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Section 4.13 No Burdensome Restrictions; No Defaults .

(a) Other than those identified on Schedule 4.13(a), no Credit Party is a party to any indenture, loan, or credit agreement or any lease or other agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or corporate restriction or provision of applicable law or governmental regulation that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. No Credit Party is in default in any material respect under or with respect to any contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument to which such Credit Party is a party except as disclosed under the Plan of Reorganization and related disclosure statement. No Credit Party has received any notice of default under any material contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument to which such Credit Party is a party a copy of which has not been delivered to the Administrative Agent.

(b) No Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 4.14 Environmental Condition .

(a) Permits, Etc . Each Credit Party, each Subsidiary of any Credit Party and the JV Company (i) has obtained all Environmental Permits necessary for the ownership and operation of its respective Properties and the conduct of its respective businesses; (ii) has at all times been and is in material compliance with all terms and conditions of such Permits and with all other material requirements of applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) has not received notice of any material violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or Permit; and (iv) is not subject to any actual, pending or to any Credit Party’s knowledge, threatened Environmental Claim, that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Certain Liabilities . To each Credit Party’s knowledge, none of the present or previously owned or operated Property of any Credit Party or of any of its current or former Subsidiaries, wherever located, (i) has been placed on or proposed to be placed on the National Priorities List, or its state or local analogs, or have been otherwise investigated, designated, listed, or identified as a potential site for removal, remediation, cleanup, closure, restoration, reclamation, or other response activity under any Environmental Laws; (ii) is subject to a Lien, arising under or in connection with any Environmental Laws, that attaches to any revenues or to any Property owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the JV Company, wherever located, which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change; or (iii) has been the site of any Release of Hazardous Substances or Hazardous Wastes from present or past operations which has caused at the site or at any third party site any condition that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in the need for Response that would cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

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(c) Certain Actions . Without limiting the foregoing, (i) all necessary notices have been properly filed, and no further action is required under current Environmental Law as to each Response or other restoration or remedial project undertaken by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the JV Company on any of their presently or formerly owned, leased or operated Property and (ii) there are no facts, circumstances, conditions or occurrences with respect to any Property owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the JV Company that could reasonably be expected to form the basis of an Environmental Claim under Environmental Laws that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.15 Permits, Licenses, Etc.; Intellectual Property .

(a) Each Credit Party, each Subsidiary of a Credit Party and the JV Company possess all authorizations, Permits, licenses, patents, patent rights or licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names rights, copyrights and other Intellectual Property which are material to the conduct of its business. Each Credit Party, each Subsidiary of a Credit Party and the JV Company manages and operates its business in all material respects in accordance with all applicable Legal Requirements and prudent industry practices.

(b) No written claim has been asserted and is pending by any person challenging or questioning the use of any such Intellectual Property or the validity or effectiveness of any such Intellectual Property, nor does any Credit Party know of any valid basis for any such claim. The use of such Intellectual Property by any Credit Party does not infringe the rights of any person, except for such claims and infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(c) Except pursuant to licenses and other user agreements entered into by any Credit Party in the ordinary course of business, on and as of the Closing Date (i) each Credit Party owns and possesses the right to use, and has done nothing to authorize or enable any other person to use, any copyright, patent or trademark (as such terms are defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) that is necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted and (ii) all of the Credit Parties’ copyright registrations, patent registrations and trademark registrations are valid and in full force and effect.

(d) No Violations or Proceedings . To each Credit Party’s knowledge, on and as of the Closing Date, there is no material violation by others of any right of such Credit Party with respect to any copyright, patent or trademark, respectively, pledged by it under the name of such Credit Party except as may be set forth on Schedule 4.15(d).

Section 4.16 Gas Contracts . No Credit Party, as of the date hereof, (a) is obligated in any material respect by virtue of any prepayment made under any contract containing a “take-or-pay” or “prepayment” provision or under any similar agreement to deliver Hydrocarbons produced from or allocated to any of Credit Parties’ Oil and Gas Properties at some future date without receiving full payment therefor at the time of delivery or (b) except as has been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent, has produced gas, in any material amount, subject to balancing rights of third parties or subject to balancing duties under Legal Requirements.

 

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Section 4.17 Liens; Titles, Leases, Etc . None of the Property of any Credit Party is subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens. On the date of this Agreement, all governmental actions and all other filings, recordings, registrations, third party consents and other actions which are necessary to create and perfect the Liens provided for in the Security Instruments will have been made, obtained and taken in all relevant jurisdictions. Other than as set forth on Schedule 4.17 or as described in the Plan of Reorganization and related disclosure statement and to the extent such could not reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, all leases and agreements for the conduct of business of each Credit Party are valid and subsisting, in full force and effect and there exists no default or event of default or circumstance which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would give rise to a default by any Credit Party, or to any Credit Party’s knowledge, by any of the other parties thereto, under any such leases or agreements. No Credit Party is a party to any agreement or arrangement (other than this Agreement, the Security Instruments and the JV Credit Agreement), or subject to any order, judgment, writ or decree, that either restricts or purports to restrict its ability to grant Liens to secure the Obligations against its respective Properties.

Section 4.18 Solvency . After giving effect to (a) the Loans, (b) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (c) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

Section 4.19 Hedging Agreements . Schedule 4.19 sets forth, as of the date hereof, a true and complete list of all Hydrocarbon Hedge Agreements and Hedge Contracts of each Credit party, the material terms thereof (including the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), all credit support agreements relating thereto (including any margin required or supplied), and the counterparty to each such agreement.

Section 4.20 Material Agreements . Schedule 4.20 sets forth a complete and correct list as of the Closing Date and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated to occur on such date pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, of all material agreements, leases, indentures, purchase agreements, obligations in respect of letters of credit, guarantees, joint venture agreements, and other instruments in effect or to be in effect as of the date hereof (other than the agreements set forth in Schedule 4.19) providing for, evidencing, securing or otherwise relating to any Debt of any Credit Party, and all obligations of any Credit Party to issuers of surety or appeal bonds issued for account of such Credit Party, and such list correctly sets forth the names of the debtor or lessee and creditor or lessor with respect to the Debt or lease obligations outstanding or to be outstanding and the Property subject to any Lien securing such Debt or lease obligation.

Section 4.21 Equity Interests; Subsidiaries .

(a) Schedule 4.21 sets forth a list of (i) all the Subsidiaries of Borrower or any other Credit Party and their jurisdiction of organization as of the Closing Date and (ii) the number of each class of its Equity Interests authorized, and the number outstanding, on the Closing Date. All Equity Interests of each Credit Party are duly and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. The Borrower is the record and beneficial owner of, and has good and marketable title to, 33.34% of the membership interests in the JV Company, free of any and all Liens, rights

 

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or claims of other persons, except the security interest created by the Security Instruments and Permitted Liens. The JV Company has consented to the pledge of such membership interests and no consent of any other Person including any Governmental Authority, any general or limited partner, any other member of a limited liability company, any other shareholder or any other trust beneficiary is necessary or reasonably desirable (from the perspective of a secured party) in connection with the creation, perfection or second priority status of the security interest of the Administrative Agent in such membership interests or the exercise of the voting or other rights provided for in the Security Instruments or the exercise of remedies in respect thereto.

(b) An accurate organization chart, showing the ownership structure of the Borrower, the Credit Parties and each of their Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization and Confirmation Order, is set forth on Schedule 4.21.

Section 4.22 Labor Matters . As of the Closing Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Credit Party pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of any Credit Party have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters in any manner which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. All payments due from any Credit Party, or for which any claim may be made against any Credit Party, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Credit Party except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan of Reorganization will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which any Credit Party is bound where such termination or right of renegotiation could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.23 Insurance . Schedule 4.23 sets forth a true, complete and correct summary description of all insurance maintained by each Credit party as of the Closing Date. All insurance maintained by the Credit Parties is in full force and effect, all premiums have been duly paid and no Credit Party has received notice of violation or cancellation thereof, except in such case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to be a Material Adverse Change. Each Credit Party carries insurance required under Section 5.2 .

Section 4.24 Foreign Assets Control Regulations . No Credit Party is, or will be after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan of Reorganization and the application of the proceeds of the Loans, by reason of being a “national” of a “designated foreign country” or a “specially designated national” within the meaning of the Regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, United States Treasury Department (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V), or for any other reason, in violation in any material respect of, any United States Federal statute or Presidential Executive Order concerning trade or other relations with any foreign country or any citizen or national thereof or the ownership or operation of any property.

 

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Section 4.25 Anti-Terrorism Law .

(a) No Credit Party and, to the knowledge of the Credit Parties, none of its Affiliates is in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws.

(b) No Credit Party and to the knowledge of the Credit Parties, no Affiliates or broker or other agent of any Credit Party acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the Loans is any of the following:

(i) a person that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Orders;

(ii) a person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any person that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Orders;

(iii) a person with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law;

(iv) a person that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in the Executive Orders; or

(v) a person that is named as a “specially designated national and blocked person” on the most current list published by OFAC at its official website or any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list.

(c) No Credit Party and, to the knowledge of the Credit Parties, no broker or other agent of any Credit Party acting in any capacity in connection with the Loans (i) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any person described in paragraph (b) above, (ii) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Orders, or (iii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.

ARTICLE V.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any of the Obligations remain outstanding, each Credit Party agrees, unless the Requisite Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, to comply with the following covenants.

Section 5.1 Reserved .

Section 5.2 Maintenance of Insurance .

(a) Each Credit Party shall keep its insurable Property adequately insured at all times by financially sound and reputable insurers; maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks as is customary with companies in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including insurance with respect to any Property subject to a

 

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Mortgage and other properties material to the business of the Credit Parties against such casualties and contingencies and of such types and in such amounts with such deductibles as is customary in the case of similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including (i) physical hazard insurance on an “all risk” basis, (ii) commercial general liability against claims for bodily injury, death or property damage covering any and all insurable claims, (iii) explosion insurance in respect of any boilers, machinery or similar apparatus constituting Collateral, (iv) business interruption insurance, (v) worker’s compensation insurance and such other insurance as may be required by any Legal Requirement and (vi) such other insurance against risks as the Requisite Lenders may from time to time require (acting reasonably) (such policies to be in such form and amounts and having such coverage as may be reasonably satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders); provided that if and so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to physical hazard insurance, neither the Requisite Lenders nor the applicable Credit Party shall agree to the adjustment of any claim thereunder in excess of $1,000,000 without the consent of the other (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(b) All such insurance shall (i) provide that no cancellation, material reduction in amount or material change in coverage thereof shall be effective until at least thirty (30) days after receipt by the Administrative Agent of written notice thereof (except with respect to cancellation as a result of a payment default, such cancellation shall not be effective until at least ten (10) days after receipt by Administrative Agent of written notice thereof) and if an endorsement providing such notice is commercially impracticable by any Credit Party’s carrier, such Credit Party will use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide thirty (30) days or ten (10) days, as applicable, notice to the Administrative Agent prior to the cancellation, material reduction in amount or material change in coverage, (ii) name the Administrative Agent as mortgagee (in the case of property insurance) or additional insured on behalf of the Secured Parties (in the case of liability insurance) or loss payee (in the case of property insurance), as applicable and (iii) be reasonably satisfactory in all other respects to the Administrative Agent (acting on the instructions of the Requisite Lenders).

(c) Each Credit Party shall notify the Administrative Agent immediately whenever any separate insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of loss with that required to be maintained under this Section 5.2 is taken out by any Credit Party; and as soon as practicable deliver to the Administrative Agent a duplicate original copy of such policy or policies.

(d) With respect to Property subject to a Mortgage, each Credit Party shall obtain flood insurance in such total amount as the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may from time to time reasonably require, if at any time the area in which any improvements located on any Property subject to a Mortgage is designated a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), and otherwise comply with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended from time to time.

(e) Each Credit Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a report of a reputable insurance broker with respect to such insurance and such supplemental reports with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

 

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(f) No Credit Party shall knowingly take any action that is reasonably likely to be the basis for termination, revocation or denial of any insurance coverage required to be maintained under any Mortgage of any Credit Party or that could be the basis for a defense to any claim under any Insurance Policy maintained in respect of the Property subject to a Mortgage, and each Credit Party shall otherwise comply in all material respects with all Insurance Requirements in respect of the premises; provided, however, that such Credit Party may, at its own expense and after written notice to the Administrative Agent, (i) contest the applicability or enforceability of any such Insurance Requirements by appropriate legal proceedings, the prosecution of which does not constitute a basis for cancellation or revocation of any insurance coverage required under this Section 5.2 or (ii) cause the Insurance Policy containing any such Insurance Requirement to be replaced by a new policy complying with the provisions of this Section 5.2 .

Section 5.3 Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc .

(a) Each Credit Party shall preserve and maintain its corporate existence, rights, franchises, and privileges in the jurisdiction of its formation and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which qualification is necessary or desirable in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its Properties, and, in each case, where failure to qualify or preserve and maintain its rights and franchises could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Each Credit Party shall (i) do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names and other Intellectual Property material to the conduct of its business; (ii) comply with all applicable Legal Requirements (including any and all zoning, building, Environmental Law, ordinance, code or approval or any building permits or any restrictions of record or agreements affecting the Real Property) and decrees and orders of any Governmental Authority, whether now in effect or hereafter enacted, except in each cases where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (iii) pay and perform its obligations under all Loan Documents and the JV Company Credit Facility Documents to which it is a party; and (iv) at all times maintain, preserve and protect all property material to the conduct of such business and keep such property in good repair, working order and condition (other than wear and tear occurring in the ordinary course of business subject to condemnation and casualty events) 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 at all times, except in all cases specified in this subclause (iv) where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; provided that nothing in this Section 5.3(b) shall prevent (i) Dispositions of property in accordance with Section 6.4 ; (ii) the withdrawal by any Credit Party of its qualification as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction where such withdrawal, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; or (iii) the abandonment by any Credit Party of any property (including, without limitation, leasehold interests in real property), rights,

 

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franchises, licenses, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents or other Intellectual Property that such Credit Party reasonably determines are not useful to its business or no longer commercially desirable.

(c) Except as expressly permitted herein, each Credit Party shall (a) perform and observe all material terms and provisions of each contract, instrument, agreement or other document, in each case, to the extent such contract, instrument, agreement or other document relates to Property, revenues or obligations of such Credit Party with value in excess of $1,000,000, to be performed or observed by it, (b) maintain each such contract, instrument, agreement or other document in full force and effect, and (c) enforce each such contract, instrument, agreement or other document in accordance with its terms.

Section 5.4 Payment of Taxes, Etc .

(a) Each Credit Party shall pay and discharge before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments, and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or Property that are material in amount, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto and (ii) all lawful claims that are material in amount which, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon its Property; provided, however, that no Credit Party shall be required to pay or discharge any such tax, assessment, charge, levy, or claim which is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided.

(b) Each Credit Party shall timely and correctly file all Tax Returns required to be filed by it, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(c) The Borrower does not intend to treat the Loans as being a “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4. In the event the Borrower determines that the Loans are required to be so treated, it will promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof.

Section 5.5 Maintenance of Records; Visitation Rights . Each Credit Party shall keep proper books of record and account (i) in which full, true and correct entries are made in conformity with all Legal Requirements and (ii) in form permitting financial statements conforming with GAAP to be derived therefrom. Borrower or any Credit Party will permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect the financial records and, subject to the rights of tenants, the property of Borrower, any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries upon reasonable prior notice during regular business hours and to make extracts from and copies of such financial records, and permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to discuss the affairs, finances, accounts and condition of Borrower, any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries with and be advised as to the same by the officers and employees thereof and the independent accountants therefor, all at such reasonable times and intervals and to such reasonable extent as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may request; provided , that unless a Default or an Event of Default is continuing, the Credit Parties shall not be required to pay the expenses of more than one such visit per calendar year. The Borrower shall be permitted to reasonably coordinate the visits and inspections of individual Lenders to minimize inconvenience.

 

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Section 5.6 Reporting Requirements . Borrower shall furnish to Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(a) Annual Financials . As soon as available and in any event not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries (or, if Borrower becomes an SEC reporting company, such shorter time as required to be filed with the SEC), commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, (i) a copy of the annual audit report for such year for Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries, including therein Borrower’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ balance sheets as of the end of such fiscal year and Borrower’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ statements of income, cash flows, and retained earnings, in each case certified by PKF LLP, Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, or other independent certified public accountants of national standing reasonably acceptable to the Requisite Lenders and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception and including any management letters delivered by such accountants to Borrower in connection with such audit, (ii) any management letters delivered by such accountants to Borrower, and (iii) a Responsible Officer’s Certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit B.

(b) Quarterly Financials . As soon as available and in any event not later than forty five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries (or, if Borrower becomes an SEC reporting company, such shorter time as required to be filed with the SEC), (i) commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2012, the unaudited balance sheet and the statements of income, cash flows, and retained earnings of each such Person for the period commencing at the end of the previous year and ending with the end of such fiscal quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified with respect to such consolidated statements (subject to year-end audit adjustments) by a Responsible Officer of Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP, (ii) a consolidating balance sheet and statement of operations of Borrower together with the Credit Parties, and (iii) a Responsible Officer’s Certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit B.

(c) Defaults . As soon as possible and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the date on which any Responsible Officer of any Credit Party obtains knowledge of (i) the occurrence of any Default, (ii) the occurrence of a default under any instrument or document evidencing Debt of any Credit Party, which obligation underlying such Debt exceeds a total potential obligation to such Credit Party of $500,000 in the aggregate, or (iii) the occurrence of a default or event of default under the JV Company Credit Facility Documents, in each case which is continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of a Responsible Officer of such Credit Party setting forth the details of such Default, event of default or default, as applicable, and the actions which Borrower and the applicable Credit Party has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto;

(d) Termination Events . As soon as possible and in any event (i) within thirty (30) days after Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (a) of the definition of Termination Event with respect

 

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to any Plan has occurred, and (ii) within ten (10) days after Borrower or any of its Affiliates knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, a statement of a Responsible Officer of Borrower or such member describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, which Borrower or such Affiliate proposes to take with respect thereto;

(e) Termination of Plans . Promptly and in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt thereof by Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, copies of each notice received by Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

(f) Other ERISA Notices . Promptly and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan, a copy of each notice received by Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability in an amount exceeding $1,000,000 pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

(g) Environmental Notices . Promptly upon the receipt thereof by any Credit Party, a copy of any form of request, notice, summons or citation received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or any other Governmental Authority, concerning (i) violations or alleged violations of Environmental Laws, which seeks to impose liability therefor and could cause a Material Adverse Change, (ii) any action or omission on the part of any Credit Party or any of its current or former Subsidiaries, or the JV Company in connection with Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substances which could reasonably result in the imposition of liability therefor that could cause a Material Adverse Change, including without limitation any information request related to, or notice of, potential responsibility under CERCLA, or (iii) the filing of a Lien upon, against or in connection with any Credit Party or its current or former Subsidiaries or the JV Company, or any of their leased or owned Property, wherever located;

(h) Other Governmental Notices . Promptly and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Credit Party, a copy of any notice, summons, citation, or proceeding seeking to modify in any material respect, revoke, or suspend any material contract, license, permit or agreement with any Governmental Authority;

(i) Material Changes . Prompt written notice of any condition or event of which any Credit Party has knowledge, which condition or event (i) has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or (ii) has resulted in a breach of or noncompliance with any material term, condition, or covenant of any material contract to which any Credit Party is a party or by which they or their Properties is bound (including, without limitation, a breach of or noncompliance with the JV Company Credit Facility Documents);

(j) Disputes, Etc . Prompt written notice of (i) any claims, legal or arbitration proceedings, suits, actions, audits, investigations or proceedings before any Governmental Authority, or disputes pending, or to the knowledge of any Credit Party threatened, or affecting any Credit Party, or any of its Subsidiaries which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, or any material labor controversy of which any Credit Party has knowledge resulting in or reasonably considered to be likely to result in a strike

 

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against any Credit Party that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change and (ii) with the exception of any claim listed on Schedule 4.7, any claim, judgment, Lien or other encumbrance (other than a Permitted Lien) affecting any Property of any Credit Party if the value of the claim, judgment, Lien, or other encumbrance affecting such Property shall exceed $1,500,000;

(k) Other Accounting Reports . Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report or letter submitted to any Credit Party by its independent accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books of any Credit Party, and a copy of any response by any Credit Party, or the Board of Directors (or other applicable governing body) of such Credit Party, to such letter or report;

(l) Notices Under Other Loan Agreements . Promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement, report or notice furnished to any Credit Party pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or other similar agreement (including, without limitation, the JV Company Credit Facility Documents), other than this Agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to Lenders pursuant to any other provision of this Section 5.6 ;

(m) USA PATRIOT Act . Promptly, following a request by any Lender, all documentation and other information that such Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act;

(n) Other Information . Such other information respecting the business or Properties, or the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or the JV Company, as Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request;

(o) Public Reports . Borrower (or any Credit Party) shall deliver, as soon as reasonably practicable after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements, registration statements (and any post effective amendments thereto) and other materials filed by the Borrower (or any Credit Party) with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed to holders of its Debt or Equity Interests pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Debt or Equity Interests (or any trustee, agent or other representative therefor), as the case may be; and

(p) JV Reports . Borrower (or any Credit Party) shall deliver or cause to be delivered, (i) as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of the same, copies of any and all periodic reports and any other information received by the Borrower (or any Credit Party) regarding the JV Company, including, but not limited to the reports and information required to be delivered to the Borrower by the Sole Manager (as defined in the JV Company LLC Agreement) of the JV Company pursuant to Sections 5.13 and 10.4 of the JV Company LLC Agreement and (ii) contemporaneously with the delivery to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent or any JV Company Credit Facility Lender, copies of all reports or notices delivered or furnished by the JV Company to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent or JV Company Credit Facility Lenders under the JV Company Credit Facility Documents.

 

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Section 5.7 Maintenance of Property . Each Credit Party shall maintain its owned or leased Property in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted and maintain its operated Property, as a reasonably prudent operator would, in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted (including, without limitation, as commercially practicable making or causing to made all repairs, replacements and other improvements which are necessary or appropriate in the conduct of any Credit Party’s business); provided that no item of Equipment needs to be repaired, renewed, replaced, or improved and no leased Property needs to be maintained, if such Credit Party shall in good faith determine that such action is not necessary or desirable for the continued efficient and profitable operation of the business of any Credit Party, any Credit Party’s Subsidiaries or the JV Company; and, provided further each Credit Party shall abstain from knowingly or willfully permitting the Release of any Hazardous Material in, on or about the owned, leased or operated Property except in compliance with Environmental Law, the Release of which could reasonably be expected to result in Response activities and that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

Section 5.8 Agreement to Pledge . Each Credit Party shall, grant to Administrative Agent an Acceptable Security Interest in any Property of such Credit Party now owned or hereafter acquired promptly after receipt of a written request from the Administrative Agent (at the direction of the Requisite Lenders), including without limitation, (i) on or before the 120th day after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion), each Credit Party shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, deposit account control agreements for each of their Deposit Accounts in accordance with Section 5.1 of the Pledge and Security Agreement, (ii) on or before the 30th day after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, certificates representing all of the Equity Interests of Amber Resources owned by the Borrower or any other Credit Party, together with undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed and delivered in blank by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, and (iii) on our before the 10th Business Day after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion), the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent insurance certificates naming Administrative Agent as additional insured, or loss payee, as applicable, and evidencing insurance which meets the requirements of this Agreement and the Security Instruments, and which is otherwise satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders.

Section 5.9 Use of Proceeds . Each Credit Party shall use the proceeds of the First Advance, together with the Piceance JV Proceeds (a) to repay the loans and other obligations under the DIP Agreement, and (b) to pay allowed but unpaid administrative expenses of the Debtors related to the Chapter 11 Proceedings and shall use the proceeds of any subsequent Advance for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs and any administrative expenses that were not paid with the First Advance.

Section 5.10 Title Evidence and Opinions . Each Credit Party shall from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, take such actions and execute and deliver such documents and instruments as the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders shall require to ensure that the Administrative Agent shall, at all times, have received satisfactory title evidence, which title evidence shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion and shall include information regarding the before payout and after payout ownership interests held by any Credit Party, for all Wells located on the Oil and Gas Properties, as designated by the Requisite Lenders.

 

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Section 5.11 Further Assurances; Cure of Title Defects . Each Credit Party shall, cure promptly any defects in the creation and issuance of the Loans or any Notes and the execution and delivery of the Security Instruments and this Agreement. Each Credit Party hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to file any financing statements without the signature of such Credit Party to the extent permitted by applicable law in order to perfect or maintain the perfection of any security interest granted under any of the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as soon as reasonably practicable, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders, each Credit Party at its expense will, (a) promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause the execution, acknowledgement and delivery of, and thereafter register, file or record, or cause to be registered, filed or recorded, in an appropriate governmental office and document, agreement and/or instrument to comply with or accomplish the covenants and agreements of each Credit Party, in the Security Instruments and this Agreement, or to further evidence and more fully describe the collateral intended as security for the Obligations and any Notes, or (b) take any necessary action to correct any omissions in the Security Instruments, or to state more fully the security obligations set out herein or in any of the Security Instruments, or to perfect, protect or preserve any Liens created pursuant to any of the Security Instruments, or to make any recordings, to file any notices or obtain any consents, all as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith or to enable Administrative Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies with respect to any Collateral. Within thirty (30) days after (a) a request by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to cure any title defects or exceptions which are not Permitted Liens raised by such information or (b) a notice by the Administrative Agent that any Credit Party has failed to comply with Section 5.10 , such Credit Party shall (i) cure such title defects or exceptions which are not Permitted Liens or substitute acceptable Oil and Gas Properties with no title defects or exceptions except for Permitted Liens covering Collateral of at least an equivalent value and (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent satisfactory title evidence (including supplemental or new title opinions meeting the foregoing requirements) in form and substance acceptable to the Requisite Lenders in their reasonable business judgment as to such Credit Party’s ownership of such Oil and Gas Properties and Administrative Agent’s Liens and security interests therein as are required to maintain compliance with Section 5.10 .

Section 5.12 Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors .

(a) Subject to this Section 5.12 , with respect to any Property acquired after the Closing Date, by any Credit Party that is Collateral or is intended to be subject to the Lien created by any of the Security Instruments but is not so subject or with respect to any Property previously designated as Excluded Collateral but subsequently designated as Collateral by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion in accordance with the terms hereof and of the other Loan Documents, each Credit Party shall promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days after the acquisition or designation thereof) (i) execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent such amendments or supplements to the relevant Security Instruments or such other documents as the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders shall reasonably deem necessary to grant to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and for the benefit of the other applicable Secured Parties, Acceptable Security Interest on such property, and (ii) to the extent not already created and/or

 

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perfected, take all actions necessary to cause such Property to be subject to an Acceptable Security Interest and not already perfected in accordance with all applicable Legal Requirements, including the filing of financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders.

(b) With respect to (i) any person that is or becomes a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary or Amber Resources) after the Closing Date, (ii) any Subsidiary that is an Immaterial Subsidiary as of the Closing Date but thereafter ceases to be an Immaterial Subsidiary, or (iii) any Subsidiary with respect to which the Credit Parties are required to comply with this Section 5.12(b) pursuant to Section 5.18 , each Credit Party shall promptly (and, with respect to clause (i) above, in any event within thirty (30) days after such person becomes a Subsidiary) (A) deliver to the Administrative Agent the certificates, if any, representing all of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary that are owned by any Credit Party, together with undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed and delivered in blank by a duly authorized officer of the relevant Credit Party, and all intercompany notes owing from such Subsidiary to any Credit Party together with instruments of transfer executed and delivered in blank by a duly authorized officer of such Credit Party and (B) cause such new Subsidiary (1) to execute a joinder agreement or such comparable documentation to become a Guarantor, a joinder agreement to this Agreement and the applicable Security Instruments and (2) to the extent not already created and/or perfected, to take all actions reasonably necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders to cause the Lien created by the applicable Security Instrument to be duly perfected to the extent required by such agreement in accordance with all applicable Legal Requirements, including the filing of financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders.

(c) At the request of the Administrative Agent or Requisite Lenders, as soon as practicable, each Credit Party (i) shall grant to the Administrative Agent, within sixty (60) days of the acquisition thereof, an Acceptable Security Interest in and Mortgage on each Real Property owned in fee by such Credit Party as is acquired by such Credit Party after the Closing Date, and (ii) shall use commercially reasonable efforts to grant to the Administrative Agent, within sixty (60) days of the acquisition thereof, an Acceptable Security Interest in and Mortgage on each leased Real Property of such Credit Party, in each case, as additional security for the Obligations. The Mortgages or instruments related thereto shall be duly recorded or filed in such manner and in such places as are required by law to establish, perfect, preserve and protect the respective Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent required to be granted pursuant to the Mortgages and all applicable taxes, fees and other charges payable in connection therewith shall be paid in full when due and payable. Such Credit Party shall otherwise take such actions and execute and/or deliver to the Administrative Agent such documents as the Administrative Agent or Requisite Lenders shall reasonably require to confirm the validity, perfection and priority of the Liens of any existing Mortgages or new Mortgages against such after-acquired Real Property.

Section 5.13 Leases; Development and Maintenance . Each Credit Party shall (a) pay and discharge promptly, or cause to be paid and discharged promptly, all rentals, delay rentals, royalties, overriding royalties, payments out of production and other indebtedness or obligations accruing under, and perform or cause to be performed each and every act, matter or thing required by each and all of, the oil and gas leases and all other agreements and contracts

 

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constituting or affecting the Oil and Gas Properties of any Credit Party (except where the amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and except where the nonpayment or non-performance of which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, (b) in all material respects, do all other things necessary to keep unimpaired its rights thereunder and prevent any forfeiture thereof or default thereunder, and operate or cause to be operated such Properties as a prudent operator would in accordance with industry standard practices and in compliance with all applicable proration and conservation Legal Requirements and any other Legal Requirements of every Governmental Authority, whether state, federal, municipal or other jurisdiction, from time to time constituted to regulate the development and operations of oil and gas properties and the production and sale of oil, gas and other Hydrocarbons therefrom, and (c) maintain (or cause to be maintained) the Leases, Wells, units and acreage to which the Oil and Gas Properties of any Credit Party pertain in a prudent manner consistent with industry standard practices.

Section 5.14 Litigation and Other Notices . Each Credit Party shall furnish to the Administrative Agent, and upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, to each such Lender making the request to such Credit Party or the Administrative Agent, written notice of the following as soon as reasonably practicable (and, in any event, within five (5) Business Days of the occurrence thereof):

(a) the filing or commencement of, or any threat or notice of intention of any Person to file or commence, any action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, (i) against any Credit Party that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or (ii) with respect to any Loan Document;

(b) the occurrence of a Casualty Event, in excess of $100,000;

(c) the incurrence of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on, or claim asserted against any of the Collateral; and

(d) a copy of any notice, summons, citation, or proceeding seeking to modify in any material respect or revoke or suspend any material contract, license, permit or agreement with any Governmental Authority.

Section 5.15 Employee Benefits . Each Credit Party shall (a) except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, with respect to any Plan, comply in all respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and (b) furnish to the Administrative Agent (x) as soon as possible after, and in any event within ten (10) days after any Responsible Officer of any Credit Party knows or has reason to know, that any Termination Event has occurred that, alone or together with any other Termination Event, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Credit Party or any Controlled Group member in an aggregate amount exceeding $1,000,000, a statement of a Responsible Officer of the applicable Credit Party setting forth details as to such Termination Event and the action, if any, that the Borrower and any applicable Credit Party propose to take with respect thereto, and (y) upon request by the Administrative Agent, copies of (i) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by any Credit Party or any Controlled Group member with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Plan; (ii) the most recent actuarial

 

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valuation report for each Plan; (iii) all notices received by any Credit Party or any Controlled Group member from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor or any governmental agency concerning a Termination Event; and (iv) such other documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan or the Multiemployer Plan as the Administrative Agent or Requisite Lenders shall reasonably request.

Section 5.16 Compliance with Environmental Laws .

(a) Each Credit Party shall comply, and cause all lessees and other persons occupying Real Property owned, operated or leased by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary to comply, in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits applicable to its operations and Real Property; obtain and renew all material Environmental Permits applicable to its operations and Real Property; and conduct all Responses required by, and in accordance with, Environmental Laws; provided that no Credit Party shall be required to undertake any Response to the extent that its obligation to do so is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and appropriate reserves are being maintained with respect to such circumstances in accordance with GAAP.

(b) If a Default caused by reason of a breach of Section 4.14 or Section 5.16(a) shall have occurred and be continuing for more than twenty (20) days without the any Credit Party commencing activities reasonably likely to cure such Default, at the written request of the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders through the Administrative Agent, such Credit Party shall provide to the Lenders within forty-five (45) days after such request, at the expense of the Credit Party, an environmental assessment report regarding the matters which are the subject of such Default, including, where appropriate, any soil and/or groundwater sampling, prepared by an environmental consulting firm and, in the form and substance, reasonably acceptable to the Requisite Lenders and indicating the presence or absence of Hazardous Materials and the estimated cost of any compliance or Response to address them.

(c) No Credit Party shall install, nor permit to be installed, in any Property subject to a Mortgage any Hazardous Materials, other than in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.

Section 5.17 Information Regarding Collateral .

(a) No Credit Party shall effect any change (i) in any Credit Party’s legal name, (ii) in the location of any Credit Party’s chief executive office, (iii) in any Credit Party’s identity or organizational structure, (iv) in any Credit Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number, if any, or (v) in any Credit Party’s jurisdiction of organization (including by merging with or into any other entity, reorganizing, dissolving, liquidating, reorganizing or organizing in any other jurisdiction), until (A) it shall have given the Administrative Agent not less than ten (10) days’ prior written notice (in the form of an Officers’ Certificate), or such lesser notice period agreed to by the Requisite Lenders, of its intention so to do, clearly describing such change and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Requisite Lenders may reasonably request; (B) it shall have taken all action reasonably satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties in the

 

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Collateral, if applicable; and (C) such change is not otherwise in violation of this Agreement. Each Credit Party agrees, as soon as practicable, to provide the Administrative Agent with certified Organizational Documents reflecting any of the changes described in the preceding sentence. Each Credit Party also agrees to promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change in the location of any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it or any office or facility at which Collateral is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility), other than changes in location to a Property subject to a Mortgage or a leased property, in each case if different than the location relating to such Collateral set forth in the schedules to the Security Instruments or the most recent supplement thereto.

(b) Concurrently with the delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.6(a) , each Credit Party shall, deliver to the Administrative Agent a supplement to the schedules to the Security Instruments or confirmation that there have been no changes to the information set forth in such schedules since the date of the Security Instruments or the last supplement thereto provided pursuant to this Section 5.17(b) .

Section 5.18 Immaterial Subsidiaries . On or before the 90th day after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion), the Credit Parties shall liquidate or dissolve each Immaterial Subsidiary; provided, that the Credit Parties shall promptly after the expiration of such 90 days after the Closing Date comply with Section 5.12(b) with respect to any Immaterial Subsidiary that is not liquidated or dissolved within such 90 days after the Closing Date unless the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall determine that such Immaterial Subsidiary does not own any material Property and that the value of such Immaterial Subsidiary’s Property would make compliance with Section 5.12(b) impractical or uneconomic, and the Borrower shall have so notified the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 5.18 shall not apply to any Subsidiary that is an Immaterial Subsidiary as of the Closing Date but ceases to be an Immaterial Subsidiary after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE VI.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any of the Obligations remain outstanding each Credit Party agrees unless the Requisite Lenders otherwise consent in writing, to comply with the following covenants as follows:

Section 6.1 Liens, Etc . No Credit Party shall create, assume, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on or in respect of any of its Property whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign any right to receive income, except that each Credit Party may create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist:

(a) Liens granted pursuant to the Security Instruments and securing the Obligations;

(b) purchase money Liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any Equipment acquired or held by any Credit Party in the ordinary course of business prior to or at the time of such Credit Party’s acquisition of such Equipment; provided that, the Debt secured by

 

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such Liens shall not exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding and that such Debt (i) was incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such Equipment, and does not exceed the aggregate purchase price of such Equipment, (ii) is secured only by such Equipment and not by any other assets of any Credit Party, and (iii) is not increased in amount;

(c) Liens for taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies not yet due or not yet delinquent or, if delinquent, that (provided foreclosure, sale, or other similar proceedings shall not have been initiated) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and such reserve as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefor;

(d) Liens in favor of vendors, carriers, warehousemen, repairmen, mechanics, workmen, materialmen, construction, or similar Liens arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations that are not yet due or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, provided such reserve as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefor;

(e) royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, production payments, reversionary interests, calls on production, preferential purchase rights and other burdens on or deductions from the proceeds of production, that do not secure Debt for borrowed money and that do not materially detract from any Credit Party’s value;

(f) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business out of pledges or deposits under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security or retirement benefits, or similar legislation or to secure public or statutory obligations of any Credit Party;

(g) Liens arising under operating agreements, unitization and pooling agreements and orders, farmout agreements, gas balancing agreements, and other agreements, in each case that are customary in the oil, gas and mineral production business and that are entered into by any Credit Party, in the ordinary course of business provided that (i) such Liens do not secure borrowed money, (ii) such Liens secure amounts that are not yet due, or not yet delinquent, or if delinquent, are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, if such reserve as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefor, (iii) such Liens are limited to the Properties that are the subject of such agreements, and (iv) such Liens do not materially detract from the aggregate value of any Credit Party’s assets;

(h) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, and other similar encumbrances, and minor defects in the chain of title that are customarily accepted in the oil and gas financing industry, none of which interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of any Credit Party or materially detract from the value or use of the Property to which they apply,

(i) Liens in favor of the JV Company Credit Facility Lenders or JV Company Credit Facility Agent solely on the JV Holding Sub’s JV Interests as security for the JV Company Credit Facility; provided, that such Liens are without further recourse to Borrower or its Subsidiaries and otherwise on substantially the same terms as those set forth in the Parent Pledge Agreement as in effect as of the date hereof;

 

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(j) Liens on cash collateral securing Debt permitted under Section 6.2(b) ; provided that such cash collateral does not exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any time;

(k) bankers’ Liens, rights of setoff and other similar Liens existing solely with respect to cash and cash equivalents on deposit in one or more accounts maintained by any Credit Party in each case granted in the ordinary course of business in favor of the bank or banks with which such accounts are maintained, securing amounts owing to such bank or banks with respect to cash management and operating account arrangements;

(l) Liens in favor of vendors or lessors arising under any conditional sale agreement, synthetic lease, Capital Lease, or other title retention agreement; and

(m) Liens securing Permitted Subordinated Debt to the extent permitted under Sections 6.7(g) or (k) .

Section 6.2 Debts, Guarantees, and Other Obligations . No Credit Party shall create, assume, suffer to exist, or in any manner become or be liable in respect of, any Debt except:

(a) Debt of the Credit Parties under the Loan Documents;

(b) Debt set forth on Schedule 4.5;

(c) Debt secured by the Liens permitted under Section 6.1(b) and any renewal, refinancing or extension of such Debt; provided that (i) no Lien existing at the time of such renewal, refinancing or extension shall be extended to cover any property not already subject to such Lien, (ii) the principal amount of any Debt renewed, refinanced or extended shall not exceed the amount of such Debt outstanding immediately prior to such renewal, refinancing or extension; and (iii) in any event, the aggregate amount of such Debt at any time shall not exceed $1,500,000;

(d) Debt under Hydrocarbon Hedge Agreements and other Hedge Contracts in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business and not purely for speculative purposes; provided that (i) such Debt shall not be secured, (ii) such Debt shall not obligate any Credit Party to any margin call requirements including any requirement to post cash collateral, property collateral or a letter of credit, and (iii) such Debt shall not include any deferred premium payments associated with such Hydrocarbon Hedge Contracts;

(e) Debt consisting of sureties or bonds provided to any Governmental Authority or other Person and assuring payment of contingent liabilities of any Credit Party in connection with the operation of the Oil and Gas Properties, including with respect to plugging, facility removal and abandonment of its Oil and Gas Properties;

(f) Debt of any Credit Party owing to any other Credit Party; provided that such Debt is subordinated to the Obligations on terms acceptable to the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion;

(g) Debt evidenced by letters of credit, surety bonds and other credit assurances and similar obligations of a like nature entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that

 

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the then maximum obligations owing with respect to such Debt shall not exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any time and such obligations were cash-collateralized by the applicable Credit Party at the time the obligations were created;

(h) The JV Holding Sub’s nonrecourse guarantee of the obligations under the JV Credit Agreement pursuant to the Parent Guaranty;

(i) Other unsecured Debt in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $750,000;

(j) Debt of any Credit Party to a holder of an Equity Interest in such Credit Party or the Borrower provided that (i) the full proceeds thereof are advanced either to such Credit Party or the JV Company as either a capital contribution or a loan or are reinvested in an asset acquired by such Credit Party in either case as permitted under Section 6.7(g) hereof and (ii) such Debt to the holder of an Equity Interest of the Borrower is subordinated to the Obligations on terms satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders; and

(k) Permitted Subordinated Debt in aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $60,000,000.

Section 6.3 Agreements Restricting Liens and Distributions . No Credit Party shall enter into any agreement, instrument, deed or lease which prohibits or limits the ability of any Credit Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of their respective properties or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or which requires the grant of any security for an obligation if security is granted for another obligation, except the following: (1) this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the JV Company Credit Facility Documents; (2) covenants in documents creating Liens permitted by Section 6.1 prohibiting further Liens on the properties encumbered thereby; and (3) any other agreement that does not restrict in any manner (directly or indirectly) Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents on any Collateral securing the Obligations and does not require the direct or indirect granting of any Lien securing any Debt or other obligation by virtue of the granting of Liens on or pledge of property of any Credit Party to secure the Obligations.

Section 6.4 Merger or Consolidation; Asset Sales . No Credit Party shall:

(a) merge or consolidate with or into any other Person; provided that (i) any Guarantor may merge or consolidate with any Person so long as a Guarantor is the surviving Person or such Person becomes a Guarantor contemporaneously with such merger or consolidation and (ii) any Credit Party may merge or consolidate with the Borrower so long as the Borrower is the surviving Person; or

(b) make any Disposition of any of its Property (including, without limitation, any Working Interest, overriding Royalty Interest, production payments, net profits interest, Royalty Interest, or mineral fee interest) outside the ordinary course of business except Dispositions of Assets for their fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Borrower’s board of directors, other than:

(i) the sale of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(ii) the Disposition of cash and Liquid Investments in the ordinary course of business;

(iii) the Disposition of Property that is (A) obsolete, worn out, depleted or uneconomic and disposed of in the ordinary course of business, (B) no longer necessary for the business of the Credit Parties as reasonably determined by such Credit Party or (C) with respect to any Equipment, contemporaneously replaced with Equipment of at least comparable value and use;

(iv) the Disposition of Property between or among Credit Parties;

(v) farmouts of undeveloped acreage and assignments in connection with such farmouts, each with the prior Approval of the Requisite Lenders;

(vi) the Disposition of the Equity Interests of Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors with the prior Approval of the Requisite Lenders;

(vii) the settlement of joint interest billing accounts in the ordinary course of business or discounts granted to settle collection of accounts receivable or the sale of defaulted accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not in connection with any financing transaction;

(viii) Property sold, conveyed, transferred, assigned, disposed of, leased or licensed out in the ordinary course of business (excluding any sales, conveyances, transfers, assignments, dispositions, leases or licenses out by operations or divisions discontinued or being discontinued),

(ix) (i) any license of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business or (ii) the abandonment or other disposition of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business that is no longer material to the conduct of the business of the Credit Parties, their Subsidiaries or the JV Company as such business is operated and the license or abandonment of such Intellectual Property does not materially detract from any Credit Party’s value.

For the avoidance of doubt, any Net Cash Proceeds from a Disposition of any Credit Party’s Property shall be applied as required by Section 2.8(c) .

Section 6.5 Restricted Payments . No Credit Party shall make any Restricted Payments except: any Subsidiary of Borrower (i) may pay cash Dividends to the Borrower or any wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower and (ii) if such Subsidiary is not a wholly owned Subsidiary of Borrower, may pay cash Dividends to its shareholders generally so long as the Borrower or its Subsidiary which owns the equity interest or interests in the Subsidiary paying such Dividends receives at least its proportionate share thereof (based upon its relative holdings of equity interests in the Subsidiary paying such Dividends and taking into account the relative preferences, if any, of the various classes of Equity Interests in such Subsidiary).

Section 6.6 Reserved .

 

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Section 6.7 Investments . No Credit Party shall make or permit to exist any loans, advances, or capital contributions to, or make any investment in (including, without limitation, the making of any Acquisition), or purchase or commit to purchase any stock or other securities or evidences of Debt of or interests in any Person or any Oil and Gas Properties or activities related to Oil and Gas Properties, except:

(a) Liquid Investments;

(b) trade and customer accounts receivable which are for goods furnished or services rendered in the ordinary course of business and are payable in accordance with customary trade terms;

(c) creation of any additional Subsidiaries in compliance with Section 6.16 ;

(d) investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(e) investments consisting of any deferred portion of the sales price received by any Credit Party in connection with any sale of assets permitted hereunder;

(f) investments in direct ownership interests in additional Oil and Gas Properties and gas gathering systems related thereto or related to farm-out, farm-in, joint operating, joint venture or area of mutual interest agreements, gathering systems, pipelines or other similar arrangements which are usual and customary in the oil and gas exploration and production business located within the geographic boundaries of the United States of America; provided that if requested by Requisite Lenders, such assets are pledged as Collateral pursuant to Section 5.8 ;

(g) investments in connection with Acquisitions or acquisitions of other assets, provided that the Credit Party makes such acquisition or Acquisitions with (i) net cash flow generated by the Borrower, (ii) an equivalent amount of funds received from any holders of its Equity Interests either as a capital contribution, Net Cash Proceeds from any issuance of Equity Interests (subject to Section 2.8(g)) , Debt which is subordinated to the Obligations on terms satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders, or from Net Cash Proceeds from the Disposition of Property (including, but not limited to, the JV Interests) which the Borrower is permitted to reinvest pursuant to Section 2.8(c) hereof, (iii) the proceeds of Permitted Subordinated Debt, or (iv) with the prior written consent of the Requisite Lenders, at their sole and absolute discretion, with the proceeds of the Loans;

(h) The JV Holding Sub’s nonrecourse guarantee of the obligations under the JV Credit Agreement pursuant to the Parent Guaranty;

(i) Hedge Contracts to the extent permitted under Section 6.2 and Section 6.15 ;

(j) other loans, advances and investments not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate;

(k) investments consisting of loans, capital contributions or equity investments by any Credit Party in the JV Company with (i) net cash flow generated by the Borrower (including

 

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any Net Cash Proceeds generated from a Disposition of Property (including, but not limited to, the JV Interests, as permitted by this Agreement) or (ii) an equivalent amount of funds received from any holders of its Equity Interests either as a capital contribution, Net Cash Proceeds from any issuance of Equity Interests (subject to Section 2.8(g)) or from Net Cash Proceeds from the Disposition of Property which the Borrower is permitted to reinvest pursuant to Section 2.8(c) hereof, (iii) the proceeds of Permitted Subordinated Debt, or (iv) with the prior written consent of the Requisite Lenders, at their sole and absolute discretion, with the proceeds of the Loans; and

(l) investments by one Credit Party in another Credit Party.

Section 6.8 Reserved .

Section 6.9 Compliance with ERISA . Without the consent of the Requisite Lenders, no Credit Party or any member of a Controlled Group shall be party, or otherwise subject, to a Plan or Multiemployer Plan. Without limitation to the foregoing, in any event, no Credit Party shall directly or indirectly, (a) engage in any transaction in connection with which Borrower or any Controlled Group member could be subjected to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(c), (i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code with respect to any Plan; (b) terminate any Plan in a manner, or take any other action with respect to any Plan, which could result in any liability to Borrower or any Controlled Group member to the PBGC; (c) fail to make full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Plan, agreement relating thereto or applicable law, Borrower or any Controlled Group member is required to pay as contributions thereto; (d) fail to satisfy the minimum funding standards within the meaning of Sections 412 and 430 of the Code or Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA; (e) permit the actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities (based on reasonable assumptions used to fund such Plan for purposes of Sections 412 and 430 of the Code) under any Plan maintained by Borrower or any Controlled Group member which is regulated under Title IV of ERISA to exceed the current value of the assets (computed on a plan termination basis in accordance with Title IV of ERISA) of such Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities; (f) assume an obligation to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan; (g) acquire a 90% or greater interest in any Person if such Person sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or at any time in the six-year period preceding such acquisition has sponsored, maintained, or contributed to, (1) any Multiemployer Plan, or (2) any other Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, and in either case, the actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities under such Plan exceeds the current value of the assets (computed on a plan termination basis in accordance with Title IV of ERISA) of such Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities, and the withdrawal liability, if assessed, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (h) incur a liability to or on account of a Plan under Sections 515, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA; (i) assume an obligation to contribute to any employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, that gives rise to retiree or other post-employment welfare benefits; (j) amend a Plan in contravention of Section 206(g) of ERISA; or (k) permit to exist any occurrence of any “Reportable Event” (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, and other than a “Reportable Event” not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC or with respect to which the notice requirement is waived under applicable regulations), or any other event or condition, which presents a material (in the opinion of the Requisite Lenders) risk of such a termination by the PBGC of any Plan, and in each case in clauses (a) through (k) above, such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

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Section 6.10 Sale-and-Leaseback . No Credit Party shall sell or transfer to a Person any Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, if at the time or thereafter, such Credit Party shall lease as lessee such Property or any part thereof or other Property which such Credit Party intends to use for substantially the same purpose as the Property sold or transferred.

Section 6.11 Change of Business; Accounting Change . No Credit Party shall make any material change in the character of its business that it is engaged in immediately prior to the Closing Date (which such business shall include, without limitation, as an independent oil and gas exploration and production company or any business that is similar, complementary or reasonably related to or is a reasonably extension thereof) (“ Permitted Business ”), nor will any Credit Party operate any business in any jurisdiction other than the United States. No Credit Party shall make a change in the method of accounting employed in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 5.6 or change its fiscal year end unless required to conform to GAAP or Approved in writing by the Requisite Lenders.

Section 6.12 Organizational Documents, Other Documents . No Credit Party shall

(a) amend, supplement, modify or restate its Organizational Documents where such amendment, supplement, modification or restatement could have an adverse effect on Lenders as determined by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion (including, without limitation, electing to treat any pledged Equity Interests as a “security” under Section 8-103 of the UCC), or

(b) amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of any Debt that is subordinated to the Obligations in any manner that is adverse in any material respect to the interests of the Lenders as determined by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion.

(c) consent or vote in favor of, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of the JV Company Organizational Documents or the JV Company Credit Facility Documents in any manner that is adverse in any material respect to the interests of the Lenders as determined by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion, including without limitation, any amendment or modification that would (i) cease to require the vote of 100% of the JV Company’s Board of Directors, (ii) change the non-recourse nature of the Parent Guaranty or confer additional rights on the JV Company Credit Facility Agent or JV Company Credit Facility Lenders against the Borrower, the JV Holding Sub, any other Credit Party or any of their assets, (iii) reduce the JV Holding Sub’s percentage ownership interest in the JV Company or its right to vote on certain material matters without the JV Holding Sub’s consent, or (iv) permit the JV Company to increase the amount of loans which can be outstanding under the JV Credit Agreement, or incur any other additional Debt, or grant Liens on any of the JV Company’s assets as security for Debt of the JV Company (other than in respect of the JV Company Credit Facility and Debt permitted to be incurred thereunder without regard to any amendment which may be made subsequent to the date hereof).

 

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Section 6.13 Use of Proceeds . No Credit Party will permit the proceeds of any Loans to be used for any purpose other than those permitted by Section 5.9 . No Credit Party will engage in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U). No Credit Party nor any Person acting on behalf of such Credit Party has taken or shall take, nor permit any of the Credit Parties to take any action which might cause any of the Loan Documents to violate Regulation T, U or X or any other regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to violate Section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any rule or regulation thereunder, in each case as now in effect or as the same may hereinafter be in effect, including without limitation, the use of the proceeds of the Loans to purchase or carry any margin stock in violation of Regulation T, U or X.

Section 6.14 Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments . No Credit Party shall allow gas imbalances, take-or-pay or other prepayments with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties of such Credit Party which would require such Credit Party to deliver its Hydrocarbons produced on a monthly basis from such Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor other than that which do not result in such Credit Party having net aggregate liability in excess of $100,000.

Section 6.15 Hedging . Other than the Hedge Contracts as set forth on Schedule 4.19 or permitted under Section 6.2(d) , no Credit Party shall, purchase, assume, or hold a speculative position in any commodities market or futures market, or enter into any Hedge Contract or similar hedge arrangement for speculative purposes without the consent of the Requisite Lenders.

Section 6.16 Additional Subsidiaries . No Credit Party shall create or acquire any Subsidiaries without the consent of the Requisite Lenders and (a) such new Subsidiary executing and delivering to Administrative Agent (with a copy to each Lender), at its request, a joinder to this Agreement, a pledge and security agreement in the form of Exhibit I and a Mortgage, and such other Security Instruments as Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may reasonably request, and (b) the delivery by Borrower or the applicable Credit Party to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to each Lender) of any certificates, opinions of counsel, title opinions or other documents as the Requisite Lenders may reasonably request; provided that, in any event, no Subsidiary may be created or acquired if a Default has occurred and is continuing before, or a Default would arise after, giving effect to such creation or acquisition of the new Subsidiary.

Section 6.17 Reserved .

Section 6.18 Anti-Terrorism; Anti Money Laundering . No Credit Party shall:

(a) Directly or indirectly, (i) knowingly conduct any business or engage in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any person described in Section 6.19 , (ii) knowingly deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Order or any other Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) knowingly engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law (and the Credit Parties shall deliver to the Lenders any certification or other evidence requested from time to time by any Lender in its reasonable discretion, confirming the Credit Parties’ compliance with this Section 6.18 ).

 

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(b) Cause or permit any of the funds of such Credit Party that are used to repay the Loans to be derived from any unlawful activity with the result that the making of the Loans would be in violation of law.

Section 6.19 Embargoed Person . No Credit Party shall cause or permit (a) any of the funds or properties of the Credit Parties that are used to repay the Loans to constitute property of, or be beneficially owned directly or indirectly by, any person subject to sanctions or trade restrictions under United States law (“ Embargoed Person ” or “ Embargoed Persons ”) that is identified on the “List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” (the “ SDN List ”) maintained by OFAC and/or on any other similar list (“ Other List ”) maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute including, but not limited to, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq ., The Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq. , and any executive order or regulation promulgated thereunder with the result that the investment in the Credit Parties (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law, or the Loans made by the Lenders would be in violation of law, the executive order, any related enabling legislation or any other similar executive orders (collectively, “ Executive Orders ”), or (2) any Embargoed Person to have any direct or indirect interest, of any nature whatsoever in the Credit Parties, with the result that the investment in the Credit Parties (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Loans are in violation of law.

Section 6.20 Prepayments of Debt . No Credit Party shall prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner, or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of, any Debt, except (a) the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (b) regularly scheduled or required repayments or redemptions of Debt permitted under Section 6.2 , and (c) so long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, other prepayments of Debt permitted under Section 6.2 .

Section 6.21 Reserved .

Section 6.22 Deposit Accounts . No Credit Party shall open or maintain any Deposit Accounts except for:

(a) Deposit Accounts set forth on Schedule 6.22, and

(b) Deposit Accounts opened after the date hereof which (i) are subject to account control agreements reasonably acceptable in form and substance to the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders or (ii) Excluded Deposit Accounts (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement).

Section 6.23 Support of Subsidiaries . Borrower shall not provide any direct or indirect financial support to any of its Subsidiaries which are not Guarantors; provided, however, that this Section 6.23 shall not prohibit (i) the purchase and sales of goods and services from such Subsidiaries to Borrower in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice and on an arm’s length basis or (ii) investments permitted by Section 6.7(k) .

 

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Section 6.24 Limitation on Certain Restrictions on Subsidiaries . (A) No Credit Party shall directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Equity Interests or any other interest or participation in its profits owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or pay any Debt owed to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (b) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (c) transfer any of its properties to Borrower or any Subsidiary, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) applicable law; (ii) this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, or the JV Credit Agreement; (iii) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest; (iv) customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; (v) any holder of a Lien permitted by Section 6.1 restricting the transfer of the property subject thereto; and (vi) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any Property permitted under Section 6.4 pending the consummation of such sale and (B) No Credit Party shall directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of the JV Company to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its capital stock or any other interest or participation in its profits owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or pay any Debt owed to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (b) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (c) transfer any of its properties to Borrower or any Subsidiary, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) applicable law and (ii) this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

Section 6.25 JV Holding Sub . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, JV Holding Sub shall not, and no Credit Party shall permit JV Holding Sub to incur any Debt for borrowed money or engage in any business activity and/or own any property other than (A) direct or indirect ownership of the JV Interests and any distributions or property received by JV Holding Sub on account thereof or in connection therewith (including, without limitation, “Permitted Tax Distributions” and Economic Interest Agreement Payments” (each as defined in the JV Credit Agreement)), (B) the Obligations and its non-recourse guaranty of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations pursuant to the Parent Guaranty, and granting Liens in its Property to secure its obligations thereunder, (C) activities and contractual rights incidental to maintenance of its limited liability company existence and administration, including the preparation and audit of financial statements, the preparation of tax returns, the procurement of insurance, the hosting of board and manager (or equivalent) meetings and the retention of accountants, lawyers, financial advisors and other appropriate professionals in connection with the foregoing (“ LLC Administration ”), (D) ownership of cash and cash equivalents solely to the extent necessary to pay taxes then due and owing, and the costs and expenses of LLC Administration, and (E) paying Dividends to, and making investments in, the Borrower.

ARTICLE VII.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

Section 7.1 Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” under any Loan Document:

(a) Payment . Any Credit Party shall fail to pay, within three (3) Business Days, when due any (i) principal payable hereunder or under any Notes or (ii) other amounts (including interest, fees, reimbursements, and indemnifications) payable hereunder, under any Notes, or under any other Loan Document;

 

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(b) Representation and Warranties . Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by any Credit Party (or any of their respective officers) in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or by any Credit Party (or any of their respective officers) in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) when made or deemed to be made;

(c) Covenant Breaches . Any Credit Party shall fail to perform or observe any other term, agreement or covenant set forth in this Agreement including, but not limited to, those contained in Section 5.2 , Section 5.3 , Section 5.5 , Section 5.6 , Section 5.9 or Article VI of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents.

(d) Cross Defaults . (i) Any Credit Party shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on its Debt that is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $500,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Debt of any Credit Party so in default (but excluding Debt evidenced by this Agreement) when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; (ii) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to Debt (including, without limitation, any event of default, termination event or additional termination event under any Hedge Contract) that is outstanding in a principal amount (or termination payment amount or similar amount) of at least $500,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Debt of any Credit Party so in default, and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; (iii) any such Debt in a principal amount of at least $500,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Debt of any Credit Party shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof; provided that, for purposes of this Section 7.1(d) , the “principal amount” of the obligations in respect of any Hedging Contracts at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that would be required to be paid if such Hedging Contracts were terminated at such time; or (iv) any event or circumstance occurs and is continuing which constitutes an event of default under the JV Credit Agreement, regardless of whether an Event of Default is declared under the JV Credit Agreement on account thereof, provided, however, that if any event of default under the JV Credit Agreement is cured or waived, any related Event of Default arising under this Section 7.1(d)(iv) shall be deemed to have been cured or waived, as applicable;

(e) Insolvency . (i) (a) Any Credit Party shall become unable or shall admit in writing its inability or shall fail generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (b) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any Credit Party and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue

 

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or levy; or (ii) any proceeding shall be instituted by or against any Credit Party seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts under any Debtor Relief Law, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against any Credit Party either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against any Credit Party or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property) shall occur; or any Credit Party shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this paragraph (e);

(f) Judgments . Any judgment, order or decree for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 (for which is not covered by insurance) shall be rendered against any Credit Party or the JV Company and either (i) such order or judgment shall remain unsatisfied for thirty (30) days, (ii) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (iii) there shall be any period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

(g) Termination Events . Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, thirty (30) days after notice thereof shall have been given to Borrower by Administrative Agent (at the direction of the Requisite Lenders), (i) such Termination Event shall not have been corrected and (ii) the then present value of such Plan’s vested benefits exceeds the then current value of assets accumulated in such Plan by more than an amount that would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Change (or in the case of a Termination Event involving the withdrawal of a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), the withdrawing employer’s proportionate share of such excess shall exceed such amount);

(h) Plan Withdrawals . Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and the plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plan shall have notified such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability in an annual amount that would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(i) Change in Control . A Change in Control shall have occurred;

(j) Loan Documents . Any material provision of any Loan Document shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on any Credit Party or any such Credit Party shall so state in writing;

(k) Security Instruments . (i) Administrative Agent shall fail to have an Acceptable Security Interest in any portion of the Collateral with a book value in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate at any one time other than Excluded Collateral, or (ii) any Security Instrument shall at any time and for any reason cease to create the Lien on the Property purported to be subject to such agreement in accordance with the terms of such agreement, or cease to be in full force and

 

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effect, or shall be contested by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, except in each case as a result of a Disposition of Collateral in a transaction permitted under this Agreement or as a result of any action or failure to act on the part of the Administrative Agent;

(l) Reserved .

(m) Reserved.

(n) Casualty . Loss, theft, substantial damage or destruction of a material portion of the Collateral that is the subject of any Security Instrument and not fully covered by insurance (except for deductibles and allowing for the depreciated value of such Collateral) shall have occurred;

(o) Injunction . If any Credit Party is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to conduct all or any material part of its business affairs;

(p) Levy . If a notice of Lien, levy, or assessment other than a Permitted Lien is filed of record with respect to Borrower’s or any Credit Party’s assets by the United States, or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county, municipal, or governmental agency and not removed within thirty (30) days;

(q) Subordinated Payments . If any Credit Party makes any payment on account of Debt that has been contractually subordinated in right of payment to the payment of the Obligations, other than periodic interest payments on such Debt to the extent expressly permitted in the agreement governing such subordination and subject to the terms thereof;

(r) Guarantee . If the obligation of any Guarantor under Article IX is materially impaired or terminated by operation of law or by any Guarantor thereunder other than as a result of a release of a Guarantor permitted under this Agreement;

(s) Guarantor . The termination or attempted termination by any Guarantor of its Guarantee other than as a result of a release of a Guarantor permitted under this Agreement; or

(t) Insolvency of JV Company . (i) (a) The JV Company shall become unable or shall admit in writing its inability or shall fail generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (b) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the JV Company and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; (ii) any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the JV Company seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to any Debtor Relief Law, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against the JV Company either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against the JV Company or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property) shall occur; or the JV Company shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the actions set forth above in this paragraph (t).

 

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provided that (A) the events described in Sections 7.1(c) (except for a default under Sections 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.8 and 5.9 and Article VI of this Agreement), (l) , (m)  and (n)  above will constitute an Event of Default only if the event described is not remedied by the applicable Credit Party within thirty (30) days after the Default Notice Date,(B) defaults under Sections 5.2 , 5.5 , 5.6 and 5.8 and Article VI of this Agreement will constitute an Event of Default only if the event described is not remedied by the applicable Credit Party within five (5) days after the Default Notice Date, and (C) defaults under Sections 5.3 and 5.9 of this Agreement will constitute an Event of Default only if the event described is not remedied by the applicable Credit Party within one (1) days after the Default Notice Date. For purposes of this section, “ Default Notice Date ” shall mean the earlier of (i) any officer of Borrower (or, in the case of any Credit Party, any officer of that Credit Party) becoming aware of the occurrence of the event and (ii) Borrower’s receipt of a notice from Administrative Agent (at the direction of the Requisite Lenders) on behalf of Lenders of the occurrence of the event.

Section 7.2 Optional Acceleration of Maturity . If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.1(e) ) shall have occurred and be continuing, then, and in any such event,

(a) Administrative Agent (i) shall, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, by notice to Borrower, declare the obligation of each Lender to make extensions of credit hereunder, including making Advances to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, and (ii) shall, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, by notice to Borrower, declare all principal, interest, fees, reimbursements, indemnifications, and all other amounts payable under this Agreement, any Notes, and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable in full, without notice of intent to demand, demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, grace, notice of dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and all other notices, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party;

(b) Administrative Agent shall, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, proceed to enforce its rights and remedies under the Security Instruments, the Guarantees, and any other Loan Documents for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties by appropriate proceedings.

Section 7.3 Automatic Acceleration of Maturity . If any Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.1(e) shall occur,

(a) (i) the obligation of each Lender to make extensions of credit hereunder, including making Advances shall automatically terminate, and (ii) all principal, interest, fees, reimbursements, indemnifications, and all other amounts payable under this Agreement, any Notes, and the other Loan Documents shall become and be forthwith due and payable in full, without notice of intent to demand, demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, grace, notice of dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and all other notices, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party;

 

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(b) Administrative Agent shall, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, proceed to enforce its rights and remedies under the Security Instruments, the Guarantees, and any other Loan Document for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties by appropriate proceedings.

Section 7.4 Right of Set off . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Administrative Agent and each Lender 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) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by Administrative Agent or such Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party against any and all of the Obligations, irrespective of whether or not Administrative Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement, any Notes, or such other Loan Documents, and although such Obligations may be unmatured or may be due to another Lender or the Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent and each Lender agrees to promptly notify Borrower after any such set off and application made by Administrative Agent or such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and application. The rights of Administrative Agent and each Lender under this Section 7.4 are in addition to any other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set off) that Administrative Agent or such Lender may have.

Section 7.5 Non-exclusivity of Remedies . No remedy conferred upon Administrative Agent and Lenders is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each remedy shall be cumulative of all other remedies existing by contract, at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

Section 7.6 Application of Proceeds . From and during the continuance of any Event of Default, any monies or Property actually received by Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the exercise of any rights or remedies under any Security Instrument or any other agreement with any Credit Party which secures any of the Obligations, shall be applied in the following order:

(a) First , to the payment of all reasonable costs and expenses, fees, commissions and taxes of such sale, collection or other realization including compensation to the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and all expenses, liabilities and advances made or incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith and all other amounts for which the Administrative Agent is entitled to indemnification pursuant to the provisions of any Loan Document, together with interest on each such amount at the highest rate then in effect under this Agreement from and after the date such amount is due, owing or unpaid until paid in full;

(b) Second , to the payment of all other reasonable costs and expenses of such sale, collection or other realization including compensation to the other Secured Parties and their agents and counsel and all costs, liabilities and advances made or incurred by the other Secured Parties in connection therewith to which the Secured Parties are entitled to reimbursement pursuant to the terms of any Loan Documents, together with interest on each such amount at the highest rate then in effect under this Agreement from and after the date such amount is due, owing or unpaid until paid in full;

(c) Third , without duplication of amounts applied pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above, to the payment in full in cash, pro rata, of interest and other amounts constituting

 

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Obligations (other than principal) and any fees, premiums and any interest accrued thereon, in each case equally and ratably in accordance with the respective amounts thereof then due and owing;

(d) Fourth , to the payment in full in cash, pro rata , of principal amount of the Obligations and any premium thereon and any interest accrued thereon; and

(e) Fifth , the balance, if any, to the person lawfully entitled thereto (including the applicable Credit Party or its successors or assigns) or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

In the event that any such proceeds are insufficient to pay in full the items described in clauses (a) through (d) of this Section 7.6 , the Credit Parties shall remain liable, jointly and severally, for any deficiency.

ARTICLE VIII.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section 8.1 Appointment, Authorization and Action .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent as an agent of such Lender and Secured Party under the Loan Documents and the Administrative Agent hereby accepts such designation and appointment. Each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such capacity, through its agents or employees to (i) to take such action as agent on its behalf under the provisions of the Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof and of the other Loan Documents, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, (ii) execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents or otherwise at the direction of the Requisite Lenders and (iii) negotiate, enforce or settle any claim, action or proceeding affecting the Secured Parties in their capacity as such, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders. The provisions of this Article VIII are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and no Credit Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any such provisions. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of any Notes), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Requisite Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Notes; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or applicable law.

(b) Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, to credit bid and purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral at any sale thereof conducted by

 

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the Administrative Agent under the provisions of the UCC, including pursuant to Sections 9-610 or 9-620 of the UCC (or any equivalent provision of the UCC), at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or at any other sale or foreclosure conducted by the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with applicable Legal Requirements.

Section 8.2 Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Etc . Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents, or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken (including the Administrative Agent’s own negligence) by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(a) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof until the Administrative Agent receives written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof signed by such payee and in form satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders;

(b) may rely upon any statement made to it orally and believed by it to be made by a proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon;

(c) may seek and rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any judicial order or judgment, upon any advice, opinion or statement of legal counsel (including counsel for any Credit Party), independent public accountants, and other experts selected by it and upon any certification (including without limitation, any Officer’s Certificate or Responsible Officer’s Certificate), instruction, notice or other writing delivered to it by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or delivered to it by any Secured Party, in each case, believed by it to be made by the proper Person without being required to determine the authenticity thereof or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity of service thereof;

(d) to the extent a Responsible Officer’s certificate, Officers’ Certificate or opinion of counsel is required or permitted under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to be delivered to the Administrative Agent in respect of any matter, the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on a Responsible Officer’s certificate, Officers’ Certificate or opinion of counsel as to such matter and such Responsible Officer’s certificate, Officers’ Certificate or opinion of counsel shall be full warranty and protection to the Administrative Agent for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(e) may presume that, in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice to the contrary from such Lender before the making of such Loan;

(f) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties, or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

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(g) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the part of any Credit Party or to inspect the Property (including the books and records) of any Credit Party;

(h) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency, or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

(i) shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take, or refraining from taking (except as expressly required herein) any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, any action that may be required or contemplated by the Intercreditor Agreement) unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Requisite Lenders or such additional indemnity from the Lenders, in each case, as it deems appropriate and until such instructions, or indemnity, as applicable are received, the Administrative Agent shall act, or refrain from acting, as it deems advisable in its sole discretion;

(j) shall be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, any action that may be required or contemplated by the Intercreditor Agreement) in accordance with a request, direction or consent of the Requisite Lenders and such request, direction or consent and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Lenders and all holders of Notes;

(k) Reserved; and

(l) shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, request, consent, certificate, statement, document or other instrument or writing (including any facsimile, electronic message, internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.

Section 8.3 The Administrative Agent and Its Affiliates . If the Administrative Agent shall become a Lender, the Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Administrative Agent in its individual capacity. The Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any Credit Party, and any Person who may do business with or own securities of any Credit Party, all as if the Administrative Agent were not an agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to Lenders.

Section 8.4 Exculpatory Provisions . The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, covenants, functions, responsibilities, obligations or liabilities, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have

 

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any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing at the direction of the Requisite Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 10.1 ); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Documents or applicable Legal Requirements and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Lender or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request or direction of the Requisite Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 10.1 ). The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representative made or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article III or elsewhere in any Loan Document, except as otherwise expressly provided in Article III. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of the term “agent” in this Agreement with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent may from time to time use one or more outside providers for the tracking of all UCC financing statements (and/or other collateral related filings and registrations from time to time) required to be filed or recorded pursuant to the Loan Documents and the notification to the Administrative Agent, of, among other things, the upcoming lapse or expiration thereof, and that each of such service providers will be deemed to be acting at the request and on behalf of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by any such service provider.

Section 8.5 Delegation of Duties . The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through, or delegate any and all such rights and powers to, 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 power by or through their respective Affiliates. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding Sections shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent in connection with their performance and/or exercise of the Administrative Agent’s duties, rights and powers, and shall apply to their respective activities as Administrative Agent.

 

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Section 8.6 Reserved .

Section 8.7 Lender Credit Decision . Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis, independent investigation, appraisal and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it shall, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their respective Affiliates and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement any other Loan Document or related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

Section 8.8 Indemnification . THE LENDERS SEVERALLY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH AFFILIATE THEREOF AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY ANY CREDIT PARTY AND WITHOUT LIMITING THE OBLIGATION OF THE CREDIT PARTIES TO DO SO), ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE PRO RATA SHARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE ON WHICH INDEMNIFICATION IS SOUGHT UNDER THIS SECTION 8.8 (OR, IF INDEMNIFICATION IS SOUGHT AFTER THE DATE UPON WHICH ALL COMMITMENTS SHALL HAVE TERMINATED AND THE LOANS SHALL HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL, RATABLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH OUTSTANDING LOANS AND COMMITMENTS AS IN EFFECT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SUCH DATE), FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, FINES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATIONS, INQUIRIES OR PROCEEDINGS, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH AT ANY TIME (WHETHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE PAYMENT OF THE LOANS) MAY BE IMPOSED ON, INCURRED BY, OR ASSERTED AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN ANY WAY RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMMITMENTS OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMMITMENTS OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (INCLUDING IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY RELATED PERSON), AND INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND ANY LIABILITIES ARISING UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL LAW, PROVIDED THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY PORTION OF SUCH LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, CLAIMS, SUITS, LITIGATIONS, INVESTIGATIONS, INQUIRIES OR PROCEEDINGS, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DISBURSEMENTS RESULTING FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT. WITHOUT

 

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LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, EACH LENDER AGREES TO REIMBURSE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PROMPTLY UPON DEMAND FOR ITS RATABLE SHARE OF ANY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES (INCLUDING COUNSEL FEES) INCURRED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION, EXECUTION, DELIVERY, ADMINISTRATION, MODIFICATION, AMENDMENT, OR ENFORCEMENT (WHETHER THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE) OF, OR LEGAL ADVICE IN RESPECT OF RIGHTS OR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, TO THE EXTENT THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IS NOT REIMBURSED FOR SUCH BY ANY CREDIT PARTY. To the extent that the indemnity obligations provided in this Section 8.8 are for the benefit of the Administrative Agent as the named secured party under the Liens granted under the Security Instruments, each Lender hereby agrees that if such Lender ceases to be a Lender hereunder but Obligations owing to such Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender continue to be secured by such Liens, then such Lender shall continue to be bound by the provisions of this Section 8.8 until such time as such Obligations have been satisfied or terminated in full and subject to the terms of the last sentence of Section 10.9 . The agreements in this Section 8.8 shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

Section 8.9 Successor Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent may resign by giving thirty (30) days prior written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Requisite Lenders upon receipt of written notice from the Requisite Lenders to such effect. Upon receipt of notice of any such resignation or removal, the Requisite Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent with, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such successor Administrative Agent is not a Lender or an Approved Fund, the consent of Borrower. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Requisite Lenders with the consent of Borrower, if applicable, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Requisite Lenders’ removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of Lenders and Borrower, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be, in the case of a successor agent, a Lender, an Approved Fund or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000.00; provided that, if the Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower and Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (a) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (b) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the retiring Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Requisite Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent, as provided for above in this paragraph. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VIII, Section 10.4 , Section 10.12 , Section 10.14 and Section 10.15 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

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Section 8.10 Collateral Matters .

(a) Each Lender irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent and each other Lender as its agent and bailee for the purpose of perfecting Liens (whether pursuant to Section 8-301(a)(2) of the UCC, any equivalent provision of the UCC or otherwise), for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in assets in which, in accordance with the UCC or any other applicable Legal Requirement a security interest can be perfected by possession or control. Should any Lender obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly following the Administrative Agent’s request therefor, shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

(b) The Administrative Agent is authorized on behalf of the Secured Parties, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from the Secured Parties, from time to time, to take any actions with respect to any Collateral or Security Instruments which may be necessary to perfect and maintain Acceptable Security Interests in and Liens upon the Collateral granted pursuant to the Security Instruments. The Administrative Agent is further authorized on behalf of the Secured Parties, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from the Secured Parties, from time to time, to take any action (other than enforcement actions requiring the consent of, or request by, the Requisite Lenders as set forth in Section 7.2 or Section 7.3 ) in exigent circumstances as may be reasonably necessary to preserve any rights or privileges of the Secured Parties under the Loan Documents or applicable law. By accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Instruments, each Secured Party not party hereto hereby agrees to the terms of this Section 8.10(b) .

(c) Each Secured Party irrevocably authorizes the automatic release of any Lien on any Property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document: (i) upon termination of the Commitments and payment and satisfaction of all the Obligations at any time arising under or in respect of this Agreement or the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; (ii) at the time the Property subject to such Lien is sold or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on a certificate or document to that effect provided to it by a Secured Party upon its reasonable request without further inquiry) to any person other than a Credit Party; (iii) if it constitutes Property in which no Credit Party owned any interest at the time the Lien was granted or at any time thereafter; (iv) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Loan documents pursuant to Section 9.9 ; (v) with respect to any Equity Interests of any Immaterial Subsidiary, upon the liquidation or dissolution of such Immaterial Subsidiary pursuant to Section 5.18 , or (vi) if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the applicable Requisite Lenders or all Lenders, as the case may be, as required by Section 10.1 . Upon the request of the Administrative Agent at any time, the Secured Parties will confirm in writing or the Borrower will provide an Officer’s Certificate confirming, as the case may be, the Administrative Agent’s authority to take or refrain from taking any action with respect to the release of particular types or items of

 

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Collateral pursuant to this Section 8.10 . By accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Instruments, each Secured Party not party hereto hereby agrees to the terms of this Section 8.10(c) .

(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the Loan Documents to the contrary, each Credit Party, the Administrative Agent, and each Secured Party hereby agree that no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantees, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies hereunder and under the Security Instruments may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Requisite Lenders on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms hereof. By accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Instruments, to the extent a Secured Party is not a party hereto, it agrees to the terms of this Section 8.10(d) .

(e) In each case as specified in this Section 8.10 , the Administrative Agent will (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to), at the direction of the Requisite Lenders and at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Credit Party such documents as such Credit Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Document, Section 9.9 , and this Section 8.10 ; provided, however, that (1) the Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any document necessary to evidence such release on terms that, in the Administrative Agent’s opinion, would expose it to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Collateral or such Transferred Guarantor without recourse, representation, or warranty, and (2) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly so released) and the Administrative Agent’s Liens shall automatically attach to the proceeds from any such sale, license, lease, or other dispositions of any such Collateral.

(f) The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any of the Lenders to assure the value or sufficiency of any Collateral or that the Collateral exists or is owned by any Credit Party or its Subsidiaries or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Administrative Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, maintained, preserved, continued or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or that any particular items of Collateral meet the eligibility criteria applicable in respect thereof, or whether to impose, maintain, reduce, or eliminate any particular reserve hereunder or whether the amount of any such reserve is appropriate or not, or unless expressly provided in any Loan Documents to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission, or event related thereto, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, the Administrative Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion given the Administrative Agent’s own interest in the Collateral in its capacity as one of the Lenders and that the Administrative Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to any Secured Parties as to any of the foregoing, except as otherwise provided herein.

 

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ARTICLE IX.

GUARANTEE

Section 9.1 The Guarantee . The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally guarantee, as primary obligors and not as a surety, to each Secured Party and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest (including any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of the Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code) on the Loans made by the Lenders to, and any Notes held by each Lender of, the Borrower, and all other Obligations from time to time owing to the Secured Parties by any Credit Party under any Loan Document in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). The Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, agree that if the Borrower or other Guarantors shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

Section 9.2 Obligations Unconditional . The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 9.1 shall constitute a guaranty of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Guarantor (except for payment in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:

(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantors, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;

(ii) any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be done or omitted;

(iii) the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;

 

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(iv) any Lien or security interest granted to, or in favor of any Lender or Administrative Agent as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to be perfected; or

(v) the release of any other Guarantor.

To the extent permitted by law, the Guarantors hereby expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Secured Party exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations. To the extent permitted by law, the Guarantors waive any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Secured Party upon this Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guarantee, and all dealings between the Borrower and the Secured Parties shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Guarantee. This Guarantee shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by Secured Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Secured Parties or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against Borrower or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lenders, and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement there may be no Guaranteed Obligations outstanding.

Section 9.3 Reinstatement . The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article IX shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Credit Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise.

Section 9.4 Subrogation; Subordination . Each Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations and the expiration and termination of the Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement, it shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 9.1 , whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations . Any Debts of any Credit Party to another Credit Party permitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be subordinated to such Credit Party’s Obligations.

 

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Section 9.5 Remedies . The Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Guarantors and the Lenders, the obligations of Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes, if any, may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Article VII (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in said Article VII) for purposes of Section 9.1 , notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 9.1 .

Section 9.6 Instrument for the Payment of Mone y. Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the guarantee in this Article IX constitutes an instrument for the payment of money, and consents and agrees that any Lender or Administrative Agent, at its sole option, in the event of a dispute by such Guarantor in the payment of any moneys due hereunder, shall have the right to bring a motion-action under New York CPLR Section 3213 to the extent permitted thereunder.

Section 9.7 Continuing Guarantee . The guarantee in this Article IX is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.

Section 9.8 General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations . In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any applicable Debtor Relief Law or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under Section 9.1 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 9.1 , then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor, any Credit Party or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.

Section 9.9 Release of Guarantors . If, in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents, all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of any Guarantor owned by a Credit Party or property of any Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred (a “ Transferred Guarantor ”) to a Person or Persons, none of which is a Credit Party, such Transferred Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (including under Sections 10.4 and 10.7 hereof) and its obligations to pledge and grant any Collateral owned by it pursuant to any Security Instrument and, in the case of a sale of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of the Transferred Guarantor owed by a Credit Party, the pledge of such Equity Interests to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Instrument shall be released, and the Administrative Agent shall take such actions as the Requisite Lenders shall direct are necessary to effect each release described in this Section 9.9 in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Security Instruments.

 

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Section 9.10 Right of Contribution . Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. Each Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 9.4 . The provisions of this Section 9.10 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor to the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders and each Guarantor shall remain liable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for the full amount guaranteed by such Guarantor hereunder.

ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.1 Amendments, Etc . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, any Notes, or any other Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by any Credit Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Requisite Lenders and each Credit Party, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all Lenders, do any of the following:

(a) reduce the principal of, or interest on, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document,

(b) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document or extend the Maturity Date or the Availability Period,

(c) change the percentage of Lenders which shall be required for Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document,

(d) amend Section 2.8(h)(ii) , Section 2.9 , Section 2.10 , Section 2.11(b) or (c) , Section 2.12 , Section 2.13 , Section 2.14 , Article III, Section 7.6 , Section 8.8 or this Section 10.1 or the definition of “ Pro Rata Share ”,

(e) amend the definition of “ Requisite Lenders ” or “ Defaulting Lender ,”

(f) release any Guarantor from its obligations under any Guarantee other than as a result of a transaction permitted hereby,

(g) release Liens on the JV Interests in favor of the Administrative Agent except for (i) the sale thereof sold as permitted by this Agreement or (ii) releases of the Lien on the JV Interests in favor of the Administrative Agent as permitted under Section 8.10(c) , or

(h) amend the definition of “Secured Parties” or the definition of “Obligations” in this Agreement or any such corresponding terms in any other Loan Document; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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provided, further, that no amendment, waiver, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by Lenders holding 66.66% of the unfunded Commitments and outstanding Loans, release any item of Collateral from the Liens of the Loan Documents except for (i) Collateral that is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of as permitted by this Agreement (ii) releases of Collateral as permitted under Section 8.10(c) and (iii) releases of Excluded Collateral.

Section 10.2 Notices, Etc .

(a) All notices and other communications shall be in writing and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, delivered by messenger, United States certified mail, return receipt requested, facsimile or other electronic transmission, or a nationally recognized overnight courier, at the address for the appropriate party specified in Schedule II or at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when so mailed, facsimile or electronically delivered, or hand delivered or delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier, be effective when received if mailed, when facsimile is completed and when confirmed by the sender’s facsimile machine confirmation, or when delivered by such messenger or courier, respectively, except that notices and communications to Administrative Agent pursuant to Article II or Article VIII shall not be effective until received by Administrative Agent.

(b) Posting . Each Credit Party shall provide to the Administrative Agent all information, documents and other materials that it is obligated to furnish to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Loan Document, including all notices, requests, financial statements, financial and other reports, certificates and other information materials, but excluding any such communication that (i) relates to a request for a new Borrowing (including any election as to the form of interest payment with respect to each Interest Period), (ii) relates to the payment of any principal or other amount due under this Agreement before the scheduled date therefor, (iii) provides notice of any Default under this Agreement or (iv) is required to be delivered to satisfy any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and/or any Borrowing hereunder (all such non-excluded communications, collectively, the “ Communications ”), by transmitting the Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent at such e-mail address(es) provided to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent from time to time or in such other form, including hard copy delivery thereof, as the Administrative Agent shall require. In addition, each Credit Party agrees to continue to provide the Communications to the Administrative Agent in the manner specified in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in such other form, including hard copy delivery thereof, as the Administrative Agent shall require. Nothing in this Section 10.2(b) shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Credit Party to give any notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any other manner specified in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or as the Administrative Agent shall require.

 

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To the extent consented to by the Administrative Agent in writing from time to time, the Administrative Agent agrees that receipt of the Communications by the Administrative Agent at its e-mail address(es) set forth on Schedule II shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to the Administrative Agent for purposes of the Loan Documents; provided that the Borrower shall also deliver to the Administrative Agent an executed original of each Officer’s Certificate or Responsible Officer’s Certificate required to be delivered hereunder.

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent may make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, the “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, SyndTrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Credit Parties or their securities) (each, a “ Public Lender ”). The Borrower hereby agrees that (i) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (ii) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on behalf of all Credit Parties to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Credit Parties or their securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws; (iii) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated as “Public Investor;” and (iv) the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not marked as “Public Investor” and shall post the same only on such portion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Borrower Materials shall be marked “PUBLIC”, unless the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent promptly that any such document contains material non-public information: (A) the Loan Documents and (B) notification of changes in the terms of the Loan Documents.

Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States Federal and state securities laws, to make reference to Communications that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Credit Parties or their securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. NEITHER THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOR ANY OF ITS RELATED PERSONS WARRANTS THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM AND EACH EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING 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 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS RELATED PARTIES IN

 

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CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS RELATED PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY CREDIT PARTY, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER OR NOT BASED ON STRICT LIABILITY AND INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY CREDIT PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE LIABILITY OF ANY SUCH PERSON IS FOUND IN A FINAL RULING BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED PRIMARILY FROM SUCH PERSON’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

Section 10.3 No Waiver; Remedies . No failure on the part of any Lender or Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 10.4 Costs and Expenses . Borrower shall pay (a) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Administrative Agent and each Lender), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (b) all out of pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for Administrative Agent or any Lender) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (i) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 10.4 , or (ii) in connection with the Loans made, including all such out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

Section 10.5 Binding Effect; No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by each Credit Party and Administrative Agent, and when Administrative Agent shall have, as to each Lender, received a counterpart hereof executed by such Lender and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Credit Party, Administrative Agent, and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Credit Party shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement (other than pursuant to a transaction permitted under Section 6.4(a) ) or any interest in this Agreement without the prior written consent of each Lender. Nothing in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto and thereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereunder and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, any other Indemnitee) any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

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Section 10.6 Lender Assignments and Participations .

(a) Binding . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder (other than pursuant to a transaction permitted under Section 6.4(a) ) without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Credit Party without such consent shall be null and void) and, to the extent that any Obligations are owed to the Administrative Agent under any of the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the other Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) Assignments .

(i) Any Lender may assign (the “ Assignor ”) to one or more Eligible Assignees all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that (A) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of such Lender’s rights and obligations assigned under this Agreement, (B) the amount of the Loans of such Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall be, if to an entity other than a Lender or an Approved Fund, not less than $1,000,000 (or, if less, the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Loans) and shall be, if not assigned in full, an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (C) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, (D) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent, for its acknowledgment, recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with the Notes subject to such assignment, (E) each Eligible Assignee (other than, a Lender, an Approved Fund or the Eligible Assignee of Administrative Agent) shall pay to Administrative Agent a $3,500 administrative fee, (F) so long as any Warrants are outstanding and unless such assignment is being made to an Affiliate of such Lender, each such assignment shall be accompanied by an assignment of a portion of the Warrants held by such Lender equal to the percentage of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement being assigned pursuant to such assignment and prior to making such assignment, such Lender shall have complied in all respects with Section 3.3 of the Warrant Issuance Agreement, and (G) if the assignment is not being made to an Affiliate of the Assignor the requirements of paragraph (b)(ii) of this Section 10.6 shall have been satisfied. Upon such execution, delivery, acknowledgement and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, which effective date shall be at least three Business Days after the execution thereof, (A) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto for all purposes and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (B) such Lender thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (other than any rights which survive the termination hereof under Section 10.9 ) and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

 

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(ii) If any Assignor desires to sell any portion of its Pro Rata Share of the Loans or Commitments (and its Pro Rata share of the Warrants) to any Person (other than to a Lender or an Approved Fund) while the Obligations or any Commitments are outstanding, then such Lender shall first deliver a written offer letter (the “ Offer Letter ”) to the Borrower and the other Lenders and/or Holders (collectively, the “ Other Lenders ”) notifying them of its desire to sell a portion of its Pro Rata Share of the Loans or Commitments (and its Pro Rata share of the Warrants) and indicating the exact amount of Loans and Warrants (or underlying Warrant Shares (as defined in the Warrant Issuance Agreement)) desired to be sold by the Assignor (collectively, the “ Offered Loans ”). Upon receipt of the Offer Letter, the Other Lenders (or any of them) shall have three (3) Business Days to elect to make an offer to collectively purchase all of the Offered Loans for cash by delivering a written notice of an offer to the Assignor (the “ Offer ”). The Offer shall set forth the purchase price (the “ Loans Offer Price ”) for all of the Offered Loans that the Other Lender(s) making the Offer (the “ Offering Lenders ”) desire(s) to purchase, which Loans Offer Price shall, in the event the Offering Lenders do not propose the same Loans Offer Price, be determined by holders of a majority of the principal amount of the Loans then outstanding held by the Offering Lenders. The Assignor will then have ten (10) days from its receipt of the Offer to notify the Other Lenders in writing of its acceptance or rejection of the Offer. If no such acceptance or rejection notice is given by the Assignor, then the Assignor shall be deemed to have rejected the Offer. In the event that the Assignor accepts the Offer, any Offering Lender and any Other Lender that desires to purchase a portion of the Offered Loans, shall have the right to purchase a portion of the Offered Loans on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer that was accepted by the Assignor and shall thereafter be deemed to be an “Offering Lender” for all purposes hereunder, and the accepted Offer shall be deemed made on a pro rata basis among such Offering Lenders and Other Lenders on the basis of their pro rata ownership (together with their Affiliates) of the principal amount of the Commitments (or if no Commitments are outstanding, the principal amount of the Loans) prior to such Offer. The closing of the purchase of the Offered Loans by the Offering Lenders (including and additional Other Lenders that desire to participate in such Offer) shall occur within thirty (30) days after the Assignor’s acceptance of the Offer at the offices of the Borrower or as otherwise mutually agreed by the Assignor and the Offering Lenders (including and additional Other Lenders that desire to participate in such Offer), with notice to the Administrative Agent. In the event that more than one Other Lender elects to be an Assignor, then, unless otherwise agreed by such Offering Lenders, such Offer shall be made on a pro rata basis among such Offering Lenders on the basis of their pro rata ownership (together with their Affiliates) of the principal amount of the Loans prior to such Offer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Assignor rejects the Offer or the Offering Lenders, taken together, fail to close such purchase within the time period provided above, then such Offered Loans may be sold by the Assignor to a third party within 120 days after the expiration of the applicable time period set forth above. Any such sale of Offered Loans to a third party shall be for consideration of not less than the Loans Offer Price and upon other terms and conditions, if any, not materially less favorable to the purchaser than those specified in the Offer. Any Offered Loans not sold within such 120-day period shall continue to be subject to the requirements of a prior offer and re-sale pursuant to this Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

(c) Terms of Assignments . By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility

 

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with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency of value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Credit Party or the performance or observance by any Credit Party of any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the most recent Financial Statements and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent, such Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee appoints and authorizes Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vi) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(d) The Register . Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 10.2(a) a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of Lenders and the Commitments of, and principal amount of, and stated interest on, the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrower, Administrative Agent, and Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(e) Procedures . Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by a Lender and any Person that represents itself to be an Eligible Assignee, together with any Notes subject to such assignment, Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit A, (i) countersign such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register, and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to Borrower. Within five (5) Business Days after its receipt of such notice, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent in exchange for the surrendered Notes a new Note if requested by the Eligible Assignee or the assigning Lender, if applicable. Such new Notes shall be dated the effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit E.

(f) Participations . Each Lender may sell participations to any Eligible Assignee in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitments to Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Notes for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) Borrower, Administrative

 

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Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, and (v) such Lender shall not require the participant’s consent to any matter under this Agreement, except for change in the principal amount of the Notes, reductions in fees or interest, releasing all or substantially all of any Collateral, permitting any Credit Party to enter into any merger or consolidation with or into any other, postponement of any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, any Notes or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, or extensions of the Maturity Date or the Availability Period. Each Credit Party hereby agrees that participants shall have the same rights under Section 2.9 , Section 2.10 , Section 2.12 , and Section 10.7 as a Lender to the extent of their respective participations, provided that no Credit Party shall have any greater obligation pursuant to any such provision that it would have had absent the sale of the participation.

(g) Certain Pledges . Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

Section 10.7 Indemnification; Waiver .

(a) INDEMNIFICATION . EACH CREDIT PARTY SHALL, AND DOES HEREBY INDEMNIFY, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (AND ANY SUB-AGENT THEREOF) AND EACH LENDER, AND EACH OFFICER, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT AND AFFILIATE 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 FEES, CHARGES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY COUNSEL FOR ANY INDEMNITEE), INCURRED BY ANY INDEMNITEE OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE BY ANY THIRD PARTY OR BY ANY CREDIT PARTY ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES HERETO OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ANY LOAN OR THE USE OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREFROM, ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR FROM ANY PROPERTY OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY RELATED IN ANY WAY TO ANY CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR ANY ACTUAL OR PROSPECTIVE CLAIM, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY, WHETHER BROUGHT BY A THIRD PARTY OR BY ANY CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY INDEMNITEE IS A PARTY THERETO, IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY

 

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OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEE; PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT, AS TO ANY INDEMNITEE, BE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR RELATED EXPENSES ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE.

(b) Waiver of Damages . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Credit Party shall assert, and each Credit Party 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, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in Section 10.7(a) shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 10.8 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart signature page of this Agreement by facsimile is as effective as executing and delivering this Agreement in the presence of the other parties to this Agreement.

Section 10.9 Survival of Representations, Etc . All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or made in writing by or on behalf of any Credit Party in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Loan Documents, the making of the Advances and any investigation made by or on behalf of Lenders, none of which investigations shall diminish any Lender’s right to rely on such representations and warranties. All obligations of each Credit Party provided for in Sections 2.9 , 2.10 , 2.12 , 10.4 and 10.7 and all of the obligations of Lenders in Section 8.8 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and repayment in full of the Obligations.

Section 10.10 Severability . In case one or more provisions of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 10.11 Reserved

Section 10.12 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction .

(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN CERTAIN OF THE MORTGAGES BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE

 

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STATE OF NEW YORK. ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY, IN THE CASE OF ANY SECURED PARTY, AND SHALL, IN THE CASE OF ANY CREDIT PARTY, BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH CREDIT PARTY, FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OUT OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE APPLICABLE CREDIT PARTY, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE II, SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, ANY LENDER OR THE HOLDER OF ANY NOTE TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANY CREDIT PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. IF AT ANY TIME DURING WHICH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT, ANY CREDIT PARTY DOES NOT MAINTAIN A REGULARLY FUNCTIONING OFFICE IN NEW YORK CITY, IT WILL DULY APPOINT, AND AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN, AN AGENT IN THE NEW YORK CITY FOR THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OR SUMMONS, AND WILL PROVIDE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE IDENTITY AND ADDRESS OF SUCH AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS OR SUMMONS; PROVIDED THAT ANY FAILURE ON THE PART OF ANY CREDIT PARTY TO COMPLY WITH THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SENTENCE SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY PREJUDICE OR LIMIT THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OR SUMMONS IN ANY OTHER MANNER DESCRIBED ABOVE IN THIS SECTION 10.12 OR OTHERWISE PERMITTED BY LAW.

(b) Each Credit Party expressly submits and consents in advance to such jurisdiction in any action or suit commenced in any court, and each Credit Party hereby waives any objection that such Credit Party may have based upon lack of personal jurisdiction, improper venue or forum non conveniens and hereby consents to the granting of such legal or equitable relief as is deemed appropriate by such court.

(c) Each Credit 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 or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in Section 10.12(a) . 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 any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document, in the manner provided for notices (other than telecopier) in Section 10.2 . Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law.

 

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Section 10.13 USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Credit Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Credit Party, which information includes the name, address, and tax identification number of each Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Credit Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective as to the Lenders and Administrative Agent.

Section 10.14 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH CREDIT PARTY, LENDERS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN REPRESENTED BY AND HAVE CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, AND HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY) EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER 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 10.15 NO ORAL AGREEMENTS . THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS DEFINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, REPRESENT THE FINAL AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES REGARDING THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF AND SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

Section 10.16 Confidentiality . Neither Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall disclose any Confidential Information to any person without the consent of the Borrower, other than (a) to such Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors and to potential lenders, pledgees under Section 10.6 and participants, and then only if such Affiliate, potential lender, pledgee or participant has agreed to be bound by the terms of this Section 10.16 (provided that if such potential lender or participant is not a commercial lending institution or fund that makes or holds bank loans in the ordinary course of its business the consent of the Borrower shall be required prior to such disclosure and

 

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such consent shall not affect the Borrower’s consent rights provided for in Section 10.6 ) and any other confidentiality agreement entered into by such Administrative Agent or such Lender with respect to such Confidential Information, (b) as required by any law, rule or regulation or judicial process, (c) as requested or required by any state, federal or foreign Governmental Authority or regulatory authority or examiner regulating such Administrative Agent or Lender (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (d) to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in any swap, hedge or similar agreement (or such professional advisor) agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 10.16 , (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder in a related court proceeding so long as such Confidential Information is (i) filed under seal with the applicable court, (ii) used in a manner consistent with any applicable protective order entered by any applicable court proceeding, or (iii) as may be agreed between the Administrative Agent and the Borrower and (f) when required by it, rating agency, provided that, prior to any such disclosure, each such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information relating to the Administrative Agent and Lenders received by it from such Lender. Neither any Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall disclose any Confidential Information to any person in contravention of any confidentiality agreement entered into by such Administrative Agent or such Lender. “ Confidential Information ” means information concerning the Borrower of any of its direct or indirect shareholders, or any of their respective employees, directors, or Subsidiaries, or Affiliates received by Administrative Agent or any Lender on a confidential basis from the Borrower or any other person under or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document including without limitation financial terms and financial and organizational information contained in any documents, statements, certificates, materials or information furnished, or to be furnished, by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other person on a confidential basis in connection with this Agreement and the Loan Documents, but does not include any such information that (i) is publicly available at the time of disclosure or becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.16 or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect shareholders, or any of their respective employees, directors, Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective agents or representatives.

Section 10.17 Separate Securities . The Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent and each Lender agree that the Warrants on the one hand and the Loans and any Notes evidencing such Loans on the other hand are separate instruments for all purposes, including federal income tax purposes and that subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, any Note and the Warrants, the Loans (and any Notes evidencing such Loans), provided, however, that the foregoing shall not affect the provisions of Section 10.6 hereof concerning assignment.

Section 10.18 Obligations Absolute . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all obligations of the Credit Parties hereunder with respect to any Guarantee or granting of any Lien on any property shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

(a) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation or the like of any other Credit Party;

 

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(b) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto against any other Credit Party;

(c) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

(d) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to any departure from any guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations;

(e) any exercise or non-exercise, or any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or in respect hereof or any Loan Document; or

(f) any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the other Credit Parties.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank; Signature page follows.]

 

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EXECUTED as of the date first above written.

 

BORROWER :
PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
GUARANTORS :
PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
PAR UTAH LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
EWI LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

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PAR WASHINGTON LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
PAR NEW MEXICO LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
HEWW EQUIPMENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
PAR POINT ARGUELLO LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By: PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

88


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT :
JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC, as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ EJ Hess

Name:   EJ Hess
Title:   Managing Director
LENDERS :
WB DELTA, LTD., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Mark Strefling

Name:   Mark Strefling
Title:   Director
WATERSTONE OFFSHORE ER FUND, LTD., as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
PRIME CAPITAL MASTER SPC, GOT WAT MAC SEGREGATED PORTFOLIO as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MAC51, LTD., as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel

 

89


WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL MASTER FUND, LTD., as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
WATERSTONE MF FUND, LTD., as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
NOMURA WATERSTONE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND, as a Lender
By: Waterstone Capital Management, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey C. Erb

Name:   Jeffrey C. Erb
Title:   General Counsel
ZCOF PAR PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, L.L.C., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Philip G. Tinkler

Name:   Philip G. Tinkler
Title:   Vice President
HIGHBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, LLC, as a Lender
By: Highbridge Capital Management, LLC, as Trading Manager
By:  

/s/ Jonathan Segal

Name:   Jonathan Segal
Title:   Managing Director

 

90


APPENDIX I

DEFINITIONS

Acceptable Bank ” means:

(a) a financial institution that has a rating for its long-term unsecured and non credit-enhanced debt obligations of A or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, A or higher by Fitch Ratings Ltd., or A-2 or higher by Moody’s Investor Services Limited (an “A” Equivalent Rating”); or

(b) any other financial institution Approved by the Requisite Lenders.

Acceptable Security Interest ” in any Property means a Lien which (a) exists in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (b) is superior to all Liens or rights of any other Person in the Property encumbered thereby, other than Permitted Liens, (c) secures the Obligations, and (d) is perfected and enforceable.

Acquisition ” means the purchase by any Credit Party of any business, including the purchase of all or substantially all the associated assets or operations or of stock (or other ownership interests) of a Person (other than of a wholly-owned Subsidiary of any Credit Party).

Administrative Agent ” means Jefferies Finance LLC, in its capacity as agent pursuant to Article VIII, and any successor agent pursuant to Section 8.9 .

Administrative Fee ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.5 .

Administrative Agent Fee Letter ” means that certain Agency Fee Letter dated as of the date hereof between the Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent.

Advance ” means any of the First Advance, the Second Advance, the Third Advance, the Fourth Advance or the Fifth Advance.

Affiliate ” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under Common Control with, such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however that no Lender shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any Credit Party or its Subsidiaries solely by virtue of its (or an Affiliates of its) ownership of Equity Interests in the Borrower.

Agreement ” means this Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.

Amber Resources ” means Amber Resources Company of Colorado, a Delaware corporation.

Anti-Terrorism Law ” means any requirement of law related to terrorism financing or money-laundering including the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (“Patriot Act”) of 2001 (Title III of Pub.

 

Appendix I-1


L. 107-56), The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act”, 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., as amended) and Executive Order 13224 (effective September 24, 2001).

Applicable Premium ” means, the greater of (i) 1.0% of the outstanding principal balance of the Obligations as of any Make-Whole Prepayment Date and (ii) the excess of the present value at such Make-Whole Prepayment Date, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate at such Make-Whole Prepayment Date, plus 50 basis points, of the sum of (A) all scheduled interest payments due on the Obligations from such Make-Whole Prepayment Date through the first anniversary of the Closing Date (exclusive of any accrued and unpaid interest to the Make-Whole Prepayment Date) plus, (B) the First Anniversary Prepayment Amount (assuming the First Anniversary Prepayment Amount were paid on the first anniversary of the Closing Date) over (C) the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations of the Make-Whole Prepayment Date.

Approval ” and “ Consent ” mean, with respect to any consent or approval sought by any Credit Party and given by the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Requisite Lenders) or the Requisite Lenders, as applicable, the writings executed by Administrative Agent and/or Requisite Lenders, as applicable, that (a) authorize such Credit Party to take the action for which the consent or approval is sought and (b) set forth the conditions, if any, upon which the consent or approval is given by Administrative Agent and/or Requisite Lenders, as applicable.

Approve ” and “ Approved ” have the correlative meaning.

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender or (d) any Fund approved by the Requisite Lenders; provided, however that the term Approved Fund shall not include the Borrower, any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries, the JV Company or Laramie Energy II, LLC and its Affiliates.

Assignment and Acceptance ” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit A.

Assignor ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(i) .

Availability Period ” means the period from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the earlier of: (i) the Maturity Date and (ii) the date of termination of the Commitments of all Lenders.

Bankruptcy Code ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.

Bankruptcy Court ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.

Board of Directors ” means with respect to any Person, (i) in the case of any corporation, the board of directors of such Person and (ii) in any other case, the functional equivalent of the foregoing.

 

Appendix I-2


Borrower ” means Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Borrowing ” means any Loan permitted to be made hereunder.

Borrowing Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, the Total Commitment less the aggregate amount of all Advances made prior to such date.

Borrower Materials ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.2 .

Borrowing Request ” means a request by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Section 2.1 and substantially in the form of Exhibit G, or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in New York City, Denver, Colorado or Illinois are authorized or required by law to close.

Capital Leases ” means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any Property by such Person as lessee which would, in accordance with GAAP, be required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of such Person.

Casualty Event ” means any loss of title or any loss of or damage to or destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking (including by any Governmental Authority) of, any property of any Credit Party. “Casualty Event” shall include but not be limited to any taking of all or any part of any Real Property of any person or any part thereof, in or by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings pursuant to any law, or by reason of the temporary requisition of the use or occupancy of all or any part of any Real Property of any person or any part thereof by any Governmental Authority, civil or military, or any settlement in lieu thereof.

CERCLA ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, state and local analogs, and all rules and regulations and requirements thereunder in each case as now or hereafter in effect.

Change in Control ” means (a) that, for any reason (i) any Person or group (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) shall become the direct or indirect beneficial owner (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of greater than 30% of the total voting power of all classes of capital stock then outstanding of any Credit Party entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in elections of directors of such Credit Party, or (ii) any Credit Party ceases to own, either directly or indirectly, 100% of the Equity Interest in any wholly-owned Subsidiary other than as a result of a sale of assets or merger permitted under Section 6.4 , or (b) the occurrence of a “Change of Control” (or similar defined term as defined in the JV Credit Agreement) under the JV Credit Agreement; provided however that for purposes of determining whether a Change of Control has occurred (x) transfers of Voting Securities by any Lender or an Affiliate of any Lender to a third party shall be disregarded and (y) no Persons shall be deemed to be part of a group (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) solely by virtue of becoming party to the Stockholders Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Appendix I-3


Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any new Legal Requirement, (b) any change in any Legal Requirement or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

Chapter 11 Proceedings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.

Closing Date ” means August 31, 2012.

Closing Fee ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.5 .

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Collateral ” means (a) all “Collateral” and “Mortgaged Properties” (as defined in each of the Mortgages, the Pledge Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement, as applicable) or similar terms used in the Security Instruments, and (b) all amounts contained in any Credit Party’s Deposit Accounts or other bank accounts but shall not include the Excluded Collateral.

Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the Commitment of such Lender to fund its Pro Rata Share of the Loans in accordance with the provisions hereof and set forth on Schedule I, as the same may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.7 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 10.6 . The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Commitments is $30,000,000.

Communications ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.2(b) .

Confidential Information ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.16 .

Confirmation Order ” shall have the meaning assigned such term in Recital C and attached hereto as Exhibit F.

Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

Control ” shall mean 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 ownership of Voting Securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” and “under Common Control” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

 

Appendix I-4


Controlled Group ” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

Covering Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.14(c) .

Covering Lender ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.14(c) .

Credit Party ” means the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Debt ,” for any Person, means without duplication:

(a) indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money;

(b) obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

(c) obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services (including, without limitation, obligations that are non-recourse to the credit of such Person but are secured by the assets of such Person, but excluding trade accounts payable);

(d) obligations of such Person as lessee under Capital Leases and obligations of such Person in respect of synthetic leases;

(e) obligations of such Person under letters of credit and agreements relating to the issuance of letters of credit or acceptance financing

(f) obligations of such Person under any Hedge Contract;

(g) obligations of such Person owing in respect of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock or other mandatorily redeemable preferred Equity Interest of such Person;

(h) any obligations of such Person owing in connection with any volumetric or production prepayments;

(i) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such Person to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above;

(j) guarantees of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (i) above secured by any Lien on or in respect of any Property of such Person; and

(k) all liabilities of such Person in respect of unfunded vested benefits under any Plan.

Debt Issuance ” means the incurrence by any Credit Party of any Debt after the Closing Date (other than as permitted by Section 6.2 ).

 

Appendix I-5


Debtors ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.

Debtor Relief Law ” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.

Default ” means (a) an Event of Default or (b) any event or condition which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.6(b) .

Defaulting Lender ” means, subject to Section 2.14(b) , any Lender or its Affiliate that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two (2) Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two (2) Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder ( provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect Parent Company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect Parent Company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Requisite Lenders that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.14(b) ) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

Appendix I-6


Deposit Account ” shall have the meaning given to the term in the UCC (or any successor statute), as adopted and in force in the State of New York or, when the laws of any other state govern the method or manner of the perfection or enforcement of any Lien in any of the Collateral, the UCC (or any successor statute) of such other state.

DIP Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital B hereof.

DIP Facility Claims ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Plan of Reorganization.

DIP Lenders ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital B hereof.

Disposition ” means any sale, lease, transfer, assignment, farm-out, conveyance, Sale Leaseback Transaction or other disposition of any Property (including any Working Interest, overriding Royalty Interest, production payments, net profits interest, Royalty Interest, or mineral fee interest).

Dividend ” with respect to any Person, a dividend or return on equity capital to the holders of its Equity Interests or any other distribution, payment or delivery of property or cash to the holders of its Equity Interests as such, or any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, directly or indirectly, for consideration any of its Equity Interests outstanding (or any options or warrants issued by such person with respect to its Equity Interests). Without limiting the foregoing, “Dividends” with respect to any person shall also include all payments made by such person with respect to any stock appreciation rights, plans, equity incentive or achievement plans or any similar plans.

Dollars ” and “ $ ” means lawful money of the United States of America.

Eligible Assignee ” means (a) any Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender), (b) any Approved Fund, (c) any Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower, any Credit Party or any of their Subsidiaries), and (d) any commercial bank or other financial institution or fund Approved by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion.

Embargoed Person ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 6.19 .

Environment ” or “ Environmental ” shall have the meanings set forth in 42 U.S.C. 9601(8) (1988).

Environmental Claim ” means any third party (including governmental agencies and employees) action, lawsuit, claim, demand, regulatory action or proceeding, order, decree, consent agreement or notice of potential or actual responsibility or violation (including claims or proceedings under the Occupational Safety and Health Acts or similar laws or requirements relating to health or safety of employees) which seeks to impose liability under any Environmental Law.

Environmental Law ” means, as to any Credit Party and Subsidiary of any Credit Party and the JV Company, all Legal Requirements or common law theories applicable to any Credit Party arising from, relating to, or in connection with the Environment, health, or safety,

 

Appendix I-7


including without limitation CERCLA, relating to (a) pollution, contamination, injury, destruction, loss, protection, cleanup, reclamation or restoration of the air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata, or other natural resources; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, treatment, processing, recycling, reclamation, cleanup, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to pollutants, contaminants, hazardous, or toxic substances, materials or wastes; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) the manufacture, processing, handling, transportation, distribution in commerce, use, storage or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, license, order, approval, registration or other authorization under Environmental Law.

Equipment ” has the meaning assigned such term in the UCC.

Equity Interest ” means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or nonvoting) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation), including, without limitation, partnership interests, limited liability company interests, and membership interests, whether outstanding on, or issued after, the Closing Date, and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase or other arrangement or rights to acquire any of the foregoing but excluding debt securities convertible or exchangeable into such equity.

Equity Percentage ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.8(g) .

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

Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.1 .

Excluded Collateral ” means (i) Excluded Property (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) and (ii) any asset of any Credit Party which the Requisite Lenders determine is not required to be made the subject of an Acceptable Security Interest, provided, however, that notwithstanding such designation, the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion may at any time require that such Credit Party grant the Administrative Agent an Acceptable Security Interest on any item of Excluded Collateral and in doing so, designate such item as Collateral.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income, branch profits or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its overall net income or overall gross income (i) by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or is otherwise doing business (other than a business deemed to arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), (ii) in the case of any Lender, by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) in which its applicable lending office is located (iii) as the result of any other present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), or (iv) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.13 or a participant

 

Appendix I-8


pursuant to Section 2.11(c) upon a Default of the Borrower), any U.S. Federal withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Foreign Lender under the law in effect 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 was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office, to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.12(a), (c) any Taxes that are attributable to the failure to comply with Section 2.12(e) or (f), and (d) any Taxes imposed under FATCA (or any amended or successor version of FATCA that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with). It is understood and agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that any U.S. Federal withholding tax imposed on a Foreign Lender (including an assignee) as a result of a Change in Law or regulation or interpretation thereof occurring after the time such Foreign Lender became a party to this Agreement (other than any amended or successor version of FATCA, or any amended version or successor of any form described in Section 2.12(e) or (f) , in each case that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) shall not be an Excluded Tax.

Executive Order ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 6.19 .

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement, and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof.

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System of the United States 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 of the quotations for the day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Federal Reserve Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any of its successors.

Fifth Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.2(v) .

Final Order ” means an order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court duly entered on the docket of the Bankruptcy Court that (i) has not been modified or amended without the consent of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, or vacated, reversed, revoked, rescinded, stayed or appealed from, except as Administrative Agent and Lenders may otherwise specifically agree, (ii) with respect to which the time to appeal, petition for certiorari, application or motion for reversal, rehearing, reargument, stay, or modification has expired, (iii) no petition, application or motion for reversal, rehearing, reargument, stay or modification thereof or for a writ of certiorari with respect thereto has been filed or granted or the order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court has been affirmed by the highest court to which the order or judgment was appealed, (iv) is no longer subject to any or further appeal or petition, application or motion for reversal, rehearing, reargument, stay or modification thereof or for any writ of certiorari with respect thereto or further judicial review in any form, as a result of which such order shall have become final in accordance with Rule 8002 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and (v) as to which 14 calendar days have elapsed following the entry of the docket; provided that the possibility that a

 

Appendix I-9


motion pursuant to Section 502(j) or 1144 of the Bankruptcy Code or under Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or Rule 9024 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, may be filed with respect to such order or judgment, shall not cause such order not to be a Final Order.

Financial Statements ” means the audited financial statements, including the audited consolidated balance sheet, of Borrower and the Credit Parties in each case, as of December 31, 2012, or December 31 of the relevant fiscal year then ended, as applicable, and the related audited consolidated statements of income, cash flow, and retained earnings of Borrower and the Credit Parties, in each case, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, or the fiscal year then ended, as applicable, copies of which have been delivered to Administrative Agent and Lenders.

First Anniversary Prepayment Amount ” means 106% of the full outstanding principal balance of the Loans as of any Repayment Date.

First Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.2(i) .

Foreign Lender ” means any Administrative Agent or Lender that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a) (30) of the Code.

Fourth Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.2(iv) .

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles recognized as such by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or generally recognized successor) consistently applied and maintained throughout the period indicated and consistent with applicable laws, except for changes mandated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar accounting authority of comparable standing (except that the determination of whether a lease is to be treated as an operating lease or capital lease shall be made without giving effect to any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP, including, without limitation, resulting from the implementation of proposed changes to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840, Leases, by the Exposure Draft issued by the FASB and IASB on August 17, 2010 (and related updates and changes to the Exposure Draft), or any successor proposal), applied on a basis consistent with the requirements of Section 1.3 . If any change in any accounting principle or practice is required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or generally recognized successor) in order for such principle or practice to continue as a generally accepted principle or practice, all financial reports or statements required hereunder or in connection herewith may be prepared in connection with such change, but all calculations and determinations to be made hereunder may be made in accordance with such change only if Borrower and the Requisite Lenders agree to do so. Whenever any accounting term is used herein which is not otherwise defined, it shall be interpreted in accordance with GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as applicable.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency,

 

Appendix I-10


authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 9.1 .

Guarantor ” means a Subsidiary of Borrower that is listed on Schedule 4.21, and each other Subsidiary that is or that becomes a party to this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 5.12 ; provided that, no Subsidiary shall be required to be a Guarantor hereunder so long as it remains an Immaterial Subsidiary.

Guarantee ” means the guarantees issued pursuant to Article IX by each Guarantor.

Hazardous Substance ” means the substances identified as such pursuant to CERCLA and those regulated under any other Environmental Law, including without limitation pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, petroleum products, radionuclides, radioactive materials, and medical and infectious waste.

Hazardous Waste ” means the substances regulated as such pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Hedge Contract ” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, puts, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement; provided that, a “Hedge Contract” shall not include any “Master Agreement” or other agreement that provides solely for the sale by any Credit Party of physical Hydrocarbons in exchange for cash in the ordinary course of its business.

Holders ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

Hydrocarbon Hedge Agreement ” means a Hedge Contract which is intended to reduce or eliminate the risk of fluctuations in the price of Hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons ” means oil, gas, coal seam gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, and all other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons produced or to be produced in conjunction therewith from a Well bore and all products, by-products, and other

 

Appendix I-11


substances derived therefrom or the processing thereof, and all other minerals and substances produced in conjunction with such substances, including, but not limited to, sulfur, geothermal steam, water, carbon dioxide, helium, and any and all minerals, ores, or substances of value and the products and proceeds therefrom.

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means each of Castle Exploration Company, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation; Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership; CEC, Inc. a Delaware corporation; CRB Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; Delta Exploration Company, Inc., a Colorado corporation; Delta Pipeline, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company; DPCA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and DLC, Inc., a Colorado corporation, but only so long as (i) such Subsidiary has no assets other than immaterial assets, (ii) no Credit Party is directly or indirectly responsible for any Debt of or has any obligation to provide credit support or to maintain or preserve such Subsidiary’s financial condition or to cause such entity to achieve any specified levels of operating results.

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitee ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.7(a) .

Insurance Policies ” shall mean the insurance policies and coverages required to be maintained by any Credit Party which is an owner of Property subject to a Mortgage with respect to the applicable Property pursuant to Section 5.2 and all renewals and extensions thereof.

Insurance Requirements ” shall mean, collectively, all provisions of the Insurance Policies, all requirements of the issuer of any of the Insurance Policies and all orders, rules, regulations and any other requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters (or any other body exercising similar functions) binding upon any Credit Party and applicable to the Property subject to a Mortgage or any use or condition thereof.

Intellectual Property ” means with respect to any Person, all of such Person’s rights, title and interest in and to all copyrights, patents and trademarks, including, without limitation, all present and future: trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information; trademarks, trademark applications, internet domain names, service marks, service mark applications, trade dress, trade names, business names, designs, logos, slogans (and all translations, adaptations, derivations and combinations of the foregoing) indicia and other source and/or business identifiers, and the goodwill of the business relating thereto and all registrations or applications for registrations which have heretofore been or may hereafter be issued thereon throughout the world; copyrights and copyright applications; (including copyrights for computer programs) and all tangible and intangible property embodying the copyrights, unpatented inventions (whether or not patentable); patents and patent applications; industrial design applications and registered industrial designs; license agreements related to any of the foregoing and income therefrom; books, records, writings, computer tapes or disks, flow diagrams, specification sheets, computer software, source codes, object codes, executable code, data, databases and other physical manifestations, embodiments or incorporations of any of the foregoing; the right to sue for all past, present and future infringements of any of the foregoing; all other intellectual property; and all common law and other rights throughout the world in and to all of the foregoing.

 

Appendix I-12


Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Administrative Agent, the JV Company Credit Facility Agent and the Borrower.

Interest Payment Date ” means (i) the last Business Day of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower during any period in which any portion of the Loans are outstanding and (ii) the Maturity Date.

Interest Period ” means each fiscal quarter of the Borrower.

JV Company ” has the meaning assigned such term in Recital D.

JV Credit Agreement ” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 4, 2012 by and among the JV Company, the JV Company Credit Facility Lenders, the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto, and any credit agreement, loan agreement, indenture or other document governing Debt (for purposes of this definition only, the “ Refinancing Debt ”) pursuant to which the obligations under such Credit Agreement (for purposes of this definition only, the “ Refinanced Debt ”) have been refinanced; provided that (a) such Refinancing Debt has a later maturity than and a weighted average life to maturity equal to or greater than the Refinanced Debt, (b) such Refinancing Debt shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt plus accrued interest, fees and premiums (if any) thereon and reasonable fees and expenses associated with the refinancing (provided that the principal amount of such Refinancing Debt shall not include any principal constituting interest paid in kind), (c) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, defeased or satisfied and discharged on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and all accrued interest, fees and premiums (if any) in connection therewith shall be paid, substantially concurrently with the incurrence of such Refinancing Debt, (d) the terms and conditions relating to collateral for such Refinancing Debt, taken as a whole, shall be no more favorable to the secured parties in respect of such Debt than the terms and conditions with respect to the collateral for the Refinanced Debt (and the Liens on any collateral securing such Refinancing Debt shall have the same (or lesser) priority as the Refinanced Debt), and (e) such Refinancing Debt shall not include any term or provision that is adverse in any material respect to the interests of the Lenders as determined by the Requisite Lenders in their sole discretion.

JV Company Credit Facility Agent ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or the institution part from time to time as “Administrative Agent”, “indenture trustee” or any similar title under the JV Credit Agreement.

JV Company Credit Facility Lenders ” means the institutions party from time to time as “Lenders” under the JV Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

JV Company Credit Facility Documents ” means the JV Credit Agreement and all other documents compromising the definitive documentation of the transactions contemplated by the JV Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, all collateral and security documents and any intercreditor agreements executed in connection therewith as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement.

 

Appendix I-13


JV Company Credit Facility Obligations ” means the “Obligations” (as such term is defined in the JV Credit Agreement) as in effect on the date hereof or in any amendment or modification thereto made in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement.

JV Company LLC Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for the JV Company dated as of August 31, 2012.

JV Holding Sub ” means Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

JV Interests ” means the Borrower, JV Holding Sub, or any other Credit Party’s membership interests or other Equity Interests in the JV Company.

Leases ” means all oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, oil, gas and casinghead gas leases or any other instruments, agreements, or conveyances under and pursuant to which the owner thereof has or obtains the right to enter upon lands and explore for, drill, and develop such lands for the production of Hydrocarbons.

Legal Requirement ” means, as to any Person, any law, statute, ordinance, decree, requirement, order, judgment, rule, regulation (or official interpretation of any of the foregoing) of, and the terms of any license or permit issued by, any Governmental Authority, including, but not limited to, Regulations D, T, U, and X, which is applicable to such Person.

Lenders Fee Letter ” means that certain Lender Fee Letter dated as of the date hereof between the Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

Lenders ” means a party hereto that (a) is a Lender listed on the signature pages of this Agreement on the date hereof or (b) is an Eligible Assignee that became a Lender under this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.13 or Section 10.6 .

Lien ” means any recorded or unrecorded, express or implied, written or oral mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, assignment, charge, deed of trust, security interest, hypothecation, preference, deposit arrangement or encumbrance (or other type of arrangement having the practical effect of the foregoing) to secure or provide for the payment of any obligation of any Person, whether arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise (including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, synthetic lease, Capital Lease, or other title retention agreement).

Liquid Investments ” means:

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States maturing within 180 days from the date of any acquisition thereof;

 

Appendix I-14


(b) negotiable or nonnegotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits, or other similar banking arrangements maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof (“bank debt securities”), issued by (A) any Lender (or any Affiliate of any Lender) or (B) any other bank or trust company so long as such certificate of deposit is pledged to secure any Credit Party’s ordinary course of business bonding requirements, or any other bank or trust company which has primary capital of not less than $500,000,000, if at the time of deposit or purchase, such bank debt securities are rated not less than “AA” (or the then equivalent) by the rating service of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and (ii) commercial paper issued by (A) any Lender (or any Affiliate of any Lender) or (B) any other Person if at the time of purchase such commercial paper is rated not less than “A 1” (or the then equivalent) by the rating service of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or not less than “P 1” (or the then equivalent) by the rating service of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or upon the discontinuance of both of such services, such other nationally recognized rating service or services, as the case may be, as shall be selected by the applicable Credit Party with the consent of the Requisite Lenders;

(c) deposits in money market funds investing exclusively in investments described in clauses (a) and (b) above; and

(d) repurchase agreements relating to investments described in clauses (a) and (b) above with a market value at least equal to the consideration paid in connection therewith, with any Person who regularly engages in the business of entering into repurchase agreements and has a combined capital surplus and undivided profit of not less than $500,000,000, if at the time of entering into such agreement the debt securities of such Person are rated not less than “AA” (or the then equivalent) by the rating service of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc..

Loan ” means each loan made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2 .

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, any Notes, the Security Instruments, and each other agreement, instrument, or document executed by any Credit Party, any Subsidiary of any Credit Party or any of their officers at any time in connection with this Agreement.

Loans Offer Price ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Lost Interest ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.15(a) .

Make-Whole Prepayment Date ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.8(a)(ii) .

Material Adverse Change ” means (a) a material adverse change in the business, assets (including the Oil and Gas Properties of any Credit Party), financial condition, or operations of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, (b) a material adverse effect on any Credit Party’s ability, as a whole, to perform its obligations under this Agreement, any Note, or any other Loan Document, or (c) a material adverse change on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

Appendix I-15


Maturity Date ” means, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the earliest to occur of (i) the acceleration (whether automatic or by written notice) or any Obligations and (ii) the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date.

Maximum Rate ” means the maximum nonusurious interest rate under applicable law (determined under such laws after giving effect to any items which are required by such laws to be construed as interest in making such determination, including without limitation if required by such laws, certain fees and other costs).

Mortgage ” means each of the mortgages or deeds of trust executed by any one or more of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries in favor of Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit D or such other form as may be requested by the Requisite Lenders and that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any assumptions or assignments of the obligations thereunder by any Credit Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries, and “Mortgages” shall mean all of such Mortgages collectively.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) and Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

National Priorities List ” has the meaning assigned such term in CERCLA.

Net Cash Proceeds ” means

 

  (a)

with respect to any Disposition (other than any issuance or sale of Equity Interests), the cash proceeds received by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including cash proceeds subsequently received (as and when received by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) in respect of non-cash consideration initially received) net of (i) selling expenses (including reasonable brokers’ fees or commissions, legal, accounting and other professional and transactional fees, transfer and similar taxes and Borrower’s good faith estimate of income taxes paid or payable in connection with such sale); (ii) amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Disposition or any other liabilities retained by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries associated with the properties sold in such Disposition and, to the extent such amount equals or exceeds $1,000,000, held in an account subject to the Administrative Agent’s control (provided that, to the extent and at the time any such amounts are released from such reserve, such amounts shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds); (iii) Borrower’s good faith estimate of payments required to be made with respect to unassumed liabilities relating to the properties sold within two (2) years of such Disposition and to the extent such amount equals or exceeds $1,000,000, held in an account subject to the Administrative Agent’s control (provided that, to the extent such cash proceeds are not used to make payments in respect of such unassumed liabilities within two (2) years of such Disposition and placed in an account subject to the Administrative Agent’s control, such cash proceeds shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds); and (iv) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Debt

 

Appendix I-16


  for borrowed money which is secured by a Lien on the properties sold in such Disposition (so long as such Lien was permitted to encumber such properties under the Loan Documents at the time of such sale) and which is repaid with such proceeds (other than any such Debt assumed by the purchaser of such properties);

 

  (b) with respect to any Debt Issuance or any issuance of Equity Interests by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the cash proceeds thereof, net of customary fees, commissions, costs and other expenses incurred in connection therewith; and

 

  (c) with respect to any Casualty Event, the insurance proceeds, condemnation awards and other compensation received in cash in respect thereof, net of (i) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the collection of such proceeds and the reasonable cost of putting any real property in a safe and secure condition, awards or other compensation in respect of such Casualty Event and (ii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Debt for borrowed money which is secured by a Lien on the properties subject to such Casualty Event (so long as such Lien was permitted to encumber such properties under the Loan Documents at the time of such sale) and which is repaid with such proceeds (other than any such Debt in connection with such Casualty Event).

Net Equity Proceeds ” means an amount equal to any cash proceeds from a capital contribution to, or the issuance of any Equity Interests of, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries other than pursuant to any employee, director or consultant stock or stock option compensation plan, net of reasonable underwriting discounts and commissions, legal, accounting and other professional and transactional fees, transfer and similar taxes and Borrower’s good faith estimate of income taxes paid or payable in connection with such contribution or issuance.

Non-Consenting Lender ” means, any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (i) requires the approval of all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 10.1 and (ii) has been approved by the Requisite Lenders.

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

Note ” means a promissory note of Borrower payable to any Lender, in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit E, evidencing indebtedness of Borrower to such Lender resulting from Advances owing to such Lender.

Obligations ” means (a) obligations of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties from time to time to pay (and otherwise arising under or in respect of the due and punctual payment of) (i) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise and (ii) 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 proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such

 

Appendix I-17


proceeding), of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (b) the due and punctual performance of all covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

OFAC ” means the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Offer ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Offer Letter ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Offered Loans ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Offering Lenders ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Officer’s Certificate ” shall mean, as to any Person, a certificate executed by the chairman of the Board of Directors (if an officer), the chief executive officer or the president of such person, each in his or her official (and not individual) capacity.

Oil and Gas Properties ” means fee mineral interests, term mineral interests, Leases, subleases, farm-outs, royalties, overriding royalties, net profit interests, carried interests, production payments and similar mineral interests, and all unsevered and unextracted Hydrocarbons in, under, or attributable to such oil and gas Properties and interests.

Organizational Documents ” means with respect to any Person, (i) in the case of any corporation, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws (or similar documents) of such Person, (ii) in the case of any limited liability company, the certificate of formation and operating agreement (or similar documents) of such Person, (iii) in the case of any limited partnership, the certificate of formation and limited partnership agreement (or similar documents) of such Person, (iv) in the case of any general partnership, the partnership agreement (or similar document) of such Person and (v) in any other case, the functional equivalent of the foregoing.

Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to any recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Lenders ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 10.6(b)(ii) .

Other List ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 6.19 .

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies (including related interest, fines, penalties and additions to tax) arising from any payment made or required to be made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document except for any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes or that are imposed with respect to an assignment.

 

Appendix I-18


Parent Company ” means, with respect to a Lender, the bank holding company (as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation Y), if any, of such Lender, and/or any Person owning, beneficially or of record, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares of such Lender.

Parent Guaranty ” means that certain Parent Limited Guaranty, dated as of the date hereof, by the JV Holding Sub in favor of the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, pursuant to which, among other things, the JV Holding Sub has guaranteed the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, with recourse thereunder limited to the JV Holding Sub’s JV Interests and fees and expenses as more fully set forth therein.

Parent Pledge Agreement ” means that certain Parent Pledge Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and between the JV Holding Sub and the JV Company Credit Facility Agent.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

Permit ” means any approval, certificate of occupancy, consent, waiver, exemption, variance, franchise, order, permit, authorization, right or license of or from any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, an Environmental Permit.

Permitted Business ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 6.11 .

Permitted Liens ” means the Liens permitted under Section 6.1 .

Permitted Subordinated Debt ” means Debt incurred by the Credit Parties; provided that (i) such Debt shall be subordinated in right of payment to the payment in full of the Obligations, (ii) such Debt shall be either (x) unsecured or (y) secured by the Collateral on a junior basis (including with respect to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, (iii) if such Debt is secured, the holders of such Debt (or their senior representative or agent) and the Administrative Agent (and if such Debt is secured by the JV Interests, the JV Company Credit Facility Agent) shall be party to an intercreditor agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) such Debt shall not be at any time guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Subsidiaries that are Guarantors and the terms of such guarantee shall be no more favorable to the secured parties in respect of such Debt than the terms of the Guaranty, (v) such Debt shall have covenants, default and remedy provisions and other terms and conditions (other than interest, fees, premiums, funding discounts or optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that are substantially identical to, or less favorable to the investors providing such Debt than, those set forth in this Agreement, (vi) the maturity date of such Debt shall be no earlier than the date that is six (6) months after the Maturity Date, and (vii) there shall be no scheduled amortization of such Debt, and such Debt shall not be subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (except customary asset sale or change-of-control provisions that provide for the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations), in each case prior to the date that is six months after the Maturity Date.

 

Appendix I-19


Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), joint stock company, limited liability corporation or company, limited liability partnership, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof or any trustee, receiver, custodian or similar official.

Piceance JV Proceeds ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.1(g) .

PIK Interest ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.6(a)(ii) .

Plan ” means an employee benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan), as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, maintained for employees of Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group and covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code.

Plan Disclosure Statement ” means that Second Amended Disclosure Statement for the Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates, dated as of July 5, 2012, and filed with the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 Proceedings.

Plan Effective Date ” means the date by which all of the conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Effective Date of the Plan or Reorganization (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) shall have been satisfied as determined by the Lenders in their sole discretion, or with the consent of the Lenders in their sole discretion, waived in accordance with the terms thereof.

Plan of Reorganization ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Recital C hereof.

Platform ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.2 .

Pledge Agreement ” means the Pledge Agreement executed by the JV Holdco Sub in favor of the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit K and as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time

Pledge and Security Agreement ” means the Pledge and Security Agreement executed by each Credit Party in favor of the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit I and as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Property ” of any Person means any property or assets (whether real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible) of such Person.

Pro Rata Share ” means as to any Lender, at the relevant date of determination, the fraction (expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is such Lender’s unfunded Commitment (if any) and outstanding Loans and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of all of the Lenders’ unfunded Commitments and all of the outstanding Loans of the Lenders.

Public Lender ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.2 .

 

Appendix I-20


Real Property ” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned, or leased by any person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto and all improvements and appurtenant futures.

Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.6(d) .

Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Borrower and certain shareholders of the Borrower.

Regulations D, T, U, and X ” mean Regulations D, T, U, and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as the same is from time to time in effect, and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Release ” shall have the meaning set forth in CERCLA or under any other Environmental Law.

Repayment Date ” when used with respect to any Loan to be prepaid pursuant to Section 2.8(a) , means the date fixed for such prepayment pursuant to the terms of such Section 2.8(a) .

Repayment Premium ” when used with respect to any Loan to be prepaid, means the price at which it is to be prepaid pursuant to this Agreement.

Requisite Lenders ” means, (a) at any time when there are more than two Lenders, Lenders holding unfunded Commitments and outstanding Loans representing more than 50% of the sum of all unfunded Commitments of the Lenders and all of the outstanding Loans of the Lenders and (b) at any time when there are one or two Lenders, all Lenders, provided, however, that for purposes of determining whether there are more than two Lenders, a Lender and each of its Approved Funds shall be deemed to constitute a single Lender and; provided further that, if there are two or more Lenders, the Commitment of, and the portion of the Advances held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Requisite Lenders unless all Lenders are Defaulting Lenders.

Response ” shall have the meaning set forth in CERCLA or under any other Environmental Law.

Responsible Officer ” means (a) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, such Person’s Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Vice President or for purposes of Section 3.1(a)(iii) such Person’s Secretary, (b) with respect to any Person that is a limited liability company, a manager or the Responsible Officer of such Person’s managing member or manager, and (c) with respect to any Person that is a general partnership or a limited liability partnership, the Responsible Officer of such Person’s general partner or partners.

Responsible Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower in the form of the attached Exhibit B.

Restricted Payment ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any direct or indirect dividend or distribution (whether in cash, securities or other Property) or any direct or indirect

 

Appendix I-21


payment of any kind or character (whether in cash, securities or other Property) in consideration for or otherwise in connection with any retirement, purchase, redemption or other acquisition of any Equity Interest of such Person, or any options, warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest of such Person or (b) principal or interest payments (in cash, Property or otherwise) on, or redemptions of, subordinated debt of such Person; provided that the term “Restricted Payment” shall not include any dividend or distribution payable solely in Equity Interests of Borrower or warrants, options or other rights to purchase such Equity Interests.

Return ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.10(c) .

Royalty Interest ” means (a) an expense-free interest retained by a mineral lessor in a Lease, (b) an overriding royalty reserved by or conveyed to a Person, or (c) any other expense-free right to receive production or revenues from any Oil and Gas Property.

Sale Leaseback Transaction ” means any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby any Credit Party shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property which it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred.

SDN List ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 6.19 .

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Second Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.2(ii) .

Secured Parties ” means collectively, the Administrative Agent and each Lender.

Security Instruments ” means, collectively, (a) the Mortgages, (b) the Pledge and Security Agreement, (c) the Pledge Agreement, (d) each other agreement, instrument or document executed at any time in connection with the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, or the Mortgages, (e) each agreement, instrument or document executed in connection with any Deposit Account subject to the Administrative Agent’s control; (f) any Transfer Letters and (g) each other agreement, instrument or document executed at any time in connection with securing the Obligations.

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person, as of the date of any determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the Property of such Person (both at fair valuation and at present fair saleable value) is greater than the total liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations, and other commitments as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s Property would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to current and anticipated future capital requirements and current and

 

Appendix I-22


anticipated future business conduct and the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged. In computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, such liabilities shall be computed at the amount which, in light of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

Stockholders Agreement ” means that certain Stockholders Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Borrower and certain stockholders of the Borrower.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, (i) any other corporation, limited liability company, association or other business entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the voting power of all Equity Interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors thereof are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent, (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or (b) the only general partners of which are the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent and (iii) any other Person that is otherwise Controlled by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent. Unless the context requires otherwise, “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything contained herein to the contrary, the JV Company shall not be deemed to constitute a Subsidiary of the Borrower or any of the Credit Parties for purposes of this Agreement.

Substitute Funding Day ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.14(c) .

Taxes ” shall have the meaning assigned such term in Section 4.10(a) .

Tax Group ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 4.10(a) .

Termination Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to the provision for 30 day notice to the PBGC or with respect to which the notice required is waived under such regulations), (b) the withdrawal of Borrower or any of its Affiliates from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, (c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

Third Advance ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.2(iii) .

Total Commitment ” means $30,000,000. The Loans shall include any Advances made by any Lender on the Closing Date.

Transfer Letters ” means, collectively, the letters in lieu of transfer orders in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit J and executed by any Credit Party executing a Mortgage.

Transferred Guarantor ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 9.9 .

 

Appendix I-23


Treasury Rate ” means, with respect to any Make-Whole Prepayment Date, the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such Make-Whole Prepayment Date (or, if such statistical release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such Make-Whole Prepayment Date to the first anniversary of the Closing Date; provided, however, that if the period from such Make-Whole Prepayment Date to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from such Make-Whole Prepayment Date to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in any applicable state or jurisdiction.

USA PATRIOT Act ” means the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

Voting Securities ” means (a) with respect to any corporation (including any unlimited liability company), capital stock of such corporation having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency), (b) with respect to any partnership, any partnership interest or other ownership interest having general voting power to elect the general partner or other management of the partnership or other Person, and (c) with respect to any limited liability company, membership certificates or interests having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect managers of such limited liability company.

Warrant ” has the meaning assigned such term in the Warrant Issuance Agreement.

Warrant Issuance Agreement ” means that certain Warrant Issuance Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Borrower and the purchasers of the warrants party thereto.

Well ” means any existing or future oil or gas well, salt water disposal well, injection well, water supply well or any other well located on or related to the Properties, and any facility or equipment in addition to or replacement of any well.

Working Interest ” means the property interest which entitles its owner to explore and develop certain land for oil and gas production purposes, whether under an oil and gas lease or unit, a compulsory pooling order or otherwise.

 

Appendix I-24

Exhibit 10.2

Execution Version

AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

FOR

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC

Dated as of August 31, 2012


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

            Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1   

ARTICLE II THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

     6   

2.1

    

Formation

     6   

2.2

    

Name

     7   

2.3

    

Certificate of Formation

     7   

2.4

    

Registered Office and Agent; Principal Place of Business

     7   

2.5

    

Purpose

     7   

2.6

    

The Members

     7   

2.7

    

Authorized Units; Issuance of Additional Membership Interests

     7   

2.8

    

Term

     8   

ARTICLE III CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

     8   

3.1

    

Initial Capital Contributions

     8   

3.2

    

Additional Capital Contributions

     8   

3.3

    

No Third Party Right to Enforce

     9   

3.4

    

Return of Contributions

     9   

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

     9   

4.1

    

General Representations and Warranties

     9   

4.2

    

Conflict and Tax Representations

     10   

4.3

    

Investment Representations and Warranties

     10   

4.4

    

Survival

     10   

ARTICLE V COMPANY MANAGEMENT

     11   

5.1

    

Sole Manager

     11   

5.2

    

Management Authority

     11   

5.3

    

Sole Manager Delegation and Personnel

     11   

5.4

    

Bank Accounts and Bank Revolving Credit Facility

     11   

5.5

    

Board of Managers

     11   

5.6

    

Major Decisions

     13   

5.7

    

Additional Board Activities

     15   

5.8

    

Duties

     16   

5.9

    

Reliance by Third Parties

     16   

5.10

    

Resignation

     17   

5.11

    

Removal

     17   

5.12

    

Vacancies

     17   

5.13

    

Information Relating to the Company

     17   

5.14

    

Exculpation and Indemnification; Litigation

     17   

5.15

    

Officers

     18   

5.16

    

Management Fee

     19   

5.17

    

Company Opportunities; Conflicts

     19   

 

i


5.18

    

Other Investments of Investor Parties; Waiver of Conflicts of Interest

     20   

5.19

    

Employees

     21   

ARTICLE VI MEMBERS

     21   

6.1

    

Limited Liability

     21   

6.2

    

No State-Law Partnership

     21   

6.3

    

Tax Matters Partner

     22   

ARTICLE VII DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE MEMBERS

     22   

7.1

    

Non-Liquidating Distributions

     22   

7.2

    

Liquidating Distributions

     22   

7.3

    

Distributions in Kind

     22   

ARTICLE VIII ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES

     23   

8.1

    

In General

     23   

8.2

    

Regulatory Allocations and Other Allocation Rules

     23   

8.3

    

Other Allocation Rules

     25   

ARTICLE IX ALLOCATION OF TAXABLE INCOME AND TAX LOSSES

     25   

9.1

    

Allocation of Taxable Income and Tax Losses

     25   

9.2

    

Allocation of Section 704(c) Items

     26   

9.3

    

Integration with Section 754 Election

     26   

9.4

    

Allocation of Tax Credits

     26   

ARTICLE X ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING

     26   

10.1

    

Books

     26   

10.2

    

Capital Accounts; Tax Elections

     26   

10.3

    

Transfers During Year

     27   

10.4

    

Reports

     27   

10.5

    

Section 754 Election

     28   

ARTICLE XI . TRANSFER OF MEMBER’S INTEREST

     28   

11.1

    

Restrictions on Transfers and Liens

     28   

11.2

    

Permitted Transfers and Liens

     28   

11.3

    

Sale Participation Rights

     28   

11.4

    

Forced Sale Right

     29   

11.5

    

Substitution of a Member

     30   

11.6

    

Conditions to Substitution

     31   

11.7

    

Admission as a Member

     31   

ARTICLE XII RESIGNATION, DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION

     31   

12.1

    

Resignation

     31   

12.2

    

Dissolution

     31   

12.3

    

Liquidation

     31   

12.4

    

Certificate of Cancellation

     32   

ARTICLE XIII NOTICES

     32   

13.1

    

Method of Notices

     32   

 

ii


13.2

    

Computation of Time

     33   

ARTICLE XIV GENERAL PROVISIONS

     33   

14.1

    

Amendment

     33   

14.2

    

Waiver

     33   

14.3

    

Confidentiality

     33   

14.4

    

Public Announcements

     34   

14.5

    

Applicable Law

     34   

14.6

    

Dispute Resolution; Arbitration

     34   

14.7

    

Severability

     35   

14.8

    

Specific Performance

     35   

14.9

    

Headings

     35   

14.10

    

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

     35   

14.11

    

Transaction Costs

     35   

14.12

    

References

     35   

14.13

    

U.S. Dollars

     35   

14.14

    

Counterparts

     35   

14.15

    

Additional Documents

     35   

14.16

    

No Third Party Beneficiaries

     36   

List of Exhibits and Schedules

 

Exhibit A    Members, Addresses, Units
Exhibit B    Contribution Agreement
Exhibit C    Management Services Agreement
Schedule 5.6(s)    NOL Prohibited Actions
Schedule 5.14(f)    Insurance
Schedule 14.6    Arbitration

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

FOR

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC

This Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) of Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), dated as of August 31, 2012 (the “ Effective Date ”), is among the Members.

RECITALS

A. On May 10, 2012, Laramie filed a Certificate of Formation (the “ Certificate ”) forming the Company as a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (as amended from time to time, the “ Act ”);

B. Laramie was the sole member of the Company and entered into the Company’s Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of May 10, 2012 (the “ Original Agreement ”); and

C. The Parties hereto desire to amend and restate in its entirety the Original Agreement in all respects and enter into this Agreement in order to delineate their rights and obligations as Members, to provide for the Company’s management, and to provide for certain other matters, all as permitted under the Act.

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Members agree as follows:

DEFINITIONS

In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the indicated meaning:

Act ” is defined in Recital A .

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” means, with respect to any Member, a deficit balance in such Member’s Capital Account as of the end of the fiscal year after giving effect to the following adjustments: (a) Credit to such Capital Account the additions, if any, permitted by Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( c ) (referring to obligations to restore a capital account deficit), 1.704-2(g)(1) (referring to “partnership minimum gain”) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (referring to a partner’s share of “partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain”), and (b) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in §§ 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d )( 4 ), ( 5 ) and ( 6 ) of the Treasury Regulations. This definition of Adjusted Capital Account Deficit is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation § 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d ).

Adjusted Properties ” is defined in Section 9.2 .

 

1


Affiliate ” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. As used in this definition, the word “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement ” is defined in the introductory paragraph.

AMI ” is defined in Section 2.5 .

Area of Mutual Interest ” is defined in Section 2.5 .

Assets ” is defined in Section 2.5 .

Available Cash ” means, for a period of time, the excess of all cash receipts of the Company (including reductions in any reserves previously established by the Sole Manager acting reasonably to meet the business needs of the Company) over all cash disbursements of the Company (including operating expenses, fees payable under the Management Services Agreement, repayment of all principal and interest, and additions to any reserves for twelve months of working capital and capital expenditures established by the Sole Manager acting reasonably to meet the business needs of the Company).

Bank Revolving Credit Facility ” is defined in Section 5.4(b ).

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to a Person, any of the following acts or events: (a) making an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (b) filing a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (c) becoming the subject of an order for relief or being declared insolvent or bankrupt in any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (d) filing a petition or answer seeking a reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (e) filing an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding of the type described in clause (c) or (d) of this definition, (f) making an admission in writing of an inability to pay debts as they mature, (g) giving notice to any governmental authority that insolvency has occurred, that insolvency is pending, or that operations have been suspended, (h) seeking, consenting to, or acquiescing in the appointment of a trustee, receiver, or liquidator of all or any substantial part of its properties, or (i) the expiration of 90 days after the date of the commencement of a proceeding against such Person seeking reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or similar relief under any statute, law, or regulation if the proceeding has not been previously dismissed, or the expiration of 60 days after the date of the appointment, without such Person’s consent or acquiescence, of a trustee, receiver, or liquidator of such Person or of all or any substantial part of such Person’s properties, if the appointment has not previously been vacated or stayed, or the expiration of 60 days after the date of expiration of a stay, if the appointment has not been previously vacated.

Board ” or “ Board of Managers ” is defined in Section 5.5(a) .

Board Member ” is defined in Section 5.5(a) .

 

2


Business ” is defined in Section 2.5 .

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or other day upon which banks are authorized or required to close in the State of Delaware.

Capital Account ” is defined in Section 10.2(a) .

Capital Contribution ” means for any Member at the particular time in question the aggregate of the dollar amounts of any cash and cash equivalents contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company, plus the value, as reasonably determined by the Sole Manager and the Board, of any property contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company.

Carrying Value ” The initial “Carrying Value” of property contributed to the Company by a Member means the value of such property at the time of contribution as agreed to in good faith by the Members. The initial Carrying Value of any other property shall be the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes at the time it is acquired by the Company. The initial Carrying Value of a property shall be reduced (but not below zero) by all subsequent depreciation, cost recovery, depletion and amortization deductions with respect to such property as taken into account in determining profit and loss; provided that, with respect to Oil and Gas Property, Simulated Depletion shall be used in lieu of depletion for purposes of determining the Carrying Value of such Oil and Gas Property. The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 10.2(b) and Treasury Regulation § 1.704 1(b)(2)(iv)(m), and to reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions, acquisitions or improvements of Company properties, as deemed appropriate by the Sole Manager in its reasonable discretion.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of future Law.

Company ” is defined in the introductory paragraph.

Company Opportunity ” is defined in Section 5.17 .

Confidential Information ” means information concerning the properties, operations, business, trade secrets, technical know-how and other non-public information and data of or relating to the Company, its properties and any technical information with respect to any project of the Company.

Contribution Agreement ” means the Contribution Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .

Controlled Affiliate ” means, with respect to a Member, a privately-held entity in which such Member owns 50% or more of the equity securities.

Delta ” means Par Petroleum Corporation (formerly Delta Petroleum Corporation), a Delaware corporation or Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Par Petroleum Corporation.

 

3


Development Program ” is defined in Section 5.7(a) .

Drag-Along Notice ” is defined in Section 11.4 .

Dragged Member ” means any Member, other than a Dragging Member, that receives a Drag-Along Notice pursuant to Section 11.4 .

Dragging Member ” means, in connection with a Transfer of Units subject to Section 11.4 , Laramie or any successor to Laramie’s interests.

Effective Date ” is defined in the introductory paragraph.

Independent Accountant ” means Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman, or another reputable independent public accounting firm retained by the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

Independent Petroleum Engineer ” means Netherland, Sewell and Associates, Inc., or another reputable independent petroleum engineer retained by the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

Investor Parties ” is defined in Section 5.18(a) .

Laramie ” means Laramie Energy II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Law ” or “ Laws ” means all applicable federal, state, tribal and local laws (statutory or common), rules, ordinances, regulations, grants, concessions, franchises, licenses, orders, directives, judgments, decrees, restrictions and other similar requirements, whether legislative, municipal, administrative or judicial in nature.

Lien ” means any mortgage, deed of trust, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, deposit arrangement, preference, priority, security interest, option, right of first refusal or other transfer restriction or encumbrance of any kind (including preferential purchase rights, conditional sales agreements or other title retention agreements, and the filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable Law of any jurisdiction to evidence any of the foregoing).

Major Decision ” is defined in Section 5.6 .

Management Services Agreement ” means the Management Services Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .

Member ” means a Person designated as an initial Member of the Company on Exhibit A attached hereto, a Person admitted as an additional Member pursuant to Section 2.7 and a Person admitted as a substituted Member pursuant to Section 11.5 .

Membership Interest ” means, with respect to any Member, (a) that Member’s status as a Member, (b) that Member’s Capital Account and share of the Profits, Losses and other items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credits of, and the right to receive distributions (liquidating or

 

4


otherwise) from, the Company under the terms of this Agreement, (c) all other rights, benefits and privileges enjoyed by that Member (under the Act or this Agreement) in its capacity as a Member, including that Member’s rights to vote, consent and approve those matters described in this Agreement, and (d) all obligations, duties and liabilities imposed on that Member under the Act or this Agreement in its capacity as a Member. Membership Interests shall be denominated in Units.

Notice of Additional Capital Contributions ” means, with respect to any call for additional Capital Contributions from the Members, a written notice from the Sole Manager setting forth (a) the additional Capital Contribution required from each Member, and (b) the date on which such additional Capital Contributions are required to be made to the Company.

Offered Interest ” is defined in Section 11.3 .

Offered Price ” is defined in Section 11.3 .

Offered Terms ” is defined in Section 11.3 .

Oil and Gas Property ” means any asset which constitutes “property” within the meaning of Code section 614.

Person ” means a natural person, corporation, joint venture, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, business trust, association, governmental authority or any other entity.

Profit ” or “ Loss ” means the income or loss of the Company as determined under the capital accounting rules of Treasury Regulation § 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) for purposes of adjusting the Capital Accounts of Members including, without limitation, the provisions of paragraphs 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( g ) and 1.704-1(b)(4) of those regulations relating to the computation of items of income, gain, deduction and loss; provided , however , that the items allocated pursuant to Section 8.2 and Section 12.3(e) shall be excluded from the computation of Profits and Losses.

Proposed Purchaser ” means a Person or group of Persons that a Member proposes as a purchaser of all or a portion of the Units of such Member.

Proposing Member ” is defined in Section 5.17(c) .

Regulatory Allocations ” is defined in Section 8.2(i) .

Required Interest ” means Members holding 51% of the issued and outstanding Units.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of future law.

Sharing Ratio ” means, with respect to a Member, a percentage, the numerator of which is the number of issued and outstanding Units held by such Member, and the denominator of which is the total number of issued and outstanding Units.

 

5


Simulated Basis ” means the Carrying Value of any Oil and Gas Property.

Simulated Depletion ” means the simulated depletion allowance computed by the Company with respect to its Oil and Gas Properties pursuant to Treasury Regulations § 1.704 1(b)(2)(iv)(k)(2) using any method allowed by such Treasury Regulations selected by the Sole Manager.

Sole Manager ” is defined in Section 5.1 .

Tag-Along Notice ” is defined in Section 11.3 .

Tagged Member ” is defined in Section 11.3 .

Transfer ” means, with respect to any asset, including Units or any portion thereof, including any right to receive distributions from the Company or any other economic interest in the Company, a sale, assignment, transfer, distribution, conveyance, gift, exchange or other disposition of such asset, whether such disposition be voluntary, involuntary or by merger, exchange, consolidation or other operation of Law, including the following: (a) in the case of an asset owned by a natural person, a transfer of such asset upon the death of its owner, whether by will, intestate succession or otherwise, (b) in the case of an asset owned by a Person which is not a natural person, a distribution of such asset, including in connection with the dissolution, liquidation, winding up or termination of such Person (other than a liquidation under a deemed termination solely for tax purposes), and (c) a disposition in connection with, or in lieu of, a foreclosure of a Lien; provided, however, a Transfer shall not include the creation of a Lien.

Treasury Regulations ” means regulations issued by the Department of Treasury under the Code. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Treasury Regulations shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of future regulations under the Code.

Unit ” is defined in Section 2.7 .

THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Formation .

The Company was formed pursuant to the filing of the Certificate on May 10, 2012. The Members hereby unanimously adopt and approve the Certificate and all actions taken in connection with the filing of the Certificate.

Laramie represents and warrants to the other Members that (i) the sole activity conducted prior to the date hereof of the Company has been the execution of the Credit Agreement pursuant to the Bank Revolving Credit Facility and the transactions related thereto, and (ii) the Company has incurred no liabilities as of the date hereof other than any liabilities incurred in connection with such agreement and the transactions related thereto. Laramie shall have no further rights or obligations with respect to the Company that arise because of its having formed the Company. The consent of Laramie shall be required for any amendment to this Section 2.1(b) .

 

6


This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Original Agreement.

The Members agree that the Company shall be governed by the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by the Act, this Agreement shall control as to any conflict between this Agreement and the Act or as to any matter provided for in this Agreement that is also provided for in the Act.

Name . The name of the Company shall be Piceance Energy, LLC.

Certificate of Formation . As recited in Section 2.1(a) , Laramie caused a certificate of formation that complies with the requirements of the Act to be properly filed with the Delaware Secretary of State. The Sole Manager shall execute such further documents (including amendments to the certificate of formation) and take such further action as shall be appropriate or necessary to comply with the requirements of Law for the formation, qualification or operation of a limited liability company in all states and counties where the Company may conduct its business.

Registered Office and Agent; Principal Place of Business . The location of the registered office of the Company and the Company’s registered agent at such address shall initially be 1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80202, and shall be subject to change as determined by the Sole Manager. The location of the principal place of business of the Company shall be 1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80202 or at such other location as the Sole Manager may from time to time select.

Purpose . The business of the Company shall be to i) own the oil and gas, surface real estate, and related assets formerly owned by each of Laramie and Delta in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado (the “ Area of Mutual Interest ” or “ AMI ”) or subsequently acquired by the Company (collectively, the “ Assets ”), (b) operate the Assets, including the maintenance, operation, development and sale of the Assets, and (c) take such other actions and engage in such other activities as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to pursue or accomplish the foregoing (collectively, the “ Business ”).

The Members . The name, business address and number of Units of each initial Member are set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. Upon the admission of additional or substituted Members in accordance with this Agreement, the Sole Manager shall update Exhibit A attached hereto to reflect the then current ownership of Units. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the update by the Sole Manager of Exhibit A pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall not be considered an amendment to this Agreement. Each Member will have one vote for each Unit held by such Member with respect to any vote of the Members. Except as otherwise required by applicable Law or this Agreement, the affirmative vote of 51% of the then-outstanding Units shall constitute approval of any matter submitted to a vote of the Members.

Authorized Units; Issuance of Additional Membership Interests . The Membership Interests authorized to be issued by the Company shall be denominated in units (each, a “ Unit ”). As of the Effective Date, the Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 Units. Subject to the

 

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provisions of Sections 5.6(c) and 5.17 the Sole Manager may from time to time ii) increase or decrease (but not below the total number of then outstanding Units) the total number of Units that the Company is authorized to issue and the number of Units constituting any class or series of Units, iii) authorize the issuance of additional classes or series of Units and fix and determine the designation and the relative rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed on such additional classes and series of Units (including the rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to or have preference over the rights, preferences or privileges of any then outstanding or authorized class or series of Units) and iv) amend or restate this Agreement as necessary to effect any or all of the foregoing. Additional Units may be issued for such Capital Contributions as shall be approved in accordance with Article III and Sections 5.6(c) and 5.17 . If the issuance of additional Units has been properly approved in accordance with this Agreement, the Persons to whom such additional Units have been issued shall automatically be admitted to the Company as Members with respect to such additional Units, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the requirements set forth in Sections 11.6 and  11.7 .

Term . The Company shall have perpetual existence; provided , that the Company shall be dissolved upon the occurrence of an event set forth in Section 12.2 .

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Initial Capital Contributions . Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the initial Members is making the initial Capital Contribution to the Company, and receiving the Units, described opposite its respective name on Exhibit A attached hereto. Initial Capital Contributions of additional Members shall be governed by Section 2.7 .

Additional Capital Contributions .

Upon a written capital call by the Sole Manager provided at least 30 days’ prior to the Capital Contribution being due, each Member shall make additional Capital Contributions (i) up to aggregate combined Capital Contributions after the Effective Date of $60,000,000, if approved by a majority of the Board, (ii) in connection with additional Capital Contributions unanimously approved by the Board as provided in Section 5.6(c) , or (iii) in connection with a Company Opportunity unanimously approved by the Board as provided in Section 5.17 . Except as provided in this Section 3.2 and subject to the provisions of Section 5.6 (insofar as not limiting the express provisions of the first sentence of this Section 3.2(a) ) and Section 5.17 , or in connection with the issuance of additional Membership Interests as provided in this Agreement, no Member shall have any right or obligation to make additional Capital Contributions or loans to the Company. Obligations to make additional Capital Contributions shall be borne by the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Sharing Ratios.

The Sole Manager is obligated to offer Units to the Members on a pro rata basis, based on the Members’ Sharing Ratios, before offering Units to or accepting an offer to purchase Units from any other Person. Upon determination to seek additional Capital Contributions or upon a third party’s offer to purchase Units from the Company, the Sole Manager shall deliver to the Members a Notice of Additional Capital Contributions at least thirty days in advance of the time such additional Capital Contributions are required to be made to the Company. The Notice

 

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of Additional Capital Contributions shall set forth the amount of additional Capital Contributions sought, each Member’s pro rata portion of such amount, and the date by which such Capital Contribution is to be made. Each Member shall notify the Sole Manager within 10 days after delivery of the Notice of Additional Capital Contributions whether such Member elects to make its applicable Capital Contribution. If a Member delivers notice to the Sole Manager that it will not make the additional Capital Contribution or if the Member has not indicated an intent to make the additional Capital Contribution by expiration of the initial 10-day period from the delivery of the Notice of Additional Contributions, the Sole Manager shall give the other Member written notice of the uncommitted portion of the additional Capital Contribution sought and permit such other Member an additional ten days to commit to pay the uncommitted portion of the additional Capital Contributions. If the other Member declines or fails to respond during the ten-day period, then the Sole Manager may, for the 90-day period following such other Member’s determination or failure to respond, offer to other Persons the opportunity to make the remaining uncommitted Capital Contribution, on the same terms as were available to the Members.

Any additional Capital Contribution that a Member is required or elects to make shall be made to the Company in immediately available funds on or before the date specified in the applicable notice (which date shall not be less than 30 days prior to the delivery of such notice).

The provisions of this Section 3.2 shall not apply in the context of the sale of the Company or other comparable transaction.

No Third Party Right to Enforce . No Person other than a Member shall have the right to enforce any obligation of a Member to contribute capital hereunder and specifically no lender or other third party shall have any such rights.

Return of Contributions . No Member shall be entitled to the return of any part of its Capital Contributions or to be paid interest in respect of either its Capital Account or its Capital Contributions. No unrepaid Capital Contribution shall constitute a liability of the Company, the Sole Manager or any Member. A Member is not required to contribute or to lend cash or property to the Company to enable the Company to return any Member’s Capital Contributions. The provisions of this Section 3.4 shall not limit a Member’s rights under Article XII .

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

General Representations and Warranties . Each Member represents and warrants to the Sole Manager, the other Members and the Company as follows:

It is the type of legal entity specified in Exhibit A of this Agreement, duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and is qualified to do business and is in good standing in those jurisdictions where necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement;

 

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The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and all transactions contemplated herein are within its entity powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary entity actions;

This Agreement constitutes its valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity; and

The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement will not conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (1) any applicable Law, (2) its governing documents, or (3) any agreement or arrangement to which it or any of its Affiliates is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its Affiliates or any of its or their assets.

Conflict and Tax Representations . Each Member represents and warrants to the Sole Manager, the other Members and the Company as follows:

Such Member has been advised that (4) a conflict of interest exists among the Members’ individual interests, (5) this Agreement has tax consequences and (6) it should seek independent counsel in connection with the execution of this Agreement;

Such Member has had the opportunity to seek independent counsel and independent tax advice prior to the execution of this Agreement and no Person has made any representation of any kind to it regarding the tax consequences of this Agreement; and

This Agreement and the language used in this Agreement are the product of all parties’ efforts and each party hereby irrevocably waives the benefit of any rule of contract construction which disfavors the drafter of an agreement.

Investment Representations and Warranties . In acquiring an interest in the Company, each Member represents and warrants to the Sole Manager, the other Members and the Company that it is acquiring such interest for its own account for investment and not with a view to its sale or distribution. Each Member recognizes that investments such as those contemplated by this Agreement are speculative and involve substantial risk. Each Member further represents and warrants that the Sole Manager and the other Members have not made any guaranty or representation upon which it has relied concerning the possibility or probability of profit or loss as a result of its acquisition of an interest in the Company (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not affect any representations or warranties made in the Contribution Agreement).

Survival . The representations and warranties set forth in this Article IV shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and any documents of Transfer provided under this Agreement.

 

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COMPANY MANAGEMENT

Sole Manager . The Company shall be managed by one manager (the “ Sole Manager ”). The initial Sole Manager shall be Laramie. The Sole Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, as set forth in Section 5.6(n) .

Management Authority . Except for Major Decisions, which shall require the approval of the Board, any other action requiring Board approval hereunder and subject to the authority of the Board as set forth in Section 5.5 , the Sole Manager shall have the authority on behalf of the Company to (i) direct the business, affairs and day-to-day operations of the Company, including final approval of all capital and operating budgets (following Board approval of such budgets), (ii) supervise all employees of the Sole Manager and the Company in Company affairs, (iii) bind the Company (subject to obtaining the necessary approvals of the Board), (iv) direct the financing, treasury management, and hedging activities of the Company and (v) with Board approval, raise additional capital from third parties for the Company (subject to the provisions of Section 3.2 ), and (vi) take other actions incidental to the foregoing. The Sole Manager’s duties are set forth in the Management Services Agreement.

Sole Manager Delegation and Personnel . The Sole Manager may delegate to officers, employees, agents or representatives of the Sole Manager any or all of the foregoing powers by written authorization identifying specifically or generally the powers delegated or acts authorized. The Sole Manager shall make available its executive, administrative and operating personnel to manage the Company pursuant to the Management Services Agreement. All oil and gas field operating personnel engaged in the operation of the Assets shall be employed or engaged as independent contractors by the Company.

Bank Accounts and Bank Revolving Credit Facility . The Sole Manager shall:

maintain one or more bank accounts in the name of the Company with either JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. or Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or their successors, or such other financial institution as approved by the Board. All Company funds shall be deposited in such accounts and shall not be commingled with funds of the Sole Manager or another entity.

direct the Company’s maintenance of a senior secured revolving credit facility pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated June 4, 2012 with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Agent, as amended or restated from time to time (the “ Bank Revolving Credit Facility ”) or any successor credit facility approved by the Board pursuant to Section 5.6(a). Promptly after the Effective Date, the Company will pay or reimburse the Sole Manager for all up-front fees charged in connection with the Bank Revolving Credit Facility and the bank’s legal fees, including the $50,000 up-front bank administrative fee and the bank legal fees involved in the negotiation and documentation of the above described credit agreement, in each case that were incurred on the Company’s behalf and paid by the Sole Manager prior to Closing.

Board of Managers .

Establishment; Powers . A committee of individuals shall, unless otherwise restricted by Law or this Agreement, be delegated with responsibility for Member actions, shall

 

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approve all Major Decisions of the Company and other actions requiring Board approval hereunder and shall generally direct the management of the Company subject to the authority granted to the Sole Manager hereunder (this committee is referred to as the “ Board ” or the “ Board of Managers ” and the individuals appointed to the Board are referred to as the “ Board Members ”). The Board Members shall not be considered managers of the Company under the Act. Except for situations in which the approval of the Members is required by this Agreement or by nonwaivable provisions of applicable law, decisions on behalf of the Members shall be made by the Board.

Designation .

The number of Board Members shall be six (6). Laramie shall be entitled to appoint four (4) Board Members, one of whom shall be the Chief Executive Officer of Laramie, and Delta shall be entitled to appoint two (2) Board Members. Members can remove and replace their Board Member designees at any time, in their sole discretion.

Board Members shall be natural persons, but Board Members need not be residents of Delaware or Members of the Company.

Vacancies . If a Member fails to appoint a Board Member within thirty days of a vacancy arising, a successor shall be elected to hold office by a majority of Board Members then in office, regardless of whether a quorum exists, or at a special meeting of the Members if there are no Board Members remaining.

Resignation . A Board Member may resign at any time by giving written notice to that effect to the Board. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time of the receipt of that notice or any later effective time specified in that notice; and, unless otherwise specified in that notice, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Meetings of the Board . The Board shall meet at such time as the Board may designate at the principal office of the Company or such other place as may be unanimously approved by the Board. Meetings of the Board shall be held on the call of any Member holding at least 10% of all Units on a fully diluted basis. All meetings of the Board shall be held upon at least three Business Days’ written notice to the Board Members, or upon such shorter notice as may be approved by all of the Board Members. Any Board Member may waive such notice. A record shall be maintained of each meeting of the Board. The initial Board meeting shall be held within 15 days after the Effective Date to review and approve the Development Program described in Section 5.7 and the Operating Budget for September – December, 2012.

Conduct of Meetings . Any meeting of the Board Members may be held in person and by means of a conference, telephone or similar communication equipment by means of which all Board Members and other individuals participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such telephone or similar participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Quorum . Four of the Board Members then in office shall constitute a quorum of the Board for purposes of conducting business. At all times when the Board is conducting business at a meeting of the Board, a quorum of the Board must be present at

 

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such meeting. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board, then the Board Members present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Voting . Any decisions to be made by the Board must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board Members then serving on the Board, subject to any requirement of a greater vote under the Act or pursuant to this Agreement. Board Members may vote in person or by proxy executed in writing before the time of the meeting.

Attendance and Waiver of Notice . Attendance of a Board Member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Board Member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

Actions Without a Meeting . Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement, any action of the Board may be taken by written consent without a meeting if (A) the action is evidenced by written consent signed by a sufficient number of Board Members to approve the action at a meeting, and (ii) the Board Members are given three (3) Business Days advance written notice prior to such action being taken by written consent. Any such action taken by the Board without a meeting shall be promptly provided to the Sole Manager, the Board Members and all Members.

Compensation of Board Members . No Board Member shall be entitled to receive compensation or expense reimbursement from the Company for his or her services as a Board Member. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preclude a Board Member from serving the Company in any other capacity.

Chairman of the Board . Laramie’s Chief Executive Officer shall serve as the initial Chairman of the Board. The chairman, in his or her capacity as the chairman of the Board, shall not have any of the rights or powers of an officer of the Company or any special voting rights.

Minutes . Minutes of all meetings of the Board shall be kept and distributed to the Sole Manager, each Member and each Board Member as soon as reasonably practicable following each meeting. If no objection is raised in writing following receipt of minutes or in any event at the next meeting of the Board, then such minutes shall be deemed to be accurate and shall be binding on the Board Members and the Company with respect to the matters dealt with therein.

Major Decisions . Neither the Sole Manager, nor any Member, Board Member, officer, employee, agent or representative of the Company shall have any authority to bind or take any action on behalf of the Company with respect to any Major Decision unless such Major Decision has been unanimously approved by the Board. Each of the following matters or actions by the Company shall constitute a “ Major Decision ”:

incurring any borrowings of any kind, including capital leases, or the issuance or restructuring of any debt of the Company or causing the Company to guaranty indebtedness, other than (i) the Bank Revolving Credit Facility, (ii) purchase money indebtedness up to $5,000,000 and (iii) unsecured trade indebtedness in an aggregate not to exceed $15,000,000;

 

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assuming or guaranteeing the performance of any obligation outside the ordinary course of business greater than $1,000,000;

adding a new class of securities or increase or decrease the outstanding ownership of the Company, except pursuant to Capital Contributions after the Effective Date of up to $60,000,000 in the aggregate, or otherwise requiring additional Capital Contributions in excess of $60,000,000 in the aggregate;

admitting additional Members except pursuant to a Capital Contribution as described in Article III;

abandoning or selling assets with a value of $10,000,000 or greater in one transaction or a series of related transactions; except that a sale for cash of substantially all of the Company’s assets to an unaffiliated third party that occurs two years or more after the Effective Date, and where no additional material benefits are received by Laramie in connection therewith, shall not require unanimous approval and may be completed by the Sole Manager with majority Board approval;

acquiring new assets with a value in excess of $25,000,000;

committing to a Company Opportunity as described in Section 5.17 ;

forming or joining a joint venture (excepting customary oil and gas industry exploration and development agreements, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by this Section 5.6) or subsidiary, or merging or consolidating with another entity;

compromising or settling a lawsuit brought by or against the Company or confess judgment against the Company for amounts in excess of $1,000,000;

entering into a material contract with, making any loan to, advancing payments to, redeeming or repurchasing Units from or authorizing any dividend or distributions to, Members, except for distributions as provided in Article VII or distributions to Members for the payment of taxes, and except as provided for in the Management Services Agreement;

the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company; or reorganizing or recapitalizing the Company;

amending or repealing this Agreement, the Management Services Agreement, or the Contribution Agreement;

filing a voluntary petition for bankruptcy, seeking a receiver, making an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, making an admission in writing of Company’s inability to pay its debts;

 

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changing the Sole Manager, including upon sale of Laramie’s Units unless the successor Sole Manager is an experienced oil and gas operator with a minimum net worth of $500 million;

requiring the Members to make any Capital Contributions in addition to those required under Article III;

increasing the amount of the Management Fee;

changing the Company’s principal outside accounting firm;

making any loans to any person outside the ordinary course of business;

within two years of the Closing, taking any action that would reasonably be expected to affect Delta’s tax attributes (NOLS), as reasonably determined by the Sole Manager and the Board (which actions prohibited by this Section 5.6(s) shall include the actions set forth on Schedule 5.6(s) hereto);

taking, or refraining from taking, any action that would result in the Company not being a partnership for federal or state tax purposes; and

transactions, agreements, contracts and undertakings with any Member’s Affiliates.

Additional Board Activities .

The Board shall direct the Sole Manager to manage a development drilling and completion program (the “ Development Program ”) that shall be subject to review and approval at each regularly-scheduled quarterly Board meeting commencing with the initial Board meeting. The Development Program will be funded from the Company’s cash flow and the Bank Revolving Credit Facility and could be funded from Additional Contributions. The Board, with majority approval, will have full discretion at any time to direct the Sole Manager to slow, accelerate, or temporarily suspend the drilling and completion activity under any or all components of the Development Program based on the Sole Manager’s forecast of the Company’s cash flow and revolving credit availability and taking into consideration the outlook for natural gas prices.

The Company’s quarterly budgets and any quarterly capital expenses for individual or a group of related items not included in the quarterly budget in excess of $1,000,000 shall be approved by the Board at a meeting of the Board, and not by written consent.

Any hedging activities beyond those expressly required by the Bank Revolving Credit Facility shall be approved by the Board at a meeting by the Board, and not by written consent.

 

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Duties .

The Sole Manager, each Board Member and each officer of the Company shall carry out his or its duties in good faith in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company. The Sole Manager and each Board Member shall devote such time to the business and affairs of the Company as he or it may determine, in his or its reasonable discretion, is necessary for the efficient carrying on of the Company’s business. To the extent permitted by the Act, neither the Sole Manager, any Board Member nor any Company officer shall have any fiduciary duties to the Company, and, subject to the preceding sentence, the Sole Manager’s, Board Members’ and officers’ duties and liabilities are restricted by the provisions of this Agreement to the extent that any such provisions restrict the duties and liabilities of the Sole Manager and officers otherwise existing at law or in equity.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or in the Act to the contrary, but subject to Section 5.8(a) , a person, in performing his duties and obligations as a Board Member under this Agreement, shall be entitled to act or omit to act at the direction of the Member(s) that designated such person to serve on the Board of Managers, considering only such factors, including the separate interests of the designating Member(s), as such Board Member or Member(s) choose to consider, and any action of a Board Member or failure to act, taken or omitted in good faith reliance on the foregoing provisions shall not, as between the Company and the other Member(s), on the one hand, and the Board Member or Member(s) designating such Board Member, on the other hand, constitute a breach of any duty (including any fiduciary or other similar duty, to the extent such exists under the Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation) on the part of such Board Member or Member(s) to the Company or any other Board Member or Member of the Company.

The Members (and the Members on behalf of the Company) hereby:

agree that (A) the terms of this Section 5.8 , to the extent that they modify or limit a duty or other obligation, if any, that a Board Member may have to the Company or any another Member under the Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation, are reasonable in form, scope and content; and (B) the terms of this Section shall control to the fullest extent possible if it is in conflict with a duty, if any, that a Board Member may have to the Company or another Member, under the Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation; and

waive any duty or other obligation, if any, that a Member may have to the Company or another Member, pursuant to the Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation, to the extent necessary to give effect to the terms of this Section 5.8 .

The Members, on behalf of the Company, acknowledge, affirm and agree that (i) the Members would not be willing to make an investment in the Company, and no person designated by any of the Members to serve on the Board of Managers would be willing to so serve, in the absence of this Section 5.8 , and (ii) they have reviewed and understand the provisions of §§18-1101(b) and (c) of the Act.

Reliance by Third Parties . No third party dealing with the Company shall be required to ascertain whether the Sole Manager or any Company officer or any person expressly authorized by the Sole Manager is acting in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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All third parties may rely on a document executed by the Sole Manager or by any Company officer or by any person authorized in writing by the Sole Manager as binding on the Company. The foregoing provisions shall not apply to third parties who are Affiliates or family members of any such Person executing any such document. If the Sole Manager or any Member, officer or other Person acts without authority, such action shall not be binding on the Company and such Person shall be liable to the Members for any damages arising out of its unauthorized actions.

Resignation . The Sole Manager may resign, in its sole discretion, at any time. In addition, the Sole Manager shall be deemed to have resigned as the Sole Manager upon his or its Bankruptcy.

Removal . The Sole Manager may not be removed as the Sole Manager except as set forth in the Management Services Agreement.

Vacancies . Vacancies in the position of Sole Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the affirmative vote of all of the Members, notwithstanding any lesser voting requirement set forth in this Agreement. If a Person that is both a Sole Manager and a Member resigns as the Sole Manager, such Person shall continue to be a Member in the Company notwithstanding ceasing service as the Sole Manager.

Information Relating to the Company . Upon request, the Sole Manager shall supply to a Member any information required to be available to the Members under the Act.

Exculpation and Indemnification; Litigation .

In carrying out their respective duties hereunder, the Sole Manager, the Board Members and the Company officers shall not be liable to the Company nor to any Member for their good faith actions, or failure to act, nor for any errors of judgment, nor for any act or omission believed in good faith to be within the scope of authority conferred by this Agreement, but shall be liable for fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of their respective duties under this Agreement.

To the extent the Sole Manager, Board Members or the Company officers have duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company or to any Member, the Sole Manager, Board Members or the officers acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any Member for such Person’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement, the records of the Company, and such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of the Company’s other officers or employees, or by any other Person as to matters such Sole Manager or any such officer reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. The preceding sentence shall in no way limit any Person’s right to rely on information to the extent provided in Section 18-406 of the Act. No Sole Manager, Board Member or officer of the Company, or any combination of the foregoing, shall be personally liable under any judgment of a court, or in any other manner, for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company, whether that liability or obligation arises in contract, tort or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Sole Manager or officer of the Company or any combination of the foregoing.

 

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Subject to the limitations of the Act, the Company shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the Sole Manager, the Board Members and the Company officers from and against third party claims arising as a result of any act or omission of the Sole Manager, such Board Members or any such officer believed in good faith to be within the scope of authority conferred in accordance with this Agreement, except for fraud, willful misconduct, gross negligence or a finding of liability to the Company. In all cases, indemnification shall be provided only out of and to the extent of the net assets of the Company and no Member shall have any personal liability whatsoever on account thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s indemnification of the Sole Manager, Board members and Company officers as to third party claims shall be only with respect to such loss, liability or damage that is not otherwise compensated by insurance carried for the benefit of the Company.

The Sole Manager has the right to control the defense of any litigation or other government proceeding in which the Company is involved. The Sole Manager shall promptly provide to either Member any information regarding any such litigation or proceeding such Member may reasonably request, at the expense of such Member, and shall reasonably cooperate with the Members in connection with the defense of any such litigation or proceeding.

The Company shall reimburse the reasonable expenses of any Member, Sole Manager, Board Member, officer or any of their officers or employees that are required to appear as a witness in litigation or any other government proceeding because of or relating to their service to or relationship with the Company.

The Company shall purchase and maintain (i) a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy covering the Board Members and others serving at the request of the Company, its Sole Manager or its Board; (ii) property and casualty insurance for the Company’s assets; and (iii) liability insurance at coverage levels as set forth in Schedule 5.14(f) .

If any provision of this Section 5.14 (or any portion thereof) or the application of any such provision (or any portion thereof) to any Person or circumstance shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the Company’s indemnification and exculpation to all other Persons and circumstances to the greatest extent permissible by Law or the enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Officers .

The Sole Manager may, from time to time, designate two individuals to be officers of the Company, (i) the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) the President and Chief Financial Officer. Any officers designated pursuant to this Section 5.15 shall have such titles and authority and perform such duties as the Sole Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them.

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Sole Manager. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Sole Manager whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Company will be served thereby; provided , however , that such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Person so removed. Designation of an officer shall not, by itself, create contract rights.

 

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Management Fee . The services of the Sole Manager shall be compensated from Available Cash prior to the making of any distributions to the Members hereunder, and shall consist of the payments, compensation and reimbursements set forth in the Management Services Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, between the Company and the Sole Manager, including the Management Fee (as defined in the Management Services Agreement). The Company shall pay directly its employees and contractors and all invoices when due for lease operating expenses, capital expenditures, royalties, ad valorem taxes, severance payments, sales taxes, and other operational expenses as set forth in the Management Services Agreement.

Company Opportunities; Conflicts .

No Member shall have any ownership in Company property in such Member’s individual name.

No Member, and no Controlled Affiliate of a Member, shall separately own any oil and gas or real estate assets within the AMI, except as provided in this Section 5.17 .

The Sole Manager, Board Members or any Member, on behalf of the Company (a “ Proposing Member ”), may analyze, review and investigate any opportunity for the acquisition of (7) interests in acquisition, leasing, exploration or development of oil and gas assets within the AMI, and (8) equity interests in any Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or engages in any of the foregoing (any such opportunities, a “ Company Opportunity ”); provided, however , that except as provided in this Section 5.17 , no Member nor any Affiliate of a Member shall directly or indirectly through any other Person acquire or undertake, or compete with the Company for the acquisition of (or assist any third party in any such acquisition, undertaking or competition), any Company Opportunity until such Company Opportunity has been voted upon and rejected by the Board. The Proposing Member shall present relevant details regarding the Company Opportunity (including a narrative description, financial projections to the extent available, a financing plan and other information deemed necessary to allow a diligent review), and the Board shall promptly vote about the Company Opportunity, with a unanimous vote of the Board (other than Board Members representing the Proposing Member) determining whether the Company will take the Company Opportunity. Failure of the Board to take action on a Company Opportunity within 20 days after presentation of the relevant details to the Board shall be deemed rejection of such Company Opportunity. By the end of such 20-day period, the non-Proposing Member shall notify the Proposing Member and the Company in writing as to whether or not it desires the Company to pursue the Company Opportunity. If the non-Proposing Member indicates in such notice that it desires the Company to pursue the Company Opportunity, such Company Opportunity will be deemed to be accepted by the Board. Any failure to provide such notice shall be deemed to be a rejection of such Company Opportunity. Upon rejection of a Company Opportunity, the Proposing Member shall be permitted to pursue such Company Opportunity for its own account.

The Board will consider the related Capital Contributions associated with the Company Opportunity, and the Members shall be required to make the associated Capital

 

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Contributions for any Company Opportunity approved by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.17 shall prevent any Member from pursuing opportunities outside the AMI, or (ii) is intended to restrict any Board Member or, subject to Sections 5.17(b) and (c) , the Board Member’s Affiliates (other than the Members) from pursuing an opportunity.

Other Investments of Investor Parties; Waiver of Conflicts of Interest .

Subject to the provisions of Section 5.17 , each Member acknowledges and affirms that the members of Laramie and the stockholders of Delta (the “ Investor Parties ”):

(A) have participated (directly or indirectly) and will continue to participate (directly or indirectly) in venture capital and other direct investments in corporations, joint ventures, limited liability companies and other entities (“ Other Investments ”), including Other Investments engaged in various aspects of the U.S. and Canadian “upstream” and “midstream” oil and gas business that may, are or will be competitive with the Company’s business or that could be suitable for the Company, (B) have interests in, participate with, aid and maintain seats on the board of directors or similar governing bodies of, Other Investments, and (C) may develop or become aware of business opportunities for Other Investments; and

may or will, as a result of or arising from the matters referenced in clause (i) above, the nature of the Investor Parties’ businesses and other factors, have conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest.

Subject to the provisions of Section 5.17 , the Members, and the Members on behalf of the Company expressly (x) waive any such conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest and agree that no Investor Party shall have any liability to any Member or any Affiliate thereof, or the Company with respect to such conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest and (y) acknowledge and agree that the Investor Parties and their respective representatives will not have any duty to disclose to the Company, any other Member, the Sole Manager or the Board of Managers any such business opportunities, whether or not competitive with the Company’s business and whether or not the Company might be interested in such business opportunity for itself; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to permit any breach of Section 14.3 . The Members (and the Members on behalf of the Company) also acknowledge that the Investor Parties and their representatives have duties not to disclose confidential information of or related to the Other Investments.

The Members (and the Members on behalf of the Company) hereby:

agree that (A) the terms of this Section 5.18 , to the extent that they modify or limit any duty of loyalty or other similar obligation, if any, that an Investor Party may have to the Company or another Member under the Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation, are reasonable in form, scope and content; and (B) the terms of this Section 5.18 shall control to the fullest extent possible if it is in conflict with any duty of loyalty or similar obligation, if any, that an Investor Party may have to the Company or another Member, the Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation; and

 

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waive any duty of loyalty or other similar obligation, if any, that an Investor Party may have to the Company or another Member, pursuant to the Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation, to the extent necessary to give effect to the terms of this Section 5.18 .

Whenever in this Agreement a Member or any representative thereof is permitted or required to make a decision (a) in its “sole discretion” or “discretion” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, the Member shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interests of or factors affecting the Company or any other Member, or (b) in its “good faith” or under another expressed standard, a Member shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein or by relevant provisions of law or in equity or otherwise. Nothing in this Section 5.18(d) shall limit the duties provided for in Section 5.8(a) .

The Members, individually and on behalf of the Company, acknowledge, affirm and agree that (i) the approval of Laramie or Delta entering into this Agreement by the applicable Investor Parties is of material benefit to the Company and the Members, and that the Investor Parties would not be willing to approve Laramie and Delta’s Capital Contributions to the Company, without the benefit of this Section 5.18 and the agreement of the Members thereto; and (ii) they have reviewed and understand the provisions of §§18-1101(b) and (c) of the Act.

Employees . The Company shall at all times maintain employees that perform substantial management and operational functions apart from those activities performed by any independent contractors hired by the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall at all times employ (as employees and not as independent contractors), not less than two production managers, two field superintendents and two field pumpers (to be increased to four field pumpers within 120 days of Closing), and employees of the Company shall perform and/or supervise the performance of, the following services: (a) all labor and associated costs of field employees and contractors engaged in 100% of the Company’s hydrocarbon production, well workovers, well equipment maintenance, road, pad and pipeline construction, and operations, (b) all third party provided well workover services and procurement of equipment and materials, (c) all day-to-day oil and gas field operations, (d) all direct supervision of field employees, contract labor, or third party contractors engaged in well workovers, well equipment maintenance, road, pad, pipeline construction and day-to-day oil and gas field operations, (e) direct supervision of surface ranch managers, (e) all on-site procurement services, and (f) other incidental services.

MEMBERS

Limited Liability . The liability of each Member shall be limited as provided by the Act. Except as permitted under this Agreement, a Member shall take no part in the control, management, direction or operation of the affairs of the Company, and shall have no power to bind the Company in their capacity as Members.

No State-Law Partnership . The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member,

 

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member of the Board or Sole Manager be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member or the Sole Manager, for any purposes other than federal and state tax purposes, and this Agreement may not be construed to suggest otherwise. Except as otherwise required by the Act, other applicable Law, and this Agreement, no Member shall have any fiduciary duty to any other Member.

Tax Matters Partner.

The Sole Manager is hereby designated as the initial “tax matters partner” as such term is defined in section 6231(a)(7) of the Code. The appointment of any successor tax matters partner shall be approved by the Members. Subject to the provisions hereof, the tax matters partner is authorized and required to represent the Company in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax matters partner shall promptly notify all Members of the commencement of any audit, investigation or other proceeding concerning the tax treatment of Company tax items and shall keep all Members promptly and completely informed of such proceedings. The Sole Manager shall not enter into any settlement agreement of a tax controversy that adversely affects a Member without that Member’s prior written consent.

The Sole Manager, as the tax matters partner, shall make or cause to be made all available elections as required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations to cause the Company to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE MEMBERS

Non-Liquidating Distributions . The Company shall distribute Available Cash to the Members in proportion to their respective Sharing Ratios on a periodic (which shall be not less than annual) basis and in amounts approved by the Board.

Liquidating Distributions . Subject to Section 10.2(b) , all distributions made in connection with the sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and all distributions made in connection with the liquidation of the Company shall be made to the Members in accordance with their respective Capital Account balances at the time of distribution after taking into account all allocations of Profit and Loss pursuant to Article VIII . The Management Services Agreement will terminate upon the dissolution of the Company, and during the winding up of the Company’s Business, the Sole Manager as liquidator of the Company (or any other party acting as liquidator) shall be reimbursed for its actual accounting, legal and supervisory costs related to the winding up and liquidation of the Company’s Business and assets in lieu of receiving the Management Fee (as defined in the Management Services Agreement).

Distributions in Kind . During the existence of the Company, no Member shall be entitled or required to receive as distributions from the Company any Company asset other than money. In-kind distributions of assets in connection with the dissolution and winding-up of the Company shall be governed by Article XII .

 

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ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES

In General .

This Article provides for the allocation among the Members of Profit and Loss for purposes of crediting and debiting the Capital Accounts of the Members. Article IX provides for the allocation among the Members of taxable income and tax losses.

Except as provided in Section 8.2 , all Profits and Losses shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Sharing Ratios.

Regulatory Allocations and Other Allocation Rules . Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 8.3:

Loss Limitation . The Losses allocated pursuant to Section 8.1 shall not exceed the maximum amount of Losses that can be so allocated without causing such Member to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any fiscal year. In the event some but not all of the Members would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of Losses pursuant to Section 8.1 , the limitation set forth in this Section 8.2(a) shall be applied on a Member by Member basis so as to allocate the maximum permissible Losses to each Member under section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Treasury Regulations. All Losses in excess of the limitations set forth in this Section 8.2(a) shall be allocated to the Members in proportion to their Sharing Ratios. This Section 8.2(a) shall be interpreted consistently with the loss limitation provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).

Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(f), if there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d)(1)) during any fiscal year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount and in the manner required by Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 8.2(b) shall be interpreted consistently with the “minimum gain” provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2 related to nonrecourse liabilities (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(3)).

Member Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation § 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(i)(2) and 1.704-2(i)(3)) attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(4)) during any fiscal year, each Member who has a share of the partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain attributable to such Member’s partner nonrecourse debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount and in the manner required by Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 8.2(c) shall be interpreted consistently with the “minimum gain” provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2 related to partner nonrecourse liabilities (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(4)).

 

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Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d )( 4 ), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d )( 5 ) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d )( 6 ), items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, if any, of such Member as quickly as possible. This Section 8.2(d) shall be interpreted consistently with the “qualified income offset” provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d ).

Nonrecourse Deductions . Any non-recourse deduction (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any fiscal year shall be allocated to the Members in proportion to their respective Sharing Ratios.

Member Nonrecourse Deductions . Any partner nonrecourse deductions (as defined in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2)) for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated to the Member who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(4)) to which such Member nonrecourse deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(i)(1).

Section 754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset is required pursuant to Code section 732(d), Code section 734(b) or Code section 743(b), the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( m ).

Other . Any other allocation required by Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) that is not in accordance with the parties’ Sharing Ratios shall be treated as a Regulatory Allocation under this Section 8.2 .

Curative Allocations . The allocations under Sections 8.2(a) through 8.2(h) (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Treasury Regulations. It is the intent of the Members that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to this Article VIII . Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision this Article VIII (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Company shall make such offsetting special allocations of Company income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Member’s Capital Account balance is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Member would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of this Agreement and all Company items were allocated pursuant to Section 8.1 . In exercising its reasonable discretion under this Section 8.2(i) , the Sole Manager shall take into account future Regulatory Allocations under Sections 8.2(a) through 8.2(h) that are likely to offset other Regulatory Allocations previously made.

 

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Allocations With Respect to Oil and Gas Properties .

The Simulated Basis of each Oil and Gas Property shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with their respective Sharing Ratios. Adjusted tax basis shall, subject to any allocations made in connection with Code section 704(c), be allocated in the same manner.

Pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(v), the amount realized for federal income tax purposes on the disposition of any Oil and Gas Property of the Company shall, except to the extent such allocation is made in connection with Code section 704(c), be allocated (i) first to the Members in an amount equal to the remaining Simulated Basis of such property in the same proportions as the Simulated Basis of such property was allocated to the Members, and (ii) any remaining amount realized shall be allocated to the Members in a manner consistent with the manner in which Profits are allocated pursuant to Section 8.1 .

Simulated Depletion shall be allocated to the Members pro rata in proportion to their share of Simulated Basis.

The provisions of this Section 8.2(i) and the other provisions of this Article VIII relating to allocations under Code section 613A(c)(7)(D) are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(k) and 1.704-1(b)(4)(v) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Treasury Regulations.

Other Allocation Rules .

Subject to Section 10.3 , Profits, Losses, and any other items allocable to any period shall be determined on a daily, monthly, or other basis, as reasonably determined by the Sole Manager using any permissible method under Code section 706 and the Regulations thereunder.

Solely for purposes of determining a Member’s proportionate share of the “excess nonrecourse liabilities” of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.752 3(a)(3), the Members’ interests in Profits shall be their Sharing Ratios.

To the extent permitted by Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(h)(3), the Company shall treat distributions of Available Cash as having been made from the proceeds of a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(3)) or a partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations § 1.704-2(b)(4)) only to the extent that such distributions would not cause or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for any Member.

ALLOCATION OF TAXABLE INCOME AND TAX LOSSES

Allocation of Taxable Income and Tax Losses . Except as provided in Sections 9.2 and 9.3 , each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company for federal income tax purposes shall be allocated among the Members in the same manner as such item is allocated for book purposes under Article VIII .

 

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Allocation of Section 704(c) Items . The Members recognize that with respect to property contributed to the Company by a Member and with respect to property revalued in accordance with Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) (referred to as “ Adjusted Properties ”), there will be a difference between the agreed values or Carrying Values, as the case may be, of such property at the time of contribution or revaluation, as the case may be, and the adjusted tax basis of such property at that time. All items of tax depreciation, cost recovery, depletion, amortization and gain or loss with respect to such contributed properties and Adjusted Properties shall be allocated among the Members to take into account the book tax disparities with respect to such properties in accordance with the method selected by the Sole Manager and the provisions of sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code and Treasury Regulations § 1.704-3. Any gain or loss attributable to a contributed property or an Adjusted Property (exclusive of gain or loss allocated to eliminate such book tax disparities under the immediately preceding sentence) shall be allocated in the same manner as such gain or loss would be allocated for book purposes under Article VIII .

Integration with Section 754 Election . All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credits recognized by the Company for federal income tax purposes and allocated to the Members in accordance with the provisions hereof and all basis allocations to the Members shall be determined without regard to any election under section 754 of the Code that may be made by the Company; provided, however, such allocations, once made, shall be adjusted as necessary or appropriate to take into account the adjustments permitted by sections 734 and 743 of the Code.

Allocation of Tax Credits . The tax credits, if any, with respect to the Company’s property or operations shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING

Books . The Sole Manager shall cause the Company to maintain complete and accurate books of account of the Company’s affairs at the principal office of the Company. The Company’s books shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, and on an accrual basis method of accounting. Subject to the requirements of applicable Law, the fiscal year of the Company shall end on December 31 of each year.

Capital Accounts; Tax Elections .

The Sole Manager shall cause the Company to maintain a separate capital account for each Member for income tax purposes and such other Member accounts as may be necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of applicable Law (“ Capital Accounts ”). Each Member’s Capital Account shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).

Consistent with and as permitted in the provisions of Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( f ), the Capital Accounts of all Members and the Carrying Values of all Company properties may (as reasonably determined by the Sole Manager) be adjusted upwards or downwards to reflect any unrealized gain or unrealized loss with respect to such Company

 

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property (as if such unrealized gain or unrealized loss had been recognized upon an actual sale of such property for the amount of its fair market value immediately prior to the event giving rise to revaluation under this Section 10.2(b) , and had been allocated among the Members pursuant to Article VIII ). In determining such unrealized gain or unrealized loss, the fair market value of Company properties as of the date of determination shall be reasonably determined by the Sole Manager.

A transferee of a Company interest shall succeed to the Capital Account attributable to the Company interest Transferred, except that if the Transfer causes a termination of the Company under section 708(b)(1)(B) of the Code, Treasury Regulations § 1.708-1(b) shall apply.

The Sole Manager may make such tax elections on behalf of the Company and the Members as the Sole Manager shall determine in its reasonable discretion.

Transfers During Year . The allocation of Profits and Losses under Article VIII between a Member who Transfers part or all of its interest in the Company during the Company’s accounting year and his transferee, or to a Member whose Sharing Ratio varies during the course of the Company’s accounting year, shall be based on an interim closing of the Company’s books pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.706-1(c) to the extent consistent with the Code.

Reports . The Sole Manager shall cause the Company to deliver to the Members the following financial statements and reports at the times indicated below:

Monthly, within 30 days after the end of each calendar month, a written report to each Member which shall include (9) a balance sheet as of the last day of such calendar month, (10) a statement of income and a statement of cash flows for such calendar month, and (11) a report of drilling and completion activities for the prior calendar month;

Monthly, within 30 days after the end of each calendar month, a comparison of budgeted amounts for such prior calendar month to the actual results of operations for such prior calendar month, with a written explanation of any material variances;

Quarterly, within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, a written report to each Member which shall include (12) a balance sheet as of the last day of such calendar quarter, (13) a statement of income and a statement of cash flows for such calendar quarter, and (14) a report of drilling and completion activities for the prior calendar quarter;

Quarterly, within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, a comparison of budgeted amounts for such prior calendar quarter to the actual results of operations for such calendar quarter, with a written explanation of any material variances;

Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with generally acceptable accounting principles and audited by the Independent Accountant, together with an audit report prepared by the Independent Accountant with respect to such financial statements;

 

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Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a third party engineering report regarding the proved reserves of the Company prepared by the Independent Petroleum Engineer; and

Within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, the applicable Member’s K-1, necessary to allow such Member to file its own income tax return for the preceding year.

Except as otherwise required by the Act or this Agreement, the Sole Manager shall not be required to deliver to any Member any other reports, audits or financial statements. The Sole Manager shall file all required state and federal tax returns when due.

Section 754 Election . If requested by a Member, the Company shall make the election provided for under section 754 of the Code. Any cost incurred by the Company in implementing such election at the request of any Member shall be promptly reimbursed to the Company by the requesting Member.

TRANSFER OF MEMBER’S INTEREST

Restrictions on Transfers and Liens . No Member shall Transfer or create a Lien on all or any portion of its Units except as permitted by this Article XI . Any attempted Transfer of, or creation of a Lien on, any portion of Units not in accordance with the terms of this Article XI shall be null and void and of no legal effect.

Permitted Transfers and Liens . Any Transfers and Liens permitted under this Section 11.2 shall also be subject to the other provisions of this Article XI . Only the following Transfers and Liens shall be permitted:

A Member may Transfer (i) all, but not less than all, of its Units, so long as all Units are transferred to one Person or (ii) any of its Units if unanimous consent of the non-transferring Members is obtained; and

A Member shall be entitled to create a Lien on all or any portion of its Units only as required or permitted by the Bank Revolving Credit Facility or, with respect to Delta’s Units, as required by the Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof between Delta and certain other parties thereto, as amended, restated or refinanced from time to time; provided however, that any Transfer of a Membership Interest or any interest therein (whether voluntary or involuntary (including any Transfer in foreclosure)) to or by the beneficiary of such Lien shall be subject to the provisions of this Article XI .

Sale Participation Rights .

Except as provided in Section 11.2(b) , no Member (a “ Tagged Member ”) may Transfer all or a majority of its Units to any Proposed Purchaser, unless the Tagged Member has received a bona fide written offer from the Proposed Purchaser, and the Tagged Member first provides a written offer notice (a “ Tag-Along Notice ”) to the other Members (the “ Tagging Members ”) stating that the Tagged Member desires to Transfer all or a majority of its Units,

 

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designating the specific portion of the Units (the “ Offered Interest ”) that the Tagged Member desires to Transfer and specifying the proposed purchase price (the “ Offered Price ”) and all of the other material terms and conditions of the proposed Transfer of the Offered Interest to the Proposed Purchaser (the “ Offered Terms ”), and attaching a copy of the offer.

Each Tagging Member shall have the right, but not the obligation, for a period of 20 Business Days after receipt of the Offer Notice, to elect to participate in the sale of the Offered Interest. Any such election shall be made by providing written notice of such election to the Tagged Member within such 20-Business Day period. If one or more Tagging Members elect to participate in the proposed sale of the Offered Interest under this Section 11.3 , the Tagged Member shall allocate the Units included in the proposed sale among the Units of the Tagged Member and the electing Tagging Members, pro rata in proportion to their respective Sharing Ratios, with such sale otherwise on the Offered Terms. Any such sale shall be consummated within 90 days following the expiration of the 20-Business Day election period described above. The Tagged Member shall keep the electing Tagging Members advised regarding the timing of any such sale. The electing Tagging Member shall not be required to accept any terms, conditions, agreements or undertakings in connection with any such sale other than those described in the Offer Notice. If the Tagged Member does not sell the Offered Interest to the Proposed Purchaser within such 90-day period, the Tagged Member shall again afford the Tagging Members the participation rights set forth in this Section 11.3 with respect to any offer to sell, assign or dispose of all or any portion of the Offered Interest or any other Units held by the Tagged Member.

In the event the holders (“ Equity Owners ”) of equity interests in a Member (“ Member Equity Interests ”) seek to Transfer all or substantially all of the Member Equity Interests in such Member, the foregoing Sections 11.3(a) and (b)  shall apply, mutatis mutandis , as if such Equity Owners were the Tagged Member seeking to Transfer Units, and the Equity Owners in the other Member were the Tagging Members. Any Transfer by an Equity Owner in violation of the foregoing shall be deemed a breach of this Agreement by the Member in which such Equity Owner holds Member Equity Interests.

Forced Sale Right . Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.2 , if a Dragging Member desires to Transfer all, but not less than all, of the Units of the Dragging Member in connection with a Transfer for cash not less than two years after the Effective Date to an unaffiliated third party Proposed Purchaser in a transaction where no additional material benefits are received by the Dragging Member in connection therewith and that is contingent on the Transfer of all of the Membership Interests held by any Dragged Members, the Dragging Member may deliver a notice (a “ Drag-Along Notice ”) to the Dragged Members setting forth the Units to be Transferred, the proposed purchase price for such Units and the other material terms of the Transfer to the Proposed Purchaser, and attaching a copy of any agreements or written offers from the Proposed Purchaser setting forth the terms of the Transfer. After the receipt of a Drag-Along Notice, the Dragged Members shall be obligated to Transfer all of its Units to the Proposed Purchaser upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Drag-Along Notice; provided, however, that v) the terms and conditions set forth in the Drag-Along Notice shall apply to the Units to be Transferred by the Dragging Member, vi) the purchase price for all Units sold to the Proposed Purchaser shall be allocated among all of the Members selling their Units pro rata in accordance with the number of Units included in the sale, and vii) the closing of the purchase

 

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and sale occurs shall occur within 180 days after the delivery of the Drag-Along Notice. In the event the Equity Owners in Laramie or any successor to Laramie’s interests (“ Laramie Equity Owners ”) desire to Transfer all, but not less than all, of their Member Equity Interests in a Transfer for cash not less than two years after the Effective Date to an unaffiliated third party Proposed Purchaser that is contingent on the Transfer of all of the Member Equity Interests held by the Equity Owners in the other Member, the foregoing shall apply, mutatis mutandis, as if such Laramie Equity Owners were the Dragging Member seeking to Transfer Units, and the Equity Owners in the other Member were the Dragged Members. Any violation of the foregoing by an Equity Owner shall be deemed a breach of this Agreement by the Member in which such Equity Owner holds Membership Equity Interests.

Substitution of a Member .

A transferee of Units who satisfies the requirements of Sections 11.6 and 11.7 to become a Member shall succeed to all of the rights and interest of its transferor in the Company. A transferee of a Member who does not satisfy such conditions shall not have any right to vote, shall be entitled only to the distributions to which its transferor otherwise would have been entitled and shall have no other right to participate in the management of the business and affairs of the Company or to become a Member, and the approval of such transferee shall not be required for any Major Decision.

If a Member shall be dissolved, merged or consolidated, its successor in interest shall have the same obligations and rights to profits or other compensation that such Member would have had if it had not been dissolved, merged or consolidated, except that the representative or successor shall not become a substituted Member without satisfying the conditions of Sections 11.6 and 11.7 . Such a successor in interest who satisfies those conditions shall succeed to all of the rights and interests of its predecessor. A successor in interest who does not satisfy those conditions shall not have any right to vote, shall be entitled only to the distributions to which its predecessor otherwise would have been entitled and shall have no right to participate in the management of the business and affairs of the Company or to become a Member, and the approval of such transferee shall not be required for any Major Decision.

No Transfer of any interest in the Company otherwise permitted under this Agreement shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever until the transferee shall have assumed the transferor’s obligations to the extent of the interest Transferred, and shall have agreed to be bound by all the terms and conditions hereof, by written instrument, duly acknowledged, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Sole Manager. Without limiting the foregoing, any transferee that has not become a substituted Member shall nonetheless be bound by the provisions of this Article XI with respect to any subsequent Transfer. Upon admission of the transferee as a substituted Member, the transferor shall have no further obligations under this Agreement with respect to that portion of its interest Transferred to the transferee; provided, however, no Member or former Member shall be released, either in whole or in part, from any liability of such Member to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise which has accrued through the date of such Transfer (whether as the result of a voluntary or involuntary Transfer) of all or part of such Member’s interest in the Company unless the Sole Manager and the other Member agrees to any such release.

 

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Conditions to Substitution . As conditions to its admission as a Member, such assignee, transferee or successor shall pay all reasonable expenses in connection with its admission as a substituted Member.

Admission as a Member . No Person shall be admitted to the Company as a Member until such Person (a) has assumed the obligations of this Agreement and (b) unless either (i) the Units or part thereof acquired by such Person have been registered under the Securities Act, and any applicable state securities laws or (ii) the Sole Manager has received a favorable opinion of the transferor’s legal counsel or of other legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Sole Manager to the effect that the Transfer of the Units to such Person is exempt from registration under those Laws.

RESIGNATION, DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION

Resignation . No Member shall have any right to voluntarily resign from the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Member shall be deemed to resign from the Company upon the Bankruptcy of such Member. When a transferee of all or any portion of Units becomes a substituted Member pursuant to Section 11.5 , the transferring Member shall cease to be a Member with respect to the portion of the Units so Transferred.

Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved upon the occurrence of any of the following:

An event that causes dissolution under this Agreement

The unanimous approval of the Members; or

A decree of judicial dissolution.

A court may declare judicial dissolution if the Company cannot carry out its business in conformity with its Articles of Organization and this Agreement.

Liquidation . Upon dissolution of the Company, the Sole Manager shall appoint in writing one or more liquidators (who may be Members or the Sole Manager) who shall have full authority to wind up the affairs of the Company and to make a final distribution as provided herein. The liquidator shall continue to operate the Company properties with all of the power and authority of the Sole Manager. The steps to be accomplished by the liquidator are as follows:

The liquidator shall pay all of the debts and liabilities of the Company or otherwise make adequate provision therefor (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash escrow fund for contingent liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidator may reasonably determine). The liquidator shall then, by payment of cash or property (in the case of property, valued as of the date of termination of the Company at its agreed value, as determined by unanimous consent of the Members using a reasonable method of valuation), distribute to the Members such amounts as are required to distribute all remaining amounts to the Members in accordance with Article VII . For purposes of this Article XII , a distribution of an

 

31


asset or an undivided interest in an asset in-kind to a Member shall be considered a distribution of an amount equal to the fair market value of such asset or undivided interest. Each Member shall have the right to designate another Person to receive any property that otherwise would be distributed in kind to that Member pursuant to this Section 12.3 .

Any real property distributed to the Members shall be conveyed by special warranty deed and shall be subject to the operating agreements and all Liens, contracts and commitments then in effect with respect to such property, which shall be assumed by the Members receiving such real property.

Except as expressly provided herein, the liquidator shall comply with any applicable requirements of the Act and all other applicable Laws pertaining to the winding up of the affairs of the Company and the final distribution of its assets. Liquidation of the Company shall be completed within the time limits imposed by Treasury Regulations § 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) and (g).

The distribution of cash or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12.3 shall constitute a complete return to the Members of their respective Capital Contributions and a complete distribution to the Members of their respective interests in the Company and all Company property. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Member shall have any obligation to contribute to the Company, pay to any other Member or pay to any other Person any deficit balance in such Member’s Capital Account.

To the extent that the allocation provisions of this Agreement do not result in final Capital Account balances that are in proportion to the Members’ respective Sharing Ratios, then, beginning in the taxable year that the dissolution of the Company occurs (or the immediately prior taxable year if the dissolution occurs no later than the unextended due date for the Company’s federal income tax return for such prior taxable year) all or a portion of the Company’s gross income and deductions recognized in such year (regardless of source and including but not limited to profit or loss or items thereof derived from Company operations or sales) shall be allocated (to the maximum extent possible) in a manner that produces such final Capital Accounts.

Certificate of Cancellation . Upon the completion of the distribution of the Company’s assets as provided in this Article XII , the Company shall be terminated and the Person acting as liquidator shall file a certificate of cancellation and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

NOTICES

Method of Notices . All notices required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be hand delivered or sent by registered or certified mail, or by facsimile if confirmed by return facsimile, and shall be effective when personally delivered, or, if mailed, on the date set forth on the receipt of registered or certified mail, or if sent by facsimile, upon receipt of confirmation, if to the Members, at their respective addresses set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, and if to the Sole Manager, to the following:

Laramie Energy II, LLC

1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attn: Bruce L. Payne

Fax #: 303-339-4399

Email: bpayne@laramie-energy.com

 

32


Any Member or Sole Manager may give notice from time to time changing its respective address for that purpose.

Computation of Time . In computing any period of time under this Agreement, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Amendment . This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by all of the Members.

Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, rights hereunder may not be waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the party sought to be charged with the waiver.

Confidentiality . Each Member, Board Member and the Sole Manager will keep confidential and not use, reveal, provide or transfer to any third party any Confidential Information it obtains or has obtained concerning the Company, except viii) to the extent that disclosure to a third party is required by applicable Law; ix) information which, at the time of disclosure, is generally available to the public (other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or any other confidentiality agreement to which such Person is a party or of which it has knowledge), as evidenced by generally available documents or publications; x) information that was in its possession prior to disclosure (as evidenced by appropriate written materials) and was not acquired directly or indirectly from the Company; xi) to the extent disclosure is necessary or advisable, to its or the Company’s employees, consultants or advisors for the purpose of carrying out their duties hereunder; xii) to banks or other financial institutions or agencies or any independent accountants or legal counsel or investment advisors employed by the Sole Manager (in carrying out its duties on behalf of the Board or the Company), or any Member, to the extent disclosure is necessary or advisable: (i) in the case of the Sole Manager, to obtain financing for the Company or in connection with a sale of the Company’s Assets; and (ii) in the case of any Member, in connection with a sale of such Member’s Units in the Company; xiii) to the extent necessary, disclosure to third parties to enforce this Agreement, xiv) to a Member or Sole Manager or to their respective Affiliates; provided, however, that in each case of disclosure pursuant to (d), (e) or (g), the Persons to whom disclosure is made agree to be bound by this confidentiality provision, or (h) to direct and indirect investors in a Member in substantially the same manner as information regarding the disclosing person’s other portfolio investments are shared with such investors. The obligation of each Member and Sole Manager

 

33


not to disclose Confidential Information except as provided herein shall not be affected by the termination of this Agreement or the replacement of the Sole Manager or any Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Member or Sole Manager (and any employee, representative or agent of such Person) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions provided for by this Agreement, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analysis) that are provided to it relating to such tax treatment and tax structure, except that (1) tax treatment and tax structure shall not include the identity of any existing or future Member or Sole Manager, or any of their respective Affiliates, other than the disclosing party, and (2) this sentence shall not permit disclosure to the extent that nondisclosure is necessary in order to comply with applicable Laws, including, without limitation, federal and state securities Laws.

Public Announcements . Except as required by Law, no Member shall make any press release or other public announcement or public disclosure relating to this Agreement, the subject matter of this Agreement or the activities of the Company without the consent of the Sole Manager and the Members.

Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding its conflicts of laws rules.

Dispute Resolution; Arbitration .

Each Member and the Sole Manager agree to attempt in good faith to resolve disputes prior to submitting such disputes to determination by arbitration. Within five days following delivery of written notice by one party to the other of a perceived breach or other dispute subject to arbitration, a senior executive of each Member and the Sole Manager, as applicable, will meet together in person (or if agreed by both parties, via telephone) to discuss ways to correct the dispute prior to taking further action.

Each Member and Sole Manager, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Company, hereby submits all controversies, claims and matters of difference arising under or relating to this Agreement or the Company to arbitration in accordance with the provisions and procedures set forth in Schedule 14.6 attached hereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement, (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement, the formation of the Company, or the issuance of Units, and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Member and Sole Manager shall have the right to seek and obtain such temporary or preliminary injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction to which it may be entitled pending a final determination by arbitration of the dispute to which such relief relates.

Any dispute and related dispute resolution shall be subject to the provisions of Section 14.3 or such other provisions regarding confidentiality as the Members and the Company may agree.

 

34


Severability . If any provision of this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or the application of any such provision (or any portion thereof) to any Person or circumstance shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of the offending provision as to any other Person or circumstance or in any other jurisdiction.

Specific Performance . The Members expressly agree that the remedies available at Law for the breach of any of the obligations of the Parties under this Agreement are inadequate in view of the complexities and uncertainties in measuring the actual damages that would be sustained by reason of the failure of a Party to comply fully with such obligations, and the uniqueness of business arrangement between the Parties. Accordingly, each of the obligations specified herein shall be, and is hereby expressly made, enforceable by specific performance.

Headings . Article, Section and other subdivision headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, with the Management Services Agreement and the Contribution Agreement, embodies the entire understanding and agreement among the parties concerning the Company and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements in regard thereto. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Management Services Agreement or the Contribution Agreement, the Management Services Agreement or the Contribution Agreement, as applicable, shall govern.

Transaction Costs . Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the Management Service Agreement and the Contribution Agreement, each Member and the Sole Manager shall bear its own costs and expenses, including costs and expenses of its agents, representatives, attorneys and accountants, incurred in connection with the negotiation, drafting, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including transactions pursuant to Article XI hereof.

References . References to a Member, Sole Manager, Board Member or Company officer, including by use of a pronoun, shall be deemed to include masculine, feminine, singular, plural, individuals, partnerships or corporations where applicable. References in this Agreement to terms in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” are deemed to be followed by “without limitation” whether or not they are in fact followed by such words or words of similar import.

U.S. Dollars . References herein to “ Dollars ” or “ $ ” shall refer to U.S. dollars and all payments and all calculations of amount hereunder shall be made in Dollars.

Counterparts . This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be considered an original.

Additional Documents . The Members hereto covenant and agree to execute such additional documents and to perform additional acts as are or may become necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

 

35


No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Members, Board Members and the Sole Manager, and no other Person is intended to be a beneficiary of this Agreement or shall have any rights hereunder, except that Company officers shall also have the rights of indemnification and exculpation under Section 5.14 .

[Signatures on next page.]

 

36


The parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

MEMBERS:

LARAMIE ENERGY II, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

/s/ Robert S. Boswell

  Robert S. Boswell
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By: Par Petroleum Corporation
Its: Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Executive Officer
SOLE MANAGER:

LARAMIE ENERGY II, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

/s/ Robert S. Boswell

  Robert S. Boswell
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

37


Exhibit A

Members, Addresses, Units

 

MEMBERS:

  

Initial Capital Contribution

   Units

Laramie Energy II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attn: Bruce L. Payne

Fax #: (303) 339-4399

Email: BPayne@laramie-energy.com

   Laramie Assets    333,333

Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company c/o Par Petroleum Corporation

Address: 370 17th Street,

Suite 4300

Denver, CO 80202

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Fax #: (303) 298-8251

Email: jyoung@conwaymackenzie.com

   Delta Assets    166,667
     

 

      500,000
     

 

 

A-1


Exhibit B

Contribution Agreement

(see attached)

 

B-1


Exhibit C

Form of Management Services Agreement

(see attached)

 

C-1


Schedule 5.6(s)

NOL Prohibited Actions

 

 

Cease engaging in more than an insignificant amount of the Business; provided, however, the foregoing shall not limit the Board’s and Sole Manager’s authority pursuant to Section 5.7 to slow, accelerate, or temporarily suspend the drilling and completion activity under any or all of the components of the Development Program nor shall the foregoing require the Company to maintain employees other than those provided for in Section 5.19;

 

 

Selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of any assets that would render the Company unable to continue more than an insignificant amount of the Business;

 

 

Cease using the historic Delta assets in the Business; or

 

 

Eliminating the Company’s employee positions essential to the conduct of the Business or otherwise cease using the Company’s employees in the conduct of the Business (e.g., by transferring the activities conducted by the Company’s employees to the Manager or any third party).

 

Schedule (s)


Schedule 5.14(f)

Insurance

 

  1. Directors & Officers Liability Insurance with limits of not less than $5,000,000, and including Executive Defense, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary Liability and Crime coverage – each with limits of not less than $1,000,000.

 

  2. Oilfield Equipment Insurance with total limits of not less than $30,000,000.

 

  3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance to cover full liability under Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation laws either directly or by requiring contractor’s to provide said insurance.

 

  4. Employer’s Liability Insurance with limits as required by State Statutes for the accidental injury or death of one or more employees.

 

  5. Comprehensive General Public Liability Bodily Injury and Property Insurance with limits of liability of not less than $2,000,000.00 for the accidental injury or death of persons or for property damage resulting of one accident or occurrence.

 

  6. Automobile Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance combined with limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 for injuries to or death of persons or property damage as the result of one accident or occurrence.

 

  7. Umbrella Liability with limits of $15,000,000.00.

 

  8. Losses, except for those caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Operator, for which no insurance is required to be carried, or in excess of the limits set forth above.

 

  9. Operators Extra Expense Insurance in the amounts shown below for each occurrence providing for the cost of well control including the cost for clean-up, containment, seepage and pollution and redrilling expense; coverage for this insurance shall be subject to a deductible of between $75,000.00 and $400,000.000 depending upon the type and location of the well.

 

a)    $ 7,000,000       Producing and Shut-In wells
b)    $ 10,000,000       Drilling – Mesa Verde wells
c)    $ 15,000,000       Drilling – Mancos and Horizontal wells

 

Schedule (f)


Schedule 14.6

Arbitration

1. Initiation of Arbitration and Selection of Arbitrators . The party desiring arbitration shall so notify the other party, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration hereunder shall be before one neutral arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “ AAA ”). The AAA shall submit a list of potential arbitrators and the parties shall select an arbitrator in the manner established by the AAA. In the event that the parties fail to select an arbitrator as required above, the AAA shall select such arbitrator. The arbitrator shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with his or her fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. If the arbitrator so desires, he or she shall have the authority to retain the services of a neutral judge or attorney (whose fees shall be treated as the arbitrator’s fees) to assist him or her in administering the arbitration and conducting any hearings and taking evidence at such hearings or otherwise.

2. Arbitration Procedures . All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in Denver, Colorado, pursuant to the substantive Laws of the State of Delaware, and shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA, except to the extent such Rules conflict with the express provisions of this Schedule 14.6 (which shall prevail in the event of such conflict). The arbitrator shall use reasonable efforts to conduct a hearing no later than 75 days after submission of the matter to arbitration, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within 10 days of the hearing. The arbitrator shall permit discovery to the extent he or she believes, in his or her discretion, that discovery is necessary. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitrator shall consider any evidence and testimony that he or she determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate. No award of punitive or consequential damages shall be made. Any award entered in an arbitration shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made.

3. Enforcement . This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties to the extent and in the manner provided by Delaware law. All awards may be filed with the clerk of one or more courts, state, federal or foreign, having jurisdiction over the party against whom such award is rendered or its property, as a basis of judgment and of the issuance of execution for its collection. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings specifically relating to such default.

4. Fees and Costs . The arbitrator’s fees and other costs of the arbitration and the reasonable attorney fees, expert witness fees and costs of the prevailing party shall be borne by the non-prevailing party. In its written opinion, the arbitrator shall, after comparing the respective positions asserted in the arbitration claim and answer thereto, declare as the prevailing


party the party whose position was closest to the arbitration award (not necessarily the party in favor of which the award on the arbitration claim is rendered) and declare the other party to be the non-prevailing party. The arbitration award shall include an award of the fees and costs provided by this paragraph 4 against the non-prevailing party.

5. Consolidation . Any party to the arbitration shall have the right, but not the obligation, to consolidate the arbitration proceedings under this Agreement with the arbitration of any other disputed issues between the parties to the arbitration.

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

EXECUTION VERSION

CREDIT AGREEMENT

among

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC,

as Borrower,

The Financial Institutions Listed on Schedule 1.1 Hereto,

as Banks,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

and

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent

dated as of

June 4, 2012

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

and

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page No.  
  

ARTICLE I

TERMS DEFINED

  

Section 1.1

   Definitions      1   

Section 1.2

   Terms Generally; Rules of Construction      26   

Section 1.3

   Accounting Terms and Determinations      26   

Section 1.4

   Petroleum Terms      27   

Section 1.5

   Money      27   
   ARTICLE II   
   THE CREDIT   

Section 2.1

   Commitments      27   

Section 2.2

   Method of Borrowing      28   

Section 2.3

   Notes      28   

Section 2.4

   Interest Rates; Payments      29   

Section 2.5

   Mandatory Prepayments      31   

Section 2.6

   Voluntary Prepayments      31   

Section 2.7

   Voluntary Reduction of Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts      31   

Section 2.8

   Termination of Commitments; Final Maturity of Revolving Loan      31   

Section 2.9

   Application of Payments      31   

Section 2.10

   Commitment Fee      31   

Section 2.11

   Agency and other Fees      31   

Section 2.12

   Letters of Credit      32   

Section 2.13

   Method of Requesting Letters of Credit      35   
   ARTICLE III   
   GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS   
   ARTICLE IV   
   BORROWING BASE   

Section 4.1

   Reserve Report; Proposed Borrowing Base      36   

Section 4.2

   Initial Borrowing Base and Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base      37   

Section 4.3

   Scheduled Redeterminations of the Borrowing Base; Procedures and Standards      37   

Section 4.4

   Special Redetermination      38   

Section 4.5

   Asset Disposition and Hedge Monetization Adjustment      38   

Section 4.6

   Borrowing Base Deficiency      38   
   ARTICLE V   
   COLLATERAL AND GUARANTEES   

Section 5.1

   Security      39   

Section 5.2

   Guarantees      41   

 

- i -


   ARTICLE VI   
   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT   

Section 6.1

   Conditions to Closing      41   

Section 6.2

   Conditions to Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base and Initial Borrowing      42   

Section 6.3

   Conditions to Each Borrowing and Each Letter of Credit      46   

Section 6.4

   Materiality of Conditions      47   
   ARTICLE VII   
   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES   

Section 7.1

   Corporate Existence and Power      47   

Section 7.2

   Credit Party and Governmental Authorization; Contravention      47   

Section 7.3

   Binding Effect      48   

Section 7.4

   Financial Information      48   

Section 7.5

   Litigation      49   

Section 7.6

   ERISA      49   

Section 7.7

   Taxes and Filing of Tax Returns      50   

Section 7.8

   Ownership of Properties Generally      50   

Section 7.9

   Mineral Interests      50   

Section 7.10

   Licenses, Permits, Etc      51   

Section 7.11

   Compliance with Law      51   

Section 7.12

   Full Disclosure      51   

Section 7.13

   Organizational Structure; Nature of Business      51   

Section 7.14

   Environmental Matters      51   

Section 7.15

   Burdensome Obligations      52   

Section 7.16

   Fiscal Year      52   

Section 7.17

   No Default      52   

Section 7.18

   Government Regulation      52   

Section 7.19

   Insider      52   

Section 7.20

   Gas Balancing Agreements and Advance Payment Contracts      53   

Section 7.21

   Insurance      53   

Section 7.22

   Foreign Corrupt Practices      53   

Section 7.23

   OFAC      53   
   ARTICLE VIII   
   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS   

Section 8.1

   Information      54   

Section 8.2

   Business of Credit Parties      56   

Section 8.3

   Maintenance of Existence      56   

Section 8.4

   Title Data      56   

Section 8.5

   Right of Inspection      56   

Section 8.6

   Maintenance of Insurance      56   

Section 8.7

   Payment of Taxes and Claims      57   

Section 8.8

   Compliance with Laws and Documents      57   

Section 8.9

   Operation of Properties and Equipment      57   

Section 8.10

   Environmental Law Compliance      58   

 

- ii -


Section 8.11

   ERISA Reporting Requirements      58   

Section 8.12

   Additional Documents      59   

Section 8.13

   Environmental Review      59   

Section 8.14

   Required Hedge Agreements      59   
   ARTICLE IX   
   NEGATIVE COVENANTS   

Section 9.1

   Incurrence of Debt      60   

Section 9.2

   Restricted Payments      60   

Section 9.3

   Negative Pledge      60   

Section 9.4

   Consolidations and Mergers      60   

Section 9.5

   Asset Dispositions and Hedge Monetizations      60   

Section 9.6

   Amendments to Organizational Documents; Other Material Agreements      61   

Section 9.7

   Use of Proceeds      61   

Section 9.8

   Investments      62   

Section 9.9

   Transactions with Affiliates      62   

Section 9.10

   ERISA      62   

Section 9.11

   Hedge Transactions      62   

Section 9.12

   Fiscal Year      62   

Section 9.13

   Change in Business      62   

Section 9.14

   Obligations to Unrestricted Subsidiaries      62   
   ARTICLE X   
   FINANCIAL COVENANTS   

Section 10.1

   Current Ratio      63   

Section 10.2

   Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX      63   
   ARTICLE XI   
   DEFAULTS   

Section 11.1

   Events of Default      63   
   ARTICLE XII   
   AGENTS   

Section 12.1

   Appointment; Nature of Relationship      65   

Section 12.2

   Powers      65   

Section 12.3

   General Immunity      66   

Section 12.4

   No Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc      66   

Section 12.5

   Action on Instructions of Banks      66   

Section 12.6

   Employment of Agents and Counsel      66   

Section 12.7

   Reliance on Documents; Counsel      67   

Section 12.8

   Administrative Agent’s Reimbursement and Indemnification      67   

Section 12.9

   Notice of Default      67   

Section 12.10

   Rights as a Bank      67   

Section 12.11

   Bank Credit Decision      68   

Section 12.12

   Successor Administrative Agent      68   

Section 12.13

   Delegation to Affiliates      69   

Section 12.14

   Execution of Collateral Documents      69   

 

- iii -


Section 12.15

   Collateral Releases      69   

Section 12.16

   Agents      69   
   ARTICLE XIII   
   CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES   

Section 13.1

   Increased Cost and Reduced Return      69   

Section 13.2

   Limitation on Type of Loans      71   

Section 13.3

   Illegality      71   

Section 13.4

   Treatment of Affected Loans      71   

Section 13.5

   Compensation      72   

Section 13.6

   Taxes      72   

Section 13.7

   Discretion of Banks as to Manner of Funding      76   

Section 13.8

   Defaulting Banks      76   

Section 13.9

   Replacement of Banks      77   
   ARTICLE XIV   
   MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 14.1

   Notices      77   

Section 14.2

   No Waivers      77   

Section 14.3

   Expenses; Indemnification      78   

Section 14.4

   Right of Set-off; Adjustments      79   

Section 14.5

   Amendments and Waivers      80   

Section 14.6

   Survival      80   

Section 14.7

   Limitation on Interest      80   

Section 14.8

   Invalid Provisions      81   

Section 14.9

   Waiver of Consumer Credit Laws      81   

Section 14.10

   Assignments and Participations      81   

Section 14.11

   TEXAS LAW      85   

Section 14.12

   Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunities      85   

Section 14.13

   Counterparts; Effectiveness      85   

Section 14.14

   No Third Party Beneficiaries      85   

Section 14.15

   COMPLETE AGREEMENT      86   

Section 14.16

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      86   

Section 14.17

   Confidentiality      86   

Section 14.18

   USA Patriot Act      86   

Section 14.19

   Secured Affiliate      86   

 

- iv -


EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT A

   FORM OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY

EXHIBIT B

   FORM OF PARENT LIMITED GUARANTY

EXHIBIT C

   FORM OF BORROWER PLEDGE AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT D

   FORM OF SUBSIDIARY PLEDGE AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT E

   FORM OF PARENT PLEDGE AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT F

   FORM OF REQUEST FOR BORROWING

EXHIBIT G

   FORM OF NOTICE OF CONTINUATION OR CONVERSION

EXHIBIT H

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP INTERESTS

EXHIBIT I

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF FINANCIAL OFFICER

EXHIBIT J-1

   FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (FOREIGN BANKS; NOT PARTNERSHIPS)

EXHIBIT J-2

   FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS; NOT PARTNERSHIPS)

EXHIBIT J-3

   FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS; PARTNERSHIPS)

EXHIBIT J-4

   FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (FOREIGN BANKS; PARTNERSHIPS)

EXHIBIT K

   FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT L

   FORM OF REQUEST FOR LETTER OF CREDIT

SCHEDULES

 

SCHEDULE 1.1

   FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

SCHEDULE 7.5

   LITIGATION

SCHEDULE 7.6

   ERISA MATTERS

SCHEDULE 7.10

   LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC.

SCHEDULE 7.13

   ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

SCHEDULE 7.14

   ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE

SCHEDULE 9.8

   PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

- v -


LIST OF DEFINED TERMS

 

       Page No.  
Act      88   

Adjusted Eurodollar Rate

     1   

Administrative Agent

     1   

Administrative Questionnaire

     1   

Advance Payment

     2   

Advance Payment Contract

     2   

Affected Loans

     73   

Affected Type

     73   

Affiliate

     2   

Agent

     2   

Agents

     2   

Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts

     2   

Agreement

     2   

Annualized Consolidated EBITDAX

     2   

Applicable Environmental Law

     3   

Applicable Lending Office

     3   

Applicable Margin

     3   

Approved Fund

     3   

Approved Petroleum Engineer

     4   

Arrangers

     4   

ASC

     4   

Asset Disposition

     4   

Assignment and Acceptance Agreement

     4   

Authorized Officer

     4   

Availability

     4   

Bank

     4   

Bank Products

     4   

Bankruptcy Court

     4   

Banks

     4   

Base Rate Borrowing

     5   

Base Rate Loan

     5   

Board

     5   

Bookrunners

     5   

Borrower

     5   

Borrower Pledge Agreement

     5   

Borrowing

     5   

Borrowing Base Deficiency

     5   

Borrowing Base Properties

     5   

Borrowing Date

     6   

Certificate of Ownership Interests

     6   

Change of Control

     6   

Closing Date

     6   

Code

     6   

Commitment

     6   

 

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Commitment Fee Percentage

     6   

Commitment Percentage

     6   

Consolidated Current Assets

     6   

Consolidated Current Liabilities

     7   

Consolidated EBITDAX

     7   

Consolidated Net Income

     7   

Consolidated Net Interest Expense

     7   

Consolidated Subsidiaries

     8   

Consolidated Subsidiary

     8   

Consolidated Total Debt

     8   

Continuation

     8   

Continue

     8   

Continued

     8   

contract rate

     32   

Conversion

     8   

Conversion Date

     31   

Convert

     8   

Converted

     8   

Credit Parties

     8   

Credit Party

     8   

Debt

     8   

Default

     8   

Default Rate

     8   

Defaulting Bank

     9   

Delta

     9   

Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement

     9   

Delta/Laramie Management Services Agreement

     9   

Delta/Laramie Transaction

     9   

Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base

     10   

Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date

     10, 44   

Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents

     10   

Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties

     10   

Designated Equityholders

     10   

Distribution

     10   

Domestic Business Day

     10   

Domestic Lending Office

     11   

Election Notice

     40   

Environmental Complaint

     11   

Equity

     11   

ERISA

     11   

ERISA Affiliate

     11   

ERISA Event

     11   

Eurodollar Borrowing

     5   

Eurodollar Business Day

     11   

Eurodollar Lending Office

     11   

Eurodollar Loans

     12   

 

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Eurodollar Rate

     12   

Event of Default

     65   

Events of Default

     65   

Exchange Act

     12   

Excluded Taxes

     12   

Exhibit

     12   

FATCA

     12   

FCPA

     12   

Federal Flood Insurance

     13   

Federal Funds Rate

     13   

Fee Letter

     13   

FEMA

     13   

Financial Officer

     13   

Fiscal Quarter

     13   

Fiscal Year

     13   

Flood Insurance

     13   

Flood Insurance Regulations

     14   

Foreign Bank

     14   

Fund

     14   

GAAP

     14   

Gas Balancing Agreement

     14   

Governmental Authority

     14   

Guarantee

     14   

Guarantor

     15   

Guarantors

     15   

Hazardous Discharge

     15   

Hazardous Substance

     15   

Hedge Agreements

     15   

Hedge Monetization

     15   

Hedge Transaction

     15   

Hydrocarbons

     15   

Immaterial Title Deficiencies

     15   

Indemnified Party

     80   

Indemnified Taxes

     16   

Indirect Restricted Subsidiary

     27   

Indirect Subsidiary

     16   

Initial Borrowing Base

     16   

Initial Reserve Report

     16   

Interest Period

     16   

Investment

     16   

JPMorgan

     17   

JPMS

     17   

Laramie

     17   

Laws

     17   

Lending Office

     17   

Lending Party

     87   

 

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Letter of Credit Exposure

     17   

Letter of Credit Fee

     17   

Letter of Credit Fronting Fee

     17   

Letter of Credit Issuer

     17, 33   

Letter of Credit Sublimit

     18   

Letters of Credit

     18   

Lien

     18   

Loan Papers

     18   

Margin Regulations

     18   

Margin Stock

     18   

Material Adverse Change

     18   

Material Adverse Effect

     18   

Material Agreement

     18   

Material Gas Imbalance

     18   

Maximum Credit Amount

     19   

Maximum Lawful Rate

     19   

Mineral Interests

     19   

Monthly Date

     19   

Mortgages

     19   

National Flood Insurance Program

     20   

Note

     20   

Notes

     20   

Notice of Continuation or Conversion

     31   

Obligations

     20   

OFAC

     20   

Oil and Gas Hedge Transaction

     20   

Other Taxes

     20   

Outstanding Credit

     20   

Parent Guarantor

     21   

Parent Guarantors

     21   

Parent Limited Guaranty

     21   

Parent Pledge Agreement

     21   

Participant

     21   

Participant Register

     84   

Participants

     83   

PBGC

     21   

Permitted Encumbrances

     21   

Permitted Investments

     22   

Permitted Tax Distributions

     22   

Person

     22   

Plan

     22   

Pre-Closing Date Projections

     23   

Prime Rate

     23   

Pro Forma Opening Statements

     23   

Proved Mineral Interests

     23   

Proved Nonproducing Mineral Interests

     23   

 

- ix -


Proved Producing Mineral Interests

     23   

Proved Undeveloped Mineral Interests

     23   

Purchasers

     84   

Quarterly Date

     23   

RCRA

     54   

Recognized Value

     23   

Redetermination

     24   

Redetermination Date

     24   

Register

     86   

Regulation D

     24   

Regulation U

     24   

Request for Letter of Credit

     24   

Required Banks

     24   

Required Reserve Value

     24   

Reserve Report

     24   

Reserve Requirement

     25   

Restricted Payment

     25   

Restricted Subsidiary

     25   

Revolving Loan

     25   

Rolling Period

     26   

Schedule

     26   

Scheduled Redetermination

     26   

SEC

     26   

Section

     26   

Secured Affiliate

     26   

Secured Hedge Provider

     26   

Special Flood Hazard Area

     26   

Special Redetermination

     26   

Subsidiary

     26   

Subsidiary Guaranty

     26   

Subsidiary Pledge Agreement

     27   

Syndication Agent

     27   

Tax

     27   

Taxes

     27   

Termination Date

     27   

Transferee

     86   

Type

     27   

Unrestricted Subsidiary

     27   

Wells Fargo

     27   

WFS

     27   

Withholding Agent

     27   

 

- x -


CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 4, 2012, among PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Borrower ”), JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (“ Administrative Agent ”), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Syndication Agent (“ Syndication Agent ”), and the financial institutions listed on Schedule 1.1 hereto as Banks (individually a “ Bank ” and collectively “ Banks ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that Banks provide Borrower with a revolving credit facility, and Banks are willing to provide such facility on the terms and subject to the conditions hereafter set forth; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XII of this Agreement, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has been appointed Administrative Agent for Banks hereunder and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has been appointed Syndication Agent hereunder; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“ JPMS ”) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“ WFS ”) have been appointed joint lead arrangers (the “ Arrangers ”) and joint bookrunners (the “ Bookrunners ”) for the credit facility provided herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Borrower, Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Banks agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

TERMS DEFINED

Section 1.1 Definitions . The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

Adjusted Eurodollar Rate ” means, for any Eurodollar Loan for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) determined by Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the Eurodollar Rate for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period by (b) 1 minus the Reserve Requirement for such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period.

Administrative Agent ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent for Banks hereunder or any successor thereto.

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by Administrative Agent.

Advance Payment Contract ” means any contract whereby any Credit Party either (a) receives or becomes entitled to receive (either directly or indirectly) any payment (an “ Advance

 

1


Payment ”) to be applied toward payment of the purchase price of Hydrocarbons produced or to be produced from Mineral Interests owned by any Credit Party and which Advance Payment is, or is to be, paid in advance of actual delivery of such production to or for the account of the purchaser regardless of such production, or (b) grants an option or right of refusal to the purchaser to take delivery of such production in lieu of payment, and, in either of the foregoing instances, the Advance Payment is, or is to be, applied as payment in full for such production when sold and delivered or is, or is to be, applied as payment for a portion only of the purchase price thereof or of a percentage or share of such production; provided that inclusion of the standard “take or pay” provision in any gas sales or purchase contract or any other similar contract shall not, in and of itself, constitute such contract as an Advance Payment Contract for the purposes hereof.

Affiliate ” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person, or any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person and, with respect to any Credit Party, means, any director, executive officer, general partner or manager of such Credit Party and any Person who holds ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other ownership interests of such Credit Party. For the purposes of this definition, “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, membership interests or partnership interests, or by contract or otherwise.

Agent ” means Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent, each Arranger, each Bookrunner, or any other agent appointed hereunder from time to time, and “ Agents ” means Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent, the Arrangers, the Bookrunners, and any other agent appointed hereunder from time to time, collectively.

Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts ” at any time shall equal the sum of the Maximum Credit Amounts, as such amount shall be reduced or terminated from time to time pursuant to Section 2.7 and Section 2.8 respectively.

Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement as the same may hereafter be modified, amended or supplemented from time to time.

Annualized Consolidated EBITDAX ” means, for purposes of calculating the financial ratio set forth in Section 10.2 for each Rolling Period ending on or prior to June 30, 2013, Borrower’s actual Consolidated EBITDAX for such Rolling Period multiplied by the factor determined for such Rolling Period in accordance with the table below:

 

Rolling Period Ending

   Factor

December 31, 2012

   4

March 31, 2013

   2

June 30, 2013

   4/3

 

2


Applicable Environmental Law ” means any federal, state or local law, common law, ordinance, regulation or policy, as well as order, decree, permit, judgment or injunction issued, promulgated, approved, or entered thereunder, relating to the environment, health and safety, or Hazardous Substances (including, without limitation, the use, handling, transportation, production, disposal, discharge or storage thereof) or to industrial hygiene or the environmental conditions on, under, or about any real property owned, leased or operated at any time by any Credit Party or any real property owned, leased or operated by any other party including, without limitation, soil, groundwater, and indoor and ambient air conditions.

Applicable Lending Office ” means, for each Bank and for each Type of Revolving Loan, the “Lending Office” of such Bank (or of an affiliate of such Bank) designated for such Type of Revolving Loan on the signature pages hereof or such other office of such Bank (or an affiliate of such Bank) as such Bank may from time to time specify to Administrative Agent and Borrower by written notice in accordance with the terms hereof as the office by which Revolving Loans of such Type are to be made and maintained.

Applicable Margin ” means, on any date, with respect to each Type of Revolving Loan, an amount determined by reference to the ratio of Outstanding Credit to the Borrowing Base on such date in accordance with the table below:

 

Ratio of Outstanding Credit to Borrowing Base

   Applicable Margin  for
Eurodollar Loans
    Applicable Margin for
Base Rate Loans
 

> .90 to 1

     2.75     1.75

> .75 to 1 and £ .90 to 1

     2.50     1.50

> .50 to 1 and £ .75 to 1

     2.25     1.25

> .25 to 1 and £ .50 to 1

     2.00     1.00

£ .25 to 1

     1.75     0.75

Each change in the Applicable Margin shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided , that if at any time Borrower fails to deliver a Reserve Report pursuant to Section 4.1 , then the “Applicable Margin” means the rate per annum set forth on the grid above when the Ratio of Outstanding Credit to Borrowing Base is at its highest level until such Reserve Report is delivered.

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Bank, (b) an Affiliate of a Bank, or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Bank.

Approved Petroleum Engineer ” means Netherland, Sewell and Associates, Inc. and any other reputable firm of independent petroleum engineers as shall be selected by Borrower and approved by Administrative Agent, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

Arrangers ” means JPMS and WFS, in their capacities as joint lead arrangers for the credit facility hereunder or any successor thereto.

 

3


ASC ” means the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, as in effect from time to time.

Asset Disposition ” means the sale, assignment, lease, license, transfer, exchange or other disposition by any Credit Party of all or substantially all of its right, title and interest in any Borrowing Base Property.

Assignment and Acceptance Agreement ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.10(c)(i) .

Authorized Officer ” means, as to any Person, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, its Chief Financial Officer or its Controller. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, all references to “Authorized Officer” herein shall refer to an Authorized Officer of Borrower.

Availability ” means, as of any date, the remainder of (a) the Borrowing Base in effect on such date, minus (b) the Outstanding Credit on such date.

Bank ” means any financial institution reflected on Schedule 1.1 hereto as having a Maximum Credit Amount and its successors and permitted assignees, and “ Banks ” shall mean all Banks.

Bank Products ” means any of the following bank services provided to Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary: (a) commercial credit cards, (b) stored value cards and (c) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

Bank Products Provider ” means any Bank or Affiliate of a Bank that provides Bank Products to Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Bankruptcy Court ” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware having jurisdiction over the jointly consolidated bankruptcy cases of Delta and certain of its Affiliates, styled as In re Delta Petroleum Corporation, et al. , Case No. 11-14006 (KJC).

Base Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus one-half of one percent (0.5%), (b) the Prime Rate for such day, and (c) the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate with respect to Interest Periods of one month in effect on such day (or if such day is not a Eurodollar Business Day, the immediately preceding Eurodollar Business Day) plus one percent (1%), provided that , for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for any day shall be based on the rate appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR 01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page of such page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall be effective automatically and without notice to Borrower or any Bank on and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate or Adjusted Eurodollar Rate, respectively.

Base Rate Loan ” means the portion of the principal of the Revolving Loan bearing interest with reference to the Base Rate.

 

4


Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America or any successor Governmental Authority.

Bookrunners ” means JPMS and WFS, in their capacities as joint bookrunners for the credit facility hereunder or any successor thereto.

Borrower ” means Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Borrower Pledge Agreement ” means a Pledge Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto (with applicable conforming changes) to be executed by Borrower pursuant to which Borrower shall pledge to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of Banks and Secured Affiliates, all of the issued and outstanding Equity owned by Borrower of each Restricted Subsidiary described therein to secure the Obligations.

Borrowing ” means any disbursement to Borrower under, or to satisfy the obligations of any Credit Party under, any of the Loan Papers. Any Borrowing which will constitute a part of the Base Rate Loan is referred to herein as a “ Base Rate Borrowing ,” and any Borrowing which will constitute a Eurodollar Loan, is referred to herein as a “ Eurodollar Borrowing .”

Borrowing Base ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.

Borrowing Base Deficiency ” means, as of any date, the amount, if any, by which the Outstanding Credit on such date exceeds the Borrowing Base in effect on such date; provided , that , for purposes of determining the existence and amount of a Borrowing Base Deficiency, Letter of Credit Exposure will not be deemed to be outstanding to the extent it is secured by cash in the manner contemplated by Section 2.12 .

Borrowing Base Properties ” means all Mineral Interests of Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries evaluated by Banks for purposes of establishing the Borrowing Base and shall include, without limitation, the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties on the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date.

Borrowing Date ” means the Eurodollar Business Day or the Domestic Business Day, as the case may be, upon which the proceeds of any Borrowing are made available to Borrower or to satisfy any obligation of any Credit Party.

Certificate of Ownership Interests ” means a Certificate of Ownership Interests in the form of Exhibit H attached hereto to be executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of Borrower pursuant to Section 6.2(a)(xvi) hereof.

Change of Control ” means that, for any reason, (a) any Person or group (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), other than the Designated Equityholders, shall become the direct or indirect beneficial owner (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) of greater than thirty percent (30%) of the total voting power of all classes of Equity then outstanding of Borrower entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in elections of managers, directors or similar governing body of Borrower or (b) any Credit Party (other than Borrower) shall cease to be a wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiary of Borrower.

 

5


Closing Date ” means June 4, 2012, provided , that all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.1 have been satisfied or waived (in accordance with Section 14.5 ).

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commitment ” means, with respect to any Bank, the commitment of such Bank to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Bank’s Revolving Loans plus its Letter of Credit Exposure at such time hereunder, as such Commitment may be terminated or reduced from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The amount representing each Bank’s Commitment shall at any time be the lesser of such Bank’s Maximum Credit Amount and such Bank’s Commitment Percentage of the then effective Borrowing Base.

Commitment Fee Percentage ” means, on any date, 0.500%.

Commitment Percentage ” means, with respect to each Bank, the Commitment Percentage for such Bank set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto; provided , that after giving effect to any Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, the Commitment Percentage of each Bank shall be the amount set forth in the Register maintained by Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 14.10(c)(iv) hereof; provided , further , that in the case of Section 13.8 when a Defaulting Bank shall exist, “Commitment Percentage” as used in such Section 13.8 shall mean the percentage of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts (disregarding any Defaulting Bank’s Maximum Credit Amount) represented by such Bank’s Maximum Credit Amount.

Consolidated Current Assets ” means, for any Person at any time, the current assets of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries at such time, plus, in the case of Borrower, the Availability at such time. For purposes of this definition, any non-cash gains on any Hedge Agreement resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 and any non-cash gains resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 410 for any period of determination shall be excluded from the determination of current assets of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

Consolidated Current Liabilities ” means, for any Person at any time, the current liabilities of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries at such time, but, in the case of Borrower, excluding the current portion (if any) of the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan. For purposes of this definition, any non-cash losses or charges on any Hedge Agreement resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 and any non-cash losses or charges resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 410 for any period of determination shall be excluded from the determination of current liabilities of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

Consolidated EBITDAX ” means, for any Person for any period: (a) Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period; plus, to the extent deducted in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income, (b) the sum of (i) income or franchise Taxes paid or accrued; (ii) Consolidated Net Interest Expense; (iii) amortization, depletion and depreciation expense; (iv) any non-cash losses or charges on any Hedge Agreement resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 and any non-cash losses or charges resulting from the requirements of ASC

 

6


Topic 410 for that period; (v) other non-cash charges (excluding accruals for cash expenses made in the ordinary course of business), including, without limitation, non-cash employee compensation; and (vi) costs and expenses associated with, and attributable to, oil and gas capital expenditures that are expensed rather than capitalized; less , to the extent included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income, (c) the sum of (i) the income of any Person (other than wholly-owned Subsidiaries of such Person) unless such income is received by such Person in a cash distribution; (ii) gains or losses from sales or other dispositions of assets (other than Hydrocarbons produced in the normal course of business); (iii) any non-cash gains on any Hedge Agreement resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815 and any non-cash gains resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 410 for that period; (iv) extraordinary or non-recurring gains, but not net of extraordinary or non-recurring “cash” losses; and (v) costs and expenses associated with, and attributable to, oil and gas capital expenditures that are expensed rather than capitalized. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all calculations of Consolidated EBITDAX shall be (A) in all respects, acceptable to, and approved by, Administrative Agent, and (B) for any applicable period of determination during which Borrower has consummated an acquisition or disposition (to the extent permitted hereunder) of properties or assets, calculated and determined on a pro forma basis as if such acquisition or disposition was consummated on the first day of such applicable period.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any Person for any period, the net income (or loss) of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period.

Consolidated Net Interest Expense ” means, for any Person for any period, the remainder of the following for such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period: (a) interest expense, minus (b) interest income.

Consolidated Subsidiary ” or “ Consolidated Subsidiaries ” means, for any Person, any Subsidiary or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of such Person in its consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Total Debt ” means, for any Person for any period, all Debt of such Person and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period.

Continue ,” “ Continuation ” and “ Continued ” shall refer to the continuation pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof and/or Article XIII hereof of a Eurodollar Loan from one Interest Period to the next Interest Period.

Convert ,” “ Conversion ” and “ Converted ” shall refer to a conversion pursuant to Section 2.4 and/or Article XIII hereof of all or a portion of one Type of Revolving Loan into another Type of Revolving Loan.

Credit Parties ” means, collectively, Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary, and “ Credit Party ” means any one of the foregoing.

Debt ” means, for any Person at any time, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all other indebtedness (including capitalized lease obligations, other than usual and customary oil and gas leases) of such Person on which interest

 

7


charges are customarily paid or accrued, (d) all Guarantees by such Person, (e) the unfunded or unreimbursed portion of all letters of credit issued for the account of such Person, (f) any amount owed by such Person representing the deferred purchase price of property or services other than accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with customary trade terms and which are not more than (90) days past the invoice date, and (g) all liability of such Person as a general partner of a partnership for obligations of such partnership of the nature described in (a) through (f) preceding.

Default ” means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of Default or which with the giving of notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” means, in respect of any principal of the Revolving Loan or any other amount payable by Borrower under any Loan Paper which is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise), a rate per annum during the period commencing on the due date until such amount is paid in full equal to the sum of (a) two percent (2%), plus (b) the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans, plus (c) the Base Rate as in effect from time to time ( provided , that if such amount in default is principal of a Eurodollar Borrowing and the due date is a day other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, the “Default Rate” for such principal shall be, for the period from and including the due date and to but excluding the last day of the Interest period therefor, the sum of (i) two percent (2%), plus (ii) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans, plus (iii) the Eurodollar Rate for such Borrowing for such Interest Period as provided in Section 2.4 hereof, and thereafter, the rate provided for above in this definition).

Defaulting Bank ” means any Bank, as determined by Administrative Agent, that has (a) failed, within two (2) Domestic Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Revolving Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless subject to a good faith dispute, (b) notified Borrower, Administrative Agent, Letter of Credit Issuer or any Bank in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under this Agreement or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) failed, within three (3) Domestic Business Days after request by Administrative Agent or a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an Authorized Officer of such Bank that it will comply with its obligations to fund prospective Revolving Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit under this Agreement; provided , that , such Bank shall cease to be a Defaulting Bank pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it and Administrative Agent; or (d) (i) become or is insolvent or has a parent company that has become or is insolvent or (ii) become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment or has a parent company that has become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; provided , that , a Bank

 

8


shall not become a Defaulting Bank solely as a result of the acquisition or maintenance of an ownership interest in such Bank or Person controlling such Bank or the exercise of control over a Bank or Person controlling such Bank by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof.

Delta ” means Delta Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement ” means the Contribution Agreement of even date herewith by and among Borrower, Laramie and Delta in the form delivered to Administrative Agent on the date hereof.

Delta/Laramie Management Services Agreement ” means the Management Services Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement.

Delta/Laramie Transaction ” means, collectively, all of the transactions to be effected pursuant to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, (a) Laramie’s sale, conveyance, transfer and assignment to Borrower all of Laramie’s existing Piceance Basin oil and gas assets and its surface real estate in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado in exchange for sixty-six and 66/100 percent (66.66%) of the Equity in Borrower and a cash payment from Borrower in the approximate amount of $25,000,000 and (b) Delta’s sale, conveyance, transfer and assignment to Borrower all of Delta’s existing Piceance Basin assets in exchange for thirty-three and 34/100 percent (33.34%) of the Equity in Borrower and a cash payment from Borrower in the approximate amount of $75,000,000, as the result of which Borrower will hold good and defensible title to all Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties, all as more fully set forth in the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents.

Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base ” means $140,000,000.

Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.2 hereof.

Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents ” means (a) the Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement, (b) the Borrower’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A to the Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement, (c) the Delta/Laramie Management Services Agreement, (d) the plan of reorganization of Delta substantially in the form delivered to Administrative Agent on or prior to the date hereof and to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and (e) all bills of sale, assignments, agreements, instruments, documents and orders relating to, or executed and delivered in connection with, the agreements described in the foregoing subclauses (a) through (e), as each may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties ” means the Mineral Interests and other properties acquired by Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents, which shall include, without limitation, all Mineral Interests evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.

 

9


Designated Equityholders ” means, collectively, EnCap Energy Capital Fund VI, L.P., EnCap VI-B Acquisitions, L.P., ACP LE, LP, ACP LE (Offshore), LP, Laram Holdings II, LLC, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners IV, L.P., Laramie and Delta.

Distribution ” by any Person, means (a) with respect to any stock issued by such Person or any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, membership or other interest of such Person, the retirement, redemption, purchase, or other acquisition for value of any such stock or partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, membership or other interest, (b) the declaration or payment of any dividend or other distribution on or with respect to any stock, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, membership or other interest of such Person, and (c) any other payment by such Person with respect to such stock, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, membership or other interest of such Person.

Domestic Business Day ” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which national banks in Chicago, Illinois or Dallas, Texas, are authorized by Law to close.

Domestic Lending Office ” means, as to each Bank, (a) its office located at its address identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office, (b) its office located at its address identified on the Register as its Domestic Lending Office, or (c) such other office as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic Lending Office by notice to Borrower and Administrative Agent.

Environmental Complaint ” means any complaint, summons, citation, notice, directive, order, claim, litigation, investigation, proceeding, judgment, letter or other communication from any federal, state or municipal authority or any other party against any Credit Party involving (a) a Hazardous Discharge from, onto or about any real property owned, leased or operated at any time by any Credit Party, (b) a Hazardous Discharge caused, in whole or in part, by any Credit Party or by any Person acting on behalf of or at the instruction of any Credit Party, or (c) any violation of any Applicable Environmental Law by any Credit Party.

Equity ” means shares of capital stock or a partnership, profits, capital, member or other equity interest, or options, warrants or any other rights to substitute for or otherwise acquire the capital stock or a partnership, profits, capital, member or other equity interest of any Person.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any corporation or trade or business under common control with any Credit Party as determined under section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.

ERISA Event ” means (a) a “Reportable Event” described in section 4043 of ERISA, other than a Reportable Event as to which the provisions of thirty (30) days notice to the PBGC is expressly waived under applicable regulations, (b) the withdrawal of Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, (c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under section 4041 of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, (e) receipt of a notice of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA or (f) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

 

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Eurodollar Business Day ” means any Domestic Business Day on which commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in dollar deposits) in the applicable Eurodollar interbank market.

Eurodollar Lending Office ” means, as to each Bank, (a) its office, branch or affiliate located at its address identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Eurodollar Lending Office, (b) its office, branch or affiliate located at its address identified on the Register as its Eurodollar Lending Office, or (c) such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may hereafter designate as its Eurodollar Lending Office by notice to Borrower and Administrative Agent.

Eurodollar Loans ” means Revolving Loans that bear interest at rates based upon the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

Eurodollar Rate ” means, for any Eurodollar Loan for any Interest Period therefor, the rate appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) two (2) Eurodollar Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the Eurodollar Rate with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time), two (2) Eurodollar Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

Events of Default ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 .

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to Administrative Agent, any Bank, the Letter of Credit Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of Borrower or any Guarantor hereunder or under any other Loan Paper, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America or such other jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Bank, 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 in which Borrower or any Guarantor is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Bank (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by Borrower under Section 13.9 ), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Bank at the time such Foreign Bank becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new Lending Office) or is

 

11


attributable to such Foreign Bank’s failure to comply with Section 13.6(f) , except to the extent that such Foreign Bank (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 13.6(a) or Section 13.6(c) , and (d) any United States federal withholding taxes imposed by FATCA.

Exhibit ” refers to an exhibit attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein by reference, unless specifically provided otherwise.

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as of the date of this Agreement and any regulations or official interpretations thereof.

FCPA ” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

Federal Flood Insurance ” means federally backed Flood Insurance available under the National Flood Insurance Program to owners of real property improvements located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in a community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Domestic Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if the day for which such rate is to be determined is not a Domestic Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Domestic Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Domestic Business Day, and (b) if such rate is not so published on such next succeeding Domestic Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for any day shall be the average rate charged to Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by Administrative Agent.

Fee Letters ” means that (a) certain letter agreement dated as of June 4, 2012, among Borrower, Laramie and JPMorgan, (b) certain letter agreement dated as of June 4, 2012, among Borrower, Laramie, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo and the Arrangers and (c) such other letter agreements between Borrower and Administrative Agent from time to time, in each case related to the payment of certain fees by Borrower.

FEMA ” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the National Flood Insurance Program.

Financial Officer ” of any Person means its Chief Financial Officer; provided , that if no Person serves in such capacity, “Financial Officer” shall mean the highest ranking executive officer of such Person with responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, cash management and similar functions. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, all references to “Financial Officer” herein shall refer to a Financial Officer of Borrower.

 

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Fiscal Quarter ” means the fiscal quarter of Borrower, ending on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year.

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of Borrower, ending on December 31.

Flood Insurance ” means, for any owned real property located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, Federal Flood Insurance or private insurance that meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by FEMA in its Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines. Flood Insurance shall be in commercially reasonable amounts at least up to the maximum policy limits set under the National Flood Insurance Program, or as otherwise required by Administrative Agent in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable credit judgment, with deductibles not to exceed $250,000 for losses to buildings and $250,000 for losses to contents of buildings.

Flood Insurance Regulations ” means (a) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (b) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (c) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC § 4001, et seq.), as the same may be amended or recodified from time to time, and (d) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

Foreign Bank ” means any Bank that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which 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.

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

GAAP ” means those generally accepted accounting principles and practices which are recognized as such by the SEC, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants acting through its Accounting Principles Board or by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or through other appropriate boards or committees thereof and which are consistently applied for all periods after the Closing Date so as to properly reflect the financial condition, and the results of operations and changes in financial position, of Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, except that any accounting principle or practice required to be changed by the SEC, Accounting Principles Board or Financial Accounting Standards Board (or other appropriate board or committee thereof) in order to continue as a generally accepted accounting principle or practice may be so changed.

Gas Balancing Agreement ” means any agreement or arrangement whereby any Credit Party, or any other party having an interest in any Hydrocarbons to be produced from Mineral Interests in which any Credit Party owns an interest, has a right to take more than its proportionate share of production therefrom.

Governmental Authority ” means any court or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency, or instrumentality of any nation or of any province, state, commonwealth, nation, territory, possession, county, parish, or municipality, whether now or hereafter constituted or existing.

 

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Guarantee ” by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions, by “comfort letter” or other similar undertaking of support or otherwise) or (b) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), provided , that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

Guarantors ” means, collectively, the Parent Guarantors and the Restricted Subsidiaries, and “ Guarantor ” means any one of the foregoing.

Hazardous Discharge ” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, disposing or dumping of any Hazardous Substance from or onto any real property owned, leased or operated at any time by any Credit Party or any real property owned, leased or operated by any other party.

Hazardous Substance ” means any pollutant, toxic substance, hazardous waste, compound, element or chemical that is defined as hazardous, toxic, noxious, dangerous or infectious pursuant to any Applicable Environmental Law or which is otherwise regulated by any Applicable Environmental Law or is required to be investigated and/or remediated by or pursuant to any Applicable Environmental Law.

Hedge Agreements ” means, collectively, any agreement, instrument, arrangement or schedule or supplement thereto evidencing any Hedge Transaction.

Hedge Monetization ” means any termination or other monetization of any Oil and Gas Hedge Transaction (other than at its scheduled maturity).

Hedge Transaction ” means any financial derivative transaction under ASC Topic 815 pursuant to which a Credit Party hedges risks related to commodity prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, securities prices or financial market conditions. Hedge Transactions expressly includes Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions.

Hydrocarbons ” means oil, gas, casinghead gas, drip gasolines, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, and all other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons produced or to be produced in conjunction therewith, and all products, by-products and all other substances derived therefrom or the processing thereof, and all other minerals and substances, including, but not limited to, sulphur, lignite, coal, uranium, thorium, iron, geothermal steam, water, carbon dioxide, helium, and any and all other minerals, ores, or substances of value, and the products and proceeds therefrom, including, without limitation, all gas resulting from the in-situ combustion of coal or lignite.

 

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Immaterial Title Deficiencies ” means, with respect to Borrowing Base Properties, defects or clouds on title, discrepancies in reported net revenue and working interest ownership percentages and other Liens, defects, discrepancies and similar matters which do not, individually or in the aggregate, affect Borrowing Base Properties with a Recognized Value greater than three percent (3%) of the Recognized Value of all of such Borrowing Base Properties.

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indirect Subsidiary ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Subsidiary Pledge Agreement.”

Initial Borrowing Base ” means a Borrowing Base in the amount of Zero Dollars ($0), which shall be in effect during the period commencing on the Closing Date and continuing until the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date.

Initial Reserve Report ” means, collectively, the Reserve Report, including all supporting detail and attachments thereto, of Laramie’s oil and gas assets prepared as of March 31, 2012 by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and the Reserve Report, including all supporting detail and attachments thereto, of Delta’s oil and gas assets prepared as of December 31, 2011 by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., each delivered to Administrative Agent and Banks prior to the Closing Date.

Interest Period means, with respect to each Eurodollar Borrowing and each Continuation of Eurodollar Loans and each Conversion of all or part of the Base Rate Loan to Eurodollar Loans, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing, Continuation or Conversion and ending one (1), two (2) or three (3) months thereafter, as Borrower may elect in the applicable Request for Borrowing or Notice of Continuation or Conversion; provided , that :

 

  (a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Eurodollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Eurodollar Business Day unless such Eurodollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Eurodollar Business Day;

 

  (b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Eurodollar Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last Eurodollar Business Day of a calendar month;

 

  (c) if any Interest Period includes a date on which any payment of principal of the Eurodollar Loans which are the subject of such Borrowing, Continuation or Conversion is required to be made hereunder, but does not end on such date, then (i) the principal amount of such Eurodollar Loans required to be repaid on such date shall have an Interest Period ending on such date, and (ii) the remainder of each such Eurodollar Loans shall have an Interest Period determined as set forth above; and

 

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  (d) no Interest Period shall extend past the Termination Date.

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, any loan, advance, extension of credit, capital contribution to, investment in or purchase of the stock or other securities of, or interests in, any other Person; provided , that , “Investment” shall not include current customer and trade accounts which are payable in accordance with customary trade terms.

JPMorgan ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its capacity as a Bank.

JPMS ” means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

Laramie ” means Laramie Energy II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Laws ” means all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, writs, injunctions, or decrees of any state, commonwealth, nation, territory, possession, county, township, parish, municipality or Governmental Authority.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Bank, its Domestic Lending Office or its Eurodollar Lending Office, as the context may require.

Letter of Credit Exposure ” of any Bank means such Bank’s aggregate participation in the unfunded portion and the funded but unreimbursed portion of Letters of Credit outstanding at any time.

Letter of Credit Fee ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit issued hereunder, a fee in an amount equal to the greater of (a) $500, or (b) a percentage of the stated amount of such Letter of Credit (calculated on a per annum basis based on the stated term of such Letter of Credit and computed on the basis of actual days elapsed and as if each year consisted of 360 days) determined by reference to the ratio of the Outstanding Credit to the Borrowing Base in effect on the date such Letter of Credit is issued in accordance with the table below:

 

Ratio of Outstanding Credit to Borrowing Base

   Per Annum Letter of Credit Fee
Percentage
 

> .90 to 1

       2.75

> .75 to 1 and £ .90 to 1

       2.50

> .50 to 1 and £ .75 to 1

       2.25

> .25 to 1 and £ .50 to 1

       2.00

£ .25 to 1

       1.75

Letter of Credit Fronting Fee ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit issued hereunder, a fee equal to one eighth of one percent (.125%) per annum of the stated amount of such Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Issuer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12 .

 

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Letter of Credit Sublimit ” means an amount equal to $15,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts.

Letters of Credit ” means letters of credit issued for the account of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 2.12 .

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, financing statement or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Credit Parties shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which is acquired or held subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

Loan Papers ” means this Agreement, each Note which may now or hereafter be executed, each Subsidiary Guaranty which may now or hereafter be executed, each Parent Limited Guaranty which may now or hereafter be executed, each Borrower Pledge Agreement which may now or hereafter be executed, each Subsidiary Pledge Agreement which may now or hereafter be executed, each Parent Pledge Agreement which may now or hereafter be executed, all Mortgages now or at any time hereafter delivered pursuant to Section 5.1 , the Fee Letters, all Letters of Credit and all other certificates, documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement, as the foregoing may be amended from time to time.

Margin Regulations ” means Regulations T, U and X of the Board, as in effect from time to time.

Margin Stock ” means “margin stock” as defined in Regulation U.

Material Adverse Change ” means any circumstance or event that has or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on (a) the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of Borrower, individually, or the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, (b) the right or ability of any Credit Party or Parent Guarantor to fully, completely and timely perform its obligations under the Loan Papers, (c) the validity or enforceability of any Loan Paper against any Credit Party which is a party thereto, or (d) the validity, perfection or priority of any material Lien intended to be created under or pursuant to any Loan Paper to secure the Obligations.

Material Agreement ” means any material written or oral agreement, contract, commitment, or understanding to which a Person is a party, by which such Person is directly or indirectly bound, or to which any assets of such Person may be subject, which is not cancelable by such Person upon notice of thirty (30) days or less without liability for further payment other than nominal penalty.

Material Gas Imbalance ” means, with respect to all Gas Balancing Agreements to which any Credit Party is a party or by which any Mineral Interest owned by any Credit Party is bound, a net gas imbalance to all such Credit Parties in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

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Maximum Credit Amount ” means, as to each Bank, the amount set forth opposite such Bank’s name on Schedule 1.1 hereto under the caption “Maximum Credit Amount”, as such amount shall be reduced or terminated from time to time pursuant to Section 2.7 and Section 2.8 respectively; provided , that after giving effect to any Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, the Maximum Credit Amount of each Bank shall be the amount set forth in the Register maintained by Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 14.10(c)(iv) hereof.

Maximum Lawful Rate ” means, for each Bank, the maximum rate (or, if the context so permits or requires, an amount calculated at such rate) of interest which, at the time in question would not cause the interest charged on the portion of the Revolving Loan owed to such Bank at such time to exceed the maximum amount which such Bank would be allowed to contract for, charge, take, reserve, or receive under applicable Laws after taking into account, to the extent required by applicable Laws, any and all relevant payments or charges under the Loan Papers. To the extent the Laws of the State of Texas are applicable for purposes of determining the “Maximum Lawful Rate,” such term shall mean the “indicated rate ceiling” from time to time in effect under Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code, as amended, substituted for or restated, or, if permitted by applicable Law and effective upon the giving of the notices required by such Chapter 303 (or effective upon any other date otherwise specified by applicable Law), the “quarterly ceiling” or “annualized ceiling” from time to time in effect under such Chapter 303, whichever Administrative Agent (with the approval of Required Banks) shall elect to substitute for the “indicated rate ceiling,” and vice versa, each such substitution to have the effect provided in such Chapter 303, and Administrative Agent (with the approval of Required Banks) shall be entitled to make such election from time to time and one or more times and, without notice to Borrower, to leave any such substitute rate in effect for subsequent periods in accordance with such Chapter 303.

Mineral Interests ” means rights, estates, titles, and interests in and to oil and gas leases and any oil and gas interests, royalty and overriding royalty interest, production payment, net profits interests, oil and gas fee interests, and other rights therein, including, without limitation, any reversionary or carried interests relating to the foregoing, together with rights, titles, and interests created by or arising under the terms of any unitization, communization, and pooling agreements or arrangements, and all properties, rights and interests covered thereby, whether arising by contract, by order, or by operation of Laws, which now or hereafter include all or any part of the foregoing.

Monthly Date ” means the last day of each calendar month.

Mortgages ” means all mortgages, deeds of trust, amendments to mortgages, security agreements, assignments of production, pledge agreements, collateral mortgages, collateral chattel mortgages, collateral assignments, financing statements and other documents, instruments and agreements evidencing, creating, perfecting or otherwise establishing the Liens required by Section 5.1 hereof. All Mortgages shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

National Flood Insurance Program ” means the program created by the United States Congress pursuant to the Flood Insurance Regulations, that mandates the purchase of flood insurance to cover real property improvements located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in participating communities and provides protection to property owners through a federal insurance program.

 

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Note ” means a promissory note of Borrower payable to a Bank and issued hereunder pursuant to Section 2.3 , together with all modifications, extensions, renewals, and rearrangements thereof, and “ Notes ” means all of such Notes collectively.

Notice of Continuation or Conversion ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c) .

Obligations ” means all present and future indebtedness, obligations and liabilities, and all renewals and extensions thereof, or any part thereof, of each Credit Party and each Parent Guarantor to Administrative Agent or to any Bank or any Affiliate of any Bank (including any Secured Affiliate) arising pursuant to (a) the Loan Papers including, without limitation, all interest on any of the Loans (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of any Credit Party (or could accrue but for the operation of applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws), whether or not such interest is allowed or allowable as a claim in any such case, proceeding or other action), (b) any Hedge Agreement or Hedge Transaction entered into with a Secured Hedge Provider while such Person (or in the case of its Affiliate, the Person affiliated therewith) is a Bank hereunder, but excluding any additional transactions or confirmations entered into (i) after such Secured Hedge Provider ceases to be a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank or (ii) after assignment by a Secured Hedge Provider to another Secured Hedge Provider that is not a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank, and/or (c) any Bank Products Provider in respect of Bank Products, and, in each case, all interest accrued thereon and costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred in the enforcement or collection thereof, regardless of whether such indebtedness, obligations and liabilities are direct, indirect, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several or joint and several.

OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Oil and Gas Hedge Transaction ” means a Hedge Transaction pursuant to which any Person hedges the price to be received by it for future production of Hydrocarbons.

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement and any other Loan Paper.

Outstanding Credit ” means, on any date, the sum of (a) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan on such date, including the amount of any Borrowing to be made on such date, plus (b) the aggregate outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure on such date including the Letter of Credit Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit to be issued on such date.

Parent Guarantors ” means Laramie and Delta, and “ Parent Guarantor ” means any one of the foregoing.

 

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Parent Limited Guaranty ” means a Guaranty substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto to be executed by each Parent Guarantor in favor of Banks, pursuant to which each respective Parent Guarantor guarantees payment and performance in full of the Obligations, with recourse limited as set forth therein to the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower owned by such Parent Guarantor and pledged to secure the Obligations pursuant to such Parent Guarantor’s Parent Pledge Agreement.

Parent Pledge Agreement ” means a Pledge Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto (with applicable conforming changes) to be executed by each Parent Guarantor, pursuant to which such Parent Guarantor shall pledge to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of Banks and Secured Affiliates, all of the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower owned by such Parent Guarantor to secure the Obligations.

Participant ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.10(b) .

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

Permitted Encumbrances ” means with respect to any asset:

 

  (a) Liens securing the Obligations;

 

  (b) minor defects in title which do not secure the payment of money and otherwise have no material adverse effect on the value or the operation of the subject property, and for the purposes of this Agreement, a minor defect in title shall include, but not be limited to, easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other similar rights in respect of surface operations, and easements for pipelines, streets, alleys, highways, telephone lines, power lines, railways and other easements and rights-of-way, on, over or in respect of any of the properties of any Credit Party that are customarily granted in the oil and gas industry;

 

  (c) inchoate statutory or operators’ Liens securing obligations for labor, services, materials and supplies furnished to Mineral Interests which are not more than sixty (60) days delinquent (except to the extent permitted by Section 8.7 );

 

  (d) mechanic’s, materialmen’s, warehouseman’s, journeyman’s and carrier’s Liens and other similar Liens arising by operation of Law in the ordinary course of business which are not more than sixty (60) days delinquent (except to the extent permitted by Section 8.7 );

 

  (e) Liens for Taxes or assessments not yet due or not yet delinquent, or, if delinquent, that are being contested in good faith in the normal course of business by appropriate action, as permitted by Section 8.7 ;

 

  (f) lease burdens payable to third parties which are deducted in the calculation of discounted present value in the Reserve Report including, without limitation, any royalty, overriding royalty, net profits interest, production payment, carried interest or reversionary working interest; and

 

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  (g) Liens, charges and encumbrances upon Borrower’s assets, other than Borrowing Base Properties, which in the aggregate, do not have a value in excess of $1,000,000.

Permitted Investments ” means (a) readily marketable direct obligations of the United States of America (or investments in mutual funds or similar funds which invest solely in such obligations), (b) fully insured demand or time deposits and certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less of any commercial bank operating in the United States having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, (c) commercial paper of a domestic issuer if at the time of purchase such paper is rated in one of the two highest ratings categories of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., (d) Investments by any Credit Party in a Subsidiary of Borrower that has provided a Subsidiary Guaranty and the Equity of which has been pledged to Administrative Agent pursuant to a Borrower Pledge Agreement or a Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, (e) Investments existing on the date hereof and described on Schedule 9.8 attached hereto, (f) money market funds of JPMorgan and/or its Affiliates, and (g) other Investments; provided , that , the aggregate amount of all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (g) outstanding at any time shall not exceed $15,000,000 (measured on a cost basis).

Permitted Tax Distributions ” means, for any applicable tax year of Borrower, quarterly tax distributions to the Equity holders of Borrower in an amount equal to the aggregate federal, state and local income tax liability then due and owing with respect to the net income of Borrower for such tax year (calculated using the highest federal, state and local effective marginal income tax rates applicable to an individual) taking into account losses of Borrower from prior periods.

Person ” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a trust or any other entity or organization, including a Government Authority.

Plan ” means (a) with respect to a Credit Party, an employee benefit plan within the meaning of section 3(3) of ERISA, and any other similar plan, policy or arrangement, including an employment contract, whether formal or informal and whether legally binding or not, under which any Credit Party has any current or future obligation or liability or under which any present or former employee of any Credit Party, or such present or former employee’s dependents or beneficiaries, has any current or future right to benefits resulting from the present or former employee’s employment relationship with any Credit Party, and (b) with respect to an ERISA Affiliate, a plan described in clause (a) preceding if, and only if, such plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA.

Pre-Closing Date Projections ” means the projected budget and financial statements of Borrower delivered by Borrower to Administrative Agent on or about April 16, 2012

Prime Rate ” means the per annum rate of interest established from time to time by JPMorgan or its parent as its prime rate; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from

 

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and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective. Such rate is set by Administrative Agent as a general reference rate of interest, taking into account such factors as Administrative Agent may deem appropriate; it being understood that many of Administrative Agent’s commercial or other loans are priced in relation to such rate, that it is not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer and that Administrative Agent may make various commercial or other loans at rates of interest having no relationship to such rate.

Pro Forma Opening Statements ” means, collectively, (a) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flows statement of Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, giving effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction and (b) the updated projected budget and financial statements prepared as of a recent date prior to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, which projections are prepared in a manner consistent with, and provide an update to, the Pre-Closing Date Projections.

Proved Mineral Interests ” means, collectively, Proved Producing Mineral Interests, Proved Nonproducing Mineral Interests, and Proved Undeveloped Mineral Interests.

Proved Nonproducing Mineral Interests ” means all Mineral Interests which constitute proved developed nonproducing reserves.

Proved Producing Mineral Interests ” means all Mineral Interests which constitute proved developed producing reserves.

Proved Undeveloped Mineral Interests ” means all Mineral Interests which constitute proved undeveloped reserves.

Purchasers ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.10(c) .

Quarterly Date ” means the last day of each March, June, September and December.

Recognized Value ” means, (a) with respect to all Proved Mineral Interests, the portion of the Borrowing Base which JPMorgan attributes to such Proved Mineral Interests for purposes of the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Article IV hereof, based upon the net present value (discounted at 9% per annum) of the estimated net cash flow to be realized from the production of Hydrocarbons from all such Proved Mineral Interests and (b) with respect to all Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions, the portion of the Borrowing Base which JPMorgan attributes to such Oil and Gas Transactions for purposes of the most recent redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Article IV hereof.

Redetermination ” means any Scheduled Redetermination, Special Redetermination or other redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.5 .

Redetermination Date ” means (a) with respect to any Scheduled Redetermination, each March 15 and September 15, commencing March 15, 2013, (b) with respect to any Special Redetermination, the first day of the first month which is not less than twenty (20) Domestic Business Days following the date of a request for a Special Redetermination, and (c) with respect to any redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.5 , the date of the consummation of any applicable Asset Disposition. The Closing Date and the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date shall also constitute Redetermination Dates for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Register ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.10(c)(iv) .

Regulation D ” means Regulation D of the Board, 12 C.F.R. Part 221, as in effect from time to time.

Regulation U ” means Regulation U of the Board, 12 C.F.R. Part 221, as in effect from time to time.

Request for Borrowing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) .

Request for Letter of Credit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a) .

Required Banks ” means (a) if there are less than three Banks at such time, all Banks, and (b) if there are three or more Banks at such time, (i) at any time while there are no Revolving Loans or Letter of Credit Exposure outstanding, Banks having at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts and (ii) at any time while any Revolving Loans or Letter of Credit Exposure is outstanding, Banks holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit (without regard to any sale by a Bank of a participation in any Revolving Loan under Section 14.10(b) ); provided , that the Maximum Credit Amounts and the principal amount of the Revolving Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting Banks (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Required Banks.

Required Reserve Value ” means Proved Mineral Interests that have a Recognized Value of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the Recognized Value of all Proved Mineral Interests held by Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and included in the Borrowing Base.

Reserve Report ” means an unsuperseded engineering analysis of the Mineral Interests owned by Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, prepared in accordance with customary and prudent practices in the petroleum engineering industry and Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 69. Each Reserve Report required to be delivered by February 15 of each year pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be prepared by the Approved Petroleum Engineer. Each other Reserve Report shall be prepared by either (a) the Approved Petroleum Engineer, or (b) Borrower’s in-house staff, and shall include a detailed reconciliation from the most recently delivered Reserve Report prepared by the Approved Petroleum Engineer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any Special Redetermination requested by Borrower, the Reserve Report shall be in form and scope mutually acceptable to Borrower and Administrative Agent. Until superseded, the Initial Reserve Report shall be considered the Reserve Report.

Reserve Requirement ” means, at any time, the maximum rate at which reserves (including, without limitation, any marginal, special, supplemental, or emergency reserves) are required to be maintained under regulations issued from time to time by the Board (or any successor) by member banks of the Federal Reserve System against in the case of Eurodollar

 

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Loans, “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term is used in Regulation D). Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by such member banks with respect to (a) any category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate is to be determined, or (b) any category of extensions of credit or other assets which include Eurodollar Loans. The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Reserve Requirement.

Restricted Payment ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any Distribution by such Person, (b) any capital contribution, loan or advance by any Credit Party to any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (c) the issuance of a Guarantee by any Credit Party with respect to any Debt or other obligation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, or (d) the retirement, redemption, defeasance, repurchase or prepayment prior to scheduled maturity by such Person or any Affiliate of such Person of any Debt of such Person.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of Borrower which Borrower hereafter designates as a “Restricted Subsidiary;” provided , that , no Subsidiary of Borrower will be a Restricted Subsidiary unless (a) one hundred percent (100%) of its issued and outstanding Equity has been pledged to Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations pursuant to a Borrower Pledge Agreement or a Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, and (b) it has executed a Subsidiary Guaranty. As of the Closing Date, Borrower has no Restricted Subsidiaries.

Revolving Loan ” means the revolving credit loan in an amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the lesser of (a) the Borrowing Base then in effect, and (b) the amount of (i) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts then in effect less (ii) the amount of the Letter Credit Exposure then outstanding to be made by Banks to Borrower in accordance with Section 2.1 hereof. The Revolving Loan may be comprised of the Base Rate Loan and one or more Eurodollar Loans as Borrower may select in a Request for Borrowing or a Notice of Continuation or Conversion.

Rolling Period ” means (a) for the one Fiscal Quarter period ending on December 31, 2012, the two Fiscal Quarter period ending on March 31, 2013, and the three Fiscal Quarter period ending June 30, 2013, the applicable period commencing on October 1, 2012 and ending on the last day of such applicable Fiscal Quarter, and (b) for the Fiscal Quarter ending on September 30, 2013, and for each Fiscal Quarter thereafter, any period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on the last day of such applicable Fiscal Quarter.

Schedule ” means a “schedule” attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein by reference, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Scheduled Redetermination ” means any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.3 .

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Section ” refers to a “section” or “subsection” of this Agreement unless specifically indicated otherwise.

 

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Secured Affiliate ” means any Secured Hedge Provider and any Bank Products Provider.

Secured Hedge Provider ” means any Affiliate of any Bank that has entered into a Hedge Agreement with any Credit Party with the intention that the obligations of such Credit Party thereunder be secured by the Mortgages, the Parent Pledge Agreement, Borrower Pledge Agreements and Subsidiary Pledge Agreements, whether or not such Person at any time ceases to be a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank.

Special Flood Hazard Area ” means an area that FEMA’s current flood maps indicate has at least a one percent (1%) chance of a flood equal to or exceeding the base flood elevation (a 100-year flood) in any given year.

Special Redetermination ” means any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.4 .

Subsidiary ” means, for any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions (including that of a general partner) are at the time directly or indirectly owned, collectively, by such Person and any Subsidiaries of such Person. The term “Subsidiary” shall include Subsidiaries of Subsidiaries (and so on).

Subsidiary Guaranty ” means a Guaranty substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto to be executed by each Restricted Subsidiary in favor of Banks, pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower guarantees payment and performance in full of the Obligations.

Subsidiary Pledge Agreement ” means a Pledge Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto (with applicable conforming changes) to be executed by each existing and/or future Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower to the extent such Restricted Subsidiary owns any outstanding Equity of any other Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower (for purposes of this definition and Section 5.1(d) hereof, such Restricted Subsidiary is referred to herein and therein as an “ Indirect Restricted Subsidiary ”), pursuant to which such Indirect Restricted Subsidiary shall pledge to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of Banks and Secured Affiliates, all of the issued and outstanding Equity owned by such Indirect Restricted Subsidiary of each Restricted Subsidiary of such Indirect Restricted Subsidiary described therein to secure the Obligations.

Syndication Agent ” means Wells Fargo, in its capacity as syndication agent for Banks hereunder or any successor thereto.

Taxes ” means all taxes, assessments, filing or other fees, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, stamp taxes, capital transaction taxes, foreign exchange taxes or other charges, or other charges of any nature whatsoever, from time to time or at any time imposed by Law or any Governmental Authority. “ Tax ” means any one of the foregoing.

Termination Date ” means (a) June 4, 2016 in the event that the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date occurs on or prior to such August 31, 2012, (b) September 1, 2012 in the event that the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date has not occurred prior to such date or (c) any earlier date on which the Commitments are terminated in full pursuant to Section 11.1 .

 

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Transferee ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.10(d) .

Type ” means, with reference to a Revolving Loan, the characterization of such Revolving Loan as the Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Loan based on the method by which the accrual of interest on such Revolving Loan is calculated.

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of Borrower which is not a Restricted Subsidiary. As of the Closing Date, Borrower has no Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

Wells Fargo ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

WFS ” means Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

Withholding Agent ” means any Credit Party or Administrative Agent.

Section 1.2 Terms Generally; Rules of Construction . 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” as used in this Agreement 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, restated or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth in the Loan Papers), (b) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained in the Loan Papers), (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word “from” means “from and including” and the word “to” means “to and including” and (f) any reference herein to Articles, Sections, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Paper shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.

Section 1.3 Accounting Terms and Determinations . Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be expressed in U.S. dollars and shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited consolidated financial statements of Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered to Banks except for changes concurred in by Borrower’s independent certified public accountants and which are disclosed to Administrative Agent on the next date on which financial statements are required to be delivered to Banks pursuant to Section 8.1(a)

 

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or Section 8.1(b) ; provided , that , unless Required Banks shall otherwise agree in writing, no such change shall modify or affect the manner in which compliance with the covenants contained in Article X are computed such that all such computations shall be conducted utilizing financial information presented consistently with prior periods. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for the purposes of calculating any of the ratios tested under Article X, and the components of each of such ratios, all Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and their subsidiaries (including their assets, liabilities, income, losses, cash flows, and the elements thereof) shall be excluded, except for any cash dividends or distributions actually paid by any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries to Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, which shall be deemed to be income to Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary when actually received by it.

Section 1.4 Petroleum Terms . As used herein, the terms “proved reserves,” “proved developed reserves,” “proved developed producing reserves,” “proved developed nonproducing reserves,” and “proved undeveloped reserves” have the meaning given such terms from time to time and at the time in question by the Society of Petroleum Engineers of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.

Section 1.5 Money . Unless expressly stipulated otherwise, all references herein to “ dollars ,” “ money ,” “ funds ,” “ payments ,” “ prepayments ” or similar financial or monetary terms, are references to currency of the United States of America.

ARTICLE II

THE CREDIT

Section 2.1 Commitments .

(a) Each Bank severally agrees, subject to Section 2.1(b) , Section 6.1 , Section 6.2 and Section 6.3 and the other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to lend to Borrower from time to time from and after the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date and prior to the Termination Date amounts requested by Borrower not to exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, the amount of such Bank’s Commitment reduced by an amount equal to such Bank’s Letter of Credit Exposure. Each Borrowing (i) shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000 or any larger integral multiple of $100,000 (except that any Base Rate Borrowing may be in an amount equal to the Availability at such time), and (ii) shall be made from the Banks ratably in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages. Subject to the foregoing limitations and the other provisions of this Agreement, prior to the Termination Date Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.1(a) , repay amounts borrowed and request new Borrowings to be made under this Section 2.1(a) .

(b) No Bank will be obligated to lend to Borrower hereunder or incur Letter of Credit Exposure, and Borrower shall not be entitled to borrow hereunder, or obtain Letters of Credit hereunder, in an amount which would cause, after giving effect to the making of any Revolving Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit (i) the sum of the aggregate principal balance of such Bank’s Revolving Loans on such date plus its Commitment Percentage of the Letter of Credit Exposure on such date, to exceed its Commitment, or (ii) the Outstanding Credit to exceed the lesser of (A) the Borrowing Base then in effect, or (B) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts then in effect. No Bank shall be obligated to fund Borrowings hereunder and

 

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Borrower shall not be entitled to Borrowings hereunder during the existence of a Borrowing Base Deficiency. Nothing in this Section 2.1(b) shall be deemed to limit any Bank’s obligation to reimburse any Letter of Credit Issuer with respect to its participation in Letters of Credit as a result of the drawing under any Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.12 .

(c) The failure of any Bank to make any advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Bank of its obligation, if any, to make its advance on the date of such Borrowing. No Bank shall be responsible for the failure of any other Bank to make any advance to be made by such other Bank on the date of any Borrowing

Section 2.2 Method of Borrowing .

(a) In order to request any Borrowing under Section 2.1 , Borrower shall hand deliver or facsimile to Administrative Agent a duly completed Request for Borrowing (herein so called) prior to 11:00 a.m. (Chicago, Illinois time), (x) on the Borrowing Date specified for a proposed Base Rate Borrowing, and (y) at least three (3) Eurodollar Business Days before the Borrowing Date of a proposed Eurodollar Borrowing. Each such Request for Borrowing shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto, and shall specify:

(i) the Borrowing Date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business Day in the case of a Base Rate Borrowing or a Eurodollar Business Day in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing;

(ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be a Base Rate Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

(iv) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.

(b) Upon receipt of a Request for Borrowing, Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and the amount of the Borrowing to be loaned by such Bank pursuant thereto, and such Request for Borrowing shall not thereafter be revocable by Borrower.

(c) Not later than 12:00 noon (Chicago, Illinois time) on the date of each Borrowing, each Bank shall make available its Commitment Percentage of such Borrowing, in Federal or other funds immediately available in Chicago, Illinois to Administrative Agent at its address set forth on Schedule 2.1 hereto. Unless Administrative Agent determines that any applicable condition specified in Section 6.3 has not been satisfied, Administrative Agent will make the funds so received from Banks available to Borrower at Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.

Section 2.3 Notes . Any Bank may request that Revolving Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note payable to such Bank in an amount equal to such Bank’s Maximum Credit Amount. In such event, Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Bank a promissory note payable to such Bank (or, if requested by such Bank, to such Bank and its

 

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requested assigns) and in a form approved and prepared by Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Revolving Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 14.10 ) 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 2.4 Interest Rates; Payments .

(a) The principal amount of the Base Rate Loan outstanding from day to day shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Applicable Margin plus (ii) the applicable Base Rate in effect from day to day; provided that in no event shall the rate charged hereunder or under any Note exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate. Interest on the Base Rate Loan shall be payable as it accrues on each Quarterly Date, and on the Termination Date, provided , that in the event of repayment or prepayment of any Base Rate Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment.

(b) The principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan outstanding from day to day shall bear interest for the Interest Period applicable thereto at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Applicable Margin plus (ii) the applicable Adjusted Eurodollar Rate; provided that in no event shall the rate charged hereunder or under any Note exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate. Interest on any portion of the principal of each Eurodollar Loan subject to an Interest Period of one (1), two (2) or three (3) months shall be payable on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto; provided , that in the event of prepayment of any Eurodollar Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such prepayment.

(c) So long as no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.4 , Borrower shall have the option of having all or any portion of the principal outstanding under the Revolving Loan be a Base Rate Loan and one (1) or more Eurodollar Loans, which shall bear interest at rates determined by reference to the Base Rate and the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate, respectively. Prior to the termination of each Interest Period with respect to each Eurodollar Loan, Borrower shall give written notice (a “ Notice of Continuation or Conversion ”) in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto to Administrative Agent of the Type of Loan which shall be applicable to the principal of such Eurodollar Loan upon the expiration of such Interest Period. Such Notice of Continuation or Conversion shall be given to Administrative Agent at least one (1) Domestic Business Day, in the case of a Base Rate Loan selection and three (3) Eurodollar Business Days, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan selection, prior to the termination of the Interest Period then expiring. If Borrower shall specify a Eurodollar Loan, such Notice of Continuation or Conversion shall also specify the length of the succeeding Interest Period (subject to the provisions of the definition of such term) selected by Borrower. Each Notice of Continuation or Conversion shall be irrevocable and effective upon notification thereof to Administrative Agent. If the required Notice of Continuation or Conversion shall not have been timely received by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall be deemed to have elected that the principal of the Eurodollar Loan subject to the Interest Period then expiring be Converted to the Base Rate Loan upon the expiration of such Interest Period and Borrower will be deemed to have given Administrative Agent notice of such election.

 

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Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 2.4(c) on the amount and number of Eurodollar Loans, Borrower shall have the right to Convert all or any part of the Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan by giving Administrative Agent a Notice of Continuation or Conversion of such election at least three (3) Eurodollar Business Days prior to the date on which Borrower elects to make such Conversion (a “ Conversion Date ”). The Conversion Date selected by Borrower shall be a Eurodollar Business Day. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.4 to the contrary, no portion of the principal of the Base Rate Loan may be Converted to a Eurodollar Loan and no Eurodollar Loan may be Continued as such when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, but each such Eurodollar Loan shall be automatically Converted to the Base Rate Loan on the last day of each applicable Interest Period. Borrower shall not be permitted to have more than five (5) Eurodollar Loans in effect at any time.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 2.4(a) or Section 2.4(b) above, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, interest shall accrue on the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan, and to the extent permitted by Law, on the past due but unpaid interest on the Revolving Loan and all other past due Obligations from the period from and including the occurrence of such Event of Default to but excluding the date the same is remedied at a rate per annum equal to the lesser of (i) the Default Rate, and (ii) the Maximum Lawful Rate.

(e) Administrative Agent shall determine each interest rate applicable to the Revolving Loan in accordance with the terms hereof. Administrative Agent shall promptly notify Borrower and Banks by facsimile of each rate of interest so determined, and its determination thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the rate of interest calculated with reference to the Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate hereunder (the “ contract rate ”) is limited to the Maximum Lawful Rate, any subsequent reductions in the contract rate shall not reduce the rate of interest on the Revolving Loan below the Maximum Lawful Rate until the total amount of interest accrued equals the amount of interest which would have accrued if the contract rate had at all times been in effect. In the event that at maturity (stated or by acceleration), or at final payment of any Revolving Loan, the total amount of interest paid or accrued on such Revolving Loan is less than the amount of interest which would have accrued if the contract rate had at all times been in effect with respect thereto, then at such time, to the extent permitted by law, Borrower shall pay to the holder of such Revolving Loan an amount equal to the difference between (i) the lesser of the amount of interest which would have accrued if the contract rate had at all times been in effect and the amount of interest which would have accrued if the Maximum Lawful Rate had at all times been in effect, and (ii) the amount of interest actually paid on such Revolving Loan.

(g) Interest payable hereunder on each Eurodollar Loan shall be computed based on the number of actual days elapsed assuming that each calendar year consisted of 360 days. Interest payable hereunder on the Base Rate Loan shall be computed based on the actual number of days elapsed assuming that each calendar year consisted of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year).

 

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Section 2.5 Mandatory Prepayments . Upon the occurrence of any Borrowing Base Deficiency, Borrower shall make the mandatory prepayments of the Revolving Loan required by Section 4.6 hereof.

Section 2.6 Voluntary Prepayments . Borrower may, subject to Section 13.5 and the other provisions of this Agreement, upon (a) one (1) Domestic Business Day advance notice to Administrative Agent with respect to Base Rate Borrowings, and (b) three (3) Domestic Business Days advance notice to Administrative Agent with respect to Eurodollar Borrowings, prepay the principal of the Revolving Loan in whole or in part. Any partial prepayment shall be in a minimum amount of $500,000 and shall be in an integral multiple of $100,000.

Section 2.7 Voluntary Reduction of Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts . Borrower may, by notice to Administrative Agent three (3) Domestic Business Days prior to the effective date of any such reduction, reduce the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts (and thereby reduce the Maximum Credit Amount of each Bank ratably) in amounts not less than $5,000,000 and in an amount which is an integral multiple of $5,000,000. On the effective date of any such reduction, Borrower shall, to the extent required as a result of such reduction, make a principal payment on the Revolving Loan in an amount sufficient to cause the principal balance of the Revolving Loan then outstanding to be equal to or less than the total Commitments as thereby reduced. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower shall not be permitted to voluntarily reduce the total Commitments to an amount less than the aggregate Letter of Credit Exposure of all Banks.

Section 2.8 Termination of Commitments; Final Maturity of Revolving Loan . The total Commitments (and the Commitment of each Bank) shall terminate, and the entire outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan, all interest accrued thereon, all accrued but unpaid fees hereunder and all other outstanding Obligations shall be due and payable in full on the Termination Date.

Section 2.9 Application of Payments . Each repayment pursuant to Section 2.5 , Section 2.6 , Section 2.7 , Section 2.8 , and Section 4.6 shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount repaid to the date of payment, and shall be applied in accordance with Article III and the other provisions of this Agreement.

Section 2.10 Commitment Fee . On the Termination Date, on each Quarterly Date prior to the Termination Date, and, in the event the Commitments are terminated in their entirety prior to the Termination Date, on the date of such termination, Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Bank based on each Bank’s Commitment Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Commitment Fee Percentage in effect from day to day (applied on a per annum basis and computed on the basis of actual days elapsed and as if each calendar year consisted of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year)) of the average daily Availability for the Fiscal Quarter (or portion thereof) ending on the date such payment is due.

Section 2.11 Agency and other Fees . Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent and its Affiliates such other fees and amounts as Borrower shall be required to pay to Administrative Agent and its Affiliates from time to time pursuant to the Fee Letters and/or any other separate agreement between Borrower and Administrative Agent or such Affiliates. Such fees and other

 

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amounts shall be retained by Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, and no Bank (other than JPMorgan) shall have any interest therein. Subject to the terms of any applicable Fee Letter or other agreement between Borrower, Administrative Agent and any Bank, Administrative Agent may disburse any fees paid to Administrative Agent and its Affiliates pursuant to this Section 2.11 in any manner Administrative Agent desires in its sole discretion.

Section 2.12 Letters of Credit . Administrative Agent, or such Bank designated by Administrative Agent which (without obligation to do so) consents to the same (“ Letter of Credit Issuer ”) will, from time to time prior to the date which is five (5) Domestic Business Days prior to the Termination Date, upon request by Borrower, issue Letters of Credit for the account of Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary designated by Borrower, so long as (a) the sum of (i) the total Letter of Credit Exposure then existing, and (ii) the amount of the requested Letter of Credit does not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, and (b) Borrower would be entitled to a Borrowing under Section 2.1(a) and Section 2.1(b) in the amount of the requested Letter of Credit. Not less than three (3) Domestic Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance of any such Letter of Credit, Borrower (and any Restricted Subsidiary for whose account such Letter of Credit is being issued) shall execute and deliver to Letter of Credit Issuer, Letter of Credit Issuer’s customary letter of credit application; provided , that in the event of any conflict between such application and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control. Each Letter of Credit shall be in the minimum amount of $10,000 and shall be in form and substance acceptable to Letter of Credit Issuer. No Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date later than the earlier of (i) the Termination Date, or (ii) one (1) year from the date of issuance (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one (1) year after such renewal or extension). Upon the date of issuance of a Letter of Credit, Letter of Credit Issuer shall be deemed to have sold to each other Bank, and each other Bank shall be deemed to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from Letter of Credit Issuer, a non-recourse participation in the related Letter of Credit and Letter of Credit Exposure equal to such Bank’s Commitment Percentage of such Letter of Credit and Letter of Credit Exposure. Upon request of any Bank, but not less often than quarterly, Administrative Agent shall provide notice to each Bank by telephone or facsimile setting forth each Letter of Credit issued and outstanding pursuant to the terms hereof and specifying the beneficiary and expiration date of each such Letter of Credit, each Bank’s percentage of each such Letter of Credit and the actual dollar amount of each Bank’s participation held by Letter of Credit Issuer thereof for such Bank’s account and risk. At the time of issuance of each Letter of Credit, Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent in respect of such Letter of Credit (A) the applicable Letter of Credit Fee, and (B) the applicable Letter of Credit Fronting Fee. Administrative Agent shall distribute the Letter of Credit Fee payable upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit to Banks in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages, and Administrative Agent shall distribute the Letter of Credit Fronting Fee to Letter of Credit Issuer for its own account. Any (y) material amendment or modification, or (z) renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the issuance of a new Letter of Credit for purposes of this Section 2.12 . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Borrower shall pay to Letter of Credit Issuer in connection with the issuance of each Letter of Credit and/or any amendment or modification of any nature to any existing Letter of Credit, Letter of Credit Issuer’s usual and customary fees for the issuance of, amendments or modifications to, and processing of, Letters of Credit.

 

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Immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and the acceleration of the Obligations hereunder, and also on the date which is five (5) Domestic Business Days prior to the Termination Date, Borrower shall deposit with Administrative Agent cash in such amounts as Administrative Agent may request, up to a maximum amount equal to the aggregate existing Letter of Credit Exposure of all Banks; provided , that , in the case of any of the Events of Default specified in Section 11.1(g) or Section 11.1(h) , an amount equal to the aggregate existing Letter of Credit Exposure of all Banks shall be due and payable without any notice to Borrower or any other act by Administrative Agent or any Bank. Any amounts so deposited shall be held by Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of all Banks as security for the outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure and the other Obligations, and Borrower will, in connection therewith, execute and deliver such security agreements in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent which Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, require. As drafts or demands for payment are presented under any Letter of Credit, Administrative Agent shall apply such cash to satisfy such drafts or demands. When all Letters of Credit have expired and the Obligations have been repaid in full (and no Bank has any obligation to lend or issue Letters of Credit hereunder) or such Event of Default has been cured to the satisfaction of Required Banks, Administrative Agent shall release to Borrower any remaining cash deposited under this Section 2.12 . Whenever Borrower is required to make deposits under this Section 2.12 and fails to do so on the day such deposit is due, Administrative Agent or any Bank may, without notice to Borrower, make such deposit (whether by application of proceeds of any collateral for the Obligations, by transfers from other accounts maintained with any Bank or otherwise) using any funds then available to any Bank of any Credit Party, any guarantor or any other party liable for repayment of the Obligations.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse each Letter of Credit Issuer immediately upon demand by such Letter of Credit Issuer, and in immediately available funds, for any payment or disbursement made by such Letter of Credit Issuer under any Letter of Credit issued by it. Payment shall be made by Borrower with interest on the amount so paid or disbursed by Letter of Credit Issuer from and including the date payment is made under any Letter of Credit to and including the date of payment, at the lesser of (i) the Maximum Lawful Rate, or (ii) the Default Rate. The obligations of Borrower under this paragraph will continue until all Letters of Credit have expired and all reimbursement obligations with respect thereto have been paid in full by Borrower and until all other Obligations shall have been paid in full.

Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse Letter of Credit Issuer upon demand for all amounts paid under Letters of Credit as set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph hereof; provided , however , if Borrower for any reason fails to reimburse Letter of Credit Issuer in full upon demand, Banks shall reimburse Letter of Credit Issuer in accordance with each Banks’ Commitment Percentage for amounts due and unpaid from Borrower as set forth hereinbelow; provided , however , that no such reimbursement made by Banks shall discharge Borrower’s obligations to reimburse Letter of Credit Issuer. All reimbursement amounts payable by any Bank under this Section 2.12 shall include interest thereon at the Federal Funds Rate, from the date of the payment of such amounts by Letter of Credit Issuer to the date of reimbursement by such Bank. No Bank shall be liable for the performance or nonperformance of the obligations of any other Bank under this paragraph. The reimbursement obligations of Banks under this paragraph shall continue after the Termination Date and shall survive termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Papers.

 

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Borrower shall indemnify and hold Administrative Agent, Letter of Credit Issuer and each Bank, and their respective officers, directors, representatives and employees harmless from loss for any claim, demand or liability which may be asserted against any or such indemnified party in connection with actions taken under Letters of Credit or in connection therewith (including losses resulting from the negligence of any or such indemnified party), and shall pay each indemnified party for reasonable fees of attorneys and legal costs paid or incurred by each indemnified party in connection with any matter related to Letters of Credit, except for losses and liabilities incurred as a direct result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnified party, IT BEING THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF THE PARTIES THAT EACH INDEMNIFIED PARTY SHALL BE INDEMNIFIED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS OWN ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE . If Borrower for any reason fails to indemnify or pay Administrative Agent or Letter of Credit Issuer as set forth herein in full, Banks shall indemnify and pay such indemnified party upon demand, in accordance with each Bank’s Commitment Percentage of such amounts due and unpaid from Borrower; provided , however , that , no such payment made by Banks shall discharge Borrower’s obligation to indemnify or pay such indemnified party in accordance with the terms hereof. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Neither Administrative Agent nor any other Letter of Credit Issuer makes any representation or warranty, nor assumes any responsibility with respect to the validity, legality, sufficiency or enforceability of any letter of credit application executed and delivered in connection with any Letter of Credit issued hereunder or any document relative thereto or to the collectibility thereunder. Neither Administrative Agent nor any other Letter of Credit Issuer assumes any responsibility for the financial condition of Borrower or for the performance of any obligation of Borrower. Administrative Agent and each other Letter of Credit Issuer may use its discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any rights, or taking or refraining from taking any action which may be vested in it or which it may be entitled to take or assert with respect to any Letter of Credit or any letter of credit application. FURTHERMORE, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN, NEITHER ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOR ANY OTHER LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER SHALL BE UNDER ANY LIABILITY TO ANY BANK, WITH RESPECT TO ANYTHING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER MAY DO OR REFRAIN FROM DOING IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS JUDGMENT, THE SOLE LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER BEING TO HANDLE EACH BANK’S SHARE ON AS FAVORABLE A BASIS AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER HANDLES ITS OWN SHARE. NEITHER ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOR ANY OTHER LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER SHALL HAVE ANY DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN AND THOSE DUTIES AND LIABILITIES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN. FURTHERMORE, NEITHER ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER, NOR ANY OF THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, OR EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED (WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED IS EXPRESSLY SET

 

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FORTH HEREIN) UNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR UNDER ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, EXCEPT FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT . Neither Administrative Agent nor any other Letter of Credit Issuer shall incur any liability to any Bank, Borrower, or any Affiliate of any Bank or Borrower, in acting upon any notice, document, order, consent, certificate, warrant or other instrument reasonably believed by Administrative Agent or such Letter of Credit Issuer to be genuine or authentic and to be signed by the proper party.

Section 2.13 Method of Requesting Letters of Credit .

(a) In order to request any Letter of Credit hereunder, Borrower shall hand deliver or facsimile to Administrative Agent a duly completed Request for Letter of Credit (herein so called) prior to 12:00 noon (Chicago, Illinois time) at least three (3) Domestic Business Days before the date specified for issuance of such Letter of Credit. Each Request for Letter of Credit shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit L attached hereto, shall be accompanied by the applicable Letter of Credit Issuer’s duly completed and executed letter of credit application and agreement and shall specify:

(i) the requested date for issuance of such Letter of Credit;

(ii) the terms of such requested Letter of Credit, including the name and address of the beneficiary, the stated amount, the expiration date and the conditions under which drafts under such Letter of Credit are to be available; and

(iii) the purpose of such Letter of Credit.

(b) Upon receipt of a Request for Letter of Credit, Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Bank and the proposed Letter of Credit Issuer of the contents thereof, including the amount of the requested Letter of Credit, and such Request for Letter of Credit shall not thereafter be revocable by Borrower.

(c) No later than 12:00 noon (Chicago, Illinois time) on the date each Letter of Credit is requested to be issued, unless Administrative Agent or the applicable Letter of Credit Issuer determines that any applicable condition precedent set forth in Section 6.3 hereof has not been satisfied, Administrative Agent or such other applicable Letter of Credit Issuer will issue and deliver such Letter of Credit pursuant to the instructions of Borrower.

ARTICLE III

GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS

(a) Borrower shall make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Revolving Loan, and all fees payable hereunder shall be paid, not later than 12:00 noon (Chicago, Illinois time) on the date when due, in Federal or other funds immediately available in Chicago, Illinois, to Administrative Agent at its address set forth in Section 14.1 , without defense, set-off, deduction or counterclaim. Administrative Agent will promptly (and if such payment is received by Administrative Agent by 10:00 a.m. (Chicago, Illinois time), and otherwise if reasonably possible, on the same Domestic Business Day) distribute to each Bank its Commitment Percentage of each such payment received by Administrative Agent for the account

 

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of Banks. Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Base Rate Loan or of fees shall be due on a day which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business Day. Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, any portion of any Eurodollar Loan shall be due on a day which is not a Eurodollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Eurodollar Business Day (subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period). If the date for any payment of principal is extended by operation of Law or otherwise, interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time. Borrower hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to charge from time to time against Borrower’s accounts with Administrative Agent any amount then due.

(b) Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, all principal payments received by Banks with respect to the Revolving Loan shall be applied first to Eurodollar Loans outstanding with Interest Periods ending on the date of such payment, then to the Base Rate Loan, and then to Eurodollar Loans next maturing until such principal payment is fully applied.

(c) After the occurrence of an Event of Default, all amounts collected or received by Administrative Agent or any Bank (or its Secured Affiliates, as applicable) shall be applied first to the payment of all proper costs incurred by Administrative Agent in connection with the collection thereof (including reasonable expenses and disbursements of Administrative Agent), second to the payment of all proper costs incurred by Banks in connection with the collection thereof (including reasonable expenses and disbursements of Banks), third to the reimbursement of any advances made by Banks to effect performance of any unperformed covenants of any Credit Party under any of the Loan Papers, fourth to the payment of any unpaid fees required pursuant to Section 2.11 , fifth to the payment of any unpaid fees required pursuant to Section 2.10 and Section 2.12 , sixth , to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest, seventh , to the payment to each Bank of its Commitment Percentage of the outstanding principal of the Revolving Loan and to each Secured Hedge Provider to satisfy all obligations and liabilities then due under Hedge Agreements to the extent constituting Obligations, such payments to be made pro rata to each Bank and each Secured Hedge Provider owed such Obligations in proportion to all such payments owed to all Banks and Secured Hedge Providers in respect of such Obligations, eighth to establish the deposits required in Section 2.12 , and ninth to the payment in respect of any other Obligations. All payments received by a Bank after the occurrence of an Event of Default for application to the principal of the Revolving Loan shall be applied by such Bank in the manner provided in clause (b)  above.

ARTICLE IV

BORROWING BASE

Section 4.1 Reserve Report; Proposed Borrowing Base . The aggregate amount of credit available to Borrower under this Agreement shall be limited by a Borrowing Base (herein so called) which shall be determined by Banks at the times and in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this Article IV . As soon as available and in any event by February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2013, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent and each Bank a Reserve Report prepared as of the immediately preceding December 31 and June 30, respectively. Simultaneously with the delivery to Administrative Agent and each Bank of each Reserve Report, Borrower shall notify Administrative Agent and

 

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each Bank of the amount of the Borrowing Base which Borrower requests become effective on the next Redetermination Date (or such date promptly following such Redetermination Date as Required Banks shall elect).

Section 4.2 Initial Borrowing Base and Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base . For the period from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, the amount of the Borrowing Base shall be Zero Dollars ($0). The amount of the Borrowing Base shall remain at Zero Dollars ($0) until the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, at which time the Borrowing Base will automatically and without further action increase to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowing Base shall be subject to further adjustments from time to time pursuant to this Article IV .

Section 4.3 Scheduled Redeterminations of the Borrowing Base; Procedures and Standards . Based in part on the Reserve Reports made available to Banks pursuant to Section 4.1, Banks shall redetermine the Borrowing Base on or prior to the next Redetermination Date (or such date promptly thereafter as reasonably possible based on the engineering and other information available to Banks). Any Borrowing Base which becomes effective as a result of any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) such Borrowing Base shall not exceed the Borrowing Base requested by Borrower pursuant to Section 4.1 or Section 4.4 (as applicable), (b) such Borrowing Base shall not exceed the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts then in effect, (c) to the extent such Borrowing Base represents an increase from the Borrowing Base in effect prior to such Redetermination, such Borrowing Base shall be approved by all Banks, and (d) to the extent such Borrowing Base represents a decrease in the Borrowing Base in effect prior to such Redetermination, or a reaffirmation of such prior Borrowing Base, such Borrowing Base shall be approved by Required Banks. Each Redetermination shall be made by Banks in their sole discretion. Without limiting such discretion, Borrower acknowledges and agrees that Banks (i) may make such assumptions regarding appropriate existing and projected pricing for Hydrocarbons as they deem appropriate in their sole discretion, (ii) may make such assumptions regarding projected rates and quantities of future production of Hydrocarbons from the Mineral Interests owned by Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries as they deem appropriate in their sole discretion, (iii) may consider the projected cash requirements of the Credit Parties, (iv) are not required to consider any asset other than Proved Mineral Interests owned by Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary which are subject to first and prior Liens in favor of Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of Banks to the extent required by Section 5.1 hereof, and (v) may make such other assumptions, considerations and exclusions as Banks deem appropriate in the exercise of their sole discretion. It is further acknowledged and agreed that, in connection with each Redetermination, each Bank may consider such other credit factors as it deems appropriate including, without limitation, Borrower’s other assets, liabilities, fixed charges, cash flow, business, properties, prospects, management and ownership, hedged and unhedged exposure to price, price and production scenarios, interest rate and operating cost changes, in the exercise of its sole discretion and shall have no obligation in connection with any Redetermination to approve any increase from the Borrowing Base in effect prior to such Redetermination. Promptly following any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base, Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower of the amount of the Borrowing Base as redetermined, which Borrowing Base shall be effective as of the date specified in such notice, and shall remain in effect for all purposes of this Agreement

 

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until the next Redetermination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the initial increase to the Borrowing Base set forth in Section 4.2 shall not be subject to the restrictions and procedures set forth above in this Section 4.3 , but is instead is subject only to satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.2 .

Section 4.4 Special Redetermination .

(a) In addition to Scheduled Redeterminations, (i) Borrower shall be permitted to request a Special Redetermination of the Borrowing Base once in each period between Scheduled Redeterminations, and (ii) Required Banks shall be permitted to request a Special Redetermination of the Borrowing Base once in each Fiscal Year. Any request by Required Banks pursuant to this Section 4.4(a) shall be submitted to Administrative Agent and Borrower. Any request by Borrower pursuant to this Section 4.4(a) shall be submitted to Administrative Agent and each Bank and at the time of such request Borrower shall (A) deliver to Administrative Agent and each Bank a Reserve Report, and (B) also notify Administrative Agent and each Bank of the Borrowing Base requested by Borrower in connection with such Special Redetermination.

(b) Any Special Redetermination shall be made by Banks in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in Section 4.3 ; provided , that , no Reserve Report will be required to be delivered to Administrative Agent and Banks in connection with any Special Redetermination requested by Required Banks pursuant to Section 4.4(a) above.

Section 4.5 Asset Disposition and Hedge Monetization Adjustment . In addition to the Redeterminations pursuant to Section 4.3 and Section 4.4 , Required Banks shall be permitted to redetermine the Borrowing Base in connection with, and simultaneously with, the consummation of an Asset Disposition or Hedge Monetization described in the proviso of Section 9.5 and reduce the Borrowing Base by an amount equal to the Borrowing Base value of the Borrowing Base Properties and Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions which are the subject of such Asset Disposition or Hedge Monetization (which shall be the Borrowing Base value assigned thereto by Administrative Agent and approved by Required Banks). In the event Required Banks elect to redetermine the Borrowing Base in accordance with this Section 4.5 , Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower promptly, but in any event no less than one (1) Domestic Business Day prior to the consummation of the applicable Asset Disposition or Hedge Monetization, of the amount of the Borrowing Base as redetermined, which Borrowing Base shall be effective as of the date specified in such notice, and shall remain in effect for all purposes of this Agreement until the next Redetermination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Borrower agrees that any such Redetermination pursuant to this Section 4.5 shall not be construed or deemed to be a Special Redetermination hereunder.

Section 4.6 Borrowing Base Deficiency . To the extent a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists after giving effect to any Redetermination (other than in connection with a Redetermination pursuant to Section 4.5 hereof), Borrower shall, within ten (10) days following notice thereof from Administrative Agent, provide written notice (the “ Election Notice ”)”) to Administrative Agent stating the action which Borrower proposes to take to remedy such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and Borrower shall thereafter, at its option, either (a) within thirty (30) days following the delivery of the Election Notice, make a prepayment or prepayments of

 

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principal on the Revolving Loan in an amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and if such Borrowing Base Deficiency cannot be eliminated pursuant to this Section 4.6 by prepayment of the Revolving Loan in full (as a result of outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure), Borrower shall also at such time deposit with Administrative Agent sufficient cash to be held by Administrative Agent to secure outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure in the manner contemplated by Section 2.12 as necessary to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, (b) eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency by making three (3) consecutive mandatory prepayments of principal on the Revolving Loan, each of which shall be in the amount of one-third (1/3rd) of the amount of such Borrowing Base Deficiency, commencing on the first Monthly Date following the delivery of the Election Notice, and continuing on each Monthly Date thereafter, (c) within ninety (90) days following the delivery of the Election Notice, submit (and pledge as collateral pursuant to Article V hereof additional oil and gas properties owned by Borrower and its Subsidiaries for consideration in connection with the determination of the Borrowing Base which Administrative Agent and Banks deem sufficient in their sole discretion to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, or (d) eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency through a combination of prepayments on the Revolving Loan and submission of additional oil and gas properties for inclusion in the Borrowing Base as set forth in subclauses (a) and (c) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.5 hereof which results in a Borrowing Base Deficiency (or increase in an existing Borrowing Base Deficiency), Borrower shall immediately make a mandatory prepayment of principal on the Revolving Loan in an amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency.

ARTICLE V

COLLATERAL AND GUARANTEES

Section 5.1 Security .

(a) Commencing on the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, the Obligations shall be secured by first and prior Liens (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) covering and encumbering (i) the Required Reserve Value of all Borrowing Base Properties, together with all related assets and interests, including, without limitation, all operating equipment, accounts, inventory, contract rights, general intangibles and all products, proceeds and other interests relating to the ownership, operation and/or production of such Borrowing Base Properties, (ii) all of the issued and outstanding Equity owned by Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary of each Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) all of the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower and (iv) substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of the Credit Parties. On or prior to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Parent Guarantors, as applicable, shall deliver to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of each Bank, (A) the Mortgages in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent and duly executed by Borrower and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries and (B) such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings, including, without limitation, UCC-1 financing statements (each duly authorized and executed, as applicable) as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect first and prior Liens in all Borrowing Base Properties and other interests of Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Parent Guarantors required by this Section 5.1(a) . Borrower hereby authorizes Administrative Agent, and its agents, successors and assigns, to file any and all

 

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necessary financing statements under the Uniform Commercial Code, assignments or continuation statements as necessary from time to time (in Administrative Agent’s discretion) to perfect (or continue perfection of) the Liens granted pursuant to the Loan Papers.

(b) On or before each Redetermination Date after the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date and at such other times as Administrative Agent or Required Banks shall request or as otherwise required hereunder, including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 4.6 hereof, Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Bank, Mortgages in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent and duly executed by Borrower and any such Restricted Subsidiary (as applicable) together with such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings, including, without limitation, UCC-1 financing statements (each duly authorized and executed) as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect the Liens required by Section 5.1(a) preceding with respect to Borrowing Base Properties acquired by Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries subsequent to the last date on which Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary was required to execute and deliver Mortgages pursuant to this Section 5.1(b) , or which, for any other reason are not the subject of valid, enforceable, perfected first priority Liens (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) in favor of Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of Banks.

(c) Except with respect to Mortgages required to be executed and delivered on on or prior to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, at any time Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is required to execute and deliver Mortgages to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 5.1 , Borrower shall also deliver to Administrative Agent such opinions of counsel (including, if so requested, title opinions addressed to Administrative Agent) and other evidence of title as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to verify (i) Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s title to the Required Reserve Value of the Proved Mineral Interests which are subject to such Mortgages, and (ii) the validity and perfection of the Liens created by such Mortgages and such other matters regarding such Mortgages as Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.

(d) To the extent required or contemplated by the terms of Section 5.1(a)(ii) and (a)(iii), Borrower and any Indirect Restricted Subsidiary and each Parent Guarantor (as applicable) shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent a Borrower Pledge Agreement, Subsidiary Pledge Agreement or Parent Pledge Agreement (as applicable) together with (i) all certificates (or other evidence acceptable to Administrative Agent) evidencing the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary of every class owned by Borrower or such Indirect Restricted Subsidiary or such Parent Guarantor (as applicable) which shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by stock powers executed in blank (as applicable), and (ii) such UCC-1 financing statements as Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect the Liens required by Section 5.1(a)(ii) and (a)(iii) in the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower and each such Restricted Subsidiary.

(e) To the extent required by Section 5.1(a)(iv) , any Credit Party that has not executed and delivered any Mortgages shall enter into such other security agreements or other documents as Administrative Agent may deem necessary or appropriate to grant, evidence and perfect the Liens required by Section 5.1(a)(iv) .

 

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Section 5.2 Guarantees . Payment and performance of the Obligations shall be fully guaranteed by each Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Subsidiary Guaranty, and Borrower shall cause any such applicable Restricted Subsidiary to execute and deliver to Administrative Agent such Subsidiary Guaranty. Payment and performance of the Obligations shall be fully guaranteed by each Parent Guarantor pursuant to a Parent Limited Guaranty, with recourse under each respective Parent Limited Guaranty limited to the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower pledged by such Parent Guarantor to secure the Obligations pursuant to its respective Parent Pledge Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

Section 6.1 Conditions to Closing . This Agreement shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 14.5 ):

(a) Closing Date Deliveries . Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following documents, instruments and agreements, each of which shall be in form and substance and executed in such counterparts as shall be reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent and each Bank:

(i) a Note payable to each Bank (if any) requesting same pursuant to Section 2.3 , each in the amount of such Bank’s Maximum Credit Amount, duly executed by Borrower;

(ii) a copy of the Initial Reserve Report;

(iii) a true, correct and complete copy of the executed Delta/Laramie Contribution Agreement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto;

(iv) a copy of the articles or certificate of incorporation, certificate of organization, or comparable charter documents, and all amendments thereto, of Borrower accompanied by a certificate that such copy is true, correct and complete, and dated within twenty (20) days prior to the Closing Date (or within such other period as acceptable to Administrative Agent), issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of Borrower, and accompanied by a certificate of the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of Borrower that such copy is true, correct and complete;

(v) a copy of the bylaws, regulations, operating agreement or comparable charter documents, and all amendments thereto, of Borrower accompanied by a certificate of the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of Borrower that such copy is true, correct and complete;

(vi) certain certificates and other documents issued by the appropriate Governmental Authorities of such jurisdictions as Administrative Agent has requested relating to the existence of Borrower and to the effect that Borrower is in good standing with respect to the payment of franchise and similar Taxes and is duly qualified to transact business in such jurisdictions;

 

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(vii) a certificate of incumbency of all officers of Borrower who will be authorized to execute or attest to any Loan Paper, executed by the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of each such Credit Party;

(viii) copies of resolutions or comparable authorizations approving the Loan Papers to be delivered on or before the Closing Date and authorizing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Papers to be delivered on or before the Closing Date, duly adopted by the members or board of managers (or comparable authority) of Borrower accompanied by certificates of the Secretary or comparable officer of Borrower that such copies are true and correct copies of resolutions duly adopted at a meeting of or (if permitted by applicable Law and, if required by such Law, by the bylaws or comparable charter documents of Borrower) by the unanimous written consent of the members or board of managers (or comparable authority) of Borrower, and that such resolutions constitute all the resolutions adopted with respect to such transactions, have not been amended, modified, or revoked in any respect, and are in full force and effect;

(ix) a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of Borrower certifying that Borrower has received all consents, approvals, registrations or filings required by Section 7.2 and that each such consent, approval, registration and filing is in full force and effect, together with copies of each such consent, approval, registration or filing; and

(x) a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of Borrower certifying that the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers are true and correct in all respects.

(b) Fees . Borrower shall have paid to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of each Bank, and shall have paid to Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (for its own account), the fees to be paid on or before the Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.11 .

Section 6.2 Conditions to Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base and Initial Borrowing . The increase of the Borrowing Base from the Initial Borrowing Base to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Borrowing Base, and the obligation of each Bank to make the initial Revolving Loans and of the Letter of Credit Issuer 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 14.5 ) (the “ Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date ”):

(a) Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date Deliveries . Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following documents, instruments and agreements, each of which shall be in form and substance and executed in such counterparts as shall be reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent and each Bank:

(i) the Mortgages required pursuant to Section 5.1(a) , duly executed and delivered by Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, as applicable, together with

 

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such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings, including, without limitation, UCC-1 financing statements, tax affidavits and applicable department of revenue documentation, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, creating first and prior Liens in Borrowing Base Properties constituting the Required Reserve Value;

(ii) each Subsidiary Guaranty and each Parent Limited Guaranty required pursuant to Section 5.2, duly executed by and delivered by each Restricted Subsidiary and each Parent Guarantor, as applicable, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent;

(iii) the Borrower Pledge Agreement, the Subsidiary Pledge Agreements and the Parent Pledge Agreements required pursuant to Section 5.1, duly executed by and delivered by Borrower, each Restricted Subsidiary and each Parent Guarantor, as applicable, together with such other assignments, conveyances, amendments, agreements and other writings, including, without limitation, UCC-1 financing statements, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent;

(iv) such financing statements (including, without limitation, the financing statements referenced in subclauses (i) and (iii) above) in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent (duly authorized) as Administrative Agent shall specify to fully evidence and perfect all Liens contemplated by the Loan Papers, all of which shall be filed of record in such jurisdictions as Administrative Agent shall require in its sole discretion;

(v) a copy of the articles or certificate of incorporation, certificate of organization, or comparable charter documents, and all amendments thereto, of each Credit Party and each Parent Guarantor accompanied by a certificate that such copy is true, correct and complete, as of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date (or within such other period as acceptable to Administrative Agent), issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each such Credit Party or Parent Guarantor, and accompanied by a certificate of the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of each such Credit Party or Parent Guarantor that such copy is true, correct and complete on the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date;

(vi) a copy of the bylaws, regulations or comparable charter documents, and all amendments thereto, of each Credit Party and Parent Guarantor accompanied by a certificate of the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of each such Credit Party or Parent Guarantor that such copy is true, correct and complete as of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date;

(vii) certain certificates and other documents issued by the appropriate Governmental Authorities of such jurisdictions as Administrative Agent has requested relating to the existence of each Credit Party and Parent Guarantor and to the effect that each such Credit Party and Parent Guarantor is in good standing with respect to the payment of franchise and similar Taxes and is duly qualified to transact business in such jurisdictions;

 

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(viii) a certificate of incumbency of all officers of each Credit Party and Parent Guarantor who will be authorized to execute or attest to any Loan Paper, dated the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, executed by the Secretary or comparable Authorized Officer of each such Credit Party and Parent Guarantor;

(ix) copies of resolutions or comparable authorizations approving the Loan Papers and authorizing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Papers, duly adopted by the members or board of managers (or comparable authority) of each of the Credit Parties and the Parent Guarantors accompanied by certificates of the Secretary or comparable officer of each of the Credit Parties and Parent Guarantors, as applicable, that such copies are true and correct copies of resolutions duly adopted at a meeting of or (if permitted by applicable Law and, if required by such Law, by the bylaws or comparable charter documents of such Credit Party or Parent Guarantor) by the unanimous written consent of the members or board of managers (or comparable authority) of each of the Credit Parties and Parent Guarantors, as applicable, and that such resolutions constitute all the resolutions adopted with respect to such transactions, have not been amended, modified, or revoked in any respect, and are in full force and effect as of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date;

(x) a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of Borrower certifying that (A) Borrower, Laramie and Delta are concurrently consummating the Delta/Laramie Transaction in accordance with all Laws and the terms of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents (with all material conditions precedent thereto having been satisfied in all material respects by the parties thereto and with no provision of any such Delta/Laramie Transaction Document having been waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in any respect that would be materially adverse to the Banks without the approval of Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion) and Borrower is acquiring all of the Mineral Interests and other properties contemplated by the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents (which shall include all of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties) and (B) attached thereto are true and complete executed copies of each of the material Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents, which Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents shall have terms and conditions satisfactory to Administrative Agent;

(xi) (A) opinions of counsel to (1) the Credit Parties and Laramie and (2) Delta, favorably opining as to the enforceability of each of the Loan Papers (including, without limitation, this Agreement) to which such Credit Party or Parent Guarantor, as applicable, is a party and (B) opinions of local counsel in such jurisdictions as requested by Administrative Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Banks;

(xii) a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of each Credit Party and each Parent Guarantor certifying that such party has received all consents, approvals, registrations or filings required by Section 7.2 (or in the case of each Parent Guarantor, as required pursuant to its Parent Limited Guaranty) and that each such consent, approval, registration and filing is in full force and effect as of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, together with copies of each such consent, approval, registration or filing;

 

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(xiii) a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of Borrower and the other Credit Parties certifying that (A) the representations and warranties made by such party and contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers, as applicable, are true and correct in all respects, and (B) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(xiv) A Reserve Report prepared by an Approved Petroleum Engineer covering all Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties constituting Mineral Interests in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, which shall be delivered to Administrative Agent at least ten (10) Domestic Business Days prior to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date (or such later date prior to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date as is acceptable to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion);

(xv) such title information as Administrative Agent may reasonably require setting forth the status of title to at least 80% of the Recognized Value of the Mineral Interests evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.

(xvi) a Certificate of Ownership Interests signed by an Authorized Officer of Borrower in the form of Exhibit H attached hereto;

(xvii) copies of all environmental reports in Borrower’s or any Parent Guarantor’s files (or otherwise reasonably available to Borrower or any Parent Guarantor) pertaining to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties and Borrower’s operations, which report(s) shall not reflect the existence of facts or circumstances which would constitute a material violation of any Applicable Environmental Law or which are likely to result in a material liability to any Credit Party, and Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the environmental condition of the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties;

(xviii) the Pro Forma Opening Statements, together with such information as Administrative Agent may reasonably request to confirm the tax, legal and business assumptions made in such Pro Forma Opening Statements, demonstrating in the reasonable judgment of Administrative Agent, together with all other information then available to Administrative Agent, that the ability of Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with their obligations hereunder and under the Loan Papers has not changed in any material respects; and

(xix) certificates from Borrower’s insurance broker setting forth the insurance maintained by Borrower and stating that such insurance is in full force and effect, and which certificates shall evidence that such insurance complies with the requirements of Section 8.6 .

(b) No Material Adverse Change . No Material Adverse Change shall have occurred.

(c) Bankruptcy Court Approval . The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered an order, in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent, authorizing and approving the Delta/Laramie Transaction, the consummation thereof, and Delta’s execution and delivery of the Parent Limited Guaranty and its Parent Pledge Agreement, which order shall not be subject to any unexpired stay arising under Law or entered by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court having jurisdiction to enter such stay.

 

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(d) No Legal Prohibition . The transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the other Loan Papers and the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents shall be permitted by applicable Law and regulation and shall not subject any Agent or any Bank to any material adverse change in its assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations or prospects or subject any Credit Party to a Material Adverse Change.

(e) No Litigation . No litigation, arbitration, investigation or similar proceeding shall be pending or threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority which (i) could reasonably be expected to, if adversely determined, affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the other Loan Papers, and/or the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents, or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Equity Ownership; Capital Structure . Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the capitalization, structure and Equity ownership of Borrower and each Guarantor after giving effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction.

(g) Lien Releases . Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, concurrently with the funding of the initial Revolving Loans under this Agreement, that all Liens encumbering the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties will be released (other than Permitted Encumbrances).

(h) Fees . Borrower shall have paid to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of each Bank, and shall have paid to Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (for its own account), the fees, if any, to be paid on or before the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.11 .

(i) Other Matters . All matters related to this Agreement, the other Loan Papers, the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents and the Credit Parties shall be acceptable to each Bank in its sole discretion, and each Credit Party shall have delivered to Administrative Agent and each Bank such evidence as they shall request to substantiate any matters related to this Agreement, the other Loan Papers and the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents as Administrative Agent or any Bank shall request.

Section 6.3 Conditions to Each Borrowing and Each Letter of Credit . The obligation of each Bank to loan its Commitment Percentage of each Borrowing and the obligation of any Letter of Credit Issuer to issue, extend, amend or renew any Letter of Credit on the date such Letter of Credit is to be issued, extended, amended or renewed is subject to the further satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) timely receipt by Administrative Agent of a Request for Borrowing or a Request for Letter of Credit (as applicable);

(b) immediately before and after giving effect to such Borrowing or issuance of such Letter of Credit, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the funding of such Borrowing or the issuance of the requested Letter of Credit (as applicable) shall not cause a Default or Event of Default;

 

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(c) the representations and warranties of each Credit Party and Parent Guarantor contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing or issuance of such Letter of Credit (as applicable);

(d) the amount of the requested Borrowing or the amount of the requested Letter of Credit (as applicable) shall not exceed the Availability;

(e) no Material Adverse Change shall have occurred; and

(f) the funding of such Borrowing or the issuance, extension, amendment or renewal of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, would not conflict with, or cause any Bank or the Letter of Credit Issuer to violate or exceed, any applicable Law, and no litigation shall be pending or threatened, which does or, with respect to any threatened litigation, seeks to, enjoin, prohibit or restrain, the making or repayment of any Borrowing, the issuance, extension, amendment, renewal or repayment of any Letter of Credit or any participations therein or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Paper.

The funding of each Borrowing and the issuance of each Letter of Credit hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date of such Borrowing and the date of issuance of each Letter of Credit as to the facts specified in Section 6.3(b) through (e) .

Section 6.4 Materiality of Conditions . Each condition precedent herein is material to the transactions contemplated herein, and time is of the essence in respect of each thereof.

ARTICLE VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and each Bank that each of the following statements is true and correct on the date hereof, will be true and correct on the Closing Date, on the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date (after giving effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction) and on the occasion of each Borrowing and the issuance of each Letter of Credit:

Section 7.1 Corporate Existence and Power . Each Credit Party (a) is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company duly incorporated or organized (as applicable), validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, (b) has all corporate, partnership or limited liability company power (as applicable) and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its businesses as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, and (c) is duly qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation, partnership or limited liability company (as applicable) in each jurisdiction where a failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.2 Credit Party and Governmental Authorization; Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Papers by each Credit

 

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Party (to the extent each Credit Party is a party to this Agreement and such Loan Papers) (a) are within such Credit Party’s corporate, partnership or limited liability company powers (as applicable), (b) when executed will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership or limited liability company action (as applicable), (c) require no consent or approval of, action by or in respect of, or registration or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person (except for filings and recordings to perfect Liens granted pursuant to such Loan Papers) except such as have been obtained or made, and (d) do not contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable Law (including, without limitation, the Margin Regulations) or of the articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws, regulations, partnership agreement or comparable charter documents of any Credit Party or of any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon any Credit Party or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of any Credit Party other than the Liens securing the Obligations.

Section 7.3 Binding Effect . This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Borrower; the other Loan Papers when executed and delivered in accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of each Credit Party executing the same; and each Loan Paper is, or when executed and delivered, will be, enforceable against each Credit Party which executes the same in accordance with its terms except as (a) the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws affecting creditors rights generally, and (b) the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability.

Section 7.4 Financial Information .

(a) Borrower has previously delivered to Banks the Pre-Closing Date Projections, which (i) give effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction and accurately reflect all adjustments required to be made to give effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction, (ii) have been prepared in good faith by Borrower, based on the assumptions stated therein (which assumptions are believed by the Credit Parties on the Closing Date to be reasonable) and (iii) present fairly, in all material respects the pro forma consolidated financial position and results of operations of Borrower as of such date and for such periods, assuming the Delta/Laramie Transaction occurs on the date assumed in such projections.

(b) The Pro Forma Opening Statements (i) give effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction and accurately reflect all adjustments required to be made to give effect to the Delta/Laramie Transaction, (ii) have been prepared in good faith by Borrower, based on the assumptions stated therein (which assumptions are believed by the Credit Parties on the Closing Date to be reasonable) and (iii) present fairly, in all material respects the pro forma consolidated financial position and results of operations of Borrower as of such date and for such periods, assuming the Delta/Laramie Transaction occurs on the date assumed in such projections.

(c) The most recent annual audited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended, copies of which have been delivered to each Bank, fairly present, in conformity with GAAP, the consolidated financial position of Borrower as of the end of such Fiscal Year and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for such Fiscal Year.

 

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(d) The most recent quarterly unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower delivered to Banks, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year then ended, fairly present, in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the financial statements referred to in Section 7.4 , the consolidated financial position of Borrower as of such date and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for such portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year.

(e) Since the date on which Borrower was duly formed as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware, there has been no material adverse change in the assets, liabilities, financial position, results of operations or prospects of Borrower, individually, or the Credit Parties, taken as a whole.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Borrower shall not be required to make, or be deemed to have made, the representations and warranties set forth (i) in the foregoing clause (b) prior to the deliver by Borrower of the Pro Forma Opening Statements to Banks, (ii) in the foregoing clause (c) until the first date on which any audited annual financial statements are delivered by Borrower pursuant to Section 8.1(a) , or (iii) in the foregoing clause (d) until the first date on which unaudited quarterly financial statements are delivered by Borrower pursuant to Section 8.1(b) .

Section 7.5 Litigation . Except for matters disclosed on Schedule 7.5 attached hereto, there is no action, suit or proceeding pending against, or to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened against or affecting any Credit Party before any Governmental Authority in which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or which could in any manner draw into question the validity of the Loan Papers.

Section 7.6 ERISA . No Credit Party maintains or has ever maintained or been obligated to contribute to any Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the funding requirements of section 412 of the Code or section 302 of ERISA. Each Plan maintained by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any Credit Party is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws. Except in such instances where an omission or failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) all returns, reports and notices required to be filed with any regulatory agency with respect to any Plan have been filed timely, and (b) no Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate of any Credit Party has failed to make any contribution or pay any amount due or owing as required by the terms of any Plan. There are no pending or, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, threatened claims, lawsuits, investigations or actions (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course) asserted or instituted against, and no Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate of any Credit Party has knowledge of any threatened litigation or claims against, the assets of any Plan or its related trust or against any fiduciary of a Plan with respect to the operation of such Plan that are likely to result in liability of any Credit Party having a Material Adverse Effect. Except in such instances where an omission or failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan that is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of section 401(a) of the Code is, and has been during the period from its adoption to date, so qualified, both as to form and operation and all necessary governmental approvals, including a favorable determination as to the qualification under the Code of such Plan and each amendment thereto, have been or will be timely obtained. No Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate of any

 

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Credit Party has engaged in any prohibited transactions, within the meaning of section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, in connection with any Plan which would result in liability of any Credit Party having a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.6 attached hereto, no Credit Party maintains or contributes to any Plan that provides a post-employment health benefit, other than a benefit required under section 601 of ERISA, or maintains or contributes to a Plan that provides health benefits that is not fully funded except where the failure to fully fund such Plan could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Credit Party maintains, has established or has ever participated in a multiple employer welfare benefit arrangement within the meaning of section 3(40)(A) of ERISA.

Section 7.7 Taxes and Filing of Tax Returns . Each Credit Party has filed all tax returns required to have been filed and has paid all Taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns, including interest and penalties, and all other Taxes which are payable by such party, to the extent the same have become due and payable, other than Taxes with respect to which a failure to pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No Credit Party knows of any proposed material Tax assessment against it and all Tax liabilities of each Credit Party are adequately provided for. No income tax liability of any Credit Party has been asserted by the Internal Revenue Service or other Governmental Authority for Taxes in excess of those already paid.

Section 7.8 Ownership of Properties Generally . Except for Immaterial Title Deficiencies and Permitted Encumbrances, each Credit Party has good and defensible title to all material properties and assets purported to be owned by it, including, without limitation, all assets reflected in the balance sheets referred to in Section 7.4(a) and Section 7.4(b) and all assets which are used by the Credit Parties in the operation of their respective businesses, and none of such properties or assets is subject to any Lien other than Permitted Encumbrances.

Section 7.9 Mineral Interests . Borrower has, or upon consummation of the Delta/Laramie Transaction will have, good and defensible title to all Mineral Interests described in the most recently delivered Reserve Report, including, without limitation, all Borrowing Base Properties, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Encumbrances and Immaterial Title Deficiencies. With the exception of Immaterial Title Deficiencies, all such Mineral Interests are valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect, and all rentals, royalties, and other amounts due and payable in respect thereof have been duly paid. Without regard to any consent or non-consent provisions of any joint operating agreement covering any of Borrower’s Proved Mineral Interests, and with the exception of Immaterial Title Deficiencies, Borrower’s share of (a) the costs for each Proved Mineral Interest described in the Reserve Report is not greater than the decimal fraction set forth in the Reserve Report, before and after payout, as the case may be, and described therein by the respective designations “working interests,” “WI,” “gross working interest,” “GWI,” or similar terms, and (b) production from, allocated to, or attributed to each such Proved Mineral Interest is not less than the decimal fraction set forth in the Reserve Report, before and after payout, as the case may be, and described therein by the designations “net revenue interest,” “NRI,” or similar terms. Each well drilled in respect of each Proved Producing Mineral Interest described in the Reserve Report (i) capable of, and is presently, producing Hydrocarbons in commercially profitable quantities, and Borrower is currently receiving payments for its share of production, with no funds in respect of any thereof being presently held in suspense, other than any such funds being held in suspense pending delivery of appropriate division orders, and (ii) has been drilled, bottomed, completed, and operated in compliance with

 

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all applicable Laws and no such well which is currently producing Hydrocarbons is subject to any penalty in production by reason of such well having produced in excess of its allowable production.

Section 7.10 Licenses, Permits, Etc. Except as disclosed on Schedule 7.10 attached hereto, each Credit Party possesses such valid franchises, certificates of convenience and necessity, operating rights, licenses, permits, consents, authorizations, exemptions and orders of Governmental Authorities, as are necessary to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, except to the extent a failure to obtain any such item would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.11 Compliance with Law . The business and operations of each Credit Party have been and are being conducted in accordance with all applicable Laws other than violations of Laws which do not (either individually or collectively) have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.12 Full Disclosure . All information heretofore furnished by each Credit Party to Administrative Agent or any Bank for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, any Loan Paper or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, and all such information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of any Credit Party to Administrative Agent or any Bank will be, true, complete and accurate in every material respect. The Credit Parties have disclosed or have caused to be disclosed to Banks in writing any and all facts which might reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 7.13 Organizational Structure; Nature of Business . As of the Closing Date, Borrower has no Subsidiaries. Borrower is primarily engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring, developing and operating Mineral Interests and the production, processing and marketing of Hydrocarbons therefrom and related activities. Schedule 7.13 attached hereto (as the same may be updated from time to time in writing by Borrower to Administrative Agent) accurately reflects (a) the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each Credit Party, (b) each jurisdiction in which each Credit Party is qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation, foreign partnership or foreign limited liability company, (c) the authorized, issued and outstanding Equity of each Credit Party and the owner thereof, and (d) all outstanding warrants, options, subscription rights, convertible securities or other rights to purchase Equity of each Credit Party.

Section 7.14 Environmental Matters . Except for matters disclosed on Schedule 7.14 attached hereto, no operation conducted by any Credit Party and no real or personal property now or previously owned or leased by any Credit Party (including, without limitation, any Credit Party’s Mineral Interests) and no operations conducted thereon, and to any Credit Parties’ knowledge, no operations of any prior owner, lessee or operator of any such properties, is or has been in violation of any Applicable Environmental Law other than violations which neither individually nor in the aggregate will have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for matters disclosed on Schedule 7.14 attached hereto, no Credit Party, nor any such property nor operation is the subject of any existing, pending or, to any Credit Parties’ knowledge, threatened Environmental Complaint which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. All notices, permits, licenses, and similar authorizations, required to be obtained or filed in connection with the ownership of each tract of real property or operations of any Credit Party

 

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thereon and each item of personal property owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party, including, without limitation, notices, licenses, permits and authorizations required in connection with any past or present treatment, storage, disposal, or release of Hazardous Substances into the environment, have been duly obtained or filed except to the extent the failure to obtain or file such notices, licenses, permits and authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All Hazardous Substances, generated at each tract of real property and by each item of personal property owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party have been transported, treated, and disposed of only by carriers or facilities maintaining valid permits under RCRA (as hereinafter defined) and all other Applicable Environmental Laws for the conduct of such activities except in such cases where the failure to obtain such permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for matters disclosed on Schedule 7.14 attached hereto, there have been no Hazardous Discharges which were not in compliance with Applicable Environmental Laws other than Hazardous Discharges which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for matters disclosed on Schedule 7.14 attached hereto, no Credit Party has any contingent liability in connection with any Hazardous Discharge which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Section 7.14 , the term “ RCRA ” shall mean the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended by the Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980, the Solid Waste Recovery Act of 1976, as amended by the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1980, and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, as the same may be further amended and in effect from time to time.

Section 7.15 Burdensome Obligations . No Credit Party, nor any of the properties of any Credit Party, is subject to any Law or any pending or, to Borrower’s knowledge, threatened change of Law or subject to any restriction under its articles (or certificate) of incorporation, bylaws, regulations, partnership agreement or comparable charter documents or under any agreement or instrument to which any Credit Party or by which any Credit Party or any of their properties may be subject or bound, which is so unusual or burdensome as to be likely in the foreseeable future to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the foregoing, no Credit Party is a party to or bound by any agreement (other than the Loan Papers) or subject to any order of any Governmental Authority which prohibits or restricts in any way the right of such Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary to make Distributions.

Section 7.16 Fiscal Year . Borrower’s Fiscal Year is January 1 through December 31.

Section 7.17 No Default . Neither a Default nor an Event of Default has occurred or will exist after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Papers.

Section 7.18 Government Regulation . No Credit Party is subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, the Interstate Commerce Act (as any of the preceding acts have been amended), the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any other Law which regulates the incurring by such Credit Party of Debt, including, but not limited to Laws relating to common contract carriers or the sale of electricity, gas, steam, water or other public utility services.

Section 7.19 Insider . No Credit Party is, and no Person having “control” (as that term is defined in 12 U.S.C. section 375(b) or regulations promulgated thereunder) of any Credit Party is an “executive officer,” “director” or “shareholder” of any Bank or any bank holding company of which any Bank is a Subsidiary or of any Subsidiary of such bank holding company.

 

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Section 7.20 Gas Balancing Agreements and Advance Payment Contracts . On the date of this Agreement, (a) there is no Material Gas Imbalance, and (b) the aggregate amount of all Advance Payments received by any Credit Party under Advance Payment Contracts which have not been satisfied by delivery of production does not exceed $1,000,000.

Section 7.21 Insurance . Borrower has, and has caused all of its Restricted Subsidiaries to have, (a) all insurance policies sufficient for the compliance by each of them with all material Laws and all material agreements including, without limitation, Flood Insurance, if required and (b) insurance coverage in at least amounts and against such risk (including, without limitation, public liability) that are usually insured against by companies similarly situated and engaged in the same or a similar business for the assets and operations of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries. Administrative Agent and the Banks have been named as additional insureds in respect of such liability insurance policies and Administrative Agent has been named as loss payee with respect to property loss insurance. No Credit Party owns any material Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation) or material Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation) for which such Credit Party has not delivered to Administrative Agent evidence reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent that (a) such Credit Party maintains Flood Insurance for such Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home or (b) such Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Section 7.22 Foreign Corrupt Practices . Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a material violation by such Persons of the FCPA, including without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA; and, Borrower, its Subsidiaries and its and their Affiliates have conducted their business in material compliance with the FCPA.

Section 7.23 OFAC . Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is currently subject to any material United States sanctions administered by OFAC, and Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds from the Revolving Loans or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Bank has any commitment to lend or participate in Letter of Credit Exposure hereunder or any amount payable under any Revolving Loan remains unpaid or any Letter of Credit remains outstanding:

Section 8.1 Information . Borrower will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to each Bank:

(a) as soon as available and in any event within one-hundred and twenty (120) days (or, if Borrower becomes an SEC reporting company, such shorter time as required to be filed with the SEC) after the end of each Fiscal Year, consolidated balance sheets of Borrower as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flow for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported by Borrower in accordance with GAAP and audited by a firm of independent public accountants of nationally recognized standing and acceptable to Administrative Agent;

(b) as soon as available and in any event within sixty (60) days (or, if Borrower becomes an SEC reporting company, such shorter time as required to be filed with the SEC) after the end of each of the first three (3) Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year, consolidated balance sheets of Borrower as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flow for such quarter and for the portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year ended at the end of such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding quarter and the corresponding portion of Borrower’s previous Fiscal Year; all financial statements delivered pursuant to this Section 8.1(b) shall be certified as to fairness of presentation, GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes and normal year end adjustments) and consistency by a Financial Officer of Borrower;

(c) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial statements referred to in Section 8.1(a) and Section 8.1(b) a certificate of the Financial Officer of Borrower in the form of Exhibit I attached hereto, (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required to establish whether Borrower was in compliance with the requirements of Article X on the date of such financial statements, (ii) stating whether there exists on the date of such certificate any Default and, if any Default then exists, setting forth the details thereof and the action which Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, (iii) stating whether or not such financial statements fairly reflect in all material respects the results of operations and financial condition of Borrower as of the date of the delivery of such financial statements and for the period covered thereby, (iv) setting forth (A) whether as of such date there is a Material Gas Imbalance and, if so, setting forth the amount of net gas imbalances under Gas Balancing Agreements to which Borrower is a party or by which any Mineral Interests owned by Borrower is bound, and (B) the aggregate amount of all Advance Payments received under Advance Payment Contracts to which Borrower is a party or by which any Mineral Interests owned by Borrower is bound which have not been satisfied by delivery of production, if any, (v) setting forth a summary of the Hedge Transactions to which Borrower is a party on such date, and (vi) setting forth the other information described in Exhibit I attached hereto;

 

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(d) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all final registration statements, post effective amendments thereto and annual, quarterly or special reports which any Credit Party shall have filed with the SEC;

(e) promptly upon receipt of same, any notice or other information received by any Credit Party indicating (i) any potential, actual or alleged non-compliance with or violation of the requirements of any Applicable Environmental Law which could result in liability to any Credit Party for fines, clean up or any other remediation obligations or any other liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate; (ii) any threatened Hazardous Discharge which Hazardous Discharge would impose on any Credit Party a duty to report to a Governmental Authority or to pay cleanup costs or to take remedial action under any Applicable Environmental Law which could result in liability to any Credit Party for fines, clean up and other remediation obligations or any other liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate; or (iii) the existence of any Lien arising under any Applicable Environmental Law securing any obligation to pay fines, clean up or other remediation costs or any other liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate. Without limiting the foregoing, each Credit Party shall provide to Banks promptly upon receipt of same by any Credit Party copies of all environmental consultants or engineers reports received by any Credit Party which would render the representation and warranty contained in Section 7.14 untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

(f) in the event any notification is provided to any Bank or Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1(e) hereof or Administrative Agent or any Bank otherwise learns of any event or condition under which any such notice would be required, then, upon request of Required Banks, Borrower shall within thirty (30) days of such request, cause to be furnished to Administrative Agent and each Bank a report by an environmental consulting firm acceptable to Administrative Agent and Required Banks, stating that a review of such event, condition or circumstance has been undertaken (the scope of which shall be acceptable to Administrative Agent and Required Banks) and detailing the findings, conclusions and recommendations of such consultant. Borrower shall bear all expenses and costs associated with such review and updates thereof;

(g) immediately upon any Authorized Officer of any Credit Party becoming aware of the occurrence of any Default, a certificate of an Authorized Officer of Borrower setting forth the details thereof and the action which Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(h) no later than February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2013, reports of production volumes, revenue, expenses and product prices for all oil and gas properties owned by Borrower with a Recognized Value of $250,000 or more for the periods of six (6) months ending the preceding December 31 and June 30, respectively. Such reports shall be prepared on an accrual basis and shall be reported on a field by field basis;

(i) promptly notify Banks of any Material Adverse Change;

(j) promptly notify Banks of any material litigation involving any Credit Party or, to the extent of Borrower’s knowledge, any Parent Guarantor;

 

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(k) promptly notify Banks of any change in Borrower’s Fiscal Year from that reflected in Section 7.16 hereof; and

(l) from time to time such additional information regarding the financial position or business of any Credit Party as Administrative Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.

Section 8.2 Business of Credit Parties . The primary business of the Credit Parties will be (and will continue to be) the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of Mineral Interests and the production, processing and marketing of Hydrocarbons therefrom and related activities.

Section 8.3 Maintenance of Existence . Borrower shall, and shall cause each other Credit Party to, at all times (a) maintain its corporate, partnership or limited liability company existence in its state of incorporation or organization, and (b) maintain its good standing and qualification to transact business in all jurisdictions where the failure to maintain good standing or qualification to transact business could have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.4 Title Data . In addition to the title information required by Section 5.1(c) hereof, Borrower shall, upon the request of Required Banks, cause to be delivered to Administrative Agent such title opinions and other information regarding title to Mineral Interests owned by Borrower as are appropriate to determine the status thereof.

Section 8.5 Right of Inspection . Borrower will permit, and will cause each other Credit Party to permit, any officer, employee or agent of Administrative Agent to visit and inspect any of the assets of any Credit Party, examine each Credit Party’s books of record and accounts, take copies and extracts therefrom, and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of each Credit Party with such Credit Party’s officers, accountants and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as Administrative Agent may desire, all at the expense of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the oil and gas properties and assets of the Credit Parties which are now or may hereafter be operated by operators other than a Credit Party, Borrower and the other Credit Parties shall only be obligated to comply with the provisions of this Section 8.5 relative to such assets to the extent Borrower or such Credit Party is authorized to do so.

Section 8.6 Maintenance of Insurance . Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, at all times maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as are customarily maintained by businesses similarly situated, including, without limitation, the following: (a) workmen’s compensation insurance; (b) employer’s liability insurance; (c) comprehensive general public liability and property damage insurance; (d) insurance against (other than losses or damage to property owned by Borrower which is self insured) losses customarily insured against as a result of damage by fire, lightning, hail, tornado, explosion and other similar risk; (e) as applicable and only to the extent Borrower now or hereafter owns any vehicles, comprehensive automobile liability insurance; (f) such other insurance necessary to comply with Law including, without limitation, Flood Insurance, if required. All loss payable clauses or provisions in all policies of insurance of the type described in clauses (c) and (d)

 

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above maintained by any Credit Party pursuant to this Section 8.6 shall be endorsed in favor of and made payable to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of Banks, as their interests may appear. Administrative Agent shall, during the continuance of an Event of Default, have the right, for the ratable benefit of Banks, to collect, and Borrower hereby assigns to Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of Banks (and hereby agrees to cause each other Credit Party to assign), any and all monies that may become payable under any such policies of insurance by reason of damage, loss or destruction of any of property which stands as security for the Obligations or any part thereof, and Administrative Agent may, during the continuance of an Event of Default, at its election, either apply for the ratable benefit of Banks all or any part of the sums so collected toward payment of the Obligations, whether or not such Obligations are then due and payable, in such manner as Administrative Agent may elect or release same to the applicable Credit Party.

Section 8.7 Payment of Taxes and Claims . Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, pay (a) all Taxes imposed upon it or any of its assets or with respect to any of its franchises, business, income or profits before any material penalty or interest accrues thereon, and (b) all material claims (including, without limitation, claims for labor, services, materials and supplies) for sums which have become due and payable and which by Law have or might become a Lien (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on any of its assets; provided , however , no payment of Taxes or claims shall be required if (i) the amount, applicability or validity thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate action promptly initiated and diligently conducted in accordance with good business practices and no material part of the property or assets of Borrower, and no part of the assets of any Subsidiary of Borrower which would be material to Borrower, is subject to any pending levy or execution, (ii) Borrower, and any Subsidiary of Borrower, as and to the extent required in accordance with GAAP, shall have set aside on their books reserves (segregated to the extent required by GAAP) deemed by them to be adequate with respect thereto, and (iii) Borrower has notified Administrative Agent of such circumstances, in detail satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Section 8.8 Compliance with Laws and Documents . Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, comply with all Laws, their respective certificates (or articles) of incorporation, bylaws, regulations and similar organizational documents and all Material Agreements to which any Credit Party is a party, if a violation, alone or when combined with all other such violations, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.9 Operation of Properties and Equipment .

(a) Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, maintain, develop and operate its Mineral Interests in a good and workmanlike manner, and observe and comply with all of the terms and provisions, express or implied, of all oil and gas leases relating to such Mineral Interests so long as such Mineral Interests are capable of producing Hydrocarbons and accompanying elements in paying quantities, except where such failure to maintain, develop, operate, observe or comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, comply in all respects with all contracts and agreements applicable to or relating to its Mineral Interest or the production and sale of Hydrocarbons and accompanying elements therefrom, except to the extent a failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(c) Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, at all times maintain, preserve and keep all operating equipment used with respect to its Mineral Interests in proper repair, working order and condition, and make all necessary or appropriate repairs, renewals, replacements, additions and improvements thereto so that the efficiency of such operating equipment shall at all times be properly preserved and maintained, except where such failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided , further that , no item of operating equipment need be so repaired, renewed, replaced, added to or improved, if Borrower shall in good faith determine that such action is not necessary or desirable for the continued efficient and profitable operation of the business of such Credit Party.

Section 8.10 Environmental Law Compliance . Except to the extent a failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, comply with all Applicable Environmental Laws, including, without limitation, (a) all licensing, permitting, notification and similar requirements of Applicable Environmental Laws, and (b) all provisions of all Applicable Environmental Laws regarding storage, discharge, release, transportation, treatment and disposal of Hazardous Substances. Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, promptly pay and discharge when due all legal debts, claims, liabilities and obligations with respect to any clean-up or remediation measures necessary to comply with Applicable Environmental Laws.

Section 8.11 ERISA Reporting Requirements . Borrower shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to Administrative Agent:

(a) promptly and in any event (i) within thirty (30) days after Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate receives notice from any regulatory agency of the commencement of an audit, investigation or similar proceeding with respect to a Plan, and (ii) within ten (10) days after Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contacts the Internal Revenue Service for the purpose of participation in a closing agreement or any voluntary resolution program with respect to a Plan which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or knows or has reason to know that any event with respect to any Plan of Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has occurred that is reasonably believed by Borrower to potentially have a Material Adverse Effect, a written notice describing such event and describing what action is being taken or is proposed to be taken with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice of such event that is given to the PBGC;

(b) promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after the receipt by Borrower of a request therefor by a Bank, copies of any annual and other report (including Schedule B thereto) with respect to a Plan filed by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate with the United States Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service or the PBGC;

(c) notification within thirty (30) days of the effective date thereof of any material increases in the benefits, or material change in the funding method, of any existing Plan which is not a multiemployer plan (as defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), or the establishment of any material new Plans, or the commencement of contributions to any Plan to which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate was not previously contributing; and

 

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(d) promptly after receipt of written notice of commencement thereof, notice of all (i) claims made by participants or beneficiaries with respect to any Plan, and (ii) actions, suits and proceedings before any court or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, affecting Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate with respect to any Plan, except those which, in the aggregate, if adversely determined could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.12 Additional Documents . Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, cure promptly any defects in the creation and issuance of any Note, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Papers and, at Borrower’s expense, Borrower shall promptly and duly execute and deliver to each Bank, and cause each other Credit Party to promptly and duly execute and deliver to each Bank, upon reasonable request, all such other and further documents, agreements and instruments in compliance with or accomplishment of the covenants and agreements of the Credit Parties in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection therewith.

Section 8.13 Environmental Review . Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent prior to the completion by any Credit Party of any material acquisition of Mineral Interests or related assets, other than an acquisition of additional interests in Mineral Interests in which a Credit Party previously held an interest, any report or reports (including, without limitation, any Phase I environmental reports) obtained by Borrower in the course of such acquisition setting forth the results of any environmental review of such Mineral Interests and related assets. Additionally, if requested by Administrative Agent or Required Banks in writing in connection with any such material acquisition, and not otherwise obtained by Borrower and delivered to Administrative Agent in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.13 , Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent, within forty-five (45) days of Administrative Agent’s or Required Banks’ written request, a report or reports related to any such material acquisition which shall be in form, scope and detail acceptable to Administrative Agent from environmental engineering firms acceptable to Administrative Agent (it being acknowledged and agreed by Administrative Agent that Cordilleran Compliance Services, Inc. is an acceptable environmental engineering firm), and which shall set forth the results of a Phase I environmental review of the Mineral Interests and related assets the subject of such material acquisition. All of the reports delivered to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 8.13 shall not reflect the existence of facts or circumstances which would constitute a material violation of any Applicable Environmental Law or which are likely to result in a material liability to any Credit Party.

Section 8.14 Required Hedge Agreements . Within ten (10) days after the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, Borrower shall have entered into or be subject to (including, without limitation, whether by assignment, transfer, novation or otherwise) Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions, the net notional volumes for which are not less than 50% of the reasonably anticipated projected gas production on a forward basis from the Credit Parties’ total Proved Producing Mineral Interests, as forecast based upon the Initial Reserve Report, for the period from the later of (a) ten (10) days after the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date through two years following that date and (b) September 1, 2012, through September 1, 2014.

 

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ARTICLE IX

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Borrower agrees that, so long as any Bank has any commitment to lend or participate in Letter of Credit Exposure hereunder or any amount payable under any Revolving Loan remains unpaid or any Letter of Credit remains outstanding:

Section 9.1 Incurrence of Debt . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, incur, become or remain liable for any Debt other than (a) the Obligations, (b) payables incurred in the ordinary course of business (other than in connection with a loan or lending transaction) that are not more than 30 days past due, from the date of invoice or demand, except such payables being contested in good faith in accordance with Section 8.7 hereof, and (c) other unsecured Debt in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $5,000,000.

Section 9.2 Restricted Payments . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, directly or indirectly, declare or pay, or incur any liability to declare or pay, any Restricted Payment; provided , that (a) any Subsidiary of Borrower may make Distributions to Borrower, (b) any Credit Party may make Distributions to any other Credit Party that has provided a Subsidiary Guaranty, and all of the Equity of which owned by Borrower or any Indirect Restricted Subsidiary has been pledged to Administrative Agent pursuant to a Borrower Pledge Agreement or a Subsidiary Pledge Agreement (as applicable), and (c) no Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists on the date any such distribution is declared or paid, and no Default, Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency would result therefrom, Borrower may make Permitted Tax Distributions.

Section 9.3 Negative Pledge . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of their respective assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

Section 9.4 Consolidations and Mergers . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, consolidate or merge with or into any other Person; provided , that , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or will result, Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Person so long as Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary is the surviving Person and, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary, a wholly owned Subsidiary of Borrower.

Section 9.5 Asset Dispositions and Hedge Monetizations . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, sell, lease, transfer, abandon or otherwise dispose of any asset or effect any Hedge Monetization other than (a) the sale in the ordinary course of business of Hydrocarbons produced from Borrower’s Mineral Interests, and (b) provided no Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists, the sale, lease, transfer, abandonment, exchange or other disposition of other assets; provided, that, no sale, lease, transfer, abandonment, exchange or other disposition by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of Borrowing Base Properties or any Hedge Monetization with an aggregate value (which, in the case of assets consisting of Mineral Interests and Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions, shall be the Recognized Value of such Mineral Interests and such Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions and, in the case of any exchange, shall be the net value or net Recognized Value realized or resulting from such

 

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exchange) in any period between Scheduled Redeterminations (for purposes of this clause (b) the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date will be deemed to be a Scheduled Redetermination) in excess of five percent (5%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect shall be permitted pursuant to this clause (b) unless each of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) Borrower shall have provided Administrative Agent with not less than ten (10) Domestic Business Days written notice of such sale, lease, transfer, abandonment, exchange or other disposition or Hedge Monetization, which notice shall include a specific description of the assets to be sold, leased, transferred, abandoned, exchanged or otherwise disposed, (ii) any Redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 4.5 hereof shall have occurred, (iii) all mandatory prepayments required by Section 2.5 in connection with such sale, lease, transfer, abandonment, exchange or other disposition or Hedge Monetization are made concurrently with the closing thereof, (iv) no Borrowing Base Deficiency will exist after consummation of such sale, lease, transfer, abandonment, exchange or other disposition or Hedge Monetization (and application of the proceeds thereof to the mandatory prepayments required by Section 2.5 ), and (v) no Default has occurred which is continuing. Upon any sale, lease, transfer, abandonment or other disposition of an asset or Hedge Monetization permitted pursuant to this Section 9.5 , Administrative Agent will, upon Borrower’s written request and at Borrower’s sole expense, promptly (A) release its Lien in such asset, and (B) execute and deliver to Borrower or the applicable Credit Party, as applicable, such documents as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the release of such Lien. In no event will Borrower sell, transfer or dispose of any Equity in any Subsidiary nor will any Credit Party issue or sell any Equity or any option, warrant or other right to acquire such Equity or security convertible into such Equity to any Person other than the Credit Party which is the direct parent of such issuer on the Closing Date.

Section 9.6 Amendments to Organizational Documents; Other Material Agreements . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, enter into or permit any modification or amendment of, or waive any material right or obligation of any Person under, its certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, regulations, operating agreement or other organizational documents other than amendments, modifications and waivers which (i) contemplated by the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents and (ii) will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 9.7 Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of Borrowings will not be used for any purpose other than (a) to finance a portion of the Delta/Laramie Transaction, (b) working capital, (c) to finance the acquisition, exploration and development of Mineral Interests and related assets and activities, and (d) for general corporate purposes. None of such proceeds (including, without limitation, proceeds of Letters of Credit issued hereunder) will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, and none of such proceeds will be used in violation of applicable Law (including, without limitation, the Margin Regulations). Letters of Credit will be issued hereunder only for the purpose of securing bids, tenders, bonds, contracts and other obligations entered into in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business, and otherwise to guaranty payment and performance in accordance with the ordinary practice of Borrower’s business. Without limiting the foregoing, no Letters of Credit will be issued hereunder for the purpose of or providing credit enhancement with respect to any Debt or equity security of any Credit Party or to secure any Credit Party’s obligations with respect to Hedge Transactions entered into with a Person which is not a Bank or an Affiliate of such Bank.

 

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Section 9.8 Investments . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, directly or indirectly, make or have outstanding any Investment other than Permitted Investments.

Section 9.9 Transactions with Affiliates . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any transaction with an Affiliate (a) unless such transaction is as favorable to such party as could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with an unaffiliated Person in accordance with prevailing industry customs and practices or (b) other than transactions or payments made pursuant to the Delta/Laramie Management Services Agreement, including any amendments to the Delta/Laramie Management Services Agreement to the extent such amendments are entered into on an arm’s length basis.

Section 9.10 ERISA . Except in such instances where an omission or failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect, Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to (a) take any action or fail to take any action which would result in a violation of ERISA, the Code or other Laws applicable to the Plans maintained or contributed to by it or any ERISA Affiliate, or (b) modify the term of, or the funding obligations or contribution requirements under any existing Plan, establish a new Plan, or become obligated or incur any liability under a Plan that is not maintained or contributed to by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate as of the Closing Date.

Section 9.11 Hedge Transactions . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, enter into any Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions which would cause the amount of (a) oil which is the subject of Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions in existence at such time to exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of Borrower’s anticipated production of oil from Proved Producing Mineral Interests (as reflected in the Reserve Report in effect on the Closing Date and then, when available, the most recent Reserve Report delivered to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof) during the term of such existing Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions, and (b) gas which is the subject of Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions in existence at such time to exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of Borrower’s anticipated production of gas from Proved Producing Mineral Interests (as reflected in the Reserve Report in effect on the Closing Date and then, when available, the most recent Reserve Report delivered to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof) during the term of such existing Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions, which Oil and Gas Hedge Transactions shall not, in any case, have a tenor of greater than five (5) years.

Section 9.12 Fiscal Year . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, change its Fiscal Year.

Section 9.13 Change in Business . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, engage in any business other than the businesses engaged in by such parties on the date hereof as described in Section 7.13 hereof.

Section 9.14 Obligations to Unrestricted Subsidiaries . Borrower will not, nor will Borrower permit any other Credit Party to, incur any liability, Debt or obligation to any Unrestricted Subsidiary or Parent Guarantor of any nature, or have any liability (whether by operation of law or otherwise) for any liability, Debt or obligation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or Parent Guarantor.

 

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ARTICLE X

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

Borrower agrees that so long as any Bank has any commitment to lend or participate in Letter of Credit Exposure hereunder or any amount payable under any Revolving Loan remains unpaid or any Letter of Credit remains outstanding:

Section 10.1 Current Ratio . Borrower will not permit its ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to Consolidated Current Liabilities, as of the end of any Fiscal Quarter, commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, 2012, to be less than 1.0 to 1.0.

Section 10.2 Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX . Borrower will not permit, as of the last day of any Rolling Period ending on or after December 31, 2012, its ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as of such day to Consolidated EBITDAX (or in the case of the Rolling Periods ending on December 31, 2012, March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, Annualized Consolidated EBITDAX) for the Rolling Period ending on such day to be greater than 4.0 to 1.0.

ARTICLE XI

DEFAULTS

Section 11.1 Events of Default . If one or more of the following events (collectively “ Events of Default ” and individually an “ Event of Default ”) shall have occurred and be continuing:

(a) Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal on any Revolving Loan;

(b) Borrower shall fail to pay when due accrued interest on any Revolving Loan or any fees or any other amount payable hereunder and such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) Domestic Business Days following the due date;

(c) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in Section 4.6 , Section 8.1 , Section 8.2 , Section 8.3 , Section 8.6 , Article IX or Article X of this Agreement;

(d) any Credit Party or Parent Guarantor shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or the other Loan Papers (other than those referenced in Section 11.1(a) , Section 11.1(b) and Section 11.1(c) ) and such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of (i) the date any Authorized Officer of any Credit Party or Parent Guarantor, as applicable, acquires knowledge of such failure, or (ii) written notice of such failure has been given to any Credit Party by Administrative Agent or any Bank;

(e) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made or deemed to have been made by any Credit Party or any Parent Guarantor in any certificate, financial statement or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made;

 

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(f) any Credit Party or, after the Delta/Laramie Closing Date, any Parent Guarantor, shall fail to make any payment when due on any Debt of such Person in a principal amount equal to or greater than $1,000,000, and such default shall continue for thirty (30) days, or any other event or condition shall occur which (i) results in the acceleration of the maturity of any such Debt, or (ii) entitles the holder of such Debt to accelerate the maturity thereof;

(g) any Credit Party or, after the Delta/Laramie Closing Date, any Parent Guarantor, shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any corporate, partnership or limited liability company action to authorize any of the foregoing;

(h) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any Credit Party or, after the Delta/Laramie Closing Date, any Parent Guarantor, seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or an order for relief shall be entered against any Credit Party or, after the Delta/Laramie Closing Date, any Parent Guarantor, under the federal bankruptcy Laws as now or hereafter in effect;

(i) one (1) or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $1,000,000 shall be rendered against any Credit Party or, after the Delta/Laramie Closing Date, any Parent Guarantor, and such judgment or order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for thirty (30) days;

(j) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Banks, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $1,000,000;

(k) a Change of Control shall occur;

(l) this Agreement or any other Loan Paper shall cease to be in full force and effect or shall be declared null and void or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested or challenged by any Credit Party or any Parent Guarantor party thereunder, or any Credit Party or Parent Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability or obligation under any of the Loan Papers, or any Lien created by the Loan Papers shall for any reason (other than the release thereof in accordance with the Loan Papers) cease to be a valid, first priority, perfected Lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) upon any of the Proved Mineral Interests purported to be covered thereby, except as a result of any action or inaction of Administrative Agent or Banks; or

 

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(m) a default or event of default shall occur under any Hedge Agreement under which the liability to Credit Party could reasonably be expected to exceed $1,000,000;

then, and in every such event, Administrative Agent shall without presentment, notice or demand (unless expressly provided for herein) of any kind (including, without limitation, notice of intention to accelerate and acceleration), all of which are hereby waived, (i) if requested by Required Banks, terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate, and (ii) if requested by Required Banks, take such other actions as may be permitted by the Loan Papers including, declaring the Revolving Loans (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and the Revolving Loans shall thereupon become, immediately due and payable; provided that , in the case of any of the Events of Default specified in Section 11.1(g) or Section 11.1(h) , without any notice to any Credit Party or any other act by Administrative Agent or Banks, the Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Revolving Loans (together with accrued interest thereon) and an amount equal to the aggregate existing Letter of Credit Exposure of all Banks, shall become immediately due and payable.

ARTICLE XII

AGENTS

Section 12.1 Appointment; Nature of Relationship . JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is hereby appointed by each of the Banks (and each Secured Affiliate by and through its affiliated Bank) as its contractual representative and Administrative Agent hereunder and under each other Loan Paper, and each Bank irrevocably authorizes Administrative Agent to act as the contractual representative of such Bank with the rights and duties expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Papers. Administrative Agent agrees to act as such contractual representative and Administrative Agent upon the express conditions contained in this Article XII . Notwithstanding the use of the defined term “Administrative Agent,” it is expressly understood and agreed that Administrative Agent shall not have any fiduciary responsibilities to any Bank by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan Paper and that Administrative Agent is merely acting as the contractual representative of the Banks with only those duties as are expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers. In its capacity as the Banks’ contractual representative, Administrative Agent (a) does not hereby assume any fiduciary duties to any of the Banks, (b) is a “representative” of the Banks within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code, and (c) is acting as an independent contractor, the rights and duties of which are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Papers. Each of the Banks hereby agree not to assert any claim against Administrative Agent on any theory of liability for breach of fiduciary duty, any and all of which claims each Bank hereby waives. In addition, each of the Banks hereby appoints Wells Fargo as Syndication Agent hereunder.

Section 12.2 Powers . Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan Papers as are specifically delegated to Administrative Agent by the terms of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Administrative Agent shall have no implied duties to the Banks, or any obligation to the Banks to take any action thereunder except any action specifically provided by the Loan Papers to be taken by Administrative Agent.

 

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Section 12.3 General Immunity . Neither Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to Borrower or any Bank for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or under any other Loan Paper or in connection herewith or therewith except to the extent such action or inaction is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Person.

Section 12.4 No Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc. Neither Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, or verify (a) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with any Loan Paper or any Borrowing hereunder; (b) the performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of any obligor under any Loan Paper, including, without limitation, any agreement by an obligor to furnish information directly to each Bank; (c) the satisfaction of any condition specified in Article VI , except receipt of items required to be delivered solely to Administrative Agent; (d) the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default; (e) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness, sufficiency or genuineness of any Loan Paper or any other instrument or writing furnished in connection therewith; (f) the value, sufficiency, creation, perfection or priority of any Lien in any collateral security; or (g) the financial condition of Borrower or any guarantor of any of the Obligations or of any of Borrower’s or any such guarantor’s respective Subsidiaries. Administrative Agent shall have no duty to disclose to the Banks information that is not required to be furnished by Borrower to Administrative Agent at such time, but is voluntarily furnished by Borrower to JPMorgan (either in its capacity as Administrative Agent or in its individual capacity). Except as expressly set forth herein, Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Credit Party that is communicated to or obtained by it or any of its Affiliates.

Section 12.5 Action on Instructions of Banks . Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder and under any other Loan Paper in accordance with written instructions signed by the Required Banks, and such instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all of the Banks. The Banks hereby acknowledge that Administrative Agent shall be under no duty to take any discretionary action permitted to be taken by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Paper unless it shall be requested in writing to do so by Required Banks. Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action hereunder and under any other Loan Paper unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Banks pro rata against any and all liability, cost and expense that it may incur by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.

Section 12.6 Employment of Agents and Counsel . Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties as Administrative Agent hereunder and under any other Loan Paper by or through employees, agents, and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be answerable to the Banks, except as to money or securities received by it or its authorized agents, for the default or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

 

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Administrative Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning the contractual arrangement between Administrative Agent and the Banks and all matters pertaining to Administrative Agent’s duties hereunder and under any other Loan Paper.

Section 12.7 Reliance on Documents; Counsel . Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Note, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person or Persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel selected by Administrative Agent, which counsel may be employees of Administrative Agent.

Section 12.8 Administrative Agent’s Reimbursement and Indemnification . Banks agree to reimburse and indemnify Administrative Agent ratably in proportion to their respective Commitments (or, if the Commitments have been terminated, in proportion to their Commitments immediately prior to such termination) (a) for any amounts not reimbursed by Borrower for which Administrative Agent is entitled to reimbursement by Borrower under the Loan Papers, (b) for any other expenses incurred by Administrative Agent on behalf of the Banks, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration and enforcement of the Loan Papers (including, without limitation, for any expenses incurred by Administrative Agent in connection with any dispute between Administrative Agent and any Bank or between two or more of the Banks) and (c) for any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of the Loan Papers or any other document delivered in connection therewith or the transactions contemplated thereby (including, without limitation, for any such amounts incurred by or asserted against Administrative Agent in connection with any dispute between Administrative Agent and any Bank or between two or more of the Banks), or the enforcement of any of the terms of the Loan Papers or of any such other documents; provided that no Bank shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent any of the foregoing is found in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Administrative Agent. The obligations of the Banks under this Section 12.8 shall survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this Agreement.

Section 12.9 Notice of Default . Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Bank or Borrower referring to this Agreement describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that Administrative Agent receives such a notice, Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Banks.

Section 12.10 Rights as a Bank . In the event Administrative Agent is a Bank, Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers hereunder and under any other Loan Paper with respect to its Commitment and its Revolving Loans as any Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not Administrative Agent, and the term “Bank” or “Banks” shall, at any time when Administrative Agent is a Bank, unless the context otherwise indicates, include in its individual capacity. Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of trust, debt, equity or other transaction, in addition

 

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to those contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Paper, with Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in which Borrower or such Subsidiary is not restricted hereby from engaging with any other Person.

Section 12.11 Bank Credit Decision . Each Bank acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Bookrunners or any other Agent or Bank and based on the financial statements prepared by Borrower and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Papers. Each Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Bookrunners or any other Agent or Bank and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Papers.

Section 12.12 Successor Administrative Agent . Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to Banks and Borrower, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment of a successor Administrative Agent or, if no successor Administrative Agent has been appointed, forty-five (45) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intention to resign. Upon any such resignation, Required Banks shall have the right to appoint, on behalf of Borrower and the Banks, a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be approved by Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld; provided , that , Borrower shall not have the right to approve any successor Administrative Agent appointed during the continuance of any Default. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by Required Banks within thirty (30) days after the resigning Administrative Agent’s giving notice of its intention to resign, then the resigning Administrative Agent may appoint, on behalf of Borrower and Banks, a successor Administrative Agent which shall be approved by Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld; provided , that , Borrower shall not have the right to approve any successor Administrative Agent appointed during the continuance of any Default. If Administrative Agent has resigned and no successor Administrative Agent has been appointed, Banks may perform all the duties of Administrative Agent hereunder and Borrower shall make all payments in respect of the Obligations to the applicable Bank and for all other purposes shall deal directly with the Banks. No successor Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be appointed hereunder until such successor Administrative Agent has accepted the appointment. Any such successor Administrative Agent shall be a commercial bank having capital and retained earnings of at least $100,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the resigning Administrative Agent. Upon the effectiveness of the resignation of Administrative Agent, the resigning Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the Loan Papers. After the effectiveness of the resignation of an Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article XII shall continue in effect for the benefit of such Administrative Agent in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Papers. In the event that there is a successor to Administrative Agent by merger, or Administrative Agent assigns its duties and obligations to an Affiliate pursuant to this Section 12.12 , then the term “Prime Rate” as used in this Agreement shall mean the prime rate, base rate or other analogous rate of the new Administrative Agent.

 

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Section 12.13 Delegation to Affiliates . Borrower and Banks agree that Administrative Agent may delegate any of its duties under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates. Any such Affiliate (and such Affiliate’s directors, officers, agents and employees) which performs duties in connection with this Agreement shall be entitled to the same benefits of the indemnification, waiver and other protective provisions to which Administrative Agent is entitled under Article XII and Article XIII .

Section 12.14 Execution of Collateral Documents . Without limiting the powers and authority of Administrative Agent described herein, the Banks hereby empower and authorize Administrative Agent to execute and deliver to Borrower on their behalf the Mortgages, the Borrower Pledge Agreements, the Subsidiary Pledge Agreements, and all related financing statements and any other financing statements, agreements, documents or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of the foregoing instruments.

Section 12.15 Collateral Releases . Banks hereby empower and authorize Administrative Agent to execute and deliver to Borrower on their behalf any agreements, documents or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect any releases of collateral which shall be permitted by the terms hereof or of any other Loan Paper (including, without limitation, pursuant to the terms of Section 9.5 hereof) or which shall otherwise have been approved by Required Banks (or, if required by the terms of Section 14.5 , all of the Banks) in writing.

Section 12.16 Agents . The Syndication Agent shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Banks as such. Without limiting the foregoing, the Syndication Agent shall not have or be deemed to have a fiduciary relationship with any Bank. Each Bank hereby makes the same acknowledgments with respect to the Syndication Agent as it makes with respect to Administrative Agent in Section 12.11 .

ARTICLE XIII

CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

Section 13.1 Increased Cost and Reduced Return .

(a) If, after the date hereof, the adoption of any applicable law, rule, or regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule, or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank, or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Governmental Authority, central bank, or comparable agency:

(i) shall subject such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) to any tax, duty, or other charge with respect to any Eurodollar Loans, any Note, or its obligation to make Eurodollar Loans, or change the basis of taxation of any amounts payable to such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) under this Agreement or any Note in respect of any Eurodollar Loans (other than taxes imposed on the overall net income of such Bank or such Applicable Lending Office);

 

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(ii) shall impose, modify, or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, assessment, compulsory loan, or similar requirement (other than the Reserve Requirement utilized in the determination of the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate) relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities or commitments of, such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office), including the Commitment of such Bank hereunder; or

(iii) shall impose on such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or any Note or any of such extensions of credit or liabilities or commitments;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of making, Converting into, Continuing, or maintaining any Eurodollar Loans or to reduce any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) under this Agreement or any Note with respect to any Eurodollar Loans, then Borrower shall pay to such Bank on demand such amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased costs or reductions incurred or experienced within one hundred twenty (120) days of such demand. If any Bank requests compensation by Borrower under this Section 13.1(a) , Borrower may, by notice to such Bank (with a copy to Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Bank to make or Continue Eurodollar Loans or to Convert all or part of the Base Rate Loan owing to such Bank into Eurodollar Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 13.4 shall be applicable); provided , that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Bank to receive the compensation so requested.

(b) If, after the date hereof, any Bank shall have determined that the adoption of any applicable law, rule, or regulation regarding capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank, or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Governmental Authority, central bank, or comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Bank or any corporation controlling such Bank as a consequence of such Bank’s obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Bank or such corporation could have achieved but for such adoption, change, request, or directive (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy), then, from time to time upon demand, Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such reductions experienced within one hundred twenty (120) days of such demand.

(c) Each Bank shall promptly notify Borrower and Administrative Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section 13.1 and will designate a different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to it. Any Bank claiming compensation under this Section 13.1 shall furnish to Borrower and Administrative Agent a statement setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

 

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(d) For all purposes under this Agreement including, without limitation, this Section 13.1, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, guidelines or directives in connection therewith or promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case, pursuant to Basel III, shall be deemed to have gone into effect and to have been adopted after the Closing Date.

Section 13.2 Limitation on Type of Loans . If on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period for any Eurodollar Loan:

(a) Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period; or

(b) Required Banks determine (which determination shall be conclusive) and notify Administrative Agent that the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Banks of funding Eurodollar Loans for such Interest Period;

then Administrative Agent shall give Borrower prompt notice thereof specifying the relevant Type of Revolving Loans and the relevant amounts or periods, and so long as such condition remains in effect, Banks shall be under no obligation to make additional Revolving Loans of such Type, Continue Revolving Loans of such Type, or to Convert Revolving Loans of any other Type into Revolving Loans of such Type, and Borrower shall, on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for the outstanding Revolving Loans of the affected Type, either prepay such Revolving Loans or Convert such Revolving Loans into another Type of Revolving Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 13.3 Illegality . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that it becomes unlawful for any Bank or its Applicable Lending Office to make, maintain, or fund Eurodollar Loans hereunder, then such Bank shall promptly notify Borrower thereof and such Bank’s obligation to make or Continue Eurodollar Loans and to Convert other Types of Revolving Loans into Eurodollar Loans shall be suspended until such time as such Bank may again make, maintain, and fund Eurodollar Loans (in which case the provisions of Section 13.4 shall be applicable).

Section 13.4 Treatment of Affected Loans . If the obligation of any Bank to make particular Eurodollar Loans or to Continue Revolving Loans, or to Convert Revolving Loans of another Type into Revolving Loans of a particular Type shall be suspended pursuant to Section 13.1 or Section 13.3 hereof (Revolving Loans of such Type being herein called “ Affected Loans ” and such Type being herein called the “ Affected Type ”), such Bank’s Affected Loans shall be automatically Converted into the Base Rate Loan on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for Affected Loans (or, in the case of a Conversion required by Section 13.3 hereof, on such earlier date as such Bank may specify to Borrower with a copy to Administrative Agent) and, unless and until such Bank gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 13.1 or Section 13.3 hereof that gave rise to such Conversion no longer exist:

(a) to the extent that such Bank’s Affected Loans have been so Converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Bank’s Affected Loans shall be applied instead to the Base Rate Loan; and

 

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(b) all Revolving Loans that would otherwise be made or Continued by such Bank as Revolving Loans of the Affected Type shall be made or Continued instead as part of the Base Rate Loan, and all Revolving Loans of such Bank that would otherwise be Converted into Revolving Loans of the Affected Type shall be Converted instead into (or shall remain) as part of the Base Rate Loan.

If such Bank gives notice to Borrower (with a copy to Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 13.1 or Section 13.3 hereof that gave rise to the Conversion of such Bank’s Affected Loans pursuant to this Section 13.4 no longer exist (which such Bank agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Revolving Loans of the Affected Type made by other Banks are outstanding, such Bank’s portion of the Base Rate Loan shall be automatically Converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Revolving Loans of the Affected Type, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Revolving Loans held by Banks holding Revolving Loans of the Affected Type and by such Bank are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, Types and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments.

Section 13.5 Compensation . Upon the request of any Bank, Borrower shall pay to such Bank such amount or amounts as shall be sufficient (in the reasonable opinion of such Bank) to compensate it for any loss, cost, or expense (including loss of anticipated profits) incurred by it as a result of:

(a) any payment, prepayment, or Conversion of a Eurodollar Loan for any reason (including, without limitation, the acceleration of the Revolving Loan) on a date other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan; or

(b) any failure by Borrower for any reason (including, without limitation, the failure of any condition precedent specified in Article VI to be satisfied) to borrow, Convert, Continue, or prepay a Eurodollar Loan on the date for such Borrowing, Conversion, Continuation, or prepayment specified in the relevant Request for Borrowing, Notice of Continuation or Conversion, or other notice of Borrowing, prepayment, Continuation, or Conversion under this Agreement.

Section 13.6 Taxes .

(a) Payment Free of Taxes . Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Borrower or any Guarantor under any Loan Paper shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrower or any Guarantor shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this

 

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Section 13.6(a)), Administrative Agent, Bank or Letter of Credit Issuer (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrower or such Guarantor shall make such deductions and (iii) Borrower or such Guarantor shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower . Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.

(c) Indemnification by Borrower . Borrower shall indemnify Administrative Agent, each Bank and the Letter of Credit Issuer, within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by Administrative Agent, such Bank or the Letter of Credit Issuer, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 13.6) 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 of Administrative Agent, a Bank or the Letter of Credit Issuer as to the amount of such payment or liability under this Section 13.6 shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) Indemnification by the Banks . Each Bank shall severally indemnify Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Bank (but only to the extent that Borrower has not already indemnified Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Bank’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 14.10(b) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Bank, in each case, that are payable or paid by Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Paper, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Bank by Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Bank hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Bank under any Loan Paper or otherwise payable by Administrative Agent to the Bank from any other source against any amount due to Administrative Agent under this paragraph (d).

(e) Evidence of Payments . As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower or a Guarantor to a Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to 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 Administrative Agent.

(f) Status of Banks .

(i) Any Bank that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Paper shall deliver to

 

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Withholding Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by Withholding Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Withholding Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Bank, if reasonably requested by Withholding Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Withholding Agent as will enable Withholding Agent to determine whether or not such Bank is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 13.6(f)(ii)(A) and (ii)(B) and Section 13.6(g) below) shall not be required if in the Bank’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Bank to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Bank.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that Borrower is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code,

(A) any Bank that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code shall deliver to Withholding Agent on or prior to the date on which such Bank becomes a Bank under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Withholding Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Bank is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B) any Foreign Bank shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Withholding Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Bank becomes a Bank under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Withholding Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) in the case of a Foreign Bank claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Paper, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Paper, IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

(2) executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) in the case of a Foreign Bank claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-1 to the effect that such Foreign Bank is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A)

 

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of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Bank is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2 or Exhibit J-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Bank is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Bank are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Bank may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; and

(C) any Foreign Bank shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Withholding Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Bank becomes a Bank under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Withholding Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit Withholding Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

Each Bank agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify Withholding Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(g) FATCA . If a payment made to a Bank under this Agreement would be subject to United States federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if such Bank fails to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Bank shall deliver to Withholding Agent, at the time or times prescribed by Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Withholding Agent, such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Withholding Agent as may be necessary for Withholding Agent to comply with its obligations under FATCA, to determine that such Bank has complied with such Bank’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 13.6(g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

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(h) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of Borrower contained in this Section 13.6 shall survive the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of the Revolving Loans.

Section 13.7 Discretion of Banks as to Manner of Funding . Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, each Bank shall be entitled to fund and maintain its funding of all or any part of its Commitment in any manner it sees fit, it being understood, however, that for the purposes of this Agreement all determinations hereunder shall be made as if such Bank had actually funded and maintained each Eurodollar Loan during the Interest Period for such Eurodollar Loan through the purchase of deposits having a maturity corresponding to the last day of such Interest Period and bearing an interest rate equal to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period.

Section 13.8 Defaulting Banks . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank, and any Letter of Credit Exposure exists at the time a Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank, then:

(a) all or any part of such Letter of Credit Exposure shall be allocated among the non-Defaulting Banks in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentage but only to the extent (i) the sum of all non-Defaulting Banks’ Revolving Loans on such date plus all such non-Defaulting Bank’s aggregate Commitment Percentage of the Letter of Credit Exposure on such date does not exceed the total of all non-Defaulting Bank’s Commitments and (ii) the conditions set forth in Section 6.3 are satisfied at such time;

(b) if the reallocation described in clause (a) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, Borrower shall within one (1) Domestic Business Day following notice by Administrative Agent cash collateralize such Defaulting Bank’s Letter of Credit Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (a) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.12 for so long as such Letter of Credit Exposure is outstanding;

(c) if the Letter of Credit Exposure of the non-Defaulting Banks is reallocated pursuant to this Section 13.8, then the fees payable to the Banks pursuant to Section 2.10 and Section 2.12 shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Banks’ Commitment Percentages;

(d) if any Defaulting Bank’s Letter of Credit Exposure is neither cash collateralized nor reallocated pursuant to this Section 13.8, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Letter of Credit Issuer or any Bank hereunder, all commitment fees that otherwise would have been payable to such Defaulting Bank (solely with respect to the portion of such Defaulting Bank’s Commitment that was utilized by such Letter of Credit Exposure) under Section 2.10 with respect to such Defaulting Bank’s Letter of Credit Exposures shall be payable to the Letter of Credit Issuer until such Letter of Credit Exposure is cash collateralized and/or reallocated.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, so long as any Bank is a Defaulting Bank, Letter of Credit Issuer shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure will be 100% covered by the

 

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Commitments of the non-Defaulting Banks and/or cash collateral will be provided by Borrower in accordance with Section 2.12, and participating interests in any such newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Banks in a manner consistent with Section 13.8(a) (and any Defaulting Bank shall not participate therein).

Section 13.9 Replacement of Banks . If any Bank requests compensation under Section 13.1 , or if Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Bank or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Bank pursuant to Section 13.6, or if any Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank hereunder, then Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Bank and Administrative Agent, require such Bank to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 14.10(c)), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Bank, if a Bank accepts such assignment); provided that (i) Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Bank shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Revolving Loans and participations in Letter of Credit disbursements, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 13.1 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 13.6, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Bank shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Bank or otherwise, the circumstances entitling Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 14.1 Notices . All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire, facsimile or similar writing) and shall be given, if to Administrative Agent, to its address at 1 Chase Tower, 10 South Dearborn, IL1-0010, Chicago, IL 60603, ATTN: Leonida Mischke, facsimile number: (312) 385-7096, if to any Bank, to its address or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire, at its address or telecopier number set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto, and if given to Borrower, at its address or facsimile number set forth on the signature pages hereof (or in either case, at such other address or facsimile number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties hereto). Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (a) if given by facsimile, when such facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Section 14.1 and the appropriate answerback is received or receipt is otherwise confirmed, (b) if given by mail, three (3) Domestic Business Days after deposit in the mails with first class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid, or (c) if given by any other means, when delivered at the address specified in this Section 14.1 ; provided that notices to Administrative Agent under Article II or Article III shall not be effective until received.

Section 14.2 No Waivers . No failure or delay by Administrative Agent or any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Paper shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further

 

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exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law or in any of the other Loan Papers.

Section 14.3 Expenses; Indemnification .

(a) Borrower agrees to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Bookrunners in connection with the syndication, preparation, execution, delivery, modification, and amendment of this Agreement, the other Loan Papers, and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for Administrative Agent with respect thereto and with respect to advising Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under the Loan Papers. Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of Administrative Agent and Banks, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), in connection with (i) the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings, or otherwise) of the Loan Papers and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, and (ii) any forbearance or workout, or any modifications to the Loan Papers, following an Event of Default. Each demand for payment of costs and expenses shall include a reasonably detailed list of such costs and expenses, and such costs and expenses payable hereunder shall not include the allocated costs of internal counsel of any Agent or Bank.

(b) BORROWER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH AGENT AND EACH BANK AND EACH OF THEIR AFFILIATES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND ADVISORS (EACH, AN “ INDEMNIFIED PARTY ”) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY, IN EACH CASE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR BY REASON OF (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION, OR PROCEEDING OR PREPARATION OF DEFENSE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH) THE LOAN PAPERS, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THE ACTUAL OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE REVOLVING LOAN (INCLUDING ANY OF THE FOREGOING ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY), EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIM, DAMAGE, LOSS, LIABILITY, COST, OR EXPENSE IS FOUND IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED FROM SUCH INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. IN THE CASE OF AN INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE INDEMNITY IN THIS SECTION 14.3 APPLIES, SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT BY CREDIT PARTIES, ITS DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS OR CREDITORS OR AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY IS OTHERWISE A PARTY THERETO AND WHETHER OR NOT THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY ARE CONSUMMATED. BORROWER

 

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AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIM AGAINST ANY AGENT, ANY BANK, ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEYS, AGENTS, AND ADVISERS, ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO THE LOAN PAPERS, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THE ACTUAL OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE REVOLVING LOAN.

(c) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of Borrower contained in this Section 14.3 shall survive the payment in full of the Revolving Loan and all other amounts payable under this Agreement.

Section 14.4 Right of Set-off; Adjustments .

(a) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Bank (and each of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, Secured Affiliates) 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) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Bank (or any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, Secured Affiliates) to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party against any and all of the Obligations, irrespective of whether such Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any Note held by such and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Bank agrees promptly to notify the affected Credit Party after any such set-off and application made by such Bank; provided , however , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Bank under this Section 14.4 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) that such Bank may have.

(b) If any Bank (a “ benefitted Bank ”) shall at any time receive any payment of all or part of the amounts owing to it, or interest thereon, or receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by set-off, or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any such payment to or collateral received by any other Bank, if any, in respect of such other Bank’s amounts owing to it, or interest thereon, such benefitted Bank shall purchase for cash from the other Banks a participating interest in such portion of each such other Bank’s amounts owing to it, or shall provide such other Banks with the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such benefitted Bank to share the excess payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably with each other Bank; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such benefitted Bank, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Borrower agrees that any Bank so purchasing a participation from a Bank pursuant to this Section 14.4 may, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, exercise all of its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Person were the direct creditor of Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

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Section 14.5 Amendments and Waivers . Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Paper may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by Borrower and Required Banks (and, if the rights or duties of any Agent are affected thereby, by such Agent); provided that no such amendment or waiver shall: (a) increase the Commitment or the Maximum Credit Amount of any Bank without the written consent of such Bank, (b) reduce the principal of or rate of interest on any Revolving Loan or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or on termination of any Commitment without the written consent of each Bank affected thereby, (c) change the percentage of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts, or the number of Banks which shall be required for Banks or any of them to take any action under this Section 14.5 or any other provision of this Agreement without the written consent of each Bank (other than any Defaulting Bank), (d) extend the due date for, or forgive any principal, interest, fees or reimbursement obligations due hereunder without the consent of each Bank affected thereby, (e) release any material guarantor or other material party liable for all or any part of the Obligations or release any material part of the collateral for the Obligations or any part thereof other than releases required pursuant to sales of collateral which are expressly permitted by Section 9.5 hereof without the written consent of each Bank (other than any Defaulting Bank), (f) amend or modify any of the provisions of Article IV hereof or the definitions of any terms defined therein if the effect thereof would result in an increase in the Borrowing Base without the written consent of each Bank, (g) increase any Borrowing Base above the Borrowing Base then in effect without the written consent of each Bank, or (h) amend or modify clause (c) of Article III without the written consent of each Bank.

Section 14.6 Survival . All representations, warranties and covenants made by any Credit Party herein or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by it or in its behalf under the Loan Papers shall be considered to have been relied upon by Banks and shall survive the delivery to Banks of such Loan Papers or the extension of the Revolving Loan (or any part thereof), regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Banks. The indemnity provided in Section 14.3(b) herein shall survive the repayment of all credit advances hereunder and/or the discharge or release of any Lien granted hereunder or in any other Loan Paper, contract or agreement between Borrower or any other Credit Party and any Agent or any Bank.

Section 14.7 Limitation on Interest . Regardless of any provision contained in the Loan Papers, Banks shall never be entitled to receive, collect, or apply, as interest on the Revolving Loan, any amount in excess of the Maximum Lawful Rate, and in the event any Bank ever receives, collects or applies as interest any such excess, such amount which would be deemed excessive interest shall be deemed a partial prepayment of principal and treated hereunder as such; and if the Revolving Loan is paid in full, any remaining excess shall promptly be paid to Borrower. In determining whether or not the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, Borrower and Banks shall, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, (a) characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread, in equal parts, the total amount of the interest throughout the entire contemplated term of the Revolving Loans, so that the interest rate is the Maximum Lawful Rate throughout the entire term of the Revolving Loans; provided , however , that if the unpaid principal balance thereof is paid and performed in full prior to the end of the full contemplated term thereof, and if the interest received for the actual period of existence thereof exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, Banks shall refund to Borrower the

 

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amount of such excess and, in such event, Banks shall not be subject to any penalties provided by any Laws for contracting for, charging, taking, reserving or receiving interest in excess of the Maximum Lawful Rate.

Section 14.8 Invalid Provisions . If any provision of the Loan Papers is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future Laws effective during the term thereof, such provision shall be fully severable, the Loan Papers shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part thereof, and the remaining provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance therefrom. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as a part of the Loan Papers a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

Section 14.9 Waiver of Consumer Credit Laws . Pursuant to Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code, as amended, Borrower agrees that such Chapter 346 shall not govern or in any manner apply to the Revolving Loan.

Section 14.10 Assignments and Participations .

(a) Successors and Assigns . The terms and provisions of the Loan Papers shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower and Banks and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations under the Loan Papers without the prior written consent of each Bank, (ii) any assignment by any Bank must be made in compliance with Section 14.10(c) , and (iii) any transfer by participation must be made in compliance with Section 14.10(b) . Any attempted assignment or transfer by any party not made in compliance with this Section 14.10(a) shall be null and void, unless such attempted assignment or transfer is treated as a participation in accordance with Section 14.10(b) . The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that clause (ii) of this Section 14.10(a) relates only to absolute assignments and this Section 14.10(a) does not prohibit assignments creating security interests, including, without limitation, (A) any pledge or assignment by any Bank of all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement and any Note to a Federal Reserve Bank or (B) in the case of a Bank which is a Fund, any pledge or assignment of all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement and any Note to its trustee in support of its obligations to its trustee; provided , however , that no such pledge or assignment creating a security interest shall release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder unless and until the parties thereto have complied with the provisions of Section 14.10(c) . Administrative Agent may treat the Person which made any Revolving Loan or which holds any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until such Person complies with Section 14.10(c) ; provided , however , that Administrative Agent may in its discretion (but shall not be required to) follow instructions from the Person which made any Revolving Loan or which holds any Note to direct payments relating to such Revolving Loan or Note to another Person. Any assignee of the rights to any Revolving Loan or any Note agrees by acceptance of such assignment to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Loan Papers. Any request, authority or consent of any Person, who at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent is the owner of the rights to any Revolving Loan (whether or not a Note has been issued in evidence thereof), shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent holder or assignee of the rights to such Revolving Loan.

 

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(b) Participations .

(i) Any Bank may at any time sell to one or more banks or other entities (“ Participants ”) participating interests in any Revolving Loan owing to such Bank, any Note held by such Bank, any Commitment of such Bank or any other interest of such Bank under the Loan Papers. In the event of any such sale by a Bank of participating interests to a Participant, such Bank’s obligations under the Loan Papers shall remain unchanged, such Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, such Bank shall remain the owner of its Revolving Loans and the holder of any Note issued to it in evidence thereof for all purposes under the Loan Papers, all amounts payable by Borrower under this Agreement shall be determined as if such Bank had not sold such participating interests, and Borrower and Administrative Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank’s rights and obligations under the Loan Papers. Each Bank that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Revolving Loans or other obligations under the Loan Papers (the “ Participant Register ”); provided , that no Bank shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Paper) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Bank shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(ii) Each Bank shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Papers other than any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to any Revolving Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest which would require consent of all of the Banks pursuant to the terms of Section 14.5 or of any other Loan Paper.

(iii) Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of setoff provided in Section 14.4 in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under the Loan Papers to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing directly to it as a Bank under the Loan Papers; provided , that each Bank shall retain the right of setoff provided in Section 14.4 with respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant. Banks agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by exercising the right of setoff provided in Section 14.4 ,

 

82


agrees to share with each Bank, any amount received pursuant to the exercise of its right of setoff, such amounts to be shared in accordance with Section 14.4 as if each Participant were a Bank. Borrower further agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the yield protection provisions contained in Article XIII to the same extent as if it were a Bank and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 14.10(c) ; provided , that (A) a Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Article XIII than the Bank who sold the participating interest to such Participant would have received had it retained such interest for its own account, unless the sale of such interest to such Participant is made with the prior written consent of Borrower, and (B) any Participant not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof agrees to comply with the provisions of Section 13.6 to the same extent as if it were a Bank.

(c) Assignments .

(i) Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other entities (“ Purchasers ”) all or any part of its rights and obligations under the Loan Papers. The parties to such assignment shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement (herein so called) which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit K or in such other form as may be agreed to by the parties thereto. Each such assignment with respect to a Purchaser which is not a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank or an Approved Fund shall either be in an amount equal to the entire applicable Commitment and Revolving Loans of the assigning Bank or (unless each of Borrower and Administrative Agent otherwise consents) be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000. The amount of the assignment shall be based on the Commitment or outstanding Revolving Loans (if the Commitment has been terminated) subject to the assignment, determined as of the date of such assignment or as of the “Effective Date,” if the “Effective Date” is specified in the Assignment and Acceptance Agreement.

(ii) The consent of Borrower shall be required prior to an assignment becoming effective unless Purchaser is a Bank, an Affiliate of a Bank or an Approved Fund, provided that the consent of Borrower shall not be required if a Default has occurred and is continuing. The consent of Administrative Agent shall be required prior to an assignment becoming effective unless the Purchaser is a Bank, an Affiliate of a Bank or an Approved Fund. The consent of Letter of Credit Issuer shall be required prior to an assignment of a Commitment becoming effective unless Purchaser is a Bank, an Affiliate of a Bank or an Approved Fund. Any consent required under this Section 14.10(c)(ii) shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

(iii) Upon (A) delivery to Administrative Agent of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, together with any consents required by Section 14.10(c)(i) and (ii) , (B) payment of a $3,500 fee to Administrative Agent for processing such assignment (unless such fee is waived by Administrative Agent), and (C) the Purchaser’s completed Administrative Questionnaire, such assignment shall become effective on the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement. On and after the effective date of such assignment, such Purchaser shall for all purposes be a Bank party to this Agreement and any other Loan Paper executed by or on behalf of Banks and shall have

 

83


all the rights and obligations of a Bank under the Loan Papers, to the same extent as if it were an original party thereto, and the transferor Bank shall be released with respect to the Commitment and Revolving Loans assigned to such Purchaser without any further consent or action by Borrower, Banks or Administrative Agent. In the case of an assignment covering all of the assigning Bank’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Bank shall cease to be a Bank hereunder but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of, and subject to, those provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Papers which survive payment of the Obligations and termination of the applicable agreement. Any assignment or transfer by a Bank of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 14.10(c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Bank of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 14.10(b) . Upon the consummation of any assignment to a Purchaser pursuant to this Section 14.10(c) , the transferor Bank, Administrative Agent and Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that (as applicable) new Notes or, as appropriate, replacement Notes are issued to such transferor Bank and (as applicable) new Notes or, as appropriate, replacement Notes, are issued to such Purchaser, in each case in principal amounts reflecting their respective Commitments, as adjusted pursuant to such assignment.

(iv) Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Chicago, Illinois or Dallas, Texas a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance Agreement delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Banks, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Revolving Loans owing to, each Bank pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and Borrower, Administrative Agent and Banks may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Bank hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower and any Bank, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) In no event may any Bank assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to Borrower or any Affiliate of Borrower

(d) Dissemination of Information . Borrower authorizes each Bank to disclose to any Participant or Purchaser or any other Person acquiring an interest in the Loan Papers by operation of law, or to any direct, indirect, actual or prospective counterparty (and its advisor) to any swap, derivative or securitization transaction (each a “ Transferee ”) and any prospective Transferee any and all information in such Bank’s possession concerning the creditworthiness of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, any information contained in any financial reports; provided , that , each Transferee and prospective Transferee agrees to be bound by Section 14.17 of this Agreement.

(e) Tax Treatment . If any interest in any Loan Paper is transferred to any Transferee which is not incorporated under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, the transferor Bank shall cause such Transferee, concurrently with the effectiveness of such transfer, to comply with the provisions of Section 13.6(d) .

 

84


Section 14.11 TEXAS LAW . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LAWS OF ANY STATE IN WHICH ANY PROPERTY INTENDED AS SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS IS LOCATED NECESSARILY GOVERN (i) THE CREATION, PERFECTION AND PRIORITY OF THE LIENS IN FAVOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND BANKS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PROPERTY, AND (ii) THE EXERCISE OF ANY REMEDIES (INCLUDING FORECLOSURE) WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PROPERTY.

Section 14.12 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunities .

(a) Borrower hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Texas State or Federal court sitting in the Northern District of Texas over any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Papers, and Borrower hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Texas State or Federal court. Borrower irrevocably consents to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the delivery by Federal Express or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service of copies of such process to such Person at its address specified in Section 14.1 . Borrower agrees that a final judgment on 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.

(b) Nothing in this Section 14.12 shall affect any right of Banks to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law or affect the right of any Bank to bring any action or proceeding against any Credit Party or their properties in the courts of any other jurisdictions.

(c) To the extent that Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, such Person hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Papers.

Section 14.13 Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, this Agreement shall become effective when Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof signed by all of the parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 14.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Except for the provisions hereof inuring to the benefit of Agents not a party to this Agreement, it is expressly intended that there shall be no third party beneficiaries of the covenants, agreements, representations or warranties herein contained other than third party beneficiaries permitted pursuant to Section 14.10 .

 

85


Section 14.15 COMPLETE AGREEMENT . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS COLLECTIVELY REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG BANKS, AGENTS AND THE CREDIT PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF BANKS, AGENTS, AND THE CREDIT PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG BANKS, AGENTS, AND THE CREDIT PARTIES.

Section 14.16 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . BORROWER, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.

Section 14.17 Confidentiality . Administrative Agent and each Bank (each, a “ Lending Party ”) agrees to keep confidential any information furnished or made available to it by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement that is marked confidential; provided , that nothing herein shall prevent any Lending Party from disclosing such information (a) to any other Lending Party or any Affiliate of any Lending Party, or any officer, director, employee, agent, or advisor of any Lending Party or any Affiliate of any Lending Party, provided that any such Person has been advised of the obligation of confidentiality contained herein and has agreed to be bound thereby, (b) to any other Person if reasonably incidental to the administration of the credit facility provided herein, provided that any such Person has been advised of the obligation of confidentiality contained herein and has agreed to be bound thereby, (c) as required by any Law, rule or regulation, but only to the extent so required, (d) upon the order of any court or regulatory or administrative agency or authority, but only to the extent required by such order, (e) that is or becomes available to the public or that is or becomes available to any Lending Party other than as a result of a disclosure by any Lending Party prohibited by this Agreement, (f) in connection with any litigation to which such Lending Party or any of its affiliates may be a party relating to the Obligations or any Loan Paper, but only to the extent required by such litigation, and provided that Borrower shall have been given at least ten (10) days prior notice before any such disclosure and that reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality thereof shall have been taken, including obtaining protective orders, (g) to the extent necessary in connection with the exercise of any remedy under this Agreement or any other Loan Paper, and (h) to any actual or proposed participant or assignee, or to any direct, indirect, actual or prospective counterparty (and its advisor) to any swap, derivative or securitization transaction, provided that any such Person has been advised of the obligation of confidentiality contained herein and has agreed to be bound thereby.

Section 14.18 USA Patriot Act . Each Bank hereby notifies Borrower that, pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and other information that will allow such Bank to identify Borrower in accordance with the Act.

Section 14.19 Secured Affiliate . For purposes of this Agreement and all other Loan Papers, if a Secured Affiliate that is not a Bank has entered into one or more Hedge Agreements

 

86


or agreements in respect of Bank Products with any Credit Party, then to the extent that such Secured Affiliate has rights or obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Paper, such Secured Affiliate’s affiliated Bank shall be the agent and attorney-in-fact for such Secured Affiliate with regard to any such rights and obligations, or deemed rights and obligations, as if such Bank were the counterparty to the applicable Hedge Agreement or agreement in respect of Bank Products including, but not limited to, the following: (a) all distributions or payments owing to such Secured Affiliate pursuant to Article III hereof or by the terms of any of the other Loan Papers shall be distributed or paid to such Bank, and (b) all representations, warranties, statements or disclaimers made herein or in any Loan Paper to such Bank shall be deemed to have been made to such Secured Affiliate. Each such Bank represents, warrants and covenants to and with Administrative Agent that such Bank has, or at all applicable times will have, full power and authority to act as agent and attorney-in-fact for the Secured Affiliates that are its Affiliates. Under no circumstance shall any Secured Affiliate have any voting rights hereunder and the voting rights of any affiliated Bank shall not be increased by virtue of the obligations owing to any such Secured Affiliate.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective Authorized Officers on the day and year first above written.

[signature pages to follow]

 

87


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

CREDIT AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC, AS BORROWER,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,

THE OTHER AGENTS A PARTY THERETO, AND

THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED

ON SCHEDULE 1.1 THERETO, AS BANKS

BORROWER:

 

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Bruce L. Payne

  Bruce L. Payne,
  President and
  Chief Financial Officer

Address for Notice:

1512 Larimer Street, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attn: Bruce L. Payne

Fax No. (303) 339-4399

S IGNATURE P AGE


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

CREDIT AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC, AS BORROWER,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,

THE OTHER AGENTS A PARTY THERETO, AND

THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED

ON SCHEDULE 1.1 THERETO, AS BANKS

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ Michael A. Kamauf

  Michael A. Kamauf,
  Vice President
BANK:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
By:  

/s/ Michael A. Kamauf

  Michael A. Kamauf,
  Vice President

S IGNATURE P AGE


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

CREDIT AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC, AS BORROWER,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,

THE OTHER AGENTS A PARTY THERETO, AND

THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED

ON SCHEDULE 1.1 THERETO, AS BANKS

SYNDICATION AGENT:

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Syndication Agent

 

By:  

/s/ Tim Green

  Tim Green,
  Director

BANK:

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

By:  

/s/ Tim Green

  Tim Green,
  Director

S IGNATURE P AGE


SCHEDULE 1.1

Financial Institutions

 

Banks

   Maximum Credit Amount      Commitment Percentage  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 200,000,000         50

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 200,000,000         50
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals:

   $ 400,000,000         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1.1-1


SCHEDULE 7.5

Litigation

None

 

Schedule 7.5-1


SCHEDULE 7.6

ERISA Matters

None

 

Schedule 7.6-1


SCHEDULE 7.10

Licenses, Permits, Etc.

None

 

Schedule 7.10-1


SCHEDULE 7.13

Organizational Structure

Credit Party : Piceance Energy, LLC (“ Borrower ”)

Jurisdiction of Formation : Delaware

Jurisdiction of Qualification as a Foreign Limited Liability Company : Colorado

Authorized, issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower :

 

Authorized :    N/A
Issued and   
Outstanding :    membership interest held by Laramie Energy II, LLC representing 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity of Borrower.

Outstanding warrants, options, subscription rights, convertible securities or other rights to Equity of Borrower : None

 

Schedule 7.13-1


SCHEDULE 7.14

Environmental Disclosure

None

 

Schedule 7.14-1


SCHEDULE 9.8

Permitted Investments

None

 

Schedule 9.8-1

Exhibit 10.4

Execution Copy

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

This First Amendment to Credit Agreement (this “ Amendment ”) is executed as of the 31st day of August, 2012 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Borrower ”), the financial institutions party hereto, as Banks, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent ( “ Administrative Agent ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Borrower, the Banks, Administrative Agent, and the other Agents party thereto are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 4, 2012 (as may be amended, supplemented, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Banks have agreed to provide certain financing to Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein; and

WHEREAS, Borrower, the Banks, and Administrative Agent desire to amend the Credit Agreement as set forth herein;

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

SECTION 1 Amendments to Credit Agreement . In reliance on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Amendment, effective on the Effective Date, the Credit Agreement shall be amended in the manner provided in this Section 1.

1.1 Amended Definitions . The definitions of “Borrowing Base Properties”, “Delta”, “Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties”, “Parent Guarantors”, “Reserve Report” and “Secured Hedge Provider” contained in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in their entirety to read in full as follows:

Borrowing Base Properties ” means all Mineral Interests of Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries evaluated by Banks for purposes of establishing the Borrowing Base and shall include, without limitation, the Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties on the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date, and shall exclude at all times the EnCana Forward Carry Wells.

Delta ” means Delta Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be renamed “Par Petroleum Corporation” on or immediately following the Delta/Laramie Transaction Closing Date.

Delta/Laramie Transaction Properties ” means the Mineral Interests and other properties (other than the EnCana Forward Carry Wells) acquired by Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the Delta/Laramie Transaction Documents, which shall include, without limitation, all Mineral Interests evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.


Parent Guarantors ” means Laramie and Par Piceance Energy, and “Parent Guarantor” means any one of the foregoing.

Reserve Report ” means an unsuperseded engineering analysis of the Mineral Interests owned by Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the EnCana Forward Carry Wells), in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, prepared in accordance with customary and prudent practices in the petroleum engineering industry and Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 69. Each Reserve Report required to be delivered by February 15 of each year pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be prepared by the Approved Petroleum Engineer. Each other Reserve Report shall be prepared by either (a) the Approved Petroleum Engineer, or (b) Borrower’s in-house staff, and shall include a detailed reconciliation from the most recently delivered Reserve Report prepared by the Approved Petroleum Engineer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any Special Redetermination requested by Borrower, the Reserve Report shall be in form and scope mutually acceptable to Borrower and Administrative Agent. Until superseded, the Initial Reserve Report shall be considered the Reserve Report

Secured Hedge Provider ” means any Bank or any Affiliate of a Bank that has entered into a Hedge Agreement with any Credit Party with the intention that the obligations of such Credit Party thereunder be secured by the Mortgages, the Parent Pledge Agreement, Borrower Pledge Agreements and Subsidiary Pledge Agreements, whether or not such Person at any time ceases to be a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank.

1.2 New Definition . Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended to add thereto in alphabetical order definitions for the terms “Economic Interest Agreement”, “EnCana Forward Carry Wells”, “Economic Interest Agreement Payments” and “Par Piceance Energy” which shall read in full as follows:

Economic Interest Agreement ” means that certain Economic Interest Agreement dated August 31, 2012 by and between Borrower and Delta as in effect on such date.

EnCana Forward Carry Wells ” means “Forward Carry Wells” as defined in the Economic Interest Agreement.

Economic Interest Agreement Payments ” means those payments required to be made by Borrower to Delta pursuant to Section 1 of the Economic Interest Agreement on account of proceeds attributable to the EnCana Forward Carry Wells and that are received by Borrower; provided , that , (a) any such payment made by Borrower to Delta shall not exceed the amount of proceeds actually received by Borrower in immediately available cash from or on behalf of EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. on account of the EnCana Forward Carry Wells, or from any purchaser of production from the EnCana

 

2


Forward Carry Wells, (b) any such payment made by Borrower to Delta shall be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of Borrower’s receipt of the proceeds for which the payment is being made, and (c) any such payment shall be net of all expenses and deductions that Borrower is entitled to deduct from such payments pursuant to the Economic Interest Agreement.

Par Piceance Energy ” means Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

1.3 Amendment to Certain References to the Defined Term “Delta” . Each reference to the defined term “Delta” in the definition of “Designated Equity Holder” and in Section 6.2(a)(xi) and (c) of the Credit Agreement shall be deleted and replaced with the term “Par Piceance Energy”.

1.4 Amendment to Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement . Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by adding the following sentence to the end of such Section 9.2:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.2 or this Agreement, Borrower is permitted to make Economic Interest Agreement Payments.

SECTION 2 Representations and Warranties . In order to induce Administrative Agent and the Banks to enter into this Amendment, Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and the Banks that:

2.1 Due Authorization; No Conflicts . The execution, delivery, and performance by Borrower of this Amendment are within Borrower’s limited liability company power, have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action, require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official, and do not violate or constitute a default under any provision of applicable law or any material agreement binding upon Borrower, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the assets of Borrower.

2.2 Validity and Binding Effect . This Amendment constitutes the valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general application.

SECTION 3 Miscellaneous .

3.1 Reaffirmation of Loan Papers . Any and all of the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Papers shall, except as amended hereby, remain in full force and effect.

3.2 Parties in Interest . All of the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

3


3.3 Counterparts . This Amendment may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, this Amendment shall become effective when Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof signed by all of the parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

3.4 COMPLETE AGREEMENT . THIS AMENDMENT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

3.5 Headings . The headings, captions and arrangements used in this Amendment are, unless specified otherwise, for convenience only and shall not be deemed to limit, amplify or modify the terms of this Amendment, nor affect the meaning thereof.

3.6 No Implied Waivers . No failure or delay on the part of Administrative Agent or the Banks in exercising, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, power, or privilege under this Amendment, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Papers shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege under this Amendment, the Credit Agreement, or any other Loan Papers preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.

3.7 Review and Construction of Documents . Borrower hereby acknowledges and represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and the Banks that (a) Borrower has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of its own choice and has been afforded an opportunity to review this Amendment with its legal counsel, (b) Borrower has reviewed this Amendment and fully understands the effects thereof and all terms and provisions contained herein, (c) Borrower has executed this Amendment of its own free will and volition, and (d) this Amendment shall be construed as if jointly drafted by Borrower and the Banks. The recitals contained in this Amendment shall be construed to be part of the operative terms and provisions of this Amendment.

3.8 Arms-Length/Good Faith . This Amendment has been negotiated at arms-length and in good faith by the parties hereto.

3.9 Interpretation . Wherever the context hereof shall so require, the singular shall include the plural, the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender and the neuter and vice versa.

3.10 Severability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Amendment shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Amendment shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

4


3.11 Governing Law . THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers on the date and year first above written.

 

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Bruce L. Payne

  Bruce L. Payne
  President and Chief Financial Officer

[S IGNATURE P AGE TO F IRST A MENDMENT TO C REDIT A GREEMENT – P ICEANCE E NERGY , LLC]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. , as Administrative Agent and a Bank
        By:  

/s/ Michael A. Kamauf

  Michael A. Kamauf,
  Authorized Officer

 

[S IGNATURE P AGE TO F IRST A MENDMENT TO C REDIT A GREEMENT – P ICEANCE E NERGY , LLC]


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Bank
By:  

/s/ Tim Green

  Tim Green
  Director

 

[S IGNATURE P AGE TO F IRST A MENDMENT TO C REDIT A GREEMENT – P ICEANCE E NERGY , LLC]

Exhibit 10.5

EXECUTION VERSION

WAPITI RECOVERY TRUST AGREEMENT

This Wapiti Recovery Trust Agreement (this “ Trust Agreement ”) is made this 27th day of August, 2012, by and among Delta Petroleum Corporation, DPCA LLC, Delta Exploration Company, Inc., Delta Pipeline, LLC, DLC, Inc., CEC, Inc., Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership, Amber Resources Company of Colorado, and Castle Exploration Company, Inc. (each a “ Debtor ” and, collectively, the “ Debtors ”), and John T. Young, Jr., as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , on the Petition Date, each of the Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”); and

WHEREAS , on August 16, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered its “Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Relating to, and Order Under 11 U.S.C. §§ 1129(a) and (b) Confirming, Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates” [D.I. 925] (the “ Confirmation Order ”), which Order confirmed and implemented the “Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates” (as so confirmed and implemented, the “ Plan ”); 1 and

WHEREAS , the Plan’s Effective Date is anticipated to occur on August 31, 2012; and

WHEREAS, the Plan contemplates that, by the Effective Date, (a) the Debtors and the Trustee will have (i) created a Wapiti Trust (the “ Trust ”) and (ii) create the beneficial interest in the Trust of the Recovery Trust Beneficiaries (the “ Beneficiary ”), and (b) caused the Trust to be vested with Cash in the initial amount of $2,000,000 and the Wapiti Trust Assets (including without limitation the right to prosecute and settle the Wapiti Causes of Action) to be liquidated and distributed to the Beneficiary as set forth in the Plan; and

WHEREAS , the Trust is intended to qualify as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Sections 671-677 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with the Beneficiary to be treated as the grantor of the Trust and deemed to be the owner of the Wapiti Trust Assets (subject to the rights of creditors of the Trust), and consequently, the transfer of the Wapiti Trust Assets to the Trust shall be treated as a deemed transfer of those assets from the Debtors and the Estates (other than the Beneficiary), to the Beneficiary followed by a deemed transfer by the Beneficiary to an entity disregarded as separate from the Beneficiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Plan.


NOW, THEREFORE , pursuant to the Plan and the Confirmation Order, in consideration of the premises, the mutual agreements of the parties contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and affirmed, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DECLARATION OF TRUST

1.1 Creation and Purpose of the Trust. The Debtors and the Trustee hereby create the Trust for the principal purpose of aiding in the implementation of the Plan.

1.2 Declaration of Trust. In order to declare the terms and conditions hereof, and in consideration of the confirmation of the Plan, the Debtors and the Trustee have executed this Trust Agreement and, effective on the Effective Date, hereby irrevocably transfer to the Trust, all of the right, title and interests of the Debtors in and to the Wapiti Trust Assets and Cash, to have and to hold unto the Trust and its successors and assigns forever, under and subject to the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order for the benefit of the Beneficiary and its successors and assigns as provided for in this Trust Agreement and in the Plan and Confirmation Order.

1.3 Funding of the Trust. The Trust shall be funded, on the Effective Date, with the Wapiti Trust Assets and Cash in the initial amount of $2,000,000, subject to replenishment from recoveries and diminishment from distributions hereunder, as provided for in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order. In addition, the Trustee may request subsequent funding from Reorganized Delta in an aggregate amount of up to $5,000,000 plus any value generated by the Trust or the General Trust through the prosecution of Causes of Action and Wapiti Causes of Action and objections to Claims.

1.4 Acceptance by Trustee. The Trustee hereby accepts the trust imposed upon it by this Trust Agreement and agrees to observe and perform that trust on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Trust Agreement, the Plan, and the Confirmation Order. In connection with and in furtherance of the purposes of the Trust, the Trustee hereby accepts the transfer of the Wapiti Trust Assets; provided , however , that the Trustee shall have the right to abandon or otherwise not accept any property that it believes, in good faith, has no value to the Trust.

1.5 Name of the Trust. The Trust established hereby shall be known as the “Wapiti Recovery Trust”.

ARTICLE II

THE TRUSTEE

2.1 Appointment. The Trustee has been selected pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and has been appointed as of the Effective Date. The Trustee’s appointment shall continue until the earlier of (a) the termination of the Trust and (b) the effective date of the Trustee’s resignation, death, dissolution, removal or liquidation.

 

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2.2 General Powers. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement (including, without limitation, the powers of the Trust Oversight Board set forth in Article III of this Trust Agreement), the Plan, or the Confirmation Order, and subject to the retained jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court as provided in the Plan, but without prior or further authorization, the Trustee may control and exercise authority over the Wapiti Trust Assets, over the acquisition, management and disposition thereof, and over the management and conduct of the business of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustee were the sole owner of the Wapiti Trust Assets in its own right. No person dealing with the Trust shall be obligated to inquire into the Trustee’s authority in connection with the acquisition, management, or disposition of Wapiti Trust Assets. Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the Plan, the Confirmation Order, and other provisions of this Trust Agreement, including without limitation the powers of the Trust Oversight Board, the Trustee shall be expressly authorized to, with respect to the Trust and the Wapiti Trust Assets:

(a) Exercise all power and authority that may be or could have been exercised, commence, prosecute and settle all proceedings that may be or could have been commenced, including, without limitation, proceedings with respect to the Wapiti Causes of Action, and take all actions that may be or could have been taken with respect to the Wapiti Trust Assets by the Debtors or by any officer, director or shareholder of the Debtors with like effect as if duly authorized, exercised and taken by action of the Debtors or such officers, directors or shareholders.

(b) Open and maintain bank accounts on behalf of or in the name of the Trust, calculate and make distributions and take other actions consistent with the Plan and the implementation thereof, including the establishment, re-evaluation, adjustment and maintenance of appropriate reserves, in the name of the Trust.

(c) Receive, manage, invest, supervise, and protect the Wapiti Trust Assets, subject to the limitations provided herein.

(d) Hold legal title to any and all Wapiti Trust Assets.

(e) Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan, collect and liquidate all Wapiti Trust Assets pursuant to the Plan.

(f) Supervise and administer distributions to the Beneficiary and creditors of the Trust, in accordance with this Trust Agreement, the Plan, and the Confirmation Order.

(g) (i) Seek a determination of tax liability under section 505 of the Bankruptcy Code; (ii) file, if necessary, any and all tax and information returns required with respect to the Trust; (iii) make tax elections for and on behalf of the Trust; and (iv) pay taxes, if any, payable for and on behalf of the Trust.

(h) Pay all lawful expenses, debts, charges, taxes and liabilities of the Trust.

 

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(i) Take all other actions consistent with the provisions of the Plan that the Trustee deems reasonably necessary or desirable to administer the Plan.

(j) Make distributions to the Beneficiary as provided for, or contemplated by, the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement.

(k) Withhold from the amount distributable to the Beneficiary such amount as may be sufficient to pay any tax or other charge which the Trustee has determined, in its sole discretion, may be required to be withheld therefrom under the income tax laws of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof.

(l) Retain and engage at its discretion, and without Bankruptcy Court approval, such professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or otherwise in the Chapter 11 Cases) as may be necessary to carry out the Trustee’s duties under this Trust Agreement, including, without limitation, accountants and other financial professionals and legal counsel.

(m) Enter into any agreement or execute any document required by or consistent with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and perform all obligations thereunder.

(n) If any of the Wapiti Trust Assets are situated in any state or other jurisdiction in which the Trustee is not qualified to act as trustee, nominate and appoint a person duly qualified to act as trustee in such state or jurisdiction and require from each such trustee such security as may be designated by the Trustee in its discretion; confer upon such trustee all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the Trustee hereunder, subject to the conditions and limitations of this Trust Agreement, except as modified or limited by the Trustee and except where the conditions and limitations may be modified by the laws of such state or other jurisdiction (in which case, the laws of the state or other jurisdiction in which such trustee is acting shall prevail to the extent necessary); require such trustee to be answerable to the Trustee for all monies, assets and other property that may be received in connection with the administration of all property; and remove such trustee, with or without cause, and appoint a successor trustee at any time by the execution by the Trustee of a written instrument declaring such trustee removed from office, and specifying the effective date and time of removal.

(o) Purchase or create and carry all insurance policies and pay all insurance premiums and costs it deems reasonably necessary or advisable.

(p) Implement and/or enforce and/or discharge all of the terms, conditions and all other provisions of, and all duties and obligations under, the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement.

 

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2.3 Compensation of Trustee and its Professionals.

(a) The initial Trustee shall be entitled to receive reasonable compensation in connection with the performance of its duties as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, plus the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Any successor to the Trustee shall also be entitled to reasonable compensation in connection with the performance of its duties, which compensation shall be approved by the Trust Oversight Board, plus the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

(b) On or before the last day of each month following the month for which compensation or reimbursement is sought, the Trustee and each of its professionals seeking compensation shall serve a monthly statement on the Trustee. The Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board will have thirty (30) days from the date such statement is received by the Trustee to review the statement and object to such statement by serving an objection setting forth the precise nature of the objection and the amount at issue on the statement. At the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the Trustee shall pay from Wapiti Trust Assets 100% of the amounts requested, except for the portion of such fees and disbursements to which any objection has been made. The parties shall attempt to consensually resolve objections, if any, to any monthly statement. If the parties are unable to reach a consensual resolution of any such objection, the party who received an objection to its fees may seek payment of such fees by filing a motion with the Bankruptcy Court and providing notice to the Trustee. If the Trustee or any professional fails to submit a monthly statement, it shall be ineligible to receive payment of fees and expenses therefore as provided in this Trust Agreement until the monthly statement is submitted.

2.4 General Duties, Obligations, Rights and Benefits of the Trust. The Trust shall have all duties, obligations, rights and benefits assumed by, assigned to or vested in the Trust under the Plan, the Confirmation Order, this Trust Agreement and, subject to the terms of the Plan, any other agreement entered into pursuant to or in connection with the Plan. Such duties, obligations, rights and benefits include, without limitation, all duties, obligations, rights and benefits relating to the collection and liquidation of the Wapiti Trust Assets, distributions to the Beneficiary, administration of the Trust and any other duties, obligations, rights and benefits reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of the Trust under the Plan, the Confirmation Order, this Trust Agreement and, subject to the terms of the Plan, any other agreement entered into pursuant to or in connection with the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement, the Trust shall have no responsibility for the signing or accuracy of the Debtors’ income tax returns that are due to be filed after the Effective Date or for any tax liability related thereto.

2.5 Replacement of the Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time upon thirty (30) days’ written notice delivered to the Bankruptcy Court and the Trust Oversight Board, provided that such resignation shall only become effective upon the appointment of a permanent or interim successor Trustee. The Trustee may be removed by the Bankruptcy Court upon application and after notice and a hearing, which application may be brought by any party in interest (including any Director serving on the Trust Oversight Board) or by majority vote of the Trust Oversight Board. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the Trust

 

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Oversight Board may, by majority vote, designate a person to serve as successor Trustee; provided , however , that if the Trust Oversight Board shall fail to appoint a successor with thirty (30) days, the successor Trustee shall be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court based upon submissions from Directors on the Trust Oversight Board or the Beneficiary). Upon its appointment, the successor Trustee, without any further act, shall become fully vested with all of the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor and the predecessor Trustee shall be fully released from all responsibilities relating to the Trust. In the event of the removal or resignation of any Trustee, such Trustee shall be immediately compensated for all fees and expenses accrued through the effective date of termination, whether or not previously invoiced. The provisions of Article IV shall survive the resignation or removal of any Trustee.

2.6 Trust Continuance. The death, dissolution, resignation or removal of the Trustee shall not terminate the Trust or revoke any existing agency created by the Trustee pursuant to this Trust Agreement or invalidate any action theretofore taken by the Trustee, and the successor Trustee agrees that the provisions of this Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successor Trustee and all his, her or its heirs and legal and personal representatives, successors or assigns.

2.7 Settlement Authority. Notwithstanding any requirement that may be imposed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, from and after the Effective Date, the Trustee may, subject to Section 3.3 hereof, settle all Wapiti Causes of Action without supervision or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the local rules of the Bankruptcy Court, and the guidelines and requirements of the United States Trustee, other than those restrictions expressly imposed by this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order.

ARTICLE III

TRUST OVERSIGHT BOARD

3.1 Trust Oversight Board. As of the Effective Date, an oversight board shall be formed (the “ Trust Oversight Board ”) and shall be comprised of three directors selected as follows: one director selected by Whitebox Advisors, LLC (“ Whitebox ”); one director selected by Waterstone Advisors, LLC (“ Waterstone ”); and the Trustee, which members were selected pursuant to the provisions of the Plan (each a “ Director ” and collectively, the “ Directors ”). In the event of the resignation, removal, or death, of a Director appointed by Whitebox or Waterstone, the party with the right to designate such Director also shall have the right to designate a replacement Director. In the absence of any Director designation by Whitebox or Waterstone, any such undesignated Director position shall remain vacant until such designee is chosen, and the remaining Directors shall continue to operate as a fully functioning Trust Oversight Board until a successor Director is appointed by the Bankruptcy Court as set forth below. In the event of the resignation, removal, or death of the Director position held by the Trustee, the replacement Director shall be the successor Trustee. If the remaining Directors of the Trust Oversight Board shall fail to appoint a successor within thirty (30) days, the successor Director shall be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court based upon submissions from the remaining Directors or the Beneficiary.

 

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3.2 Reports to Trust Oversight Board. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall report to the Trust Oversight Board on a regular basis, as the Trustee deems appropriate or as otherwise directed by the Trust Oversight Board. Each such report shall include such matters and information as requested by the Trust Oversight Board.

3.3 Powers of Trust Oversight Board. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or this Trust Agreement, the Trust Oversight Board shall establish such governance procedures and by-laws for the Trust and for the oversight of the Trustee as it deems appropriate and that are consistent with the Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, and this Agreement; provided , however , that (A) the approval of a majority of the Trust Oversight Board shall not be required with respect to any action proposed to be taken or transaction proposed to be entered into by the Trustee involving amounts in dispute that in the aggregate total $100,000 or less; (B) pursuant to Section 10.7 of the Plan, the commencement of litigation against the ZCOF Parties must be approved in advance by a majority of the Trust Oversight Board, which majority shall include the vote of Whitebox, provided that to the extent Whitebox votes against the commencement of such litigation against the ZCOF Parties and the Trustee disagrees with such determination, then the Trustee is hereby authorized to file a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking a finding that such determination not to pursue the litigation against the ZCOF Parties was not reasonable and upon such a finding, the Bankruptcy Court shall order the Trust to pursue such litigation against the ZCOF Parties; provided further , however , that the ZCOF Parties reserve all rights and defenses, at law and in equity to defend against any and all actions and no release of any party provided for under the Plan shall prejudice the ZCOF Parties’ rights or defenses; and (C) to the extent that the Trustee believes in good faith that the Trust Oversight Board’s direction is inconsistent with Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, or otherwise is inconsistent with the Trustee’s fiduciary duties to the Beneficiary, then the Trustee is hereby authorized to file a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization to pursue an alternate course of action that the Trustee believes to be consistent with Delaware General Corporation law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, or the Trustee’s fiduciary duties to the Beneficiary. The Trustee’s decision to retain professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or other parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases) shall be subject to review and approval by the Trust Oversight Board. The Trust Oversight Board may authorize the Trustee to invest the Wapiti Trust Assets in prudent investments other than those described in section 345 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Trust Oversight Board may, at its discretion, require a fidelity bond from the Trustee in such reasonable amount as may be agreed to by majority vote of the Trust Oversight Board, but any costs associated with any such fidelity bond shall be payable exclusively from the Wapiti Trust Assets.

3.4 Professionals. The Trust Oversight Board may retain and engage at its discretion, and without Bankruptcy Court approval, such professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or other parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases) as may be necessary to carry out the Trust Oversight Board’s duties under this Trust Agreement, including, without limitation, accountants and other financial professionals and legal counsel. Such professionals and persons shall be compensated in the same manner set forth in Section 2.3.

 

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3.5 Compensation of Trust Oversight Board. The members of the Trust Oversight Board shall serve without compensation.

 

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ARTICLE IV

LIABILITY OF TRUSTEE

AND THE TRUST OVERSIGHT BOARD

4.1 Standard of Care; Exculpation. Neither the Trustee, the members of the Trust Oversight Board, nor any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall be liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in connection with the affairs of the Trust to any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or Beneficiary of the Trust, or any other person, for the acts or omissions of the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses suffered or incurred by any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or Beneficiary that are found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to have resulted primarily and directly from the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board. Every act done, power exercised or obligation assumed by the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Agreement shall be held to be done, exercised or assumed, as the case may be, by the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board acting for and on behalf of the Trust and not otherwise. Except as provided in the proviso of the first sentence of this Section 4.1 with respect to any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or the Beneficiary, every person, firm, corporation or other entity contracting or otherwise dealing with or having any relationship with the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall have recourse only to the Wapiti Trust Assets for payment of any liabilities or other obligations arising in connection with such contracts, dealings or relationships and the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall not be individually liable therefor.

4.2 Indemnification.

(a) Except as otherwise set forth in the Plan or Confirmation Order, the Trustee, the members of the Trust Oversight Board, and any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or the members of the Trust Oversight Board, and each of their heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives (each, an “ Indemnified Party ” and collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”) shall be defended, held harmless and indemnified from time to time by the Trust to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law, as now or hereafter in effect, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, penalties, obligations and expenses, including the costs for counsel or others in investigating, preparing or defending any action or claim, including, without limitation, the

 

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Wapiti Causes of Action, whether or not in connection with litigation in which any Indemnified Party is a party, or enforcing this Trust Agreement (including these indemnity provisions), as and when incurred, caused by, relating to, based upon or arising out of (directly or indirectly) the Trustee’s or Trust Oversight Board’s acceptance of or the performance or nonperformance of its obligations under this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order; provided , however , such indemnity shall not apply to any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent it is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to be a liability for which recourse is not limited to the Wapiti Trust Assets pursuant to Section 4.1 above. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article IV shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Trust Agreement, the Confirmation Order, the Plan, any statute, agreement, or otherwise. Any repeal or modification of this Article IV shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of an Indemnified Party existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification. Satisfaction of any obligation of the Trust arising pursuant to the terms of this Section shall be payable only from the Wapiti Trust Assets, may be advanced prior to the conclusion of such matter and such right to payment shall be prior and superior to any other rights to receive a distribution of the Wapiti Trust Assets.

(b) The Trust shall promptly pay expenses reasonably incurred by any Indemnified Party in defending, participating in, or settling any action, proceeding or investigation in which such Indemnified Party is a party or is threatened to be made a party or otherwise is participating in connection with the Trust Agreement or the duties, acts or omissions of the Trustee, upon submission of invoices therefor, whether in advance of the final disposition of such action, proceeding, or investigation or otherwise. Each Indemnified Party hereby undertakes, and the Trust hereby accepts its undertaking, to repay any and all such amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified therefor under this Trust Agreement.

4.3 No Liability for Acts of Successor/Predecessor Trustees. Upon the appointment of a successor Trustee and the delivery of the Wapiti Trust Assets to the successor Trustee, the predecessor Trustee shall have no further liability or responsibility with respect thereto. A successor Trustee shall have no duty to examine or inquire into the acts or omissions of its immediate or remote predecessor and no successor Trustee shall be in any way liable for the acts or omissions of any predecessor Trustee unless a successor Trustee expressly assumes such responsibility. A predecessor Trustee shall have no liability for the acts or omissions of any immediate or subsequent successor Trustee for any events or occurrences subsequent to the cessation of its role as Trustee.

4.4 Reliance by Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board on Documents or Advice of Counsel. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board may rely, and shall be protected from liability for acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order or other paper or document reasonably believed by the Trustee and/or the Trust Oversight Board to be genuine and to have been presented by an authorized party. Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Oversight Board shall be liable for any action taken or suffered by the Trustee or the Trust

 

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Oversight Board, as applicable, in reasonable reliance upon the advice of counsel or other professionals engaged by the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board, as applicable, in accordance with this Trust Agreement.

4.5 Insurance. The Trust may purchase and carry all insurance policies and pay all insurance premiums and costs the Trustee deems reasonably necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, purchasing any errors and omissions insurance with regard to any liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses it may incur, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, arising out of or due to its actions or omissions, or consequences of such actions or omissions, other than as a result of its fraud or willful misconduct, with respect to the implementation and administration of the Plan or this Trust Agreement.

ARTICLE V

GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING

ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST

5.1 Reserved.

5.2 Books and Records. The Trust also shall maintain in respect of the Trust and the Beneficiary books and records relating to the Wapiti Trust Assets and income realized therefrom and the payment of expenses of and claims against or assumed by the Trust in such detail and for such period of time as may be necessary to enable it to make full and proper reports in respect thereof. Except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, or as may be required by applicable law (including securities law), nothing in this Trust Agreement is intended to require the Trust to file any accounting or seek approval of any court with respect to the administration of the Trust, or as a condition for making any payment or distribution out of the Wapiti Trust Assets. The Beneficiary shall have the right upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice delivered to the Trustee to inspect the Trust’s books and records, provided the Beneficiary shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trust. Satisfaction of the foregoing condition notwithstanding, if (a) the Trustee determines in good faith that the inspection of the Trust’s books and records, by the Beneficiary would be detrimental to the Trust or (b) the Beneficiary is a defendant (or potential defendant) in a pending (or potential) action brought by the Trust, the Trust may deny such request for inspection. The Bankruptcy Court shall resolve any dispute between the Beneficiary and the Trustee under this Section 5.2.

5.3 Interim Reports to the Beneficiary. The Trustee may from time to time in its discretion, or as may be required by applicable law (including securities law) report to the Beneficiary on the status of the Trust.

5.4 Final Accounting of Trustee. The Trust shall within ninety (90) days after the termination of the Trust or the death, dissolution, resignation or removal of the Trustee, render an accounting containing at least the following information:

(a) A description of the Wapiti Trust Assets.

 

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(b) A summarized accounting in sufficient detail of all gains, losses, receipts, disbursements and other transactions in connection with the Trust and the Wapiti Trust Assets during the Trustee’s term of service, including their source and nature.

(c) Separate entries for all receipts of principal and income.

(d) The ending balance of all Wapiti Trust Assets as of the date of the accounting, including the Cash balance on hand and the name(s) and location(s) of the depository or depositories where the Cash is kept.

(e) All known liabilities of the Trust.

The accounting shall be provided to the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary.

5.5 Cooperation with the Reorganized Debtors. The Trust shall provide reasonable non-economic assistance to the Reorganized Debtors, including reasonable access to its employees and books and records, and reasonable assistance in connection with the preparation of tax returns. Furthermore, to the extent it deems it necessary or appropriate, the Trust is authorized to expend funds to assist the Reorganized Debtors on matters that are of reasonable benefit to the Beneficiary. The Reorganized Debtors (as the “Debtors” and, therefore, signatories to this Trust Agreement) agree to help facilitate the Trust becoming a co-insured under any policies of insurance retained or purchased by the Reorganized Debtors, to the extent that (i) the Trust desires becoming a co-insured entity under such policies and (ii) it is reasonable for the Reorganized Debtors to do so.

ARTICLE VI

THE BENEFICIARY

6.1 Interest Beneficial Only. Except as provided in Article IX of this Trust Agreement, the ownership of a beneficial interest in the Trust shall not entitle the Beneficiary to any title in or to the Wapiti Trust Assets or to any right to call for a partition or division of the Wapiti Trust Assets or to require an accounting.

6.2 Evidence of Beneficial Interest. Ownership of a beneficial interest in the Trust shall not be evidenced by any certificate, security or receipt or in any other form or manner whatsoever, except as maintained on the books and records of the Trust by the Trustee.

6.3 Transfers of Beneficial Interests. The Beneficiary of the Trust shall not assign, convey or otherwise transfer any of its right, title or interest in and to the Trust.

6.4 Absolute Owners. The Trustee may deem and treat the Beneficiary as the absolute owner of the beneficial interest in the Trust for the purposes of receiving distributions and payments on account thereof for federal and state income tax purposes and for all other purposes whatsoever.

 

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6.5 Change of Address. Notice of any change of address of the Beneficiary shall be forwarded to the Trustee by registered mail. Absent such written notice, the Trustee shall not recognize any such change of address. Such notification shall be effective only upon receipt.

6.6 Standing. Except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the Beneficiary does not have standing to direct the Trustee to do or not to do any act or to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity against any party (other than against the Trustee to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement) upon or with respect to the Wapiti Trust Assets.

6.7 Release of Liability by Beneficiary. The Beneficiary shall not relieve the Trustee from any duty, responsibility, restriction or liability as to such Beneficiary that would otherwise be imposed under this Trust Agreement unless such relief is (i) agreed to in writing by the Trust, the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary or (ii) approved by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

ARTICLE VII

DISTRIBUTIONS

7.1 Distributions to the Beneficiary from Wapiti Trust Assets; Withholding. The Trustee shall distribute recoveries on account of Wapiti Trust Assets to the Beneficiary. All payments to be made by the Trust to the Beneficiary shall be made only in accordance with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and from the Wapiti Trust Assets (or from the income and proceeds realized from the Wapiti Trust Assets), and only to the extent that the Trust has sufficient Wapiti Trust Assets (or income and proceeds realized from the Wapiti Trust Assets) to make such payments in accordance with and to the extent provided for in the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement. Additionally, the Trustee may withhold from amounts distributable to the Beneficiary any and all amounts, determined in the Trustee’s sole discretion, to be required by any law, regulation, rule, ruling, directive or other governmental requirement. In addition, all distributions under this Trust Agreement shall be net of the actual and reasonable costs of making such distributions.

7.2 Non-Cash Property . Any non-Cash property of the Trust may be sold, transferred or abandoned by the Trustee. Notice of such sale, transfer or abandonment shall be provided to the Holders, if any, of Secured Claims holding liens on such non-Cash property. If, in the Trustee’s reasonable judgment, such property cannot be sold in a commercially reasonable manner, or the Trustee believes, in good faith, such property has no value to the Trust, the Trustee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to abandon or otherwise dispose of such property, including by donation of such property to a charity designated by the Trustee. Except in the case of willful misconduct, no party in interest shall have a cause of action against any Debtor or successor in interest, the Trustee, any member of the Trust Oversight Board, or any director, officer, employee, consultant or professional of a Debtor or its successor, the Trustee, or the Trust Oversight Board arising from or related to the disposition of non-Cash property in accordance with this Section.

 

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7.3 Withholding Taxes and Expenses of Distribution. Any federal, state or local withholding taxes or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law shall be deducted from distributions hereunder. The Beneficiary shall be required to provide the Trustee with any information necessary to effect the withholding of such taxes. In addition, all distributions under the Plan shall be net of the actual and reasonable costs of making such distributions.

7.4 Distributions on Non-Business Days. Any payment or distribution due on a day other than a Business Day shall be made, without interest, on the next Business Day.

ARTICLE VIII

TAXES

8.1 Income Tax Status. The Trust shall be treated as a grantor trust pursuant to sections 671-677 of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the Beneficiary will be treated as both the grantor and the deemed owner of the Trust. Any items of income, deduction, credit and loss of the Trust shall be allocated for federal income tax purposes to the Beneficiary.

8.2 Tax Returns. In accordance with section 6012 of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.671-4(a), the Trust shall file with the IRS annual tax returns on Form 1041. In addition, the Trust shall file in a timely manner such other tax returns, including any state and local tax returns, as are required by applicable law and pay any taxes shown as due thereon. Within a reasonable time following the end of the taxable year, the Trust shall send to the Beneficiary a separate statement setting forth the Beneficiary’s share of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit and will instruct the Beneficiary to report such items on their federal income tax returns. The Trust shall provide the Beneficiary with a copy of the Form 1041 for the Trust.

8.3 Withholding of Taxes and Reporting Related to Trust Operations. The Trust shall comply with all withholding and reporting requirements imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign taxing authority, and all distributions made by the Trust shall be subject to any such withholding and reporting requirements. To the extent that the operation of the Trust or the liquidation of the Wapiti Trust Assets creates a tax liability, the Trust shall promptly pay such tax liability and any such payment shall be considered a cost and expense of the operation of the Trust payable without Bankruptcy Court order. The Trust may reserve a sum, the amount of which shall be determined by the Trust in its sole discretion, sufficient to pay the accrued or potential tax liability arising out of the operations of the Trust or the operation of the Wapiti Trust Assets. In the exercise of its sole discretion, the Trust may enter into agreements with taxing authorities or other governmental units for the payment of such amounts as may be withheld. Any federal, state or local withholding taxes or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law shall be deducted from distributions hereunder. The Beneficiary shall be required to provide any information necessary to effect the withholding of such taxes.

8.4 Valuations. As soon as possible after the Effective Date, the Trust shall make a good faith valuation of the Wapiti Trust Assets, and such valuation shall be used

 

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consistently by the Trust and the Beneficiary for all federal income tax purposes. The Trust also shall file (or cause to be filed) any other statements, returns or disclosures relating to the Trust that are required by any governmental unit.

8.5 Expedited Determination of Taxes. The Trust may request an expedited determination of taxes of the Debtors and of the Trust under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all returns filed for, or on behalf of, the Debtors and the Trust for all taxable periods through the termination of the Trust.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION OF TRUST

9.1 Termination of Trust. The Trustee shall be discharged and the Trust shall be terminated, at such time as (i) all of the Wapiti Trust Assets have been liquidated, (ii) all duties and obligations of the Trustee hereunder have been fulfilled, and (iii) all distributions required to be made by the Trustee under the Plan and this Trust Agreement have been made.

9.2 Maximum Term. The duties, responsibilities and powers of the Trustee shall terminate after all Wapiti Trust Assets, including the Wapiti Causes of Action, transferred and assigned to the Trust, or involving the Trustee on behalf of the Trust, are fully resolved, abandoned or liquidated and distributed in accordance with the Plan and this Trust Agreement and the administration of the Trust has otherwise been completed. The Trust shall terminate no later than five (5) years after the Effective Date unless extended by order of the Bankruptcy Court.

9.3 Events Upon Termination. At the conclusion of the term of the Trust, the Trust shall distribute the remaining Wapiti Trust Assets, if any, to the Beneficiary, in accordance with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and shall file with the Bankruptcy Court a report thereof, seeking an order discharging the Trustee.

9.4 Winding Up and Discharge of the Trustee. For the purposes of winding up the affairs of the Trust at the conclusion of its term, the Trustee shall continue to act as Trustee until its duties under this Trust Agreement have been fully discharged or its role as Trustee is otherwise terminated under this Trust Agreement and the Plan. Upon a motion by the Trustee, the Bankruptcy Court may enter an order relieving the Trustee, its agents and employees of any further duties, discharging the Trustee and releasing its bond, if any.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

10.1 Amendments. This Trust Agreement may be modified, supplemented, or amended upon written approval by a majority of the Trust Oversight Board and a majority of the board of directors of the Beneficiary; provided ; however , that any such modification, supplementation, or amendment of this Trust Agreement must be consistent with the terms of the Plan or the Confirmation Order. Such modification, supplementation or amendment shall be in writing and filed with the Bankruptcy Court and shall become effective without approval or

 

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order of the Bankruptcy Court on the thirtieth (30th) day following notice thereof to the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary; provided , however , that if the Beneficiary or another party in interest files an objection to such modification, supplement and/or amendment within thirty (30) days of notice thereof, such modification, supplement and/or amendment shall only be become effective upon entry of a Final Order approving such amendment, supplementation and/or amendment.

10.2 Waiver. No failure by the Trust, the Trustee, or the Trust Oversight Board to exercise or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any further exercise thereof, or of any other right, power or privilege.

10.3 Cumulative Rights and Remedies. The rights and remedies provided in this Trust Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights under law or in equity.

10.4 No Bond Required. Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, the Trustee (including any successor Trustee) shall be exempt from giving any bond or other security in any jurisdiction other than as provided under Section 3.3.

10.5 Irrevocability. This Trust Agreement and the Trust created hereunder shall be irrevocable, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Trust Agreement.

10.6 Relationship to the Plan. The principal purpose of this Trust Agreement is to aid in the implementation of the Plan and, therefore, this Trust Agreement incorporates and is subject to the provisions of the Plan and the Confirmation Order. In the event that any provision of this Trust Agreement is found to be inconsistent with a provision of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the provisions of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, as applicable, shall control.

10.7 Division of Trust. Under no circumstances shall the Trustee have the right or power to divide the Trust unless authorized to do so by the Bankruptcy Court.

10.8 Applicable Law. The Trust is made in the State of Delaware, and the Trust and this Trust Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board are to be governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of the State of Delaware; provided , however , that, except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board, or this Trust Agreement (a) the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code; or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate: (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges; (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property; (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal; (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or

 

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requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets; or (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustee set forth or referenced in this Trust Agreement.

10.9 Retention of Jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the Effective Date, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction over the Trust after the Effective Date, including, without limitation, jurisdiction to resolve any and all controversies, suits and issues that may arise in connection therewith, including, without limitation, this Trust Agreement, or any entity’s obligations incurred in connection herewith, including without limitation, any action against the Trustee or any professional retained by the Trustee, in each case in its capacity as such. Each party to this Trust Agreement hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court in any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement or of any other agreement or document delivered in connection with this Trust Agreement, and also hereby irrevocably waives any defense of improper venue, forum non conveniens or lack of personal jurisdiction to any such action brought in the Bankruptcy Court. Each party further irrevocably agrees that any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement will be brought only in the Bankruptcy Court. Each party hereby irrevocably consents to the service by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of any process in any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement.

10.10 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Trust Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Trust Agreement, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstance, other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and such provision of this Trust Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10.11 Limitation of Benefits. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or to give any person other than the parties hereto and the Beneficiary any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Trust Agreement.

10.12 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, consents and other communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given to a person, if delivered in person or by facsimile with an electromagnetic report of delivery or if sent by overnight mail, registered mail, certified mail or regular mail, with postage prepaid, to the following addresses:

If to the Trustee:

Conway MacKenzie, Inc.

1301 McKinney

Suite 2025

Houston, Texas 77010

Facsimile: (713) 650-0502

Attention: John T. Young, Jr.

E-mail: JYoung@ConwayMacKenzie.com

 

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If to the Beneficiary (Reorganized Debtors):

370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Telecopier No.: (303) 298-8251

If to the Trust Oversight Board:

Whitebox Advisors LLC

3033 Excelsior Blvd.

Minneapolis, Minneapolis 55416

Attention: Jake Mercer

Telecopier No.: (612) 253-6100

The parties may designate in writing from time to time other and additional places to which notices may be sent.

10.13 Further Assurances. From and after the Effective Date, the parties hereto covenant and agree to execute and deliver all such documents and notices and to take all such further actions as may reasonably be required from time to time to carry out the intent and purposes of this Trust Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

10.14 Integration. This Trust Agreement, the Plan and the Confirmation Order constitute the entire agreement with, by and among the parties thereto, and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations except as set forth herein, in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order. This Trust Agreement, together with the Plan and the Confirmation Order, supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto, relating to any transaction contemplated hereunder. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or Confirmation Order, nothing herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person other than the parties hereto and the Beneficiary any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Trust Agreement.

10.15 Interpretation. The enumeration and Section headings contained in this Trust Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Trust Agreement or of any term or provision hereof. Unless context

 

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otherwise requires, whenever used in this Trust Agreement the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and the neuter, if appropriate, and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include partnerships, associations and corporations. The words herein, hereby, and hereunder and words with similar import, refer to this Trust Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or subsection hereof unless the context requires otherwise. Any reference to the “Debtors” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Reorganized Debtors” unless the context otherwise requires. Any reference to the “Trustee” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Trust” and any reference to the “Trust” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Trustee” except for the references in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and such other provisions in which the context otherwise requires.

10.16 Counterparts. This Trust Agreement may be signed by the parties hereto in counterparts, which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same document.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have either executed and acknowledged this Trust Agreement, or caused it to be executed and acknowledged on their behalf by their duly authorized officers, all as of the date first above written.

 

DEBTORS:
  DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

   

John T. Young, Jr.

Chief Restructuring Officer

  CEC, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  DELTA EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  DELTA PIPELINE, LLC
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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  DLC, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  DPCA LLC
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  AMBER RESOURCES COMPANY OF COLORADO
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  CASTLE EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  CASTLE TEXAS PRODUCTION LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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TRUSTEE:
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.

 

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EXHIBIT A

The Trustee shall be entitled to compensation at the rate of $550/hour, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. To the extent that the Trustee employs professionals from Conway Mackenzie Management Services LLC (“Conway”), Conway will bill at the same hourly rates used throughout the Debtors’ bankruptcy cases as set forth below:

 

Professional    Title    Hourly
Rates
 

John T. Young, Jr.

  

Trustee

   $ 550.00   

Jeff N. Huddleston

  

Director

   $ 475.00   

R. Seth Bullock

  

Director

   $ 475.00   

Seth Barron

  

Director

   $ 410.00   

Maggie Conner

  

Director

   $ 390.00   

Carl Seidman

  

Director

   $ 375.00   

Kayla J. Hughes

  

Administrative Assistant

   $ 185.00   

Exhibit 10.6

EXECUTION VERSION

DELTA PETROLEUM GENERAL RECOVERY TRUST AGREEMENT

This Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust Agreement (this “ Trust Agreement ”) is made this 27th day of August, 2012, by and among Delta Petroleum Corporation, DPCA LLC, Delta Exploration Company, Inc., Delta Pipeline, LLC, DLC, Inc., CEC, Inc., Castle Texas Production Limited Partnership, Amber Resources Company of Colorado, and Castle Exploration Company, Inc. (each a “ Debtor ” and, collectively, the “ Debtors ”), and John T. Young, Jr., as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , on the Petition Date, each of the Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”); and

WHEREAS , on August 16, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered its “Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Relating to, and Order Under 11 U.S.C. §§ 1129(a) and (b) Confirming, Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates” [D.I. 925] (the “ Confirmation Order ”), which Order confirmed and implemented the “Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Delta Petroleum Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates” (as so confirmed and implemented, the “ Plan ”); 1 and

WHEREAS , the Plan’s Effective Date is anticipated to occur on August 31, 2012; and

WHEREAS, the Plan contemplates that, by the Effective Date, (a) the Debtors and the Trustee will have (i) created a General Trust (the “ Trust ”) and (ii) create the beneficial interest in the Trust of the Recovery Trust Beneficiaries (the “ Beneficiary ”), and (b) caused the Trust to be vested with Cash in the initial amount of $2,000,000 and the General Trust Assets (including without limitation the right to prosecute and settle certain unreleased Causes of Action) to be liquidated and distributed to the Beneficiary as set forth in the Plan and to object to, settle and/or compromise any Claims that are Disputed (“ Disputed Claims ”); and

WHEREAS , the Trust is intended to qualify as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Sections 671-677 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with the Beneficiary to be treated as the grantor of the Trust and deemed to be the owner of the General Trust Assets (subject to the rights of creditors of the Trust), and consequently, the transfer of the General Trust Assets to the Trust shall be treated as a deemed transfer of those assets from the Debtors and the Estates (other than the Beneficiary), to the Beneficiary followed by a deemed transfer by the Beneficiary to an entity disregarded as separate from the Beneficiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

1  

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Plan.


NOW, THEREFORE , pursuant to the Plan and the Confirmation Order, in consideration of the premises, the mutual agreements of the parties contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and affirmed, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DECLARATION OF TRUST

1.1 Creation and Purpose of the Trust. The Debtors and the Trustee hereby create the Trust for the principal purpose of aiding in the implementation of the Plan.

1.2 Declaration of Trust. In order to declare the terms and conditions hereof, and in consideration of the confirmation of the Plan, the Debtors and the Trustee have executed this Trust Agreement and, effective on the Effective Date, hereby irrevocably transfer to the Trust, all of the right, title and interests of the Debtors in and to the General Trust Assets and Cash, to have and to hold unto the Trust and its successors and assigns forever, under and subject to the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order for the benefit of the Beneficiary and its successors and assigns as provided for in this Trust Agreement and in the Plan and Confirmation Order.

1.3 Funding of the Trust. The Trust shall be funded, on the Effective Date, with the General Trust Assets and Cash in the initial amount of $2,000,000, subject to replenishment from recoveries and diminishment from distributions hereunder, as provided for in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order.

1.4 Acceptance by Trustee. The Trustee hereby accepts the trust imposed upon it by this Trust Agreement and agrees to observe and perform that trust on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Trust Agreement, the Plan, and the Confirmation Order. In connection with and in furtherance of the purposes of the Trust, the Trustee hereby accepts the transfer of the General Trust Assets; provided , however , that the Trustee shall have the right to abandon or otherwise not accept any property that it believes, in good faith, has no value to the Trust.

1.5 Name of the Trust. The Trust established hereby shall be known as the “Delta Petroleum General Recovery Trust”.

ARTICLE II

THE TRUSTEE

2.1 Appointment. The Trustee has been selected pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and has been appointed as of the Effective Date. The Trustee’s appointment shall continue until the earlier of (a) the termination of the Trust and (b) the effective date of the Trustee’s resignation, death, dissolution, removal or liquidation.

 

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2.2 General Powers. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement (including, without limitation, the powers of the Trust Oversight Board set forth in Article III of this Trust Agreement), the Plan, or the Confirmation Order, and subject to the retained jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court as provided in the Plan, but without prior or further authorization, the Trustee may control and exercise authority over the General Trust Assets, over the acquisition, management and disposition thereof, and over the management and conduct of the business of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustee were the sole owner of the General Trust Assets in its own right. No person dealing with the Trust shall be obligated to inquire into the Trustee’s authority in connection with the acquisition, management, or disposition of General Trust Assets. Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the Plan, the Confirmation Order, and other provisions of this Trust Agreement, including without limitation the powers of the Trust Oversight Board), the Trustee shall be expressly authorized to, with respect to the Trust and the General Trust Assets:

(a) Exercise all power and authority that may be or could have been exercised, commence, prosecute and settle all proceedings that may be or could have been commenced, including, without limitation, proceedings with respect to the Causes of Action, and take all actions that may be or could have been taken with respect to the General Trust Assets by the Debtors or by any officer, director or shareholder of the Debtors with like effect as if duly authorized, exercised and taken by action of the Debtors or such officers, directors or shareholders.

(b) Open and maintain bank accounts on behalf of or in the name of the Trust, calculate and make distributions and take other actions consistent with the Plan and the implementation thereof, including the establishment, re-evaluation, adjustment and maintenance of appropriate reserves, in the name of the Trust.

(c) Receive, manage, invest, supervise, and protect the General Trust Assets, subject to the limitations provided herein.

(d) Hold legal title to any and all General Trust Assets.

(e) Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan, collect and liquidate all General Trust Assets pursuant to the Plan.

(f) Object to Disputed Claims and supervise and administer the resolution, settlement and payment of all Claims, and distributions to the Beneficiary and creditors of the Trust, in accordance with this Trust Agreement, the Plan, and the Confirmation Order.

(g) (i) Seek a determination of tax liability under section 505 of the Bankruptcy Code; (ii) file, if necessary, any and all tax and information returns required with respect to the Trust; (iii) make tax elections for and on behalf of the Trust; and (iv) pay taxes, if any, payable for and on behalf of the Trust.

 

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(h) Pay all lawful expenses, debts, charges, taxes and liabilities of the Trust.

(i) Take all other actions consistent with the provisions of the Plan that the Trustee deems reasonably necessary or desirable to administer the Plan.

(j) Make distributions to the Beneficiary as provided for, or contemplated by, the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement.

(k) Withhold from the amount distributable to the Beneficiary such amount as may be sufficient to pay any tax or other charge which the Trustee has determined, in its sole discretion, may be required to be withheld therefrom under the income tax laws of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof.

(l) Retain and engage at its discretion, and without Bankruptcy Court approval, such professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or otherwise in the Chapter 11 Cases) as may be necessary to carry out the Trustee’s duties under this Trust Agreement, including, without limitation, accountants and other financial professionals and legal counsel.

(m) Enter into any agreement or execute any document required by or consistent with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and perform all obligations thereunder.

(n) If any of the General Trust Assets are situated in any state or other jurisdiction in which the Trustee is not qualified to act as trustee, nominate and appoint a person duly qualified to act as trustee in such state or jurisdiction and require from each such trustee such security as may be designated by the Trustee in its discretion; confer upon such trustee all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the Trustee hereunder, subject to the conditions and limitations of this Trust Agreement, except as modified or limited by the Trustee and except where the conditions and limitations may be modified by the laws of such state or other jurisdiction (in which case, the laws of the state or other jurisdiction in which such trustee is acting shall prevail to the extent necessary); require such trustee to be answerable to the Trustee for all monies, assets and other property that may be received in connection with the administration of all property; and remove such trustee, with or without cause, and appoint a successor trustee at any time by the execution by the Trustee of a written instrument declaring such trustee removed from office, and specifying the effective date and time of removal.

(o) Purchase or create and carry all insurance policies and pay all insurance premiums and costs it deems reasonably necessary or advisable.

(p) Implement and/or enforce and/or discharge all of the terms, conditions and all other provisions of, and all duties and obligations under, the Plan, the Confirmation Order, this Trust Agreement and the Joint Venture Company Agreements.

 

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2.3 Compensation of Trustee and its Professionals.

(a) The initial Trustee shall be entitled to receive reasonable compensation in connection with the performance of its duties as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, plus the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Any successor to the Trustee shall also be entitled to reasonable compensation in connection with the performance of its duties, which compensation shall be approved by the Trust Oversight Board, plus the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

(b) On or before the last day of each month following the month for which compensation or reimbursement is sought, the Trustee and each of its professionals seeking compensation shall serve a monthly statement on the Trustee. The Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board will have thirty (30) days from the date such statement is received by the Trustee to review the statement and object to such statement by serving an objection setting forth the precise nature of the objection and the amount at issue on the statement. At the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the Trustee shall pay from General Trust Assets 100% of the amounts requested, except for the portion of such fees and disbursements to which any objection has been made. The parties shall attempt to consensually resolve objections, if any, to any monthly statement. If the parties are unable to reach a consensual resolution of any such objection, the party who received an objection to its fees may seek payment of such fees by filing a motion with the Bankruptcy Court and providing notice to the Trustee. If the Trustee or any professional fails to submit a monthly statement, it shall be ineligible to receive payment of fees and expenses therefore as provided in this Trust Agreement until the monthly statement is submitted.

2.4 General Duties, Obligations, Rights and Benefits of the Trust. The Trust shall have all duties, obligations, rights and benefits assumed by, assigned to or vested in the Trust under the Plan, the Confirmation Order, this Trust Agreement and, subject to the terms of the Plan, any other agreement entered into pursuant to or in connection with the Plan. Such duties, obligations, rights and benefits include, without limitation, all duties, obligations, rights and benefits relating to the collection and liquidation of the General Trust Assets, administration of Claims, satisfaction of claims of creditors, distributions to the Beneficiary, administration of the Trust and any other duties, obligations, rights and benefits reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of the Trust under the Plan, the Confirmation Order, the Disputed Ownership Fund Escrow Agreement, this Trust Agreement and, subject to the terms of the Plan, any other agreement entered into pursuant to or in connection with the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement, the Trust shall have no responsibility for the signing or accuracy of the Debtors’ income tax returns that are due to be filed after the Effective Date or for any tax liability related thereto.

2.5 Replacement of the Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time upon thirty (30) days’ written notice delivered to the Bankruptcy Court and the Trust Oversight Board, provided that such resignation shall only become effective upon the appointment of a permanent or interim successor Trustee. The Trustee may be removed (i) by the Bankruptcy Court upon application and after notice and a hearing, which application may be brought by any party in interest (including any Director serving on the Trust Oversight Board) or (ii) by majority vote of

 

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the Trust Oversight Board. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board may, by majority vote, designate a person to serve as successor Trustee; provided , however , that if the Trust Oversight Board shall fail to appoint a successor within thirty (30) days, the successor Trustee shall be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court based upon submissions from Directors on the Trust Oversight Board or the Beneficiary. Upon its appointment, the successor Trustee, without any further act, shall become fully vested with all of the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor and the predecessor Trustee shall be fully released from all responsibilities relating to the Trust. In the event of the removal or resignation of any Trustee, such Trustee shall be immediately compensated for all fees and expenses accrued through the effective date of termination, whether or not previously invoiced. The provisions of Article IV shall survive the resignation or removal of any Trustee.

2.6 Trust Continuance. The death, dissolution, resignation or removal of the Trustee shall not terminate the Trust or revoke any existing agency created by the Trustee pursuant to this Trust Agreement or invalidate any action theretofore taken by the Trustee, and the successor Trustee agrees that the provisions of this Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successor Trustee and all his, her or its heirs and legal and personal representatives, successors or assigns.

2.7 Claims Settlement Authority. Notwithstanding any requirement that may be imposed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, from and after the Effective Date, the Trustee may, subject to Section 3.3 hereof, settle all Disputed Claims and Causes of Action without supervision or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the local rules of the Bankruptcy Court, and the guidelines and requirements of the United States Trustee, other than those restrictions expressly imposed by this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order.

ARTICLE III

TRUST OVERSIGHT BOARD

3.1 Trust Oversight Board. As of the Effective Date, an oversight board shall be formed (the “ Trust Oversight Board ”) and shall be comprised of three directors selected as follows: one directors selected by Whitebox Advisors, LLC (“ Whitebox ”); one director selected by Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. (“ ZCOF ”); and the Trustee, which members were selected pursuant to the provisions of the Plan (each a “ Director ” and collectively, the “ Directors ”). In the event of the resignation, removal, or death, of a Director appointed by Whitebox or ZCOF, the party with the right to designate such Director also shall have the right to designate a replacement Director. In the absence of any Director designation by Whitebox or ZCOF, any such undesignated Director position shall remain vacant until such designee is chosen, and the remaining Directors shall continue to operate as a fully functioning Trust Oversight Board until a successor Director is appointed by the Bankruptcy Court as set forth below. In the event of the resignation, removal, or death of the Director position held by the Trustee, the replacement Director shall be the successor Trustee. If the remaining Directors of the Trust Oversight Board shall fail to appoint a successor within thirty (30) days, the successor Director shall be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court based upon submissions from the remaining Directors or the Beneficiary.

 

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3.2 Reports to Trust Oversight Board. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall report to the Trust Oversight Board on a regular basis, as the Trustee deems appropriate or as otherwise directed by the Trust Oversight Board. Each such report shall include such matters and information as requested by the Trust Oversight Board.

3.3 Powers of Trust Oversight Board . Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or this Trust Agreement, the Trust Oversight Board shall establish such governance procedures and by-laws for the Trust and for the oversight of the Trustee as it deems appropriate and that are consistent with the Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, and this Agreement; provided , however , that the approval of a majority of the Trust Oversight Board shall not be required with respect to any action proposed to be taken or transaction proposed to be entered into by the Trustee involving amounts in dispute that in the aggregate total $100,000 or less; provided , further , that to the extent that the Trustee believes in good faith that the Trust Oversight Board’s direction is inconsistent with Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, or otherwise is inconsistent with the Trustee’s fiduciary duties to the Beneficiary, then the Trustee is hereby authorized to file a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization to pursue an alternate course of action that the Trustee believes to be consistent with Delaware General Corporation law, Title 12 of the Delaware Code, or the Trustee’s fiduciary duties to the Beneficiary. The Trustee’s decision to retain professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or other parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases) shall be subject to review and approval by the Trust Oversight Board. The Trust Oversight Board may authorize the Trustee to invest the General Trust Assets in prudent investments other than those described in section 345 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Trust Oversight Board may, at its discretion, require a fidelity bond from the Trustee in such reasonable amount as may be agreed to by majority vote of the Trust Oversight Board, but any costs associated with any such fidelity bond shall be payable exclusively from the General Trust Assets.

3.4 Professionals. The Trust Oversight Board may retain and engage at its discretion, and without Bankruptcy Court approval, such professionals and persons (who may include professionals and persons who had previously been employed by the Debtors or other parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases) as may be necessary to carry out the Trust Oversight Board’s duties under this Trust Agreement, including, without limitation, accountants and other financial professionals and legal counsel. Such professionals and persons shall be compensated in the same manner set forth in Section 2.3.

3.5 Compensation of Trust Oversight Board. The members of the Trust Oversight Board shall serve without compensation.

 

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ARTICLE IV

LIABILITY OF TRUSTEE

AND THE TRUST OVERSIGHT BOARD

4.1 Standard of Care; Exculpation. Neither the Trustee, the members of the Trust Oversight Board, nor any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall be liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in connection with the affairs of the Trust to any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or Beneficiary of the Trust, or any other person, for the acts or omissions of the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses suffered or incurred by any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or Beneficiary that are found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to have resulted primarily and directly from the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board. Every act done, power exercised or obligation assumed by the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Agreement shall be held to be done, exercised or assumed, as the case may be, by the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board acting for and on behalf of the Trust and not otherwise. Except as provided in the proviso of the first sentence of this Section 4.1 with respect to any Holder of a Claim or Equity Interest or the Beneficiary, every person, firm, corporation or other entity contracting or otherwise dealing with or having any relationship with the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall have recourse only to the General Trust Assets for payment of any liabilities or other obligations arising in connection with such contracts, dealings or relationships and the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board or any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or any member of the Trust Oversight Board shall not be individually liable therefor.

4.2 Indemnification.

(a) Except as otherwise set forth in the Plan or Confirmation Order, the Trustee, the members of the Trust Oversight Board, and any director, officer, affiliate, employee, employer, professional, agent or representative of the Trustee or the members of the Trust Oversight Board, and each of their heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives (each, an “ Indemnified Party ” and collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”) shall be defended, held harmless and indemnified from time to time by the Trust to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law, as now or hereafter in effect, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, penalties, obligations and expenses, including the costs for counsel or others in investigating, preparing or defending any action or claim, including, without limitation, the

 

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Claims or the Causes of Action, whether or not in connection with litigation in which any Indemnified Party is a party, or enforcing this Trust Agreement (including these indemnity provisions), as and when incurred, caused by, relating to, based upon or arising out of (directly or indirectly) the Trustee’s or Trust Oversight Board’s acceptance of or the performance or nonperformance of its obligations under this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order; provided , however , such indemnity shall not apply to any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent it is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to be a liability for which recourse is not limited to the General Trust Assets pursuant to Section 4.1 above. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article IV shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Trust Agreement, the Confirmation Order, the Plan, any statute, agreement, or otherwise. Any repeal or modification of this Article IV shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of an Indemnified Party existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification. Satisfaction of any obligation of the Trust arising pursuant to the terms of this Section shall be payable only from the General Trust Assets, may be advanced prior to the conclusion of such matter and such right to payment shall be prior and superior to any other rights to receive a distribution of the General Trust Assets.

(b) The Trust shall promptly pay expenses reasonably incurred by any Indemnified Party in defending, participating in, or settling any action, proceeding or investigation in which such Indemnified Party is a party or is threatened to be made a party or otherwise is participating in connection with the Trust Agreement or the duties, acts or omissions of the Trustee, upon submission of invoices therefor, whether in advance of the final disposition of such action, proceeding, or investigation or otherwise. Each Indemnified Party hereby undertakes, and the Trust hereby accepts its undertaking, to repay any and all such amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified therefor under this Trust Agreement.

4.3 No Liability for Acts of Successor/Predecessor Trustees. Upon the appointment of a successor Trustee and the delivery of the General Trust Assets to the successor Trustee, the predecessor Trustee shall have no further liability or responsibility with respect thereto. A successor Trustee shall have no duty to examine or inquire into the acts or omissions of its immediate or remote predecessor and no successor Trustee shall be in any way liable for the acts or omissions of any predecessor Trustee unless a successor Trustee expressly assumes such responsibility. A predecessor Trustee shall have no liability for the acts or omissions of any immediate or subsequent successor Trustee for any events or occurrences subsequent to the cessation of its role as Trustee.

4.4 Reliance by Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board on Documents or Advice of Counsel. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board may rely, and shall be protected from liability for acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order or other paper or document reasonably believed by the Trustee and/or the Trust Oversight Board to be genuine and to have been presented by an authorized party. Neither the Trustee nor the Trust

 

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Oversight Board shall be liable for any action taken or suffered by the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board, as applicable, in reasonable reliance upon the advice of counsel or other professionals engaged by the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board, as applicable, in accordance with this Trust Agreement.

4.5 Insurance. The Trust may purchase and carry all insurance policies and pay all insurance premiums and costs the Trustee deems reasonably necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, purchasing any errors and omissions insurance with regard to any liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses it may incur, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, arising out of or due to its actions or omissions, or consequences of such actions or omissions, other than as a result of its fraud or willful misconduct, with respect to the implementation and administration of the Plan or this Trust Agreement.

ARTICLE V

GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING

ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST

5.1 Administrative Reserve. The Trust may, at its discretion, establish the Administrative Reserve as set forth in Section 7.1 of this Trust Agreement.

5.2 Books and Records. The Trust also shall maintain in respect of the Trust and the Beneficiary books and records relating to the General Trust Assets and income realized therefrom and the payment of expenses of and claims against or assumed by the Trust in such detail and for such period of time as may be necessary to enable it to make full and proper reports in respect thereof. Except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, or as may be required by applicable law (including securities law), nothing in this Trust Agreement is intended to require the Trust to file any accounting or seek approval of any court with respect to the administration of the Trust, or as a condition for making any payment or distribution out of the General Trust Assets. The Beneficiary shall have the right upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice delivered to the Trustee to inspect the Trust’s books and records, provided the Beneficiary shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trust. Satisfaction of the foregoing condition notwithstanding, if (a) the Trustee determines in good faith that the inspection of the Trust’s books and records, by the Beneficiary would be detrimental to the Trust or (b) the Beneficiary is a defendant (or potential defendant) in a pending (or potential) action brought by the Trust, the Trust may deny such request for inspection. The Bankruptcy Court shall resolve any dispute between the Beneficiary and the Trustee under this Section 5.2.

5.3 Interim Reports to the Beneficiary. The Trustee may from time to time in its discretion, or as may be required by applicable law (including securities law) report to the Beneficiary on the status of the Trust.

5.4 Final Accounting of Trustee. The Trust shall within ninety (90) days after the termination of the Trust or the death, dissolution, resignation or removal of the Trustee, render an accounting containing at least the following information:

(a) A description of the General Trust Assets.

 

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(b) A summarized accounting in sufficient detail of all gains, losses, receipts, disbursements and other transactions in connection with the Trust and the General Trust Assets during the Trustee’s term of service, including their source and nature.

(c) Separate entries for all receipts of principal and income.

(d) The ending balance of all General Trust Assets as of the date of the accounting, including the Cash balance on hand and the name(s) and location(s) of the depository or depositories where the Cash is kept.

(e) All known liabilities of the Trust.

The accounting shall be provided to the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary.

5.5 Cooperation with the Reorganized Debtors. The Trust shall provide reasonable non-economic assistance to the Reorganized Debtors, including reasonable access to its employees and books and records, and reasonable assistance in connection with the preparation of tax returns. Furthermore, to the extent it deems it necessary or appropriate, the Trust is authorized to expend funds from the Administrative Reserve to assist the Reorganized Debtors on matters that are of reasonable benefit to the Beneficiary. The Reorganized Debtors (as the “Debtors” and, therefore, signatories to this Trust Agreement) agree to help facilitate the Trust becoming a co-insured under any policies of insurance retained or purchased by the Reorganized Debtors, to the extent that (i) the Trust desires becoming a co-insured entity under such policies and (ii) it is reasonable for the Reorganized Debtors to do so.

ARTICLE VI

THE BENEFICIARY

6.1 Interest Beneficial Only. Except as provided in Article IX of this Trust Agreement, the ownership of a beneficial interest in the Trust shall not entitle the Beneficiary to any title in or to the General Trust Assets or to any right to call for a partition or division of the General Trust Assets or to require an accounting.

6.2 Evidence of Beneficial Interest. Ownership of a beneficial interest in the Trust shall not be evidenced by any certificate, security or receipt or in any other form or manner whatsoever, except as maintained on the books and records of the Trust by the Trustee.

6.3 Transfers of Beneficial Interests. The Beneficiary of the Trust shall not assign, convey or otherwise transfer any of its right, title or interest in and to the Trust.

6.4 Absolute Owners. The Trustee may deem and treat the Beneficiary as the absolute owner of the beneficial interest in the Trust for the purposes of receiving distributions and payments on account thereof for federal and state income tax purposes and for all other purposes whatsoever.

 

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6.5 Change of Address. Notice of any change of address of the Beneficiary shall be forwarded to the Trustee by registered mail. Absent such written notice, the Trustee shall not recognize any such change of address. Such notification shall be effective only upon receipt.

6.6 Standing. Except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the Beneficiary does not have standing to direct the Trustee to do or not to do any act or to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity against any party (other than against the Trustee to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement) upon or with respect to the General Trust Assets.

6.7 Release of Liability by Beneficiary. The Beneficiary shall not relieve the Trustee from any duty, responsibility, restriction or liability as to such Beneficiary that would otherwise be imposed under this Trust Agreement unless such relief is (i) agreed to in writing by the Trust, the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary or (ii) approved by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

ARTICLE VII

DISTRIBUTIONS

7.1 Distributions to the Beneficiary from General Trust Assets. The Trustee shall distribute recoveries on account of General Trust Assets to the Beneficiary; provided , however , that the Trust may retain and supplement from time to time a reserve (the “ Administrative Reserve ”) in such amount (a) as is reasonably necessary to meet contingent liabilities and to maintain the value of the General Trust Assets during the term of the Trust; (b) to pay reasonable administrative expenses including, without limitation, the compensation and the reimbursement of reasonable, actual and necessary costs, fees (including attorneys’ fees) and expenses of the Trustee and the Trust Oversight Board in connection with the performance of their duties in connection with this Trust Agreement; and (c) to satisfy all other liabilities and claims of creditors of the Trust incurred or assumed in respect of the Trust (or to which the General Trust Assets are otherwise subject) in accordance with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement. All payments to be made by the Trust to the Beneficiary shall be made only in accordance with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and from the General Trust Assets (or from the income and proceeds realized from the General Trust Assets) net of the Administrative Reserve, and only to the extent that the Trust has sufficient General Trust Assets (or income and proceeds realized from the General Trust Assets) to make such payments in accordance with and to the extent provided for in the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement. All such distributions shall be made as provided, and subject to any withholding or reserve, in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order. Additionally, the Trustee may withhold from amounts distributable to the Beneficiary any and all amounts, determined in the Trustee’s sole discretion, to be required by any law, regulation, rule, ruling, directive or other governmental requirement. In addition, all distributions under this Trust Agreement shall be net of the actual and reasonable costs of making such distributions.

 

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7.2 Non-Cash Property . Any non-Cash property of the Trust may be sold, transferred or abandoned by the Trustee. Notice of such sale, transfer or abandonment shall be provided to the Holders, if any, of Secured Claims holding liens on such non-Cash property. If, in the Trustee’s reasonable judgment, such property cannot be sold in a commercially reasonable manner, or the Trustee believes, in good faith, such property has no value to the Trust, the Trustee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to abandon or otherwise dispose of such property, including by donation of such property to a charity designated by the Trustee. Except in the case of willful misconduct, no party in interest shall have a cause of action against any Debtor or successor in interest, the Trustee, any member of the Trust Oversight Board, or any director, officer, employee, consultant or professional of a Debtor or its successor, the Trustee, or the Trust Oversight Board arising from or related to the disposition of non-Cash property in accordance with this Section.

7.3 Withholding Taxes and Expenses of Distribution. Any federal, state or local withholding taxes or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law shall be deducted from distributions hereunder. The Beneficiary shall be required to provide the Trustee with any information necessary to effect the withholding of such taxes. In addition, all distributions under the Plan shall be net of the actual and reasonable costs of making such distributions.

7.4 Distributions on Non-Business Days. Any payment or distribution due on a day other than a Business Day shall be made, without interest, on the next Business Day.

ARTICLE VIII

TAXES

8.1 Income Tax Status. The Trust shall be treated as a grantor trust pursuant to sections 671-677 of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the Beneficiary will be treated as both the grantor and the deemed owner of the Trust. Any items of income, deduction, credit and loss of the Trust shall be allocated for federal income tax purposes to the Beneficiary.

8.2 Tax Returns. In accordance with section 6012 of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.671-4(a), the Trust shall file with the IRS annual tax returns on Form 1041. In addition, the Trust shall file in a timely manner such other tax returns, including any state and local tax returns, as are required by applicable law and pay any taxes shown as due thereon. Within a reasonable time following the end of the taxable year, the Trust shall send to the Beneficiary a separate statement setting forth the Beneficiary’s share of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit and will instruct the Beneficiary to report such items on their federal income tax returns. The Trust shall provide the Beneficiary with a copy of the Form 1041 for the Trust.

 

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8.3 Withholding of Taxes and Reporting Related to Trust Operations. The Trust shall comply with all withholding and reporting requirements imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign taxing authority, and all distributions made by the Trust shall be subject to any such withholding and reporting requirements. To the extent that the operation of the Trust or the liquidation of the General Trust Assets creates a tax liability, the Trust shall promptly pay such tax liability and any such payment shall be considered a cost and expense of the operation of the Trust payable without Bankruptcy Court order. The Trust may reserve a sum, the amount of which shall be determined by the Trust in its sole discretion, sufficient to pay the accrued or potential tax liability arising out of the operations of the Trust or the operation of the General Trust Assets. In the exercise of its sole discretion, the Trust may enter into agreements with taxing authorities or other governmental units for the payment of such amounts as may be withheld. Any federal, state or local withholding taxes or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law shall be deducted from distributions hereunder. The Beneficiary shall be required to provide any information necessary to effect the withholding of such taxes.

8.4 Valuations. As soon as possible after the Effective Date, the Trust shall make a good faith valuation of the General Trust Assets, and such valuation shall be used consistently by the Trust and the Beneficiary for all federal income tax purposes. The Trust also shall file (or cause to be filed) any other statements, returns or disclosures relating to the Trust that are required by any governmental unit.

8.5 Expedited Determination of Taxes. The Trust may request an expedited determination of taxes of the Debtors and of the Trust under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all returns filed for, or on behalf of, the Debtors and the Trust for all taxable periods through the termination of the Trust.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION OF TRUST

9.1 Termination of Trust. The Trustee shall be discharged and the Trust shall be terminated, at such time as (i) all of the General Trust Assets have been liquidated, (ii) all duties and obligations of the Trustee hereunder have been fulfilled, (iii) all distributions required to be made by the Trustee under the Plan and this Trust Agreement have been made, and (iv) all of the Chapter 11 Cases have been closed.

9.2 Maximum Term. The duties, responsibilities and powers of the Trustee shall terminate after all General Trust Assets, including the Causes of Action, transferred and assigned to the Trust, or involving the Trustee on behalf of the Trust, are fully resolved, abandoned or liquidated and distributed in accordance with the Plan and this Trust Agreement and the administration of the Trust has otherwise been completed. The Trust shall terminate no later than five (5) years after the Effective Date unless extended by order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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9.3 Events Upon Termination. At the conclusion of the term of the Trust, the Trust shall distribute the remaining General Trust Assets, if any, to the Beneficiary, in accordance with the Plan, the Confirmation Order and this Trust Agreement and shall file a notice of termination of the Trust with the Bankruptcy Court.

9.4 Winding Up and Discharge of the Trustee. For the purposes of winding up the affairs of the Trust at the conclusion of its term, the Trustee shall continue to act as Trustee until its duties under this Trust Agreement have been fully discharged or its role as Trustee is otherwise terminated under this Trust Agreement and the Plan. Upon a motion by the Trustee, the Bankruptcy Court may enter an order relieving the Trustee, its agents and employees of any further duties, discharging the Trustee and releasing its bond, if any.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

10.1 Amendments. This Trust Agreement may be modified, supplemented, or amended upon written approval by a majority of the Trust Oversight Board and a majority of the board of directors of the Beneficiary; provided , however , that any such modification, supplementation, or amendment of this Trust Agreement must be consistent with the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order. Such modification, supplementation or amendment shall be in writing and filed with the Bankruptcy Court and shall become effective without approval or order of the Bankruptcy Court on the thirtieth (30th) day following notice thereof to the Trust Oversight Board and the Beneficiary; provided , however , that if the Beneficiary or another party in interest files an objection to such modification, supplement and/or amendment within thirty (30) days of notice thereof, such modification, supplement and/or amendment shall only be become effective upon entry of a Final Order approving such amendment, supplementation and/or amendment.

10.2 Waiver. No failure by the Trust, the Trustee, or the Trust Oversight Board to exercise or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any further exercise thereof, or of any other right, power or privilege.

10.3 Cumulative Rights and Remedies. The rights and remedies provided in this Trust Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights under law or in equity.

10.4 No Bond Required. Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, the Trustee (including any successor Trustee) shall be exempt from giving any bond or other security in any jurisdiction other than as provided under Section 3.3.

10.5 Irrevocability. This Trust Agreement and the Trust created hereunder shall be irrevocable, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Trust Agreement.

10.6 Relationship to the Plan. The principal purpose of this Trust Agreement is to aid in the implementation of the Plan and, therefore, this Trust Agreement incorporates and is subject to the provisions of the Plan and the Confirmation Order. In the event that any

 

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provision of this Trust Agreement is found to be inconsistent with a provision of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the provisions of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, as applicable, shall control.

10.7 Division of Trust. Under no circumstances shall the Trustee have the right or power to divide the Trust unless authorized to do so by the Bankruptcy Court.

10.8 Applicable Law. The Trust is made in the State of Delaware, and the Trust and this Trust Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the Trustee or the Trust Oversight Board are to be governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of the State of Delaware; provided , however , that, except as expressly provided in this Trust Agreement, there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustee, the Trust Oversight Board, or this Trust Agreement (a) the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code; or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate: (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges; (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property; (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust; (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal; (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets; or (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustee set forth or referenced in this Trust Agreement.

10.9 Retention of Jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the Effective Date, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction over the Trust after the Effective Date, including, without limitation, jurisdiction to resolve any and all controversies, suits and issues that may arise in connection therewith, including, without limitation, this Trust Agreement, or any entity’s obligations incurred in connection herewith, including without limitation, any action against the Trustee or any professional retained by the Trustee, in each case in its capacity as such. Each party to this Trust Agreement hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court in any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement or of any other agreement or document delivered in connection with this Trust Agreement, and also hereby irrevocably waives any defense of improper venue, forum non conveniens or lack of personal jurisdiction to any such action brought in the Bankruptcy Court. Each party further irrevocably agrees that any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement will be brought only in the Bankruptcy Court. Each party hereby irrevocably consents to the service by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of any process in any action to enforce, interpret or construe any provision of this Trust Agreement.

10.10 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Trust Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Trust Agreement, or the

 

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application of such provision to persons or circumstance, other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and such provision of this Trust Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10.11 Limitation of Benefits. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or to give any person other than the parties hereto and the Beneficiary any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Trust Agreement.

10.12 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, consents and other communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given to a person, if delivered in person or by facsimile with an electromagnetic report of delivery or if sent by overnight mail, registered mail, certified mail or regular mail, with postage prepaid, to the following addresses:

If to the Trustee:

Conway MacKenzie, Inc.

1301 McKinney

Suite 2025

Houston, Texas 77010

Facsimile: (713) 650-0502

Attention: John T. Young, Jr.

E-mail: JYoung@ConwayMacKenzie.com

If to the Beneficiary (Reorganized Debtors):

370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Telecopier No.: (303) 298-8251

If to the Trust Oversight Board:

Whitebox Advisors LLC

3033 Excelsior Blvd.

Minneapolis, Minneapolis 55416

Attention: Jake Mercer

Telecopier No.: (612) 253-6100

The parties may designate in writing from time to time other and additional places to which notices may be sent.

10.13 Further Assurances. From and after the Effective Date, the parties hereto covenant and agree to execute and deliver all such documents and notices and to take all such further actions as may reasonably be required from time to time to carry out the intent and purposes of this Trust Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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10.14 Integration. This Trust Agreement, the Plan and the Confirmation Order constitute the entire agreement with, by and among the parties thereto, and there are no representations, warranties, covenants or obligations except as set forth herein, in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order. This Trust Agreement, together with the Plan and the Confirmation Order, supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, written or oral, of the parties hereto, relating to any transaction contemplated hereunder. Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the Plan or Confirmation Order, nothing herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person other than the parties hereto and the Beneficiary any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Trust Agreement.

10.15 Interpretation. The enumeration and Section headings contained in this Trust Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Trust Agreement or of any term or provision hereof. Unless context otherwise requires, whenever used in this Trust Agreement the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and the neuter, if appropriate, and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include partnerships, associations and corporations. The words herein, hereby, and hereunder and words with similar import, refer to this Trust Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or subsection hereof unless the context requires otherwise. Any reference to the “Debtors” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Reorganized Debtors” unless the context otherwise requires. Any reference to the “Trustee” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Trust” and any reference to the “Trust” shall be deemed to include a reference to the “Trustee” except for the references in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and such other provisions in which the context otherwise requires.

10.16 Counterparts. This Trust Agreement may be signed by the parties hereto in counterparts, which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same document.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have either executed and acknowledged this Trust Agreement, or caused it to be executed and acknowledged on their behalf by their duly authorized officers, all as of the date first above written.

 

DEBTORS:
  DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  CEC, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  DELTA EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer
  DELTA PIPELINE, LLC
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.
    Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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DLC, INC.
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Restructuring Officer
DPCA LLC
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Restructuring Officer
AMBER RESOURCES COMPANY OF COLORADO
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Restructuring Officer
CASTLE EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Restructuring Officer
CASTLE TEXAS PRODUCTION LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

  John T. Young, Jr.
  Chief Restructuring Officer

 

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TRUSTEE:
  By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

    John T. Young, Jr.

 

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EXHIBIT A

The Trustee shall be entitled to compensation at the rate of $550/hour, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. To the extent that the Trustee employs professionals from Conway Mackenzie Management Services LLC (“Conway”), Conway will bill at the same hourly rates used throughout the Debtors’ bankruptcy cases as set forth below:

 

Professional    Title    Hourly
Rates
 

John T. Young, Jr.

   Trustee    $ 550.00   

Jeff N. Huddleston

   Director    $ 475.00   

R. Seth Bullock

   Director    $ 475.00   

Seth Barron

   Director    $ 410.00   

Maggie Conner

   Director    $ 390.00   

Carl Seidman

   Director    $ 375.00   

Kayla J. Hughes

   Administrative Assistant    $ 185.00   

Exhibit 10.7

Execution Version

PLEDGE AGREEMENT

THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of August 31, 2012 by Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (herein called “ Pledgor ”), in favor of Jefferies Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (in such capacity, herein called “ Pledgee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Pledgor, the Pledgee, and the Lenders party thereto from time to time, are parties to that certain Delayed Draw Term Credit Agreement (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of August 31, 2012, pursuant to which the Lenders have agreed to make loans and other extensions of credit to the Borrower for the purposes set forth therein; and

WHEREAS, as a condition precedent to the Credit Agreement, Pledgor is required to execute and deliver this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the sole member of Pledgor has determined that Pledgor’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement may reasonably be expected to benefit Pledgor, directly or indirectly, and are in the best interests of Pledgor.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in order to induce the Secured Parties to extend credit under the Credit Agreement, Pledgor hereby agrees with Pledgee as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

Section 1.1 General Definitions . As used herein, the terms defined above shall have the meanings indicated above, and the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Collateral ” means all property of whatever type, in which Pledgee at any time has a security interest pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof.

Other Liable Party ” means any Person, other than Pledgor, but including the Borrower and each other Credit Party, who may now or may at any time hereafter be primarily or secondarily liable for any of the Obligations or who may now or may at any time hereafter have granted to Pledgee or the Secured Parties a Lien upon any property as security for the Obligations.

Pledged Equity ” has the meaning given it in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions . Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for a statement of the terms thereof. All capitalized terms used in this Agreement which are defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as set forth therein. All terms used in this Agreement which are defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings herein as set forth in the UCC, except where the context otherwise requires.

 

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Section 1.3 Amendment of Defined Instruments . Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise provided herein, references in this Agreement to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, amendments, modifications, supplements or restatements of any such agreement, instrument or document, provided that nothing contained in this Section 1.3 shall be construed to authorize any Person to execute or enter into any such renewal, extension, amendment, modification, supplement or restatement.

Section 1.4 References and Titles . All references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any subdivision are for convenience only and do not constitute any part of any such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases “this Section” and “this subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the Sections or subsections hereof in which the phrase occurs. The word “or” is not exclusive, and the word “including” (in all of its forms) means “including without limitation”. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter gender shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa unless the context otherwise requires.

ARTICLE II

SECURITY INTEREST

Section 2.1 Grant of Security Interest . As collateral security for all of the payment and performance in full when due of all of the Obligations, Pledgor hereby pledges and assigns to Pledgee and grants to Pledgee a continuing security interest with at least the priority required by Section 3.1(d)(iv) hereof for the benefit of the Secured Parties in and to all of the following rights, interests and property:

(a) all of the issued and outstanding JV Interests now owned or hereafter acquired by Pledgor (all of the foregoing being herein sometimes called the “ Pledged Equity ”);

(b) any and all proceeds or other sums arising from or by virtue of, and all dividends and distributions (cash or otherwise) payable and/or distributable with respect to, all or any of the Pledged Equity; and

(c) all cash, securities, dividends, warrants, rights, options, instruments and other property at any time and from time to time receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Pledged Equity and any other property substituted or exchanged therefor.

 

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Section 2.2 Obligations Secured . The security interest created hereby in the Collateral constitutes continuing collateral security for the payment and performance in full of all of the Obligations.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

Section 3.1 Representations and Warranties . Pledgor represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Ownership and Liens . Pledgor has good and marketable title to the Collateral free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances or adverse claims, except for the security interest created by this Agreement and except as provided in Section 3.1(d)(iv) . No effective financing statement or other instrument similar in effect covering all or any part of the Collateral is on file in any recording office except such as have been filed in favor of Pledgee relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or other Permitted Liens.

(b) No Conflicts or Consents . Neither the ownership or the intended use of the Collateral by Pledgor, nor the grant of the security interest by Pledgor to Pledgee herein, nor the exercise by Pledgee of its rights or remedies hereunder, will (i) conflict with any provision of (A) any domestic or foreign law, statute, rule or regulation, (B) the certificate of formation, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, or other organizational document of the JV Company, or (C) any agreement, judgment, license, order or permit applicable to or binding upon Pledgor; or (ii) result in or require the creation of any Lien, charge or encumbrance upon any assets or properties of Pledgor except as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents. Except as expressly contemplated in the Loan Documents, no consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any court, Governmental Authority, the JV Company, or third party is required in connection with the grant by Pledgor of the security interest herein, or, except as may be required under the UCC, the exercise by Pledgee of its rights and remedies hereunder.

(c) Security Interest . Pledgor has and will have at all times full right, power and authority to grant a security interest in the Collateral to Pledgee in the manner provided herein, free and clear of any Lien, adverse claim, or encumbrance (except as provided in Section 3.1(d)(iv) ). This Agreement creates a valid and binding security interest in favor of Pledgee in the Collateral securing the Obligations. The taking possession by Pledgee or by the JV Company Credit Agreement Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee under the Intercreditor Agreement), for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties of all certificates, instruments and cash constituting Collateral from time to time, together with appropriate stock powers, and the filing of the financing statements delivered concurrently herewith by Pledgor to Pledgee will perfect, and establish the priority required by Section 3.1(d)(iv) of, Pledgee’s security interest hereunder in the Collateral securing the Obligations. No further or subsequent filing, recording, registration, other public notice or other action is necessary or desirable to perfect or otherwise continue, preserve or protect such security interest except for continuation statements or filings as contemplated in Section 3.3(b) or otherwise by the UCC.

 

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(d) Pledged Equity . (i) Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner of the Pledged Equity; (ii) the Pledged Equity is duly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable (as applicable), and all documentary, stamp or other Taxes or fees owing in connection with the issuance, transfer and/or pledge thereof hereunder have been paid; (iii) no dispute, right of setoff, counterclaim or defense exists with respect to all or any part of the Pledged Equity; (iv) the Pledged Equity is free and clear of all Liens, options, warrants, puts, calls or other rights of third Persons, and restrictions, other than (A) those Liens arising under this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents, (B) Liens for Taxes or assessments not yet due or not yet delinquent, or, if delinquent, that are being contested in good faith in the normal course of business by appropriate action, (C) restrictions on transferability imposed by applicable state and federal securities Laws and (D) Permitted Liens; (v) Pledgor has full right and authority to pledge the Pledged Equity for the purposes and upon the terms set out herein; (vi) certificates (as applicable) representing the Pledged Equity have been delivered to Pledgee or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee under the Intercreditor Agreement), together with a duly executed blank stock power for each certificate; and (vii) the JV Company has not issued, and there are not outstanding, any options, warrants or other rights to acquire Equity Interests of the JV Company.

Section 3.2 Affirmative Covenants . Unless Pledgee shall otherwise consent in writing, Pledgor will at all times comply with the covenants contained in this Section 3.2 from the date hereof and so long as any part of the Obligations remain outstanding.

(a) Ownership and Liens . Pledgor will maintain good and marketable title to all Collateral free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances or adverse claims, except for (i) the security interest created by this Agreement and (ii) those provided in Section 3.1(d)(iv) . Pledgor will cause to be terminated any financing statement or other registration with respect to the Collateral, except such as may exist or as may have been filed in favor of Pledgee or the holder of a Permitted Lien. Pledgor will defend Pledgee’s security interest in and to the Collateral against the claims of any Person.

(b) Further Assurances . Pledgor will at any time and from time to time promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents and take all further action that may be necessary or desirable or that Pledgee may request in order (i) to perfect and protect the security interest created or purported to be created hereby and the priority required by Section 3.1(d)(iv) of such security interest; (ii) to enable Pledgee to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder in respect of the Collateral; or (iii) to otherwise effect the purposes of this Agreement, including: (A) executing and filing such financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, as may be necessary or desirable or that Pledgee may request in order to perfect and preserve the security interest created or purported to be created hereby, and (B) furnishing to Pledgee from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as Pledgee may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail.

(c) Delivery of Pledged Equity . All certificates, instruments and writings evidencing the Pledged Equity shall be delivered to Pledgee or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for

 

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perfection for the Pledgee), on or prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement. All certificates, instruments and writings hereafter evidencing or constituting Pledged Equity shall be delivered to Pledgee or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee), promptly upon the receipt thereof by or on behalf of Pledgor. All Pledged Equity shall be held by or on behalf of Pledgee pursuant hereto and shall be delivered in the same manner and with the same effect as described in Section 2.1 hereof and Section 3.1 hereof. Upon delivery, such Equity shall thereupon constitute “Pledged Equity” and shall be subject to the Liens herein created, for the purposes and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(d) Proceeds of Pledged Equity . If Pledgor shall receive, by virtue of its being or having been an owner of any Pledged Equity, any (i) Equity Interests (including any certificate representing any Equity Interest or distribution in connection with any increase or reduction of capital, reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or spinoff or split-off), promissory note or other instrument or writing; (ii) option or right, whether as an addition to, substitution for, or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity or otherwise; (iii) dividends or other distributions payable in cash (except such dividends or other distributions permitted to be retained by Pledgor pursuant to Section 4.7 hereof) or in securities or other property; or (iv) dividends or other distributions in connection with (A) a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or (B) a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in surplus, Pledgor shall receive the same in trust for the benefit of Pledgee, shall segregate it from Pledgor’s other property, and shall promptly deliver it to Pledgee or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee under the Intercreditor Agreement), in the exact form received, with any necessary endorsement or appropriate stock powers duly executed in blank, to be held by or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee under the Intercreditor Agreement), Pledgee as Collateral.

(e) Status of Pledged Equity . The certificates evidencing the Pledged Equity (as applicable) shall at all times be valid and genuine and shall not be altered. The Pledged Equity at all times shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable (as applicable), shall not be issued in violation of the pre-emptive rights of any Person or of any agreement by which Pledgor or the JV Company is bound, and, except for the bylaws or other organizational documents of the JV Company, shall not be subject to any restrictions or conditions with respect to the transfer, voting or capital of any Pledged Equity.

Section 3.3 Negative Covenants . Unless Pledgee shall otherwise consent in writing, Pledgor will at all times comply with the covenants contained in this Section 3.3 from the date hereof and so long as any part of the Obligations remain outstanding.

(a) Transfer or Encumbrance . Pledgor will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise), transfer, exchange, lease or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, nor will Pledgor grant a Lien upon or execute, file or record any financing statement or other registration with respect to the Collateral (other than the security interests created by this Agreement or in connection with Permitted Liens), nor will Pledgor allow any such Lien, financing statement, or

 

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other registration to exist or deliver actual or constructive possession of the Collateral to any other Person other than Liens in favor of Pledgee and those provided in Section 3.1(d)(iv) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, Pledgor may transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of Pledged Equity in connection with a merger or consolidation permitted by Section 9.4 of the JV Credit Agreement. Upon any such merger or consolidation, Pledgee will, upon Pledgor’s request and at Pledgor’s expense, promptly (i) release its security interest in the Collateral that is being transferred, exchanged or disposed of in connection with such merger or consolidation, (ii) return to Pledgor such of the Collateral that is being transferred, exchanged or disposed of in connection with such merger or consolidation, and (iii) execute and deliver to Pledgor such documents as Pledgor may reasonably request to evidence Pledgee’s release of its security interest in such Collateral.

(b) Financing Statement Filings . Pledgor recognizes that financing statements pertaining to the Collateral have been or may be filed in the jurisdiction of Pledgor’s organization, where Pledgor maintains any Collateral, has its records concerning any Collateral, has its chief executive office or chief place of business, or has its principal place of residence. Without limitation of any other covenant herein, Pledgor will not cause or permit any change to be made in its name, identity, corporate structure or jurisdiction of organization, or any change to be made to a jurisdiction in (i) the location of any records concerning any Collateral, or (ii) the location of its chief executive office, chief place of business or principal place of residence, unless Pledgor shall have notified Pledgee of such change at least fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date of such change, and shall have first taken all action reasonably required by Pledgee for the purpose of further perfecting or protecting the security interest in favor of Pledgee in the Collateral. In any notice furnished pursuant to this subsection, Pledgor will expressly state that the notice is required by this Agreement and contains facts that may require additional filings of financing statements or other notices for the purposes of continuing perfection of Pledgee’s security interest in the Collateral.

(c) Impairment of Security Interest . Pledgor will not take or fail to take any action which would in any manner impair the enforceability of Pledgee’s security interest in any Collateral.

(d) Restrictions on Pledged Equity . Except for the bylaws or other charter or organizational documents of the JV Company, Pledgor will not enter into any agreement creating, or otherwise permit to exist, any restriction or condition upon the transfer, voting or control of any Pledged Equity. Pledgor will not vote to enable, or take any other action to permit, the JV Company to issue any Equity Interests of any nature or to issue any other securities convertible into or granting the right to purchase or exchange for any Equity Interests of any nature of the JV Company unless such Equity Interests or securities shall have been pledged to the Pledgee to secure the Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof to the extent owned by the Pledgor.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REMEDIES, POWERS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

Section 4.1 Provisions Concerning the Collateral .

(a) Additional Financing Statement Filings . Pledgor hereby authorizes Pledgee to file, without the signature of Pledgor where permitted by law, one (1) or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relating to the Collateral.

(b) Power of Attorney . Pledgor hereby irrevocably appoints Pledgee as Pledgor’s attorney-in-fact and proxy, with full authority in the place and stead of Pledgor and in the name of Pledgor or otherwise, from time to time if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in Pledgee’s discretion but subject to the Subordination Agreement, to take any action (except for the exercise of any voting rights pertaining to the Pledged Equity or any part thereof) and to execute any instrument, certificate or notice which Pledgee may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement including: (i) to request or instruct Pledgor or the JV Company (and each registrar, transfer agent, or similar Person acting on behalf of Pledgor or the JV Company) to register the Pledged Equity or transfer the Collateral to Pledgee; (ii) to otherwise give notification to Pledgor, the JV Company, registrar, transfer agent, financial intermediary, or other Person of Pledgee’s security interests hereunder; (iii) to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any of the Collateral; (iv) to receive, indorse and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents and chattel paper; (v) to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which Pledgee may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of Pledgee with respect to any of the Collateral, and (vi) to act as its proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the Pledged Equity, including, subject to Section 4.7 hereof, the right to vote such Pledged Equity, with full power of substitution to do so, and to exercise all other rights, powers, privileges, and remedies to which a holder of such Pledged Equity would be entitled, which proxy shall be effective automatically, and without the necessity of any action (including any transfer of any such Pledged Equity on the record books of the JV Company) by any person, in each case, only upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.

(c) Performance by Pledgee . If Pledgor fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, Pledgee may, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of Pledgee incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by Pledgor under Section 4.4 hereof.

(d) Collection Rights . Pledgee shall have the right at any time, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to the terms of the Subordination Agreement (with respect to the Collateral Pledged hereunder) to notify any or all obligors (including any and all Credit Parties) under any accounts or general intangibles included among the Collateral of the assignment thereof to Pledgee and to direct such obligors to make payment of all amounts due or to become due to Pledgor thereunder directly to Pledgee and, upon such notification and at the expense of Pledgor or the JV Company and to the extent permitted by law, to enforce collection thereof and to adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment thereof, in the same manner and to the same extent as Pledgor could have done. After Pledgor receives

 

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notice that Pledgee has given any notice referred to above in this subsection, (i) all amounts and proceeds (including instruments and writings) received by Pledgor in respect of such accounts or general intangibles shall be received in trust for the benefit of Pledgee hereunder, shall be segregated from other funds of Pledgor and shall be forthwith paid over to Pledgee or, prior to the payment in full of the JV Company Credit Facility Obligations, to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent (as agent for perfection for the Pledgee) in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement) to be held as cash collateral and (A) released to Pledgor upon the remedy of all Events of Default, or (B) if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, applied as specified in Section 4.3 hereof; and (ii) Pledgor will not adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment of any such account or general intangible or release wholly or partly any account debtor or obligor thereof (including the JV Company) or allow any credit or discount thereon.

Section 4.2 Event of Default Remedies . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Pledgee may from time to time in its discretion and subject to the Subordination Agreement, without limitation and without notice except as expressly provided below:

(a) exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, under the other Loan Documents or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral);

(b) require Pledgor to, and Pledgor hereby agrees that it will upon request of Pledgee forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by Pledgee and make it available to Pledgee at a place to be designated by Pledgee which is reasonably convenient to both parties;

(c) reduce its claim to judgment against Pledgor or foreclose or otherwise enforce, in whole or in part, the security interest created hereby by any available judicial procedure;

(d) dispose of, at its office, on the premises of Pledgor or elsewhere, all or any part of the Collateral, as a unit or in parcels, by public or private proceedings, and by way of one or more contracts (it being agreed that the sale of any part of the Collateral shall not exhaust Pledgee’s power of sale, but sales may be made from time to time, and at any time, until all of the Collateral has been sold or until the Obligations have been paid and performed in full), and at any such sale it shall not be necessary to exhibit any of the Collateral;

(e) buy (or allow any Secured Party to buy) the Collateral, or any part thereof, at any public sale;

(f) buy (or allow any Secured Party to buy) the Collateral, or any part thereof, at any private sale if the Collateral is of a type customarily sold in a recognized market or is of a type which is the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations; and

(g) apply by appropriate judicial proceedings for appointment of a receiver for the Collateral, or any part thereof, and Pledgor hereby consents to any such appointment.

 

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Pledgor agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days’ notice to Pledgor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification. Pledgee shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. Pledgee may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

Section 4.3 Application of Proceeds . If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Pledgee may in its discretion and subject to the Subordination Agreement apply any cash held by Pledgee as Collateral, and any cash proceeds received by Pledgee in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral, in the order and manner contemplated by Section 7.6 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 4.4 Release and Expenses . In addition to, and not in qualification of, any similar obligations under other Loan Documents:

(a) Pledgor agrees to pay or reimburse the Pledgee or any Lender for all its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in enforcing or preserving any rights under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Pledgee to the same extent the Borrower would be required to do so pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Credit Agreement.

(b) Pledgor agrees to pay, and to indemnify and save the Pledgee and the other Secured Parties harmless from, any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from any delay in paying, any and all stamp, excise, sales or other taxes which may be payable or determined to be payable with respect to any of the Collateral or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement

(c) Pledgor agrees to pay, and to indemnify and save the Pledgee and the other Secured Parties harmless from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and administration of this Agreement to the same extent the Borrower would be required to do so pursuant to Section 10.7 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 4.5 Non-Judicial Remedies . In granting to Pledgee the power to enforce its rights hereunder without prior judicial process or judicial hearing, Pledgor expressly waives, renounces and knowingly relinquishes any legal right which might otherwise require Pledgee to enforce its rights by judicial process. In so providing for non-judicial remedies, Pledgor recognizes and concedes that such remedies are consistent with the usage of trade, are responsive to commercial necessity, and are the result of a bargain at arm’s length. Nothing herein is intended to prevent Pledgee or Pledgor from resorting to judicial process at either party’s option.

Section 4.6 Other Recourse . Pledgor waives any right to require Pledgee or the other Secured Parties to proceed against any other Person, exhaust any Collateral or other security for the Obligations, or to have any Other Liable Party joined with Pledgor in any suit arising out of

 

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the Obligations or this Agreement, or pursue any other remedy in Pledgee’s power. Pledgor further waives any and all notice of acceptance of this Agreement and of the creation, modification, rearrangement, renewal or extension for any period of any of the Obligations from time to time. Pledgor further waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any Other Liable Party or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of any Other Liable Party. Until all of the Obligations shall have been paid in full, Pledgor shall have no right to subrogation and Pledgor waives the right to enforce any remedy which Pledgee or any other Secured Party has or may hereafter have against any Other Liable Party, and waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any other security whatsoever now or hereafter held by Pledgee. Pledgor authorizes Pledgee and each other Secured Party, without notice or demand and without any reservation of rights against Pledgor and without affecting Pledgor’s liability hereunder or on the Obligations, from time to time to (a) take or hold any other property of any type from any other Person as security for the Obligations, and exchange, enforce, waive and release any or all of such other property; (b) renew, extend for any period, accelerate, modify, compromise, settle or release any of the obligations of any Other Liable Party in respect to any or all of the Obligations or other security for the Obligations; (c) waive, enforce, modify, amend or supplement any of the provisions of any Loan Document with any Person other than Pledgor; and (d) release or substitute any Other Liable Party.

Section 4.7 Voting Rights, Dividends Etc. in Respect of Pledged Equity .

(a) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the JV Company is not otherwise prohibited from making such dividends, distributions or payments pursuant to the JV Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, any “Permitted Tax Distributions” and “Economic Interest Agreement Payments” (each as defined in the JV Credit Agreement), Pledgor may receive and retain any and all dividends, distributions or interest paid in respect of the Pledged Equity; provided, however , that any and all dividends, distributions and interest paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for, any Pledged Equity, shall be, and shall forthwith be delivered to Pledgee (or to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, as bailee for perfection under the Intercreditor Agreement) to hold as, Pledged Equity and shall, if received by Pledgor, be received in trust for the benefit of Pledgee, be segregated from the other property or funds of Pledgor, and be forthwith delivered to Pledgee in the exact form received with any necessary indorsement or appropriate stock powers duly executed in blank, to be held by Pledgee as Collateral.

(b) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement:

(i) all rights of Pledgor to receive and retain the dividends, distributions and interest payments which Pledgor would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 4.7 shall automatically cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Pledgee which shall thereupon have the right to receive and hold as Pledged Equity such dividends, distributions and interest payments;

 

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Execution Version

 

(ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, concurrently with notice to the Pledgor of its intent to exercise such rights, any or all of the Pledged Equity shall be registered in the name of the Pledgee or its nominee, and the Pledgee or its nominee may thereafter exercise (x) all voting, corporate and other rights pertaining to such Pledged Equity at any meeting of shareholders of the JV Company or otherwise and (y) any and all rights of conversion, exchange and subscription and any other rights, privileges or options pertaining to such Pledged Equity, as if it were the absolute owner thereof (including, without limitation, the right to exchange at its discretion any and all of the Pledged Equity upon the merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in the corporate or other organizational structure of the JV Company, or upon the exercise by the Pledgor or the Pledgee of any right, privilege or option pertaining to such Pledged Equity, and in connection therewith, the right to deposit and deliver any and all of the Pledged Equity with any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as the Pledgee may determine), all without liability except to account for property actually received by it, but the Pledgee shall have no duty to the Pledgor to exercise any such right, privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing; and

(iii) all dividends and interest payments which are received by Pledgor contrary to the provisions of subsection (b)(i) of this Section 4.7 shall be received in trust for the benefit of Pledgee, shall be segregated from other funds of Pledgor, and shall be forthwith paid over to Pledgee as Pledged Equity in the exact form received, to be held by Pledgee as Collateral.

Section 4.8 Registration Rights; Private Sale of Pledged Equity; Notice .

(a) If the Pledgee shall determine to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Pledged Equity pursuant to this Agreement, and if in the opinion of the Pledgee it is necessary or advisable to have the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, Pledgor will cause the JV Company to (i) execute and deliver, and cause its directors and officers to execute and deliver, all such instruments and documents, and do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be, in the opinion of the Pledgee, necessary or advisable to register the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, under the provisions of the Securities Act, (ii) use its best efforts to cause the registration statement relating thereto to become effective and to remain effective for a period of one (1) year from the date of the first public offering of the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, and (iii) make all amendments thereto and/or to the related prospectus which, in the opinion of the Pledgee, are necessary or advisable, all in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable thereto. The Pledgor agrees to cause the JV Company to comply with the provisions of the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of any and all jurisdictions which the Pledgee shall designate and to make available to its security holders, as soon as practicable, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act.

(b) Pledgor recognizes that Pledgee may deem it impracticable to effect a public sale of all or any part of the Pledged Equity and that Pledgee may, therefore, determine to

 

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Execution Version

 

make one or more private sales of any such securities to a restricted group of purchasers who will be obligated to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Pledgor acknowledges that any such private sale may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the seller than the prices and other terms which might have been obtained at a public sale and, notwithstanding the foregoing, agrees that such private sales shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that Pledgee shall have no obligation to delay the sale of any such securities for the period of time necessary to permit Pledgor or the JV Company to register such securities (with no obligation of either Pledgor or any Subsidiary to accomplish such registration) for public sale under the Securities Act.

(c) To the extent permitted under applicable law, the Pledgor hereby waives notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, which is not waived hereunder, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper in every case if given at least ten (10) days prior (or such shorter period as may be commercially reasonable) to (i) the date of any such public sale or (ii) the time after which any such private sale or other disposition may be made.

Section 4.9 Limitation on Rights and Waivers . All rights, powers and remedies herein conferred shall be exercisable by Pledgee only to the extent not prohibited by applicable law; and all waivers and relinquishments of rights and similar matters shall only be effective to the extent such waivers or relinquishments are not prohibited by applicable law.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.1 Notices . All notices, requests and demands to or upon the Pledgee or any Grantor hereunder shall be effected in the manner provided for in Section 10.2 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.2 Amendments . None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.3 Preservation of Rights . Neither the Pledgee nor any other Secured Party shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof), delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default. No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of the Pledgee or any other Secured Party, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver by the Pledgee or any other Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which the Pledgee or such other Secured Party would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law.

 

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Execution Version

 

Section 5.4 Unenforceability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 5.5 Survival of Agreements . All representations and warranties of Pledgor herein, and all covenants and agreements herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of any other Loan Documents and the creation of the Obligations.

Section 5.6 Other Liable Party . Neither this Agreement nor the exercise by Pledgee or any other Secured Party or the failure of Pledgee or any other Secured Party to exercise any right, power or remedy conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Other Liable Party from liability on the Obligations or any deficiency thereon. This Agreement shall continue irrespective of the fact that the liability of any Other Liable Party may have ceased or irrespective of the validity or enforceability of any other Loan Document to which Pledgor or any Other Liable Party may be a party, and notwithstanding the reorganization, death, incapacity or bankruptcy of any Other Liable Party, and notwithstanding the reorganization or bankruptcy or other event or proceeding affecting any Other Liable Party.

Section 5.7 Binding Effect and Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of each Grantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Pledgee and the other Secured Parties and their successors and assigns; provided that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Pledgee.

Section 5.8 Termination . It is contemplated by the parties hereto that there may be times when no Obligations are outstanding, but notwithstanding such occurrences, this Agreement shall remain valid and shall be in full force and effect as to subsequent outstanding Obligations for so long as the Credit Agreement shall remain effective. Collateral shall be released from the Lien created by this Agreement to the extent provided in Section 8.10(c) of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.9 GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 5.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be separately executed in any number of counterparts, all of which when so executed shall be deemed to constitute one and the same Agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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Execution Version

 

Section 5.11 Loan Document . This Agreement is a “Loan Document”, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and, except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement is subject to all provisions of the Credit Agreement governing the Loan Documents.

Section 5.12 Specific Performance of Certain Covenants . Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 3.2, 3.3, 4.7 and 4.8 hereof will cause irreparable injury to the Pledgee and the other Secured Parties, that the Pledgee and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Pledgee or the Secured Parties to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of Pledgor contained in this Agreement, that the covenants of the Pledgor contained in the Sections referred to in this Section 5.12 shall, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be specifically enforceable against the Pledgor.

Section 5.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH OF THE PLEDGOR AND THE PLEDGEE HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY AND HAS CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE, AND HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENTOR ANY OF 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 5.14 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers . Pledgor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, and appellate courts from any thereof;

(b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the Pledgor at its address referred to in Section 5.1 hereof;

 

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(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

Section 5.15 Reinstatement . This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against the Pledgor for liquidation or reorganization, should the Pledgor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors, should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any the Pledgor’s assets, or any similar proceeding is initiated or undertaken and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

Section 5.16 Intercreditor Agreement . The security interests created by this Agreement are junior and subordinate to the security interests on any Collateral created by any pledge or security agreement or similar instrument now or hereafter granted to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, and its successors and assigns, in such Collateral, in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012 among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the Pledgee, JV Holding Sub and Borrower, as amended from time to time. Accordingly, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, all covenants, representations, warranties, remedies and other provisions of this Agreement are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and, to the extent provided therein, the JV Company Credit Facility Documents, and including without limitation any such provisions thereunder pertaining to any pledges, liens or security interests in the Collateral or any remedies or enforcement rights pertaining to such Collateral.

[Signature Pages to Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pledgor has executed and delivered this Agreement, as of the date first above written.

 

PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC PLEDGE AGREEMENT]


The JV Company hereby acknowledges and consents to the pledge of the Collateral and hereby agrees to observe and perform each and every provision of this Agreement applicable to the JV Company.

 

PICEANCE ENERGY, LLC
By:  

/s/ Bruce L. Payne

  Bruce L. Payne,
  President and
  Chief Financial Officer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC PLEDGE AGREEMENT]


JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC
as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ E. Joseph Hess

Name:   E. Joseph Hess
Title:   Managing Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC PLEDGE AGREEMENT]

Exhibit 10.8

Execution Copy

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

This Intercreditor Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), is dated as of August 31, 2012, by and among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, with its successors and assigns, and as more specifically defined below, the “ First Priority Representative ”) for the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined below), Jefferies Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, with its successors and assigns, and as more specifically defined below, the “ Second Priority Representative ”) for the Second Priority Secured Parties (as defined below), Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation formerly known as Delta Petroleum Corporation (“ PPC ”), and Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Par Piceance ”).

WHEREAS, Piceance Energy, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ PEL ”), the First Priority Representative, and certain financial institutions party thereto as banks are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated June 4, 2012, as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2012 (as so amended, the “ Existing PEL Credit Agreement ”), pursuant to which such financial institutions have agreed to make loans and extend other financial accommodations to PEL; and

WHEREAS, Par Piceance, a parent of and holder of certain Equity in PEL, has executed that certain Parent Limited Guaranty dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Parent Guaranty ”) in favor of the First Priority Representative, pursuant to which, among other things, Par Piceance has guaranteed the First Priority Obligations (as defined below), with recourse thereunder limited to the Common Collateral (as defined below) and fees and expenses as more fully set forth therein; and

WHEREAS, Par Piceance and the First Priority Representative are parties to that certain Parent Pledge Agreement dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Parent Pledge Agreement ”), pursuant to which, among other things, Par Piceance has granted to the First Priority Representative first priority security interests in the Common Collateral as security for payment and performance of the First Priority Obligations; and

WHEREAS, PPC, the Second Priority Representative, and certain other entities are parties to that certain Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2012 (the “ Existing PPC Credit Agreement ”), pursuant to which such other entities have agreed to make loans to PPC; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Parent Pledge Agreement, Par Piceance may not grant additional security interests in the Common Collateral unless such additional security interests are junior in priority and subordinate in all respects to the security interests in the Common Collateral granted to the First Priority Representative and subject to an intercreditor agreement in form and substance acceptable to the First Priority Representative in its sole discretion; and

WHEREAS, Par Piceance proposes to grant to the Second Priority Representative junior security interests in the Common Collateral as security for payment and performance of the Second Priority Obligations (as defined below); and

WHEREAS, the First Priority Representative and the First Priority Creditors (as defined below) have agreed to permit the grant of such junior security interests in the Common Collateral on the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

 

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NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the existence and sufficiency of which is expressly recognized by all of the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions .

1.1 Defined Terms . The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

Bankruptcy Code ” means the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. §101 et seq.), as amended from time to time.

Common Collateral ” means (a) all of the issued and outstanding Equity of PEL now owned or hereinafter acquired by Par Piceance, (b) any and all proceeds or other sums arising from or by virtue of, and all dividends and distributions (cash or otherwise) payable and/or distributable with respect to, all or any of the Equity described in clause (a) above, and (c) all cash, securities, dividends, and other property at any time and from time to time receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Equity described in clause (a) above and any other property substituted or exchanged therefor.

Comparable Second Priority Security Document ” means, in relation to any Common Collateral subject to the Parent Pledge Agreement, any agreement that creates a security interest in favor of the Second Priority Representative in the Common Collateral, granted by Par Piceance.

Enforcement Action ” means, with respect to the First Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Obligations, the exercise of any rights and remedies with respect to the Common Collateral securing such obligations or the commencement or prosecution of enforcement of any of the rights and remedies with respect to the Common Collateral under, as applicable, the First Priority Documents or the Second Priority Documents, or applicable law, including without limitation the exercise of any rights or remedies of a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction or under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Common Collateral. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the following shall be deemed to constitute an Enforcement Action (to the extent not inconsistent with the express terms of this Agreement): (i) the filing of a proof of claim in any Insolvency Proceeding or the seeking of adequate protection, (ii) the acceleration of the First Priority Obligations or Second Priority Obligations, (iii) the taking of any action by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party (not adverse to the priority status of the First Priority Lien on the Common Collateral or the rights of the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party to take any Enforcement Action in respect of the Common Collateral) in order to create, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its Second Priority Lien on the Common Collateral, or (iv) filing any necessary or responsive pleadings in opposition to any motion, adversary proceeding or other pleading filed by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking disallowance of the claim or Lien of any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party.

Equity ” means shares of capital stock or a partnership, profits, capital, member, or other equity interest, or options, warrants, or any other rights to substitute for or otherwise acquire the capital stock or a partnership, profits, capital, member, or other equity interest of any Person.

Existing PEL Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the first WHEREAS clause of this Agreement.

Existing PPC Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the fourth WHEREAS clause of this Agreement.

First Priority Creditors ” means, collectively, the “Bank Products Providers”, the “Banks”, and the “Secured Hedge Providers”, as each such term is defined in the PEL Credit Agreement.

 

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First Priority Documents ” means the “Loan Papers” as such term is defined in the PEL Credit Agreement.

First Priority Lien ” means the Lien in the Common Collateral created by the Parent Pledge Agreement.

First Priority Obligations ” means (a) all “Obligations” as such term is defined in the PEL Credit Agreement (including without limitation any Post-Petition Interest), (b) all reimbursement obligations (if any) and interest thereon (including without limitation any Post-Petition Interest) with respect to any letter of credit or similar instruments issued pursuant to the PEL Credit Agreement, and (c) all guarantee obligations, fees, expenses, and other amounts payable from time to time pursuant to the First Priority Documents, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency Proceeding. To the extent any payment with respect to any First Priority Obligation (whether by or on behalf of any PEL Credit Party, as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be a fraudulent conveyance or a preference in any respect, set aside, or required to be paid to a debtor in possession, any Second Priority Secured Party, receiver or similar Person, then the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, for the purposes of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties, be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred.

First Priority Obligations Payment Date ” means the first date on which (a) the First Priority Obligations (other than those that constitute Unasserted Contingent Obligations) have been indefeasibly paid in cash in full (or cash collateralized or defeased in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Documents), (b) all commitments to extend credit under the First Priority Documents have been terminated, (c) there are no outstanding letters of credit or similar instruments issued under the First Priority Documents (other than such as have been cash collateralized or defeased in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Documents), and (d) the First Priority Representative has delivered a written notice to the Second Priority Representative stating that the events described in clauses (a), (b), and (c) have occurred to the satisfaction of the First Priority Secured Parties, which the First Priority Representative covenants to deliver promptly after such events have occurred.

First Priority Representative ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof, but shall also include any person identified as a “First Priority Representative” in any PEL Credit Agreement other than the Existing PEL Credit Agreement.

First Priority Secured Parties ” means the First Priority Representative, the First Priority Creditors, and any other holders of the First Priority Obligations.

Insolvency Proceeding ” means any proceeding in respect of bankruptcy, insolvency, winding up, receivership, dissolution, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, in each of the foregoing events whether under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar federal, state, or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, or similar law.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, lien, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, encumbrance, charge, or security interest in, on, or of such asset, (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 and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call, or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

 

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PEL Credit Agreement ” means the collective reference to (a) the Existing PEL Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, and (b) any other credit agreement, loan agreement, note agreement, promissory note, indenture, or other agreement or instrument evidencing or governing the terms of any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, replace, refinance, or refund in whole or in part the indebtedness and other obligations outstanding under the Existing PEL Credit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to in this clause (b) . Any reference to the PEL Credit Agreement hereunder shall be deemed a reference to any PEL Credit Agreement then extant.

PEL Credit Parties ” means, collectively, the “Credit Parties” and the “Parent Guarantors” as each such term is defined in the Existing PEL Credit Agreement. “ PEL Credit Party ” means any one of the foregoing.

Person ” means any person, individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, association, institution, entity, party, including any government and any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof.

Post-Petition Interest ” means any interest or entitlement to fees or expenses or other charges that accrues after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not allowed or allowable in any such Insolvency Proceeding.

PPC Credit Agreement ” means the collective reference to (a) the Existing PPC Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, and (b) any other credit agreement, loan agreement, note agreement, promissory note, indenture, or other agreement or instrument evidencing or governing the terms of any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, replace, refinance, or refund in whole or in part the indebtedness and other obligations outstanding under the Existing PPC Credit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to in this clause (b). Any reference to the PPC Credit Agreement hereunder shall be deemed a reference to any PPC Credit Agreement then extant.

Second Priority Creditors ” means the “Lenders” as defined in the PPC Credit Agreement, or any Persons that are designated under the PPC Credit Agreement as the “Second Priority Creditors” for purposes of this Agreement.

Second Priority Documents ” means each PPC Credit Agreement, each Second Priority Security Document and each guarantee of any or all of the Second Priority Obligations.

Second Priority Lien ” means any Lien in the Common Collateral created by the Second Priority Security Documents.

Second Priority Obligations ” means (a) all “Obligations” as such term is defined in the PPC Credit Agreement (including without limitation any Post-Petition Interest) and (b) all guarantee obligations, fees, expenses, and other amounts payable from time to time pursuant to the Second Priority Documents, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency Proceeding.

Second Priority Representative ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof, but shall also include any Person identified as a “Second Priority Representative” in any PPC Credit Agreement other than the Existing PPC Credit Agreement.

Second Priority Secured Party ” means the Second Priority Representative, the Second Priority Creditors, and any other holders of the Second Priority Obligations.

 

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Second Priority Security Document ” means any Comparable Second Priority Security Document, and any other documents that are designated under the PPC Credit Agreement as “Second Priority Security Documents” for purposes of this Agreement.

Secured Parties ” means the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties.

Unasserted Contingent Obligations ” shall mean, at any time, First Priority Obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages, and other liabilities (excluding (a) the principal of, and interest and premium (if any) on, and fees and expenses relating to, any First Priority Obligations and (b) contingent reimbursement obligations in respect of amounts that may be drawn under outstanding letters of credit) in respect of which no assertion of liability (whether oral or written) and no claim or demand for payment (whether oral or written) has been made (and, in the case of First Priority Obligations for indemnification, no notice for indemnification has been issued by the indemnitee) at such time.

Uniform Commercial Code ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the applicable jurisdiction.

1.2 Amended Agreements . All references in this Agreement to agreements or other contractual obligations shall, unless otherwise specified, be deemed to refer to such agreements or contractual obligations as amended, supplemented, restated, replaced, or otherwise modified from time to time.

SECTION 2. Lien Priorities .

2.1 Subordination of Liens .

(a) Any and all Liens in the Common Collateral now existing or hereafter created or arising in favor of any Second Priority Secured Party securing the Second Priority Obligations, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation, or otherwise are expressly junior in priority, operation, and effect to any and all Liens in the Common Collateral now existing or hereafter created or arising in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties securing the First Priority Obligations, notwithstanding (i) anything to the contrary contained in any agreement or filing to which any Second Priority Secured Party may now or hereafter be a party, and regardless of the time, order, or method of grant, attachment, recording, or perfection of any financing statements or other security interests, assignments, pledges, deeds, mortgages, and other liens, charges, or encumbrances or any defect or deficiency or alleged defect or deficiency in any of the foregoing, (ii) any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code or any applicable law or any First Priority Document or Second Priority Document or any other circumstance whatsoever, and (iii) the fact that any such Liens in favor of any First Priority Secured Party securing any of the First Priority Obligations are (x) subordinated to any Lien securing any obligation of Par Piceance or PPC other than the Second Priority Obligations or (y) otherwise subordinated, voided, avoided, invalidated, disallowed, or lapsed.

(b) No First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party shall object to or contest, or support any other Person in contesting or objecting to, in any proceeding (including without limitation, any Insolvency Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, or enforceability of any security interest in the Common Collateral granted to the other. Notwithstanding any failure by any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party to perfect its security interests in the Common Collateral or any avoidance, invalidation, disallowance, or subordination by any third party or court of competent jurisdiction of the security interests in the Common Collateral granted to the First Priority

 

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Secured Parties or the Second Priority Secured Parties, the priority and rights as between the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Common Collateral shall be as set forth herein.

2.2 Nature of First Priority Obligations . The Second Priority Representative on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties acknowledges that a portion of the First Priority Obligations represents debt that is revolving in nature and that the amount thereof that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed, and that the terms of the First Priority Obligations may be modified, extended, or amended from time to time, and that the aggregate amount of the First Priority Obligations may be increased, replaced, or refinanced, in each event, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Secured Parties and without affecting the provisions hereof. The lien priorities provided in Section 2.1 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any such amendment, modification, supplement, extension, repayment, reborrowing, increase, replacement, renewal, restatement, or refinancing of either the First Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof.

2.3 Agreements Regarding Actions to Perfect Liens .

(a) The Second Priority Representative on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties agrees that UCC-1 financing statements with respect to the Common Collateral filed or recorded by or on behalf of the Second Priority Representative shall be in form satisfactory to the First Priority Representative and shall not be filed or recorded until such time as the First Priority Representative has filed and/or recorded its UCC-1 financing statement with respect to the Common Collateral.

(b) The Second Priority Representative agrees on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties that all pledge agreements (including, without limitation, any Comparable Second Priority Security Document), similar instruments, and financing statements (collectively, “ Common Collateral Agreements ”) now or thereafter entered into or filed with respect to the Common Collateral in favor of or for the benefit of the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Creditors shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the First Priority Representative and shall contain the following notation: “The security interests created by this agreement on the property described herein are junior and subordinate to the security interests on such property created by any pledge agreement or similar instrument now or hereafter granted to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and its successors and assigns, in such property, in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 31, 2012 among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Jefferies Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, Par Petroleum Corporation, and Par Piceance Energy Equity LLC, as amended from time to time.”

(c) The First Priority Representative hereby acknowledges that, to the extent that it holds, or a third party holds on its behalf, physical possession of or “control” (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) over Common Collateral pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement, such possession or control is also for the benefit of the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties solely to the extent required to perfect their security interest in such Common Collateral under the Uniform Commercial Code. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to impose any duty on the First Priority Representative (or any third party acting on its behalf) with respect to such Common Collateral or provide the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party with any rights with respect to such Common Collateral beyond those specified in this Agreement and the Second Priority Security Documents, provided that promptly after the occurrence of the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, the First Priority Representative shall (i) deliver to the Second Priority Representative, at Par Piceance’s and/or PPC’s sole cost and expense, the Common Collateral in its

 

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possession or control together with any necessary endorsements in its possession to the extent required by the Second Priority Documents or (ii) direct and deliver such Common Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise directs, and provided, further, that the provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as between the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties and shall not impose on the First Priority Secured Parties any obligations in respect of the disposition of any Common Collateral (or any proceeds thereof) that would conflict with prior perfected Liens or any claims thereon in favor of any other Person that is not a Secured Party.

2.4 Restriction on New Liens and Certain PEL Credit Parties . So long as the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has not occurred, the parties hereto agree that (a) there shall be no Lien, and no PEL Credit Party (including Par Piceance) shall have any right to create any Lien, on any assets of any PEL Credit Party securing any Second Priority Obligation other than the Common Collateral, (b) no PEL Credit Party (other than Par Piceance) may be a guarantor of any Second Priority Obligation, and (c) no PEL Credit Party (other than Par Piceance) may be a Credit Party (as defined in the PPC Credit Agreement) or otherwise subject to any covenants set forth in any Second Priority Document.

SECTION 3. Enforcement Rights .

3.1 Exclusive Enforcement . Until the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has occurred, whether or not an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against Par Piceance, the First Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to take and continue any Enforcement Action with respect to the Common Collateral, without any consultation and without any consent of any Second Priority Secured Party, but subject to the proviso set forth in Section 5.1; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Second Priority Representative for itself and on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties may take and continue any Enforcement Action or exercise its right to take any other actions with respect to any Common Collateral in accordance with the Second Priority Documents and applicable law after the passage of a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days (the “ Standstill Period ”) from the date of delivery of a notice in writing by the Second Priority Representative to the First Priority Representative of the Second Priority Representative’s intention to exercise such rights and remedies with respect to any of the Common Collateral, which notice may only be delivered following the acceleration of the Second Priority Obligations as a result of the occurrence of and continuation of an “Event of Default” under the PPC Credit Agreement; provided, further, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) in no event shall the Second Priority Representative nor any Second Priority Secured Party take any Enforcement Action or exercise or continue to exercise any such rights or remedies with respect to the Common Collateral if, notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period, the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party shall have commenced and be diligently pursuing the exercise of any of its rights and remedies with respect to any portion of the Common Collateral, in each case, in good faith (prompt notice of such exercise to be given to the Second Priority Representative), and (2) the Standstill Period shall be tolled for any period that the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties are stayed (whether by the automatic stay pursuant to Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) or otherwise prohibited by law or court order from taking any Enforcement Action or exercising any such rights and remedies with respect to all or any part of the Common Collateral. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a default or an event of default under the First Priority Documents, the First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties may take and continue any Enforcement Action with respect to the First Priority Obligations and the Common Collateral in such order and manner as they may determine in their sole discretion.

3.2 Standstill and Waivers . The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties, agrees that, until the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has occurred, subject to Section 3.1 and the proviso set forth in Section 5.1:

(a) they will not take or cause to be taken any action, the purpose or effect of which is to make any Lien in respect of any Second Priority Obligation pari passu with or senior to, or to give any Second Priority Secured Party any preference or priority relative to, the First Priority Liens with respect to any of the Common Collateral;

 

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(b) they will not contest, oppose, object to, interfere with, hinder, or delay, in any manner, whether by judicial proceedings (including without limitation the filing of an Insolvency Proceeding) or otherwise, any foreclosure, sale, lease, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of the Common Collateral by any First Priority Secured Party or any other Enforcement Action with respect to the Common Collateral taken (or any forbearance from taking any Enforcement Action) by or on behalf of any First Priority Secured Party;

(c) they have no right to (i) direct either the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party to exercise any right, remedy, or power with respect to the Common Collateral or pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement of the other First Priority Documents or (ii) consent or object to the exercise by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party of any right, remedy, or power with respect to the Common Collateral or pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement or the other First Priority Documents or to the timing or manner in which any such right is exercised or not exercised (or, to the extent they may have any such right described in this clause (c), whether as a junior lien creditor or otherwise, they hereby irrevocably waive such right);

(d) they will not institute any suit or other proceeding or assert in any suit, Insolvency Proceeding, or other proceeding any claim against any First Priority Secured Party seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise, with respect to, and no First Priority Secured Party shall be liable for, any action taken or omitted to be taken by any First Priority Secured Party in accordance with this Agreement with respect to the Common Collateral or pursuant to the First Priority Documents;

(e) they will not make any judicial or nonjudicial claim or demand or commence any judicial or non-judicial proceedings against any PEL Credit Party (including Par Piceance) under or with respect to any Comparable Second Priority Security Document seeking payment or damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions, or otherwise under or with respect to any Comparable Second Priority Security Document or exercise any right, remedy, or power under or with respect to, or otherwise take any action to enforce any Comparable Second Priority Security Document other than in accordance with this Agreement;

(f) they will not commence judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings with respect to, seek to have a trustee, receiver, liquidator, or similar official appointed for or over, attempt any action to take possession of any Common Collateral, exercise any right, remedy, or power with respect to, or otherwise take any action to enforce their interest in or realize upon, the Common Collateral or pursuant to any Comparable Second Priority Security Documents; and

(g) they will not seek, and hereby waive any right, to have the Common Collateral or any part thereof marshaled upon any foreclosure or other disposition of the Common Collateral.

3.3 Judgment Creditors . In the event that any Second Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment lien creditor in respect of Common Collateral as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor, such judgment lien shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement for all purposes (including in relation to the First Priority Liens and the First Priority Obligations) to the same extent as all other Liens in the Common Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations are subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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3.4 Cooperation . The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties, agrees that each of them shall take such actions as the First Priority Representative shall reasonably request in connection with the exercise by the First Priority Secured Parties of their rights set forth herein.

3.5 No Additional Rights for Par Piceance or PPC Hereunder . Except as provided in Section 3.6, if any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party shall enforce its rights or remedies in violation of the terms of this Agreement, Par Piceance and PPC shall not be entitled to use such violation as a defense to any action by any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party, nor to assert such violation as a counterclaim or basis for set off or recoupment against any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party.

3.6 Actions Upon Breach .

(a) If any Second Priority Secured Party, contrary to this Agreement, commences or participates in any action or proceeding against Par Piceance or the Common Collateral, Par Piceance, with the prior written consent of the First Priority Secured Representative, may interpose as a defense or dilatory plea the making of this Agreement, and any First Priority Secured Party may intervene and interpose such defense or plea in its or their name or in the name of Par Piceance.

(b) Should any Second Priority Secured Party, contrary to this Agreement, in any way take, attempt to, or threaten to take any action with respect to the Common Collateral (including, without limitation, any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement), or fail to take any action when and as required by this Agreement, any First Priority Secured Party (in its own name or in the name of Par Piceance) or Par Piceance may obtain relief against such Second Priority Secured Party by injunction, specific performance, and/or other appropriate equitable relief, it being understood and agreed by the Second Priority Representative on behalf of each Second Priority Secured Party that (i) the First Priority Secured Parties’ damages from its actions may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable, and (ii) each Second Priority Secured Party waives any defense that Par Piceance and/or the First Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages.

3.7 Notice of Enforcement Action .

(a) The First Priority Representative agrees to provide to the Second Priority Representative (x) a written notice announcing that the First Priority Representative or, to its knowledge, any other First Priority Secured Party has commenced any Enforcement Action with respect to the Common Collateral promptly after the commencement of such Enforcement Action and (y) copies of any notices that it is required under applicable law to deliver to Par Piceance in connection with such Enforcement Action; provided, however, that the First Priority Representative’s failure to provide such written notice or any such copies to the Second Priority Representative shall not impair any of its rights hereunder or under any of the First Priority Documents.

(b) The Second Priority Representative agrees to provide to the First Priority Representative (x) a written notice announcing that the Second Priority Representative or, to its knowledge, any other Second Priority Secured Party has commenced any Enforcement Action promptly after the commencement of such Enforcement Action and (y) copies of any notices that it is required under applicable law to deliver to Par Piceance in connection with such Enforcement Action; provided, however, that the Second Priority Representative’s failure to provide such written notice or any such copies to the First Priority Representative shall not impair any of its rights hereunder or under any of the Second Priority Documents.

 

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SECTION 4. Application Of Proceeds Of Common Collateral; Dispositions And Releases Of Common Collateral; Inspection .

4.1 Application of Proceeds; Turnover Provisions . All proceeds of Common Collateral (including without limitation any interest earned thereon) resulting from the sale, collection, or other disposition of Common Collateral, whether or not pursuant to an Insolvency Proceeding, shall be distributed as follows: first to the First Priority Representative for application to the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Documents and/or to be held in a collateral account in the name of the First Priority Representative to secure the First Priority Obligations, in each case until the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has occurred and thereafter, to the Second Priority Representative for application in accordance with the Second Priority Documents. Until the occurrence of the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, any Common Collateral, including without limitation any such Common Collateral constituting proceeds, that may be received by any Second Priority Secured Party (whether or not pursuant to an Insolvency Proceeding and whether or not any claims of the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties are allowed or disallowed in any such Insolvency Proceeding), shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly paid over to the First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements (and each Second Priority Secured Party hereby authorizes the First Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Priority Representative (which authorization, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable)). Until the occurrence of the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, the First Priority Representative shall be authorized to hold any Common Collateral so paid over and apply the proceeds thereof against the First Priority Obligations until paid in full, and any Common Collateral remaining after the First Priority Obligations Payment Date will be promptly returned to the Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the Second Priority Secured Parties, hereby grants the First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, a continuing security interest and lien on any Common Collateral (including any proceeds thereof) which may from time to time be paid over to the First Priority Representative pursuant to this Section 4.1 to secure payment of the First Priority Obligations.

4.2 Releases of Second Priority Lien .

(a) Upon any release, sale, or disposition of Common Collateral permitted pursuant to the terms of the First Priority Documents that results in the release of the First Priority Lien on any Common Collateral (excluding any sale or other disposition that is expressly prohibited by the PPC Credit Agreement unless such sale or disposition is consummated in connection with an Enforcement Action or consummated after the institution of any Insolvency Proceeding), the Second Priority Lien on such Common Collateral (excluding any portion of the proceeds of such Common Collateral not applied to the repayment of the First Priority Obligations or remaining after the First Priority Obligations Payment Date occurs) shall be automatically and unconditionally released with no further consent or action of any Person.

(b) The Second Priority Representative shall promptly execute and deliver such release documents and instruments and shall take such further actions as the First Priority Representative shall reasonably request to evidence any release of the Second Priority Lien described in paragraph (a). The Second Priority Representative hereby appoints the First Priority Representative and any officer or duly authorized person of the First Priority Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power of attorney in the place and stead of the Second Priority Representative and in the name of the Second Priority Representative or in the First Priority Representative’s own name, from time to time, in the First Priority Representative’s sole discretion, for the purposes of carrying out the terms of this Section 4.2, to take any and all appropriate action and to

 

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execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 4.2, including, without limitation, any financing statements, endorsements, assignments, releases, or other documents or instruments of transfer (which appointment, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable).

4.3 Inspection Rights . Any First Priority Secured Party and its representatives and invitees may at any time inspect, repossess, remove, and otherwise deal with the Common Collateral, and the First Priority Representative may advertise and conduct public auctions or private sales of the Common Collateral, in each case without the consent of, the involvement of or interference by any Second Priority Secured Party or liability to any Second Priority Secured Party.

4.4 Permitted Distributions . Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit any PEL Credit Party from making “Permitted Tax Distributions” (as defined in the PEL Credit Agreement) to Par Piceance or its equity holders in accordance with the terms of the PEL Credit Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by any Second Priority Secured Party of the required payments of interest, principal, and other amounts owed in respect of any Second Priority Obligations, when and as required under the terms of the Second Priority Credit Agreement, including without limitation, any required prepayments of the Second Priority Obligations from “Permitted Tax Distributions” received by Par Piceance (to the extent set forth in the Existing PPC Credit Agreement), so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of an Enforcement Action by the Second Priority Representative with respect to the Common Collateral in contravention of this Agreement.

SECTION 5. Insolvency Proceedings .

5.1 Filing of Motions .

(a) Until the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has occurred, the Second Priority Representative agrees on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties that no Second Priority Secured Party shall, in or in connection with any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to Par Piceance or the Common Collateral, file any pleadings or motions, take any position at any hearing or proceeding of any nature, or otherwise take any action whatsoever, in each case in respect of any of the Common Collateral, including, without limitation, with respect to the determination of any Liens or claims held by the First Priority Representative (including the validity and enforceability thereof) or any other First Priority Secured Party or the value of any claims of such parties under Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, in each case without the prior written consent of the First Priority Representative; provided that (A) the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Secured Parties may file a proof of claim or statement of interest in an Insolvency Proceeding, subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement and only if consistent with the terms and the limitations on the Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties imposed hereby, (B) the Second Priority Representative and the Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any necessary or responsive defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties, including without limitation, any claim secured by the Common Collateral, if any, in each case if not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, (C) the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors arriving under either the Bankruptcy Code or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case if not otherwise in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, (D) the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any proof of claim and other filings and make any arguments and motions in order to preserve or protect its Liens on the Common Collateral that are, in each case, not otherwise in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, with respect to the Second Priority Obligations and the Common Collateral, (E) the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party

 

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may exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect to the Common Collateral after the termination of the Standstill Period to the extent permitted herein, including, without limitation, Section 3.1 above, and (F) in any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to Par Piceance or the Common Collateral, the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to vote on any plan or reorganization, to the extent consistent with the provisions hereof.

(b) Prior to the First Priority Obligations Payment Date but subject to Section 5.5 hereof, if the First Priority Secured Parties receive an allowance in any Insolvency Proceeding of First Priority Obligations consisting of Post-Petition Interest, fees or expenses, then no First Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by any Second Priority Secured Party for an allowed claim in any plan of reorganization in any Insolvency Proceeding of the Second Priority Obligations consisting of Post-Petition Interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the Lien of the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties in the Common Collateral (after taking into account the value of the Lien in the Common Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations).

5.2 Relief From the Automatic Stay . The Second Priority Representative agrees, on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties, that none of them will seek relief from the automatic stay or from any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof, in each case in respect of any Common Collateral, without the prior written consent of the First Priority Representative (except if the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the First Priority Secured Parties, seeks relief from the automatic stay to exercise its rights against the Common Collateral, then the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Second Priority Secured Parties, may seek limited relief from the automatic stay only to preserve its right to receive proceeds of the Common Collateral payable to it and the other Second Priority Secured Parties, as applicable, under and in accordance with this Agreement).

5.3 Avoidance Issues . If any First Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over, or otherwise pay to the estate of any PEL Credit Party, because such amount was avoided or ordered to be paid or disgorged for any reason, including without limitation because it was found to be a fraudulent or preferential transfer, any amount (a “ Recovery ”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of set-off, or otherwise, then the First Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Priority Obligations Payment Date shall be deemed not to have occurred. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair, or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. The Second Priority Secured Parties agree that none of them (solely in their capacity as Second Priority Secured Parties) shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation with respect to the Common Collateral made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.

5.4 Asset Dispositions in an Insolvency Proceeding . Neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall, in an Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, oppose any sale or disposition of the Common Collateral that is supported by the First Priority Secured Parties, and the Second Priority Representative and each other Second Priority Secured Party will be deemed to have consented under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code (and otherwise) to any sale supported by the First Priority Secured Parties; provided, that nothing in this Section 5.4 shall impair the ability of the Second Priority Secured Parties to make a credit bid pursuant to Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code so long as the First Priority Obligations Payment Date occurs in connection therewith (if the First Priority Obligations Payment Date has not already occurred).

 

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5.5 Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification . Each Second Priority Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that (a) the grants of Liens pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement and the Comparable Second Priority Security Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (b) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Common Collateral, the Second Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Priority Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the First Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties in respect of the Common Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the Second Priority Secured Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against Par Piceance in respect of the Common Collateral (with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the Common Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Second Priority Secured Parties), the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of Post-Petition Interest before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Second Priority Secured Parties hereby acknowledge and agree to turn over to the First Priority Secured Parties amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of the preceding sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Secured Parties.

5.6 No Waivers of Rights of First Priority Secured Parties . Nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Second Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Second Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Documents or otherwise.

5.7 Effectiveness in Insolvency Proceedings . This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be effective before, during and after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding.

SECTION 6. Second Priority Documents and First Priority Documents .

(a) Each of Par Piceance, PPC and the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the Second Priority Secured Parties, agrees that it shall not at any time execute or deliver any amendment or other modification to any of the Second Priority Documents (i) the effect of which is to shorten the maturity date of the Second Priority Obligations to a date that is prior to August 31, 2016, or (ii) that is otherwise inconsistent with or in violation of this Agreement. Any attempt to enter into any amendment or modification in violation of the previous sentence shall be void ab inito .

(b) Each of Par Piceance and the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and the First Priority Secured Parties, agrees that it shall not at any time execute or deliver any amendment or other modification to any of the First Priority Documents inconsistent with or in violation of this Agreement.

(c) In the event the First Priority Representative enters into any amendment, waiver, or consent in respect of the Parent Pledge Agreement for the purpose of adding to, or deleting from, or

 

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waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, the Parent Pledge Agreement or changing in any manner the rights of any parties thereunder, then such amendment, waiver, or consent shall apply automatically to the Comparable Second Priority Security Documents without the consent of or action by any Second Priority Secured Party (with all such amendments, waivers and modifications subject to the terms hereof); provided that, (i) no such amendment, waiver, or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Comparable Second Priority Security Document, except to the extent that a release of such Lien is permitted by Section 4.2, (ii) any such amendment, waiver, or consent that materially and adversely affects the rights of the Second Priority Secured Parties and does not affect the First Priority Secured Parties in a like or similar manner shall not apply to the Comparable Second Priority Security Documents without the consent of the Second Priority Representative and (iii) notice of such amendment, waiver, or consent shall be given to the Second Priority Representative no later than 30 days after its effectiveness, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness and validity thereof.

SECTION 7. Reliance; Waivers; etc .

7.1 Reliance . The First Priority Documents are deemed to have been executed and delivered, and all extensions of credit thereunder are deemed to have been made or incurred, in reliance upon this Agreement. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of it itself and the Second Priority Secured Parties, expressly waives all notice of the acceptance of and reliance on this Agreement by the First Priority Secured Parties. The Second Priority Documents are deemed to have been executed and delivered and all extensions of credit thereunder are deemed to have been made or incurred, in reliance upon this Agreement. The First Priority Representative expressly waives all notices of the acceptance of and reliance by the Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties.

7.2 No Warranties or Liability . The Second Priority Representative and the First Priority Representative acknowledge and agree that neither has made any representation or warranty with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability, or enforceability of any First Priority Document or Second Priority Document. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative and the First Priority Representative will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective extensions of credit to PPC and PEL, respectively, in accordance with law and their usual practices, modified from time to time as they deem appropriate.

7.3 No Waivers . No right or benefit of any party hereunder shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of such party or any other party hereto or by any noncompliance by the PEL Credit Parties, PPC or their respective subsidiaries with the terms and conditions of any of the First Priority Documents or the Second Priority Documents, as applicable.

SECTION 8. Obligations Unconditional .

8.1 First Priority Obligations Unconditional . All rights and interests of the First Priority Secured Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Second Priority Secured Parties (and, to the extent applicable, Par Piceance) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Document;

(b) any change in the time, place, or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the First Priority Obligations, or any amendment, waiver, or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, or restatement of any First Priority Document;

 

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(c) prior to the First Priority Obligations Payment Date, any exchange, release, voiding, avoidance, or non-perfection of any security interest in any Common Collateral or any other collateral, or any release, amendment, waiver, or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, or restatement of all or any portion of the First Priority Obligations or any guarantee or guaranty thereof; or

(d) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Par Piceance in respect of the First Priority Obligations, or of any of the Second Priority Representative, or Par Piceance, to the extent applicable, in respect of this Agreement.

8.2 Second Priority Obligations Unconditional . All rights and interests of the Second Priority Secured Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the First Priority Secured Parties (and, to the extent applicable, Par Piceance) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Second Priority Document;

(b) any change in the time, place, or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the Second Priority Obligations, or any amendment, waiver, or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, or restatement of any Second Priority Document;

(c) any exchange, release, voiding, avoidance, or non-perfection of any security interest in any Common Collateral or any other collateral, or any release, amendment, waiver, or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, or restatement of all or any portion of the Second Priority Obligations or any guarantee or guaranty thereof; or

(d) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Par Piceance in respect of the Second Priority Obligations or any First Priority Secured Party in respect of this Agreement.

SECTION 9. Miscellaneous .

9.1 Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Priority Document or any Second Priority Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

9.2 Continuing Nature of Provisions . This Agreement shall continue to be effective, and shall not be revocable by any party hereto, until the First Priority Obligation Payment Date shall have occurred. This is a continuing agreement and the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the other parties hereto, to extend credit and other financial accommodations, lend monies and provide indebtedness to, or for the benefit of, PEL and PPC, as applicable, on the faith hereof.

9.3 Amendments; Waivers . No amendment or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the First Priority Representative and the Second Priority Representative, and, in the case of amendments or modifications of Sections 3.5, 3.6, 9.5 or 9.6 that directly affect the rights or duties of Par Piceance or PPC, Par Piceance or PPC, as applicable.

 

15


9.4 Information Concerning Financial Condition of Par Piceance, PPC, and PEL . Each of the Second Priority Representative and the First Priority Representative hereby assume responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of Par Piceance, PPC, and PEL and all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the First Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Obligations. The Second Priority Representative and the First Priority Representative hereby agree that no party shall have any duty to advise any other party of information known to it regarding such condition or any such circumstances. In the event the Second Priority Representative or the First Priority Representative, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any information to any other party to this Agreement, it shall be under no obligation (a) to provide any such information to such other party or any other party on any subsequent occasion, (b) to undertake any investigation not a part of its regular business routine, or (c) to disclose any other information.

9.5 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of Texas, except as otherwise required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that remedies provided by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Texas are governed by the laws of such jurisdiction.

9.6 Submission to Jurisdiction .

(a) Each First Priority Secured Party, each Second Priority Secured Party, Par Piceance and PPC hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any Texas State court sitting in Dallas County and of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, 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 related thereto, and each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Texas State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each such party 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 any First Priority Secured Party or Second Priority Secured Party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding against Par Piceance or PPC or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(b) Each First Priority Secured Party, each Second Priority Secured Party, Par Piceance, and PPC hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so (i) any objection 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 (a) of this Section and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding.

(c) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.7. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

9.7 Notices . Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and may be personally served, telecopied, or sent by overnight express courier service or United States mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of a telecopy or five days after deposit in the United States mail (certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed). For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto (until notice of a change thereof is delivered as provided in this Section) shall be as set forth below each party’s name on the signature pages hereof, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.

 

16


9.8 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and each of the First Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein is intended, or shall be construed to give, any other Person any right, remedy, or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement or any Common Collateral.

9.9 Headings . Section headings 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.

9.10 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.

9.11 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This 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. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g., .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by each party hereto.

9.12 Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the First Priority Secured Parties on the one hand and the Second Priority Secured Parties on the other hand. Except as expressly provided herein, Par Piceance shall not have any rights hereunder. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of Par Piceance, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the First Priority Obligations and the Second Priority Obligations as and when due in accordance with their terms.

9.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN .

[signature pages to follow]

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. , as First Priority Representative for and on behalf of the First Priority Secured Parties
By:  

/s/ Michael A. Kamauf

Name:   Michael A. Kamauf
Title:   Vice President
Address for Notices:
1 Chase Tower
10 South Dearborn
IL1-0010
Chicago, IL 60603
Attention: Leonida Mischke
Telecopy No.: (312) 385-7096

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE – INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC , as Second Priority Representative for and on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties
By:  

/s/ EJ Hess

Name:   EJ Hess
Title:   Managing Director
Address for Notices:
520 Madison Ave.
19 th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Paul Chisholm and Paul McDonnell
Telecopy No.: (212) 284-3444

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE – INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Address for Notices:
370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: John T. Young, Jr.
Telecopy No.: (303) 298-8251

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE – INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]


PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC
By:   PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION , as its Sole Member
By:  

/s/ John T. Young, Jr.

Name:   John T. Young, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Address for Notices:
370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300
Denver, CO 80202
Attention: John T. Young, Jr.
Telecopy No.: (303) 298-8251

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE – INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]

Exhibit 10.9

Execution Copy

 

 

PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

made by

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

and

CERTAIN OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES

in favor of

JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,

as Administrative Agent

Dated as of August 31, 2012

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

SECTION 1. DEFINED TERMS

     1   

1.1 Definitions

     1   

1.2 Other Definitional Provisions

     5   

SECTION 2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

     5   

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     6   

3.1 Title; No Other Liens

     7   

3.2 Perfected Liens

     7   

3.3 Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office

     7   

3.4 Collateral Locations

     7   

3.5 Farm Products

     8   

3.6 Investment Property

     8   

3.7 Intellectual Property

     8   

3.8 Deposit Accounts

     9   

3.9 Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper

     9   

3.10 Commercial Tort Claims

     9   

SECTION 4. COVENANTS

     9   

4.1 Delivery of Instruments, Certificated Securities and Chattel Paper

     9   

4.2 Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation

     9   

4.3 Changes in Locations, Name, etc.

     10   

4.4 Notices

     10   

4.5 Investment Property

     10   

4.6 Electronic Chattel Paper

     11   

4.7 Intellectual Property

     12   

4.8 Insurance

     13   

4.9 Commercial Tort Claims

     13   

4.10 Letter-of-Credit Rights

     14   

4.11 Collateral Access Agreements

     14   

SECTION 5. COLLECTION AND APPLICATION OF collateral PROCEEDS; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

     14   

5.1 Collection of Receivables

     14   

5.2 Covenant Regarding New Deposit Accounts

     14   

SECTION 6. REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

     15   

6.1 Certain Matters Relating to Receivables

     15   

6.2 Communications with Obligors; Grantors Remain Liable

     15   

6.3 Pledged Equity

     16   

6.4 Proceeds to be Turned Over To Administrative Agent

     17   

6.5 Application of Proceeds

     17   

6.6 Code and Other Remedies

     17   

 

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6.7 Registration Rights

     19   

6.8 Grantor’s Obligations Upon Default

     20   

6.9 Grant of Intellectual Property License

     20   

6.10 Subordination

     21   

6.11 Deficiency

     21   

SECTION 7. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     21   

7.1 Administrative Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact, etc.

     21   

7.2 Duty of Administrative Agent.

     23   

7.3 Execution of Financing Statements and Other Documents

     24   

7.4 Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations

     25   

7.5 Specific Performance of Certain Covenants

     25   

7.6 Authority of Administrative Agent

     25   

7.7 Protections of Administrative Agent

     25   

SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS

     26   

8.1 Amendments in Writing

     27   

8.2 Notices

     27   

8.3 Waivers

     27   

8.4 No Waiver by Course of Conduct; Cumulative Remedies

     27   

8.5 Enforcement Expenses; Indemnification

     27   

8.6 Successors and Assigns

     28   

8.7 Counterparts

     28   

8.8 Severability

     28   

8.9 Section Headings

     28   

8.10 Integration

     28   

8.11 Reinstatement

     29   

8.12 GOVERNING LAW

     29   

8.13 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers

     29   

8.14 Acknowledgements

     29   

8.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     30   

8.16 Additional Grantors

     30   

8.17 Releases

     30   

8.18  Subordination Agreement

     30   

 

ii


 

SCHEDULES   

Schedule 1

  

Investment Property

Schedule 2

  

Perfection Matters

Schedule 3

  

Jurisdictions of Organization and Chief Executive Offices

Schedule 4

  

Inventory and Equipment Locations

Schedule 5

  

Intellectual Property

Schedule 6

  

Commercial Tort Claims

Schedule 7

  

Deposit Accounts

Schedule 8

  

Letter-of-Credit Rights; Chattel Paper

ANNEXES   

Annex 1

  

Assumption Agreement

 

iii


PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of August 31, 2012, made by each of the signatories hereto (together with any other entity that may become a party hereto as provided herein, the “ Grantors ”), in favor of Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the Secured Parties referred to below.

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among PAR Petroleum Corporation. (the “ Company ”), certain of its Subsidiaries, as Guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”) and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain Loans and other extensions of credit to the Company;

WHEREAS, the Company is a member of an affiliated group of companies that includes each other Grantor;

WHEREAS, the Company and the other Grantors are engaged in related businesses, and each Grantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefit from the Loans and other extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the entry into the Credit Agreement that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered this Agreement to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, each Grantor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINED TERMS

1.1  Definitions . (a) Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement, and the following terms which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York from time to time are used herein as so defined: Accounts, Certificated Security, Chattel Paper, Commercial Tort Claim, Documents, Electronic Chattel Paper, Equipment, Farm Products, Fixtures, General Intangibles, Goods, Instruments, Inventory, Letter-of-Credit Rights, Security, and Supporting Obligations.

(b) The following terms shall have the following meanings:

Account Debtor ”: any obligor with respect to an Account.

Agreement ”: this Pledge and Security Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

Company Obligations ”: the Company’s Obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

4


Collateral ”: as defined in Section 2 hereof.

Collateral Deposit Account ”: as defined in Section 5.1 hereof.

Contingent Obligations ”: any contingent indemnification obligations for which no claim has been made, it being understood the principal, interest, penalties, fees, premiums (if any), reimbursements, guarantees, indemnities, other liabilities and similar obligations relating to the Secured Obligations shall not constitute Contingent Obligations.

Control ”: has the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC or, if applicable, in Section 9-104, 9-105, 9-106 or 9-107 of Article 9 of the UCC.

Copyrights ”: (i) all copyrights arising under the laws of the United States, any other country or any political subdivision thereof, whether registered or unregistered and whether published or unpublished (including, without limitation, those listed in Schedule 5 hereto), all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, including, without limitation, all registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Copyright Office, and (ii) the right to obtain all renewals thereof.

Copyright Licenses ”: all agreements, whether written or oral, naming any Grantor as licensor or licensee (including, without limitation, those listed in Schedule 5 hereto), granting any right under any Copyright, including, without limitation (a) the grant of rights to manufacture, distribute, exploit and sell materials derived from any Copyright, (b) all rights to income, royalties, Proceeds, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present and future breaches thereof, and (c) all rights to sue for past, present, and future breaches thereof.

Deposit Account ”: as defined in the UCC and, in any event, including without limitation, any demand, time, savings, passbook or like account maintained with a depository institution. All funds in each Deposit Account shall be presumed to be Collateral and Proceeds of Collateral, and the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in any Deposit Account.

Deposit Account Control Agreement ”: an agreement, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among any Grantor, a depository institution holding such Grantor’s funds, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all deposits and balances held in a deposit account maintained by any Grantor with such depository institution which agreement shall grant the Administrative Agent Control of such deposit account.

Encumbered JV Interests ”: the JV Interests owned by JV Holding Sub and pledged by JV Holding Sub to the JV Company Credit Facility Agent pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement to secure JV Holding Sub’s obligations under the Parent Guaranty.

 

5


Excluded Deposit Accounts ”: as defined in Section 5.1 hereof.

Excluded Property ”: as defined in Section 2 hereof.

Guarantor Obligations ”: with respect to any Guarantor, all Obligations of such Guarantor under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the guarantee by each Guarantor of the Company Obligations.

Intellectual Property ”: the collective reference to all rights, priorities and privileges relating to intellectual property, whether arising under United States, multinational or foreign laws or otherwise, including, without limitation, the Copyrights, the Copyright Licenses, the Patents, the Patent Licenses, the Trademarks and the Trademark Licenses, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how, show-how or other data or information and all related documentation, and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement or other impairment thereof, including the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom.

Intercompany Note ”: any promissory note evidencing loans made by any Grantor to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Grantor.

Investment Property ”: the collective reference to (i) all “investment property” as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(49) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) whether or not constituting “investment property” as so defined, all Pledged Notes and all Pledged Equity, in each case, excluding the Encumbered JV Interests.

Issuers ”: the collective reference to each issuer of Pledged Equity.

New York Uniform Commercial Code ”: the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

Patents ”: (i) all letters patent of the United States, any other country or any political subdivision thereof, all reissues and extensions thereof and all goodwill associated therewith, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing referred to in Schedule 5 hereto, (ii) all applications for letters patent of the United States or any other country and all divisions, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing referred to in Schedule 5 hereto, and (iii) all rights to obtain any reissues or extensions of the foregoing.

Patent License ”: (a) all agreements, whether written or oral, providing for the grant by or to any Grantor of any right to manufacture, use or sell any invention covered in whole or in part by a Patent, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing referred to in Schedule 5 hereto, (b) all income, royalties, Proceeds, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present and future breaches thereof, and (c) all rights to sue for past, present, and future breaches thereof.

Pledged Equity ”: the Equity Interests listed on Schedule 1 hereto, together with any other shares, interests, stock certificates, options or rights of any nature whatsoever in respect of the Equity Interests of any Person that may be issued or granted to, or held by, any Grantor while this Agreement is in effect. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Pledged Equity shall not include the Encumbered JV Interests.

 

6


Pledged Notes ”: all promissory notes listed on Schedule 1 hereto, all Intercompany Notes at any time issued to any Grantor and all other promissory notes issued to or held by any Grantor (other than promissory notes issued in connection with extensions of trade credit by any Grantor in the ordinary course of business).

Proceeds ”: all “proceeds” as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(64) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and, in any event, shall include, without limitation, all dividends or other income from the Investment Property, collections thereon or distributions or payments with respect thereto.

Receivable ”: any Account, Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument or other right to payment for goods sold or leased or for services rendered, whether or not such right is evidenced by an Instrument or Chattel Paper and whether or not it has been earned by performance (including, without limitation, any Account).

Secured Obligations ”: the collective reference to (i) the Company Obligations, and (ii) the Guarantor Obligations.

Securities Act ”: the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Trademarks ”: (i) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos, domain names and other source or business identifiers, and all goodwill associated therewith, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, whether in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any State thereof or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, or otherwise, and all common law rights related thereto, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing referred to in Schedule 5 hereto, and (ii) the right to obtain all renewals thereof.

Trademark License ”: (a) any agreement, whether written or oral, providing for the grant by or to any Grantor of any right to use any Trademark, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing referred to in Schedule 5 hereto, (b) all income, royalties, Proceeds, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present and future breaches thereof, and (c) all rights to sue for past, present, and future breaches thereof.

UCC ”: the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s Lien on any Collateral.

 

7


1.2  Other Definitional Provisions . (a) The words “hereof,” “herein”, “hereto” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section and Schedule references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(b) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.

(c) Where the context requires, terms relating to the Collateral or any part thereof, when used in relation to a Grantor, shall refer to such Grantor’s Collateral or the relevant part thereof.

SECTION 2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants and pledges to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in and continuing lien on, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in the following property now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “ Collateral ”), as collateral security for the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations:

(a) all Accounts;

(b) all Chattel Paper;

(c) all Commercial Tort Claims, including, without limitation, with respect to matters listed on Schedule 6 hereto;

(d) all Deposit Accounts (including all cash and other items deposited therein or credited thereto);

(e) all Documents;

(f) all Equipment;

(g) all Fixtures;

(h) all General Intangibles (excluding, the Encumbered JV Interests);

(i) all Goods;

(j) all Instruments;

(k) all Intellectual Property;

(l) all Inventory;

 

8


(m) all Investment Property, including all Pledged Equity but excluding the Encumbered JV Interests;

(n) all letters of credit, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Supporting Obligations;

(o) all cash or cash equivalents;

(p) all Oil and Gas Properties;

(q) all other personal property and assets of each Grantor, whether tangible or intangible, not otherwise described above;

(r) all books and records, customer lists, credit files, computer files, programs, printouts and other computer materials and records related thereto pertaining to the Collateral; and

(s) to the extent not otherwise included, all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements, Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing;

provided , however , that notwithstanding any of the other provisions set forth in this Section 2, this Agreement shall not constitute a grant of a security interest in (a) any property to the extent that such grant of a security interest (i) is prohibited by any Legal Requirement of a Governmental Authority, (ii) requires a consent not obtained of any Governmental Authority pursuant to such Legal Requirement or (iii) is prohibited by, or constitutes a breach or default under, or results in the termination of or requires any consent not obtained under, any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document evidencing or giving rise to such property or, in the case of any Investment Property (other than Pledged Equity) or Pledged Note, any applicable shareholder or similar agreement, except to the extent that such Legal Requirement or the term in such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document or shareholder or similar agreement providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination or requiring such consent is ineffective under any Legal Requirement, (b) more than 65% of the voting Equity Interests of any subsidiary directly owned by any Grantor that is a first tier controlled foreign corporation, (c) Deposit Accounts used exclusively for payroll accounts, employee benefits, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments and (d) the Encumbered JV Interests (any property described in this proviso clause being referred to herein as “ Excluded Property ”); provided that Excluded Property shall not include Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property (unless such Proceeds, substitutions or replacements would constitute Excluded Property).

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Administrative Agent and certain of the other Secured Parties to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the Lenders to enter into the Credit Agreement and make Loans thereunder, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party that on and as of the date hereof:

 

9


3.1  Title; No Other Liens . Except for the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to this Agreement and other Permitted Liens, such Grantor owns each item of the Collateral free and clear of any and all Liens or claims of others. No financing statement or other public notice with respect to all or any part of the Collateral is on file or of record in any public office, except such as have been filed in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this Agreement in connection with Permitted Liens.

3.2  Perfected Liens . Subject to any provision herein or in the Credit Agreement that expressly provides that Administrative Agent’s Liens in certain amounts of certain types of Collateral, including any Excluded Collateral, is not required to be perfected as of the date hereof, the security interests granted pursuant to this Agreement upon completion of the filings and other actions specified on Schedule 2 hereto (which, in the case of all filings and other documents referred to on said schedule, have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in completed and, where applicable, duly executed form) constitute valid perfected security interests in all of the Collateral (excluding items from Sections 2(d) hereof, until the agreements set forth in Section 5.1 hereof are executed and delivered in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties), as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof against all creditors of such Grantor and any Persons purporting to purchase any Collateral from such Grantor and are prior to all other Liens on the Collateral in existence on the date hereof except for (i) unrecorded Liens permitted by the Credit Agreement which have priority over the Liens on the Collateral by operation of law, and (ii) other Permitted Liens.

3.3  Jurisdiction of Organization; Chief Executive Office . On the date hereof, such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization, identification number from the jurisdiction of organization (if any), federal employer identification number and the location and mailing address of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business or principal residence, as the case may be, are specified on Schedule 3 hereto. Such Grantor has furnished to the Administrative Agent certified copies of its Organizational Documents as required by the Credit Agreement. The name in which it has executed this Agreement is the exact name as it appears in such Grantor’s organizational documents, as amended, as filed with such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization as of the date hereof. Such Grantor has not, during the past year, (i) except as described on Schedule 3 hereto, been a party to any acquisition, merger or consolidation or (ii) other than as set forth in Schedule 3 hereto, had any other legal name.

3.4  Collateral Locations . On the date hereof, the Inventory, the Equipment (other than mobile goods), the Goods and all other material tangible Collateral owned by the Grantors are kept at the locations listed on Schedule 4 hereto. Each Grantor has good title to, or valid leasehold interest in, all of such locations, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens

3.5  Farm Products . None of the Collateral constitutes, or is the Proceeds of, Farm Products.

 

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3.6  Investment Property .

(a) Such Grantor is the record and beneficial owner of, and has good and marketable title to, the Investment Property pledged by it hereunder, free of any and all Liens or options in favor of, or claims of, any other Person, except the security interest created by this Agreement and Permitted Liens.

(b) No dispute, right of setoff, counterclaim or defense exists with respect to all or any part of the Investment Property.

(c) The Pledged Equity pledged by such Grantor hereunder constitutes all the issued and outstanding shares or other units of all classes of the Equity Interests of each Issuer owned by such Grantor.

(d) The Pledged Equity is duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable (as applicable), and all documentary stamp or other Taxes or fees owing in connection with the issuance, transfer and/or pledge thereof hereunder have been paid.

(e) No Issuer has issued, and there are not outstanding, any options, warrants or other rights to acquire Equity Interests of any Issuer other than the Warrants issued to the Lenders.

(f) Certificates representing the Pledged Equity identified as “certificated” in Schedule 1 hereof have been delivered to the Administrative Agent, together with an undated stock power covering each such certificate duly executed in blank by the applicable Grantor to the Administrative Agent or the JV Company Credit Facility Agent, as applicable.

(g) Neither the grant of the security interest in the Pledged Equity by any Grantor to the Administrative Agent herein, nor the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its rights or remedies hereunder with respect thereto, will conflict with any provision of the articles of organization, certificate of formation, certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, charter, bylaws, limited liability company agreement or other organizational document of any Issuer or any agreement by and between any Grantor or Issuer and its shareholders or equity owners or among any such shareholders or equity owners. Except as expressly contemplated herein, no consent, approval, authorization or order of, and no notice to or filing with, any court, Governmental Authority, Issuer, or third party is required in connection with the grant by Grantors of the security interests in the Pledged Equity herein, or, except as may be required under the UCC or any restrictions on transferability imposed by applicable state and federal securities laws, the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its rights and remedies hereunder with respect thereto.

(h) Each of the Pledged Notes constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor with respect thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

 

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3.7  Intellectual Property . (a) Schedule 5 hereto lists all applications for federal registration and federally registered Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor in its own name on the date hereof, in each case, to the extent material to the conduct of the Grantors’ business.

(b) On the date hereof, all material Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting, unexpired and enforceable, has not been abandoned and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other Person.

(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 5 hereto, on the date hereof, none of the material Intellectual Property is the subject of any licensing or franchise agreement pursuant to which such Grantor is the licensor or franchisor.

(d) No holding, decision or judgment has been rendered by Governmental Authority which would limit, cancel or question the validity of, or such Grantor’s rights in, any Intellectual Property in any respect that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of the Collateral or the Administrative Agent’s security interest therein.

(e) No action or proceeding is pending, or, to the knowledge of such Grantor, threatened, on the date hereof (i) seeking to limit, cancel or question the validity of any Intellectual Property or such Grantor’s ownership interest therein, or (ii) which, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on the value of any Intellectual Property, in each case that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of the Collateral or the Administrative Agent’s security interest therein.

3.8  Deposit Accounts . On the date hereof, all of such Grantor’s Deposit Accounts are listed on Schedule 7 hereto.

3.9  Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper . On the date hereof, Schedule 8 hereto lists all Letter-of-Credit Rights and Chattel Paper of such Grantor. All action by such Grantor necessary to protect and perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien under the laws of the United States on each item listed on Schedule 8 hereto has been duly taken (including the delivery of all originals as required hereunder and the placement of the following legend on all Chattel Paper: “This [chattel paper] is subject to the security interest of [___], in its capacity as administrative agent for certain noteholders, and any sale, transfer, assignment or encumbrance of this [chattel paper] violates the rights of such secured party.”).

3.10 Commercial Tort Claims (a) On the date hereof, except to the extent listed in Schedule 6 hereto, no Grantor has rights in any Commercial Tort Claim with potential value in excess of $500,000.

Upon the filing of a financing statement covering any Commercial Tort Claim referred to in paragraph (a) above or Section 4.9 hereof against such Grantor in the jurisdiction specified in Schedule 2 hereto, the security interest granted in such Commercial Tort Claim will constitute a valid perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof against all creditors of such Grantor and any Persons purporting to

 

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purchase such Collateral from Grantor, which security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on such Collateral except for (i) unrecorded liens permitted by the Credit Agreement which have priority over the Liens on such Collateral by operation of law, and (ii) other Permitted Liens.

SECTION 4. COVENANTS

Each Grantor covenants and agrees with the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that, from and after the date of this Agreement until the Secured Obligations (other than the Contingent Obligations) shall have been paid in full in immediately available funds:

4.1 Delivery of Instruments, Certificated Securities and Chattel Paper . If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any Instrument, Certificated Security or Chattel Paper, such Instrument, Certificated Security or Chattel Paper shall be held in trust by the applicable Grantor for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent, duly indorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, to be held as Collateral pursuant to this Agreement.

4.2 Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest; Further Documentation .

(a) Such Grantor shall maintain the security interest created by this Agreement as a perfected security interest having at least the priority described in Section 3.2 hereof and shall defend such security interest against the claims and demands of all Persons whomsoever.

(b) Without limiting such Grantor’s obligations under Section 4.2(a) hereof, at any time and from time to time, upon the written request of the Administrative Agent, and at the sole expense of such Grantor, such Grantor will promptly and duly execute and deliver, and have recorded, such further instruments and documents and take such further actions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Agreement and of the rights and powers herein granted, including, without limitation, (i) filing any financing or continuation statements under the UCC (or other similar laws) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interests created hereby and (ii) in the case of Electronic Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and any other relevant Collateral, taking any actions necessary to enable the Administrative Agent to obtain Control with respect thereto, in each case, in accordance with the provisions hereof.

4.3 Changes in Locations, Name, etc . Such Grantor will not, except upon fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and delivery to the Administrative Agent of all additional executed financing statements and other documents, if any, necessary to maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests provided for herein:

(i) change its jurisdiction of organization or the location of its chief executive office or sole place of business or principal residence, as the case may be, or mailing address from that referred to in Section 3.3 hereof, provided that no Grantor will change its jurisdiction of organization or the location of its chief executive office or sole place of business or principal residence to a jurisdiction or location outside of the United States without the prior written consent of the Requisite Lenders; or

 

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(ii) change its name or organization identification number issued by its state of organization or type of entity or federal employer identification number.

4.4 Intentionally Omitted.

4.5 Investment Property . (a) If such Grantor shall become entitled to receive or shall receive any certificate (including, without limitation, any certificate representing a dividend or a distribution in connection with any reclassification, increase or reduction of capital or any certificate issued in connection with any reorganization), option or rights in respect of the Equity Interests of any Issuer, whether in addition to, in substitution of, as a conversion of, or in exchange for, any shares of Pledged Equity, or otherwise in respect thereof, such Grantor shall accept the same as the agent of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, hold the same in trust for the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and deliver the same forthwith to the Administrative Agent in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Administrative Agent, if required, together with an undated stock power covering such certificate duly executed in blank by such Grantor and with, if the Administrative Agent so requests, signature guaranteed, to be held by the Administrative Agent, subject to the terms hereof, as additional collateral security for the Secured Obligations. Any sums paid upon or in respect of the Investment Property upon the liquidation or dissolution of any Issuer shall be paid over to the Administrative Agent to be held by it hereunder as additional collateral security for the Secured Obligations, and in case any distribution of capital shall be made on or in respect of the Investment Property or any property shall be distributed upon or with respect to the Investment Property pursuant to the recapitalization or reclassification of the capital of any Issuer or pursuant to the reorganization thereof, the property so distributed shall, unless otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent, be delivered to the Administrative Agent to be held by it hereunder as additional collateral security for the Secured Obligations. If any sums of money or property so paid or distributed in respect of the Investment Property shall be received by such Grantor, such Grantor shall, until such money or property is paid or delivered to the Administrative Agent, hold such money or property in trust for the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, segregated from other funds or property of such Grantor, as additional collateral security for the Secured Obligations.

(b) Except pursuant to a transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement, such Grantor will not (i) vote to enable, or take any other action to permit, any Issuer that is a Grantor or a Subsidiary of a Grantor to issue any Equity Interests of any nature or to issue any other securities convertible into or granting the right to purchase or exchange for any Equity Interests of any nature of any Issuer unless such Equity Interests or securities shall have been pledged to the Administrative Agent to secure the Secured Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof to the extent owned by any Grantor, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, the Investment Property or Proceeds thereof, (iii) create, incur or permit to exist any Lien or option in favor of, or any claim of any Person with respect to, any of the Investment Property or Proceeds thereof, or any interest therein, except for the security interests created by this Agreement and Permitted Liens or (iv) enter into any agreement or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or the Administrative Agent to sell, assign or transfer any of the Investment Property or Proceeds thereof, except, in each case, as permitted under the Credit Agreement.

 

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(c) In the case of each Grantor which is an Issuer, such Issuer agrees that (i) it will be bound by the terms of this Agreement relating to the Investment Property issued by it and will comply with such terms insofar as such terms are applicable to it, (ii) it will notify the Administrative Agent promptly in writing of the occurrence of any of the events described in Section 4.5(a) hereof with respect to the Investment Property issued by it and (iii) the terms of Sections 6.3(c) hereof and 6.7 hereof shall apply to it, mutatis mutandis , with respect to all actions that may be required of it pursuant to Sections 6.3(c) hereof or 6.7 hereof with respect to the Investment Property issued by it.

4.6 Electronic Chattel Paper . In the event such Grantor is or becomes the owner of any Electronic Chattel Paper such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to grant the Administrative Agent Control of such Electronic Chattel Paper in accordance with the UCC.

4.7 Intellectual Property . (a) Unless such Grantor shall have determined, in its reasonable business judgment, that doing so is not in its best interest, such Grantor (either itself or through licensees) will (i) continue to use each material Trademark on each and every trademark class of goods applicable to its current line as reflected in its current catalogs, brochures and price lists in order to maintain such Trademark in full force free from any claim of abandonment for non-use, (ii) maintain as in the past the quality of products and services offered under such Trademark, (iii) use such Trademark with the appropriate notice of registration and all other notices and legends required by any applicable Legal Requirement, (iv) not adopt or use any mark which is confusingly similar or a colorable imitation of such Trademark unless the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, shall obtain a perfected security interest in such mark pursuant to this Agreement, and (v) not (and use commercially reasonable efforts to not permit any licensee or sublicensee thereof to) do any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby such Trademark may become invalidated or impaired in any way that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Such Grantor (either itself or through licensees) will not do any act, or omit to do any act, whereby any material Patent may become prematurely invalidated, forfeited, abandoned or dedicated to the public.

(c) Unless such Grantor shall have determined, in its reasonable business judgment, that doing so is not in its best interest, such Grantor (either itself or through licensees) (i) will employ each material Copyright and (ii) will, for each work covered by a material Copyright, use copyright notices as required under applicable copyright laws. Such Grantor will not (either itself or through licensees) do any act whereby any material portion of the Copyrights may fall into the public domain.

(d) Such Grantor (either itself or through licensees) will not do any act that knowingly infringes the intellectual property rights of any other Person.

 

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(e) Such Grantor will notify the Administrative Agent in writing promptly if it knows, or has reason to know, that any application or registration relating to any material Intellectual Property may become forfeited, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any adverse determination or development (including, without limitation, the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any court or tribunal in any country) regarding such Grantor’s ownership of, or the validity of, any material Intellectual Property or such Grantor’s right to register the same or to own and maintain the same.

(f) Whenever such Grantor, either by itself or through any agent, employee, licensee or designee, shall file an application for the registration of any Intellectual Property with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency in any other country or any political subdivision thereof, such Grantor shall report such filing to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after the last day of the fiscal quarter in which such filing occurs. Such Grantor shall execute and deliver, and have recorded, any and all agreements, instruments, documents, and papers as is necessary to evidence the Administrative Agent’s and the other Secured Parties’ security interest in any Copyright, Patent or Trademark and the goodwill and general intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby, as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of the Requisite Lenders.

(g) Such Grantor will take all reasonable and necessary steps, including, without limitation, in any proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any similar office or agency, to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration) and to maintain each registration of the material Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use and affidavits of incontestability and payment of maintenance fees.

(h) In the event that any material Intellectual Property is infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third party, such Grantor shall (i) take such actions as such Grantor shall reasonably deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Intellectual Property and (ii) if such Intellectual Property is of material economic value, promptly notify the Administrative Agent after it learns thereof and sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution, to seek injunctive relief where appropriate and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution.

(i) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon the written request of the Administrative Agent, each Grantor will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all consents and approvals necessary for the assignment to the Administrative Agent or its designee of any license held by such Grantor and to enable the Administrative Agent or its designee to enforce the security interests granted hereunder.

4.8 Insurance . (a) All insurance policies required hereunder and under the Credit Agreement (including, but not limited to, Section 5.2 of the Credit Agreement) in respect of property or casualty shall name the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) as an additional insured or as loss payee, as applicable, and shall contain loss payable clauses or mortgagee clauses, through endorsements which are customary for similarly situated properties

 

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and companies (i) providing that all proceeds thereunder with respect to any Collateral shall be applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement; (ii) providing that no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of the insured or owner of the property described in such policy; and (iii) providing that such policy and loss payable or mortgagee clauses may be canceled, amended, or terminated only upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice given to the Administrative Agent (except with respect to cancellation as a result of a payment default, such cancellation shall not be effective until at least ten (10) days after receipt by Administrative Agent of written notice thereof).

(b) All premiums on any such insurance shall be paid when due by such Grantor, and, if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of the policies shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent. If such Grantor fails to obtain any insurance as required by this Section 4.8 and/or under the Credit Agreement (including, but not limited to, Section 5.2 of the Credit Agreement), the Administrative Agent may obtain such insurance at such Grantor’s expense. By purchasing such insurance, the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have waived any Default or Event of Default arising from the Grantor’s failure to maintain such insurance or pay any premiums therefor.

4.9 Commercial Tort Claims . Such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any Commercial Tort Claim with potential value in excess of $500,000 acquired by it or otherwise arising and, unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, such Grantor shall, within 30 days of obtaining such interest, sign and deliver documentation (and amend all applicable financing statements) necessary to grant to the Administrative Agent a perfected first priority security interest in such Commercial Tort Claim (subject to the Liens permitted under the Credit Agreement).

4.10 Letter-of-Credit Rights . If such Grantor is or becomes the beneficiary of a letter of credit with a value in excess of $250,000, it shall promptly after becoming a beneficiary notify the Administrative Agent thereof and (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the issuer and/or confirmation bank to consent to the assignment of any Letter-of-Credit Rights in connection with such letter of credit to the Administrative Agent and (b) agree to direct all payment thereunder to a Deposit Account.

4.11 Collateral Access Agreements Promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent, each Grantor shall use reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement from the lessor of each leased property, mortgagee of owned property or bailee or consignee with respect to any warehouse, processor or converter facility or other location where Collateral with value of at least $500,000 is stored or located or which is the location of the Company’s principal place of business, which agreement or letter shall provide access rights, contain a waiver or subordination of all Liens or claims that the landlord, mortgagee, bailee or consignee may assert against the Collateral at that location, and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Collateral Agent.

 

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SECTION 5. COLLECTION AND APPLICATION OF COLLATERAL PROCEEDS; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

5.1 Collection of Receivables . On or before the 120th day after the Closing Date (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), each Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, Deposit Account Control Agreements for each Deposit Account (other than (i) each Deposit Account, the funds in which are used, in the ordinary course of business, solely for the payment of salaries and wages, worker’s compensation, pension benefits and similar expenses or taxes related thereto, (ii) each Deposit Account used, in the ordinary course of business, solely for daily accounts payable and that has an ending daily balance of zero, (iii) other Deposit Accounts maintained in the United States so long as the amount of funds on deposit in such Deposit Accounts does not exceed $100,000 individually or in the aggregate, and (iv) any other Deposit Account that constitutes, or is designated by the Requisite Lenders as, Excluded Collateral or an Excluded Deposit Account, for so long as it shall be so designated (“ Excluded Deposit Accounts ”)) maintained by such Grantor (a “ Collateral Deposit Account ”), which Collateral Deposit Accounts as of the Closing Date are identified as such on Schedule 7 hereto.

5.2 Covenant Regarding New Deposit Accounts . Before opening, transferring or replacing any Collateral Deposit Account or other Deposit Account (other than Excluded Deposit Accounts), each Grantor shall so notify the Administrative Agent and such Grantor shall cause each bank or financial institution in which it seeks to open a Deposit Account, to enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent, or the Control Agent, as applicable, in order to give the Administrative Agent, Control of such Collateral Deposit Account.

SECTION 6. REMEDIAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Certain Matters Relating to Receivables . The Administrative Agent hereby authorizes each Grantor to collect such Grantor’s Receivables, and the Administrative Agent may curtail or terminate said authority at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default. If required by the Administrative Agent at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any payments of Receivables, when collected by any Grantor, (i) shall be forthwith (and, in any event, within two (2) Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Administrative Agent if required, in a Collateral Deposit Account under the sole Control of the Administrative Agent, subject to withdrawal by the Administrative Agent for the account of the Secured Parties only as provided in Section 6.5 hereof, and (ii) until so turned over, shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, segregated from other funds of such Grantor. Each such deposit of Proceeds of Receivables shall be accompanied by a report identifying in reasonable detail the nature and source of the payments included in the deposit. The Grantors and the Administrative Agent recognize that setoffs, counterclaims, defenses and other claims may be asserted by obligors with respect to certain of the Receivables, that certain of the Receivables may be or become uncollectible in whole or in part and that the expense and probability of success in litigating a disputed Receivable may exceed the amount that reasonably may be expected to be recovered with respect to a Receivable. In view of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent

 

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may at any time and from time to time, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, compromise with the obligor on any Receivable, accept in full payment of any Receivable such amount as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion shall determine or abandon any Receivable, and any such action by the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable so long as the Administrative Agent acts in good faith based on information known to it at the time it takes any such action.

6.2 Communications with Obligors; Grantors Remain Liable . (a) The Administrative Agent in its own name or in the name of others may at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default communicate (by mail, telephone, facsimile, email or otherwise) with obligors under the Receivables to verify with them to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction the existence, amount and terms of any Receivables.

(b) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor shall notify obligors on the Receivables that the Receivables have been assigned to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties and that payments in respect thereof shall be made directly to the Administrative Agent.

(c) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, each Grantor shall remain liable under each of the Receivables to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise thereto. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any Receivable (or any agreement giving rise thereto) by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or the receipt by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party of any payment relating thereto, nor shall the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party be obligated in any manner to perform any of the obligations of any Grantor under or pursuant to any Receivable (or any agreement giving rise thereto), to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party thereunder, to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts which may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.

6.3 Pledged Equity . (a) Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Administrative Agent shall have given notice to the relevant Grantor of the Administrative Agent’s intent to exercise its corresponding rights pursuant to Section 6.3(b) hereof, each Grantor shall be permitted to receive all cash dividends paid in respect of the Pledged Equity and all payments made in respect of the Pledged Notes, in each case, to the extent permitted in the Credit Agreement, and to exercise all voting and corporate or other organizational rights with respect to the Investment Property; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or corporate or other organizational right exercised or other action taken which would be inconsistent with or result in any violation of any provision of the Credit Agreement, this Agreement or any other Security Instrument.

(b) If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing and the Administrative Agent shall give notice of its intent to exercise such rights to the relevant Grantor or Grantors, (i) the Administrative Agent shall have the right to receive any and all cash

 

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dividends, payments or other Proceeds paid in respect of the Investment Property and make application thereof to the Secured Obligations in the order set forth in the Credit Agreement, and (ii) any or all of the Investment Property shall be registered in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee, and the Administrative Agent or its nominee may thereafter exercise (x) all voting, corporate and other rights pertaining to such Investment Property at any meeting of shareholders of the relevant Issuer or Issuers or otherwise and (y) any and all rights of conversion, exchange and subscription and any other rights, privileges or options pertaining to such Investment Property as if it were the absolute owner thereof (including, without limitation, the right to exchange at its discretion any and all of the Investment Property upon the merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other fundamental change in the corporate or other organizational structure of any Issuer, or upon the exercise by any Grantor or the Administrative Agent of any right, privilege or option pertaining to such Investment Property, and in connection therewith, the right to deposit and deliver any and all of the Investment Property with any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency upon such terms and conditions as the Administrative Agent may determine), all without liability except to account for property actually received by it, but the Administrative Agent shall have no duty to any Grantor to exercise any such right, privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing.

(c) Each Grantor hereby authorizes and instructs each Issuer of any Investment Property pledged by such Grantor hereunder to (i) comply with any instruction received by it from the Administrative Agent in writing that (x) states that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (y) is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without any other or further instructions from such Grantor, and each Grantor agrees that each Issuer shall be fully protected in so complying, and (ii) unless otherwise expressly permitted hereby, pay any dividends or other payments with respect to the Investment Property directly to the Administrative Agent.

6.4 Proceeds to be Turned Over To Administrative Agent . In addition to the rights of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties specified in Section 6.1 hereof with respect to payments of Receivables, if an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, all Proceeds received by any Grantor consisting of cash, checks and other near-cash items shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, segregated from other funds of such Grantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Grantor, be turned over to the Administrative Agent in the exact form received by such Grantor (duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Administrative Agent, as applicable). All Proceeds while held by the Administrative Agent (or by such Grantor in trust for the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties) shall continue to be held as collateral security for all the Secured Obligations and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as provided in Section 6.5 hereof.

6.5 Application of Proceeds . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent shall apply all or any part of Proceeds constituting Collateral held by it, whether or not held in any Collateral Deposit Account, in payment of the Secured Obligations in the order set forth in Section 7.6 of the Credit Agreement.

 

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6.6 Code and Other Remedies . If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted to them in this Agreement and in any other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing or relating to the Secured Obligations, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other Legal Requirement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, presentments, protests, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), may in such circumstances (a) forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign, give option or options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of and deliver the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk, (b) give notice of sole control or any other instruction under any Deposit Account Control Agreement or other control agreement with any securities intermediary and take any action therein with respect to such Collateral, (c) with respect to any Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the security interest granted herein to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Collateral by the applicable Grantors to the Administrative Agent or to license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or a nonexclusive basis, any such Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers thereunder cannot be obtained), and (d) concurrently with written notice to the applicable Grantor of its intent to exercise rights and remedies, transfer and register in its name or in the name of its nominee the whole or any part of the Investment Property, to exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Investment Property for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations, and subject to the notice requirements of Section 6.3 hereof, to exercise the voting and all other rights as a holder with respect thereto, to collect and receive all cash dividends, interest, principal and other distributions made thereon and to otherwise act with respect to the Investment Property as though the Administrative Agent was the outright owner thereof. The Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in any Grantor, which right or equity is hereby waived and released. Each Grantor further agrees, at the Administrative Agent’s request, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Administrative Agent at places which the Administrative Agent shall reasonably select, whether at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere. The Administrative Agent shall apply the net proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Section 6.6, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the Secured Obligations, in accordance with Section 6.5 hereof and only after such application and the

 

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payment of all Secured Obligations in full in immediately available funds and after the payment by the Administrative Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including, without limitation, Section 9-615(a)(3) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, need the Administrative Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Grantor. Without limiting the provisions of Section 8.3 hereof, to the extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, which is not waived under Section 8.3 hereof, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper in every case if given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other disposition (it being understood that a shorter period may also be reasonable given the circumstances). Until the Administrative Agent is able to effect a sale, lease, or other disposition of Collateral, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to hold or use Collateral, or any part thereof, to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of Collateral and to enforce any of the Administrative Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any of the Secured Parties shall be required to (i) make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any of their rights or remedies against, any Grantor, any other obligor, guarantor, pledgor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Secured Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any of their rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guarantee thereof, (ii) marshal the Collateral or any guarantee of the Secured Obligations or to resort to the Collateral or any such guarantee in any particular order, or (iii) effect a public sale of any Collateral.

6.7 Registration Rights . (a) If the Administrative Agent shall determine to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Pledged Equity pursuant to Section 6.6 hereof, and if in the opinion of the Administrative Agent it is necessary or advisable to have the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, the relevant Grantor will cause the Issuer thereof to (i) execute and deliver, and cause the directors and officers of such Issuer to execute and deliver, all such instruments and documents, and do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, necessary or advisable to register the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, under the provisions of the Securities Act, (ii) use its best efforts to cause the registration statement relating thereto to become effective and to remain effective for a period of one (i) year from the date of the first public offering of the Pledged Equity, or that portion thereof to be sold, and (iii) make all amendments thereto and/or to the related prospectus which, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, are necessary or advisable, all in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable thereto. Each Grantor agrees to cause such Issuer to comply with the provisions of the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of any and all jurisdictions which the Administrative Agent shall designate and to make available to its security holders, as soon as practicable, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act.

 

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(b) Each Grantor recognizes that the Administrative Agent may conduct one or more sales thereof to purchasers that would otherwise satisfy the requirements of the Securities Act (for the purposes of this Section 6.7, such sale a “Private Sale”). Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such Private Sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable than if such sale were of Pledged Equity registered under the provisions of the Securities Act and, notwithstanding such circumstances or any other circumstances, agrees that no such Private Sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially unreasonable manner solely because the Pledged Equity had not been registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. In no circumstances shall the Administrative Agent be under any obligation to register Pledged Equity under the provisions of the Securities Act, even if such Issuer would agree to do so nor shall the Administrative Agent be under any obligation to delay a sale of any of the Pledged Equity for the period of time necessary to permit the Issuer thereof to register such securities for public sale.

(c) Each Grantor agrees to use its reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be necessary to make such sale or sales of all or any portion of the Pledged Equity pursuant to this Section 6.7 valid and binding and in compliance with any and all other applicable Requirements of Law. Each Grantor further agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in this Section 6.7 will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained in this Section 6.7 shall be specifically enforceable against such Grantor, and such Grantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred under the Credit Agreement.

6.8 Grantor’s Obligations Upon Default . Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor will:

(a) assemble and make available to the Administrative Agent the Collateral and all books and records relating thereto at any place or places specified by the Administrative Agent, whether at a Grantor’s premises or elsewhere; and

(b) subject in all cases to any lease or sub-lease agreements and any collateral access agreements, permit the Administrative Agent, by the Administrative Agent’s representatives and agents, to enter, occupy and use any premises where all or any part of the Collateral, or the books and records relating thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, to remove all or any part of the Collateral or the books and records relating thereto, or both, and to conduct sales of the Collateral, without any obligation to pay the Grantor for such use and occupancy.

6.9 Grant of Intellectual Property License . For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise the rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby (a) grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Grantor) to use, license or sublicense, on such

 

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terms and conditions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably determine, any Intellectual Property rights now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof, the right to prosecute and maintain all Intellectual Property and the right to sue for past infringement of the Intellectual Property and (b) irrevocably agrees that, at any time and from time to time following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may sell any of such Grantor’s Inventory directly to any person, including without limitation persons who have previously purchased the Grantor’s Inventory from such Grantor and in connection with any such sale or other enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this Agreement, may (subject to any restrictions contained in applicable third-party licenses entered into by a Grantor) sell Inventory which bears any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and any Inventory that is covered by any Copyright owned by or licensed to such Grantor and the Administrative Agent may finish any work in process and affix any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and sell such Inventory as provided herein. The use of the license granted pursuant to clause (a) of the preceding sentence to the Administrative Agent may be exercised only upon the occurrence and, at the option of the Administrative Agent, during the continuance of an Event of Default; provided , however , that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Administrative Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon each Grantor notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default.

6.10 Subordination Each Grantor hereby agrees that, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, all Indebtedness owing by it to, or to it by, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Secured Obligations.

6.11 Deficiency . Each Grantor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay the Secured Obligations and the fees and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency.

SECTION 7. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

7.1 Administrative Agent’s Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact, etc. (a) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Administrative Agent and any officer or agent thereof, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or in its own name, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor hereby gives the Administrative Agent the power and right, on behalf of such Grantor, without notice to or assent by such Grantor, to do any or all of the following:

 

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(i) in the name of such Grantor or its own name, or otherwise, take possession of and indorse and collect any checks, drafts, notes, acceptances or other instruments for the payment of moneys due under any Receivable with respect to any other Collateral and file any claim or take any other action or proceeding in any court of law or equity or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of collecting any and all such moneys due under any Receivable or with respect to any other Collateral whenever payable;

(ii) in the case of (A) any Intellectual Property, execute and deliver, and have recorded, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and papers as the Administrative Agent may request to evidence the Administrative Agent’s and the other Secured Parties’ security interest in such Intellectual Property and the goodwill and general intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby and (B) in the case of any insurance, obtain any insurance and pay any insurance premiums with respect to such insurance called for by the terms of this Agreement (including, but not limited to Section 4.8 of this Agreement) or the Credit Agreement (including, but not limited to Section 5.2 of the Credit Agreement);

(iii) pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on or threatened against the Collateral, effect any repairs called for by the terms of this Agreement and pay all or any part of costs thereof;

(iv) to prepare and file any UCC financing statements against such Grantor as debtor;

(v) execute, in connection with any sale provided for in Sections 6.6 or 6.7 hereof or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, any indorsements, assignments or other instruments of conveyance or transfer with respect to the Collateral;

(vi) direct any party liable for any payment under any of the Collateral to make payment of any and all moneys due or to become due thereunder directly to the Administrative Agent or as the Administrative Agent shall direct; ask or demand for, collect, and receive payment of and receipt for, any and all moneys, claims and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral; sign and indorse any invoices, freight or express bills, bills of lading, storage or warehouse receipts, drafts against debtors, assignments, verifications, notices and other documents in connection with any of the Collateral; commence and prosecute any suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect the Collateral or any portion thereof and to enforce any other right in respect of any Collateral; defend any suit, action or proceeding brought against such Grantor with respect to any Collateral; settle, compromise or adjust any such suit, action or proceeding and, in connection therewith, give such discharges or releases as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate; assign any Copyright, Patent or Trademark (along with the goodwill of the business to which any such Copyright, Patent or Trademark pertains), throughout the world for such term or terms, on such conditions, and in such manner, as the Administrative Agent shall in its sole discretion determine; and generally, sell, transfer, pledge and make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the

 

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Collateral as fully and completely as though the Administrative Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes, and do, at the Administrative Agent’s option and such Grantor’s expense, at any time, or from time to time, all acts and things which the Administrative Agent deems necessary to protect, preserve or realize upon the Collateral and the Administrative Agent’s and the other Secured Parties’ security interests therein and to effect the intent of this Agreement, all as fully and effectively as such Grantor might do; and

(vii) TO ACT AS ITS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT (AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 7.1 ABOVE) WITH RESPECT TO ITS INVESTMENT PROPERTY, INCLUDING, SUBJECT TO SECTION 6.3 HEREOF, THE RIGHT TO VOTE SUCH INVESTMENT PROPERTY, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION TO DO SO. IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT TO VOTE ANY SUCH INVESTMENT PROPERTY, THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT SHALL INCLUDE, SUBJECT TO SECTION 6.3 HEREOF, THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS, POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND REMEDIES TO WHICH A HOLDER OF SUCH INVESTMENT PROPERTY, WOULD BE ENTITLED (INCLUDING GIVING OR WITHHOLDING WRITTEN CONSENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS, CALLING SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS AND VOTING AT SUCH MEETINGS). SUCH PROXY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AUTOMATICALLY AND WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF ANY ACTION (INCLUDING ANY TRANSFER OF ANY SUCH INVESTMENT PROPERTY ON THE RECORD BOOKS OF THE ISSUER THEREOF) BY ANY PERSON (INCLUDING THE ISSUER OF SUCH INVESTMENT PROPERTY OR ANY OFFICER OR AGENT THEREOF), IN EACH CASE ONLY UPON THE OCCURRENCE AND DURING THE CONTINUANCE OF AN EVENT OF A DEFAULT AND UPON PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE GRANTORS.

Anything in this Section 7.1(a) to the contrary notwithstanding, the Administrative Agent agrees that it will not exercise any rights under the power of attorney provided for in this Sections 7.1(a) (other than Section 7.1(a)(ii)(A) and (B)) unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(b) If any Grantor fails to perform or comply with any of its agreements contained in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders, may perform or comply, or otherwise cause performance or compliance, with such agreement.

(c) The expenses of the Administrative Agent incurred in connection with actions undertaken as provided in this Section 7.1(other than Section 7.1(a)(ii)(A) and (B)) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, together with interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the rate per annum at which interest would then be payable on the Loans, from the date of payment by the Administrative Agent to the date reimbursed by the Grantors, shall be payable by Grantors to the Administrative Agent on demand, or directly out of Proceeds from any relevant Collateral, at the Administrative Agent’s discretion.

 

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(d) Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. All powers, authorizations and agencies contained in this Agreement are coupled with an interest and are irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated and the security interests created hereby are released.

7.2 Duty of Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent’s sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping and physical preservation of the Collateral in its possession, under Section 9-207 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise, shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Administrative Agent deals with similar property for its own account. Neither the Administrative Agent, any other Secured Party nor any of their respective representatives, successors, assigns, affiliates, partners, members, investors, shareholders, attorneys, officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any Grantor or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof. The powers, rights and discretionary duties conferred on the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are solely to protect the Administrative Agent’s and the other Secured Parties’ interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts that they actually receive as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither they nor any of their representatives, successors, assigns, affiliates, partners, members, investors, shareholders, attorneys, officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent that any Legal Requirement imposes duties on the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it may be commercially reasonable for the Administrative Agent (i) to fail to incur expenses deemed significant by the Administrative Agent to prepare Collateral for disposition or otherwise to transform raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition, (ii) to fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by any Legal Requirement, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or disposed of, (iii) to fail to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral, (iv) to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (v) to advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (vi) to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as such Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of such Collateral, (vii) to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (viii) to dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (ix) to dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (x) to disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (xi) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Administrative Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide to the Administrative Agent a guaranteed

 

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return from the collection or disposition of Collateral, or (xii) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Administrative Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral. Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 7.2 is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent may be commercially reasonable in the Administrative Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 7.2. Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the Administrative Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Agreement or by any Legal Requirement in the absence of this Section 7.2.

7.3 Execution of Financing Statements and Other Documents . Pursuant to any applicable law, each Grantor authorizes the Administrative Agent to file or record financing statements and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to the Collateral without the signature of such Grantor in such form and in such offices as the Administrative Agent reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and, if applicable, to maintain Control of Collateral. Each Grantor authorizes the Administrative Agent to use the collateral description “all assets now existing or hereafter acquired” or “all personal property now existing or hereafter acquired” or any similar collateral description in any such financing statements. Each Grantor hereby ratifies and authorizes the filing by the Administrative Agent of any financing statement with respect to the Collateral made prior to the date hereof; provided that such authorization will not impose any such duty upon the Administrative Agent. Nothing in this Section shall relieve any Grantor from its obligation to file financing statements, to file any continuation statements or to otherwise maintain perfection of the Administrative Agent’s security interest as such obligations are set forth in this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other document.

7.4 Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations . Without having any obligation to do so, the Administrative Agent may, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, perform or pay any obligation which any Grantor has agreed to perform or pay in this Agreement and the Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any amounts paid by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 7.4. The Grantors’ obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a Secured Obligation payable on demand, or directly out of Proceeds from any relevant Collateral, at the Administrative Agent’s discretion.

7.5 Specific Performance of Certain Covenants . Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 4, 5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.7 hereof will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the Secured Parties to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of the Grantors contained in this Agreement, that the covenants of the Grantors contained in the Sections referred to in this Section 7.5 shall, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be specifically enforceable against the Grantors.

 

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7.6 Authority of Administrative Agent . Each Grantor acknowledges that the rights and responsibilities of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement with respect to any action taken by the Administrative Agent or the exercise or non-exercise by the Administrative Agent of any option, voting right, request, judgment, discretionary duty or other right or remedy provided for herein or resulting or arising out of this Agreement shall, as between the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, be governed by the Credit Agreement and by such other agreements with respect thereto as may exist from time to time among them, but, as between the Administrative Agent and the Grantors, the Administrative Agent shall be conclusively presumed to be acting as agent for the Secured Parties with full and valid authority so to act or refrain from acting, and no Grantor shall be under any obligation, or entitlement, to make any inquiry respecting such authority.

7.7 Protections of Administrative Agent . (a) For all purposes of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any Event of Default or matter hereunder unless written notice of such event is received by the Administrative Agent or an officer of the Administrative Agent responsible for the administration of this Agreement has actual knowledge thereof.

(b) Except for action expressly required hereunder (excluding circumstances in which the Administrative Agent has the ability but not an affirmative duty to act) or in the Credit Agreement, nothing in this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any Security Instrument shall be interpreted as giving the Administrative Agent responsibility for or any duty concerning the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of any Lien or security interest in any Collateral or giving the Administrative Agent any obligation to take any action to procure or maintain such validity, perfection, priority or enforceability.

(c) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its representatives, successors, assigns, partners, members, investors, shareholders, attorneys, affiliates, directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith (i) with the consent or at the request of a Person authorized hereunder, the Intercreditor Agreement or under the Credit Agreement or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its representatives, successors, assigns, partners, members, investors, shareholders, attorneys, affiliates, directors, officers, agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with this Agreement; (ii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of a Grantor; (iii) the receipt of items required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; or (iv) the validity, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, the other Security Instruments or any other instrument or writing furnished in connection herewith. The Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement, or other writing (which may be a bank wire, telex or similar writing) reasonably believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Security Instrument or any other document furnished in connection herewith or therewith in accordance with a written direction or a request of an authorized Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Credit Agreement.

 

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(d) Any Person into which the Administrative Agent may be converted or merged, or with which it may be consolidated, or to which it may sell or transfer its corporate trust assets as a whole or substantially as a whole, or any Person resulting from any such conversion, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer to which the Administrative Agent is a party, shall (provided it is otherwise qualified to serve as the Administrative Agent hereunder) be and become a successor Administrative Agent hereunder and be vested with all of the title to the Collateral and all of the trusts, powers, discretions, immunities, privileges, estates, properties, rights, duties and obligations as was its predecessor without the execution or filing of any instrument or any further act, deed or conveyance on the part of any of the parties hereto or any other Person, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

(e) In entering into this Agreement, and in taking (or refraining from) any actions under or pursuant to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall be protected by and shall enjoy all of the rights, immunities, protections and indemnities granted to it under the Intercreditor Agreement, the Credit Agreement or the Security Instruments.

SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Amendments in Writing . None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement.

8.2 Notices . All notices, requests and demands to or upon the Administrative Agent or any Grantor hereunder shall be effected in the manner provided for in Section 10.2 of the Credit Agreement.

8.3 Waivers . To the extent permitted under applicable law, each Grantor hereby waives notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. To the extent such notice may not be waived under applicable law, any notice made shall be deemed reasonable if sent to the Grantors, addressed as set forth in Section 8.2 hereof, at least ten (10) days prior (or such shorter period as may be commercially reasonable) to (i) the date of any such public sale or (ii) the time after which any such private sale or other disposition may be made. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages, and demands against the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party arising out of the exercise of any rights and/or remedies hereunder, including, without limitation, the repossession, retention or sale of the Collateral, except such as arise out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Secured Party as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party, any valuation, stay, appraisal, extension, moratorium, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety now or hereafter existing which, but for this provision, might be applicable to the sale of any Collateral made under the judgment, order or decree of any court, or privately under the power of sale conferred by this Agreement, or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Grantor hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or any notice (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of any kind in connection with this Agreement or any Collateral.

 

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8.4 No Waiver by Course of Conduct; Cumulative Remedies . Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall by any act (except by a written instrument pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof), delay, indulgence, omission or otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default. No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law.

8.5 Enforcement Expenses; Indemnification . (a) Each Grantor agrees to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent or any Lender for all its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in enforcing or preserving any rights under this Agreement and the other Security Instruments to which such Grantor is a party, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent to the same extent the Company would be required to do so pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Credit Agreement.

(b) Each Grantor agrees to pay, and to indemnify and save the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties harmless from, any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from any delay in paying, any and all stamp, excise, sales or other taxes which may be payable or determined to be payable with respect to any of the Collateral or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c) Each Grantor agrees to pay, and to indemnify and save the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties harmless from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and administration of this Agreement to the same extent the Company would be required to do so pursuant to Section 10.7 of the Credit Agreement.

(d) The agreements in this Section 8.5 shall survive repayment of the Secured Obligations and all other amounts payable under the Credit Agreement and the Security Instruments.

8.6 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of each Grantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their successors and assigns; provided that no Grantor may assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

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8.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts (including by telecopy, .pdf, or other electronic transmission), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

8.8 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

8.9 Section Headings . The Section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

8.10 Integration . This Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Security Instruments represent the agreement of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party relative to subject matter hereof and thereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein or in the Credit Agreement and the other Security Instruments.

8.11 Reinstatement . This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Grantor for liquidation or reorganization, should any Grantor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors, should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Grantor’s assets, or any similar proceeding is initiated or undertaken and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

8.12 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

8.13 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each Grantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement and the other Security Instruments to which it is a party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, and appellate courts from any thereof;

 

32


(b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Grantor at its address referred to in Section 8.2 hereof;

(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

8.14 Acknowledgements . Each Grantor hereby acknowledges that:

(a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Security Instruments to which it is a party;

(b) neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party has any fiduciary relationship with or duty to any Grantor arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Security Instruments, and the relationship between the Grantors, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and other Secured Parties, on the other hand, in connection herewith or therewith is solely that of debtor and creditor; and

(c) no joint venture is created hereby or by the other Security Instruments or otherwise exists by virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby among the Secured Parties or among the Grantors and the Secured Parties.

8.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH OF THE GRANTORS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY AND HAS CONSULTED WITH COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE, AND HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF 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.

 

33


8.16 Additional Grantors . Each Subsidiary of the Company that is required to become a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.12(b) of the Credit Agreement shall become a Grantor for all purposes of this Agreement upon execution and delivery by such Subsidiary of an Assumption Agreement in the form of Annex 1 hereto.

8.17 Releases . Collateral shall be released from the Lien created by this Agreement to the extent provided in Section 8.10(c) of the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Pages follow]

 

34


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Pledge and Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY,

a Delaware corporation

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

PAR PICEANCE ENERGY EQUITY LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

PAR UTAH LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

EWI LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

 

35


PAR WASHINGTON LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

PAR NEW MEXICO LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

HEWW EQUIPMENT LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

PAR POINT ARGUELLO LLC

 

By: PAR PETROLEUM COMPANY, a

Delaware corporation, its Sole Member

By:   /s/ John T. Youg, Jr.
Name:   John T. Youg, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive Office

 

36


JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,

as Administrative Agent

By:   /s/ E.J. Hess
Title:   E.J. Hess
  Managing Director

 

37


Schedule 1

DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY

 

38


Schedule 2

FILINGS AND OTHER ACTIONS REQUIRED TO PERFECT SECURITY INTERESTS

 

  1. File UCC-1 financing statements in the name of each Grantor listed below as a “debtor” and in the office set forth opposite such Grantor’s name below, in each case with the following collateral description “All personal property and assets of Debtor now existing or hereafter acquired.”

 

Debtor

   Filing Office
  

 

  2. The Grantors shall deliver to the Administrative Agent all original stock certificates representing all Pledged Equity listed as “certificated” in Schedule 1 hereof along with stock powers executed in blank or appropriate instruments of transfer.

 

  3. The Grantors shall deliver to the Administrative Agent each original Pledged Notes along with an allonge executed in blank or appropriate instruments of transfer.

 

39


Schedule 3

LOCATION OF JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE

 

40


Schedule 4

LOCATION OF INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT

Additional Locations of Collateral; Third Party Holders of Inventory

 

41


Schedule 5

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Trademarks

Copyrights

Patents

 

42


Schedule 6

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

[            ]

 

43


Schedule 7

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS; LOCK BOXES

 

44


Schedule 8

LETTER-OF-CREDIT RIGHTS; CHATTEL PAPER

[            ]

 

45


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT 1

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of ___________ ____, 2012 (the “ Agreement ”, capitalized terms defined in the Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement), made by the Grantors parties thereto for the benefit of [            ], as Administrative Agent. The undersigned agrees for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties as follows:

1. The undersigned will be bound by the terms of the Agreement and will comply with such terms insofar as such terms are applicable to the undersigned.

2. The undersigned will notify the Administrative Agent promptly in writing of the occurrence of any of the events described in Section 4.5(a) of the Agreement.

3. The terms of Sections 6.3(a) and 6.7 of the Agreement shall apply to it, mutatis mutandis , with respect to all actions that may be required of it pursuant to Section 6.3(a) or 6.7 of the Agreement.

 

[NAME OF ISSUER]
By:    
  Title:
Address for Notices:
Attention:
Fax:

 

 

1 This consent is necessary only with respect to any Issuer which is not also a Grantor. This consent may be modified or eliminated with respect to any Issuer that is not controlled by a Grantor. If a consent is required, its execution and delivery should be included among the conditions to the initial borrowing specified in the Credit Agreement.


Annex 1 to

Pledge and Security Agreement

ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT, (“Assumption Agreement”) dated as of ________________, 20__, made by ______________________________, a ______________ __________ (the “ Additional Grantor ”), in favor of [            ], as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the Secured Parties. All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement referred to below.

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among PAR Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company ”), certain of its Subsidiaries, as Guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”) and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain Loans and other extensions of credit to the Company;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company and certain of its Affiliates (other than the Additional Grantor) have entered into the Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of __________________, 2012 (as amended, restated, supplemented, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”) in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;

WHEREAS, the Credit Agreement requires the Additional Grantor to become a party to the Security Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Additional Grantor has agreed to execute and deliver this Assumption Agreement in order to become a party to the Security Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. Pledge and Security Agreement . By executing and delivering this Assumption Agreement, the Additional Grantor, as provided in Section 8.16 of the Security Agreement, hereby (a) becomes a party to the Security Agreement as a Grantor thereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor, (b) expressly assumes all obligations and liabilities of a Grantor thereunder, and (c) unconditionally grants and pledges to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in and to all of Additional Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral . The information set forth in Annex 1-A hereto is hereby added to the information set forth in Schedules ____________ 1 to the Security Agreement. The Additional Grantor hereby represents and warrants that each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 3 of the Security Agreement is true and correct on and as the date hereof (after giving effect to this Assumption Agreement) as if made on and as of such date.

 

 

1  

Refer to each Schedule which needs to be supplemented.


2. Governing Law . THIS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Assumption Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

[ADDITIONAL GRANTOR]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 99.1

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Delta Petroleum Corporation, Now Renamed Par Petroleum Corporation, Announces Consummation of Plan of Reorganization

DENVER, August 31, 2012 – Delta Petroleum Corporation (“Delta” or the “Company”), now renamed Par Petroleum Corporation as described below, announced that as of today the Company has consummated its third amended plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) with Laramie Energy II, LLC (“Laramie”) as the sponsor. The implementation of the Plan, as confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on August 16, 2012, marks the conclusion of the Company’s financial restructuring, and the emergence of Delta and eight subsidiaries (including Amber Resources Company of Colorado (“Amber”)) from Chapter 11. Delta and Amber’s previously outstanding common stock has been cancelled, and will no longer be traded. In conjunction with the reorganization, Delta has been renamed Par Petroleum Corporation (“Par Petroleum”).

At closing, Laramie and Par Petroleum contributed their respective assets in Mesa and Garfield counties, Colorado, to form a new joint venture called Piceance Energy, LLC (“Piceance Energy”). Laramie and Par Petroleum hold 66.66% and 33.34% ownership interests in Piceance Energy, respectively. Subsequently, Piceance Energy entered into a new $140 million credit agreement, and distributed approximately $74.1 million to Par Petroleum and $24.8 million to Laramie. The distributions are subject to adjustment per the joint venture transaction effective date of July 31, 2012.

As part of the Company’s reorganization, $265 million in unsecured notes were converted into equity. The Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., an affiliate of Equity Group Investments, and clients of Whitebox Advisors played a leading role in the restructuring process and are now the two largest equity holders in Par Petroleum. Affiliates of the two firms are also the two largest lenders under Par Petroleum’s new $30 million delayed draw term facility (the “exit facility”), $13 million of which has been drawn down. Par Petroleum will use the $74.1 million distribution and the exit facility to pay bankruptcy expenses, secured debt, the debtor in possession loan, priority claims, and to fund two litigation trusts.

Following the closing, Par Petroleum retained its interest in the Point Arguello unit offshore California, other miscellaneous assets and certain tax attributes, including significant net operating losses. As part of consummating the Plan, Par Petroleum issued new common stock for distribution to holders of allowed prepetition claims. The new common stock will be publicly traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Delta’s shareholders prior to Chapter 11 emergence will not receive any consideration under the Plan.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-looking statements in this announcement, in the Plan, or in the Disclosure Statement related to the Plan, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based on management’s present expectations, estimates and projections, but involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, having filed for bankruptcy and factors relating to the Company’s (including its affiliates’) operations and the business environment (including general market conditions, competition and natural gas and oil prices) in which the Company operates, which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or


implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s (including its affiliates’) ability to operate and availability of funding pursuant to the terms of its exit financing facilities, including Piceance Energy’s ability to operate and availability of funding pursuant to the terms of its credit facility; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with its vendors; and those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, or in other filings to be made, from time to time, by Par Petroleum with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Company Filings”). The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made and the Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Exhibit 99.2

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Par Petroleum Corporation (formerly Delta Petroleum Corporation) Appoints New Board of Directors and Officers

John T. Young Named Chief Executive Officer and R. Seth Bullock Named Chief Financial Officer

PR Newswire

HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2012

HOUSTON, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Par Petroleum Corporation (“Par Petroleum” or the “Company”) announced that its predecessor Delta Petroleum Corporation (“Delta”) consummated its plan of reorganization on August 31, 2012. The reorganized company, Par Petroleum, emerged from Delta’s bankruptcy with a substantially delivered balance sheet. Pursuant to Delta’s plan of reorganization, $265 million in long-term notes and substantially all other unsecured claims were converted into the common stock of Par Petroleum. Par Petroleum’s common stock will be publicly traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market under the trading symbol “PARR”. Par Petroleum’s only long-term debt is a $30 million delayed-draw term loan, of which $13 million was drawn on August 31, 2012. Proceeds of the facility provided funding on August 31, 2012 to two trusts for the payment of certain expenses relating to the administration of the Delta bankruptcy case. Proceeds will also be used for general corporate purposes.

In addition, in connection with the transactions consummated pursuant to Delta’s plan of reorganization, Par Petroleum partnered with Laramie Energy II, LLC (“Laramie”), an oil and gas operator. Laramie and Par Petroleum each contributed their respective assets in Mesa and Garfield counties, Colorado, to form a new joint venture called Piceance Energy, LLC (“Piceance Energy”). Laramie and Par Petroleum hold 66.66% and 33.34% ownership interests in Piceance Energy, respectively. Subsequently, Piceance Energy entered into a new $140 million credit agreement, and distributed approximately $74.1 million to Par Petroleum and $24.8 million to Laramie. The distributions are subject to adjustment per the joint venture transaction effective date of July 31, 2012.

To implement Par Petroleum’s new vision and direction, ownership has replaced the Company’s former Board of Directors and has installed a new management team. In particular, five new individuals (introduced below) have been appointed to serve as Par Petroleum’s Board of Directors, effective immediately, and the Board has appointed a new management team for Par Petroleum, led by John T. Young, Jr. as Par’s Chief Executive Officer and R. Seth Bullock as Par’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, two members of the new Board, Jacob Mercer and William Monteleone, also will serve on the board of the joint venture Piceance Energy.

“I speak for the entire management team when I express my excitement about joining Par Petroleum,” said John T. Young, Jr., the new Chief Executive Officer. “I am confident in Par’s future, and the Board and management team are looking forward to working with our joint venture partner Laramie Energy II, LLC to rebuild our energy business. I believe that the Company’s improved capital structure and enhanced financial flexibility positions us well within our industry.”


As outlined in the Company’s Third Amended Plan of Reorganization as confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court on August 16, 2012, the Board members were designated by the new principal equity owners of Par. Par’s new Board is comprised of Messrs. Jacob Mercer, William Monteleone, Michael Keener, L. Melvin Cooper and Benjamin Lurie.

John T. Young, Jr. – Chief Executive Officer. Delta appointed Mr. Young as its Chief Restructuring Officer in November 2011, and appointed him as Chief Financial Officer in July 2012. Mr. Young also currently serves as Senior Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc., which the Company retained in late 2011 to assist with its strategic alternatives process. Mr. Young has served as Senior Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc. since December 2008. Mr. Young has substantial knowledge and experience providing restructuring advisory services, including interim management and debtor advisory, litigation support, post-merger integration, and debt restructuring and refinancing. Mr. Young’s experience also includes serving in a multitude of advisory capacities within the energy and oilfield services industries as well as Lone Star Funds and KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Young is a Certified Public Accountant and received his BBA and MBA from Baylor University.

R. Seth Bullock – Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bullock currently serves as a Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc. and has served in that capacity since joining Conway MacKenzie, Inc. in November 2011. From May 2010 through November 2011, he served as Managing Director at Kenmont Solutions Capital, a direct origination mezzanine fund focused on middle market companies in the energy, power and infrastructure sectors. From July 2007 through May 2010, Mr. Bullock served as Analyst at Kenmont Investments Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund focused on the energy, power and transportation sectors. Prior to Kenmont, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Koch Capital Markets, a division of Koch Industries, Inc. Prior to Koch, Mr. Bullock held positions of increasing responsibility with Arthur Andersen’s Global Energy Corporate Finance Group. Mr. Bullock holds a BBA in Finance from Loyola University, New Orleans. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Jacob Mercer – Director. Mr. Mercer is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Whitebox Advisors having joined them in 2007. Previously, Mr. Mercer worked for Xcel Energy (XEL) as Assistant Treasurer and Managing Director. Prior to that, he worked at Piper Jaffray as a Senior Credit Analyst and Principal and at Voyageur Asset Management as a Credit Analyst. In addition, Mr. Mercer served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Army. Mr. Mercer holds a BA in both Business Management and Economics from St. John’s University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

William Monteleone – Director. Mr. Monteleone is an Associate at Equity Group Investments (EGI) having joined in 2008. Previously, Mr. Monteleone worked for Banc of America Securities LLC where he was involved in a variety of debt capital raising transactions, including leveraged buyouts, corporate-to-corporate acquisitions and other debt financing activities. At EGI, he is responsible for evaluating potential new investments and monitoring existing investments. In addition to Par Petroleum, Mr. Monteleone serves on the Board of Directors of Wapiti Oil and Gas, LLC and Kuwait Energy Company. Mr. Monteleone graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree.

Benjamin Lurie – Director. Mr. Lurie is an Associate at Equity Group Investments (EGI) having joined in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Lurie worked at Lurie Investments evaluating and developing new and existing business opportunities ranging from technology to services to real


estate. At EGI, Mr. Lurie is responsible for evaluating potential new investments and monitoring existing investments. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from INSEAD, and a postgraduate certificate from the United Nations University. He received dual BAs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Michael R. Keener – Director. Mr. Keener has over 30 years of experience in the energy sector. Since January 2011, Mr. Keener has served as a Principal of KP Energy, providing mezzanine debt, private equity and direct asset ownership primarily with exploration and production companies in North America. Prior to joining KP Energy, Mr. Keener worked as a Managing Director in the energy team of Imperial Capital LLC from October 2009 until December 2011. From 2003 until their acquisition by Imperial Capital in October 2009, Mr. Keener served as Principal and Managing Director of Petrobridge Investment Management. From 1981 to 2003, Mr. Keener served in a number of roles in Royal Dutch Shell PLC including as Director and Vice President of Shell Capital and Financial Advisor to Shell Offshore. Mr. Keener also has served on the Board of Directors of Dune Energy (DUNR) since January 2012. Mr. Keener holds a degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University and a Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University.

L. Melvin Cooper – Director. Mr. Cooper has over 25 years of experience in various accounting and financial roles. Currently, Mr. Cooper serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Forbes Energy Services Ltd (FES), a public company in the energy services industry. Prior to Forbes, Mr. Cooper served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cude Oilfield Contractors, Inc. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Cooper served as President of SpectraSource Corporation, a supplier of products and services to the new home building industry. Beginning in 1999, Mr. Cooper served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nationwide Graphics, a printing and supply chain management company. Prior to Nationwide Graphics, Mr. Cooper served as President or Chief Financial Officer of various companies involved in telecommunications, nutritional supplements, water purification, scrap metal, drilling fluids, and natural gas marketing. Mr. Cooper also has served on the Board of Directors of Flotek Industries, Inc. (FTK) since October 2010. In 2011, Mr. Cooper earned the Board Leadership designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mr. Cooper received a degree in accounting from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I) in 1975 and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

In addition to its interest in Piceance Energy, Par Petroleum owns an interest in the Point Arguello unit offshore California, certain miscellaneous oil and gas assets and certain tax attributes, including significant net operating losses.

Exhibit 99.3

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement, and accompanying notes thereto, are included as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference. As further described in Exhibit 99.3, the pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial statements of the Company after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012. Immediately following the consummation of this transaction, the Company emerged from bankruptcy and is adopting fresh start reporting which may change the effects of this transaction as reported in the Form 8-K.

These unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended to represent and may not be indicative of operating results or financial position that would have occurred had the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement been consummated as of January 1, 2012, nor are such financial statements intended to represent and they may not be indicative of future operating results or financial position of the Company. These unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read together with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, and the MD&A included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012.


PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2012

(in thousands)

 

ASSETS    As Reported
June 30, 2012
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
          Pro Forma
June 30, 2012
 

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,356      $ 22,458        (b   $ 26,814   

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $254

     1,028        —            1,028   

Prepaid assets

     3,416        —            3,416   

Prepaid reorganization costs

     1,296        —            1,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

     10,096        22,458          32,554   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

        

Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method of accounting:

     764,840        (745,967     (a     18,873   

Other

     71,582        (63,954     (a     7,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total property and equipment

     836,422        (809,921       26,501   

Less accumulated depreciation and depletion

     (485,736     460,709        (a     (25,027
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     350,686        (349,212       1,474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Long-term assets:

        

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

     3,657        —            3,657   

Investment in Piceance Energy, LLC

     —          216,000        (c     216,000   

Other long-term assets

     313        —            313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total long-term assets

     3,970        216,000          219,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 364,752      $ (110,754     $ 253,998   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Liabilities not subject to compromise:

        

Debtor in possession financing

   $ 51,742      $ (51,742     (b   $ —     

Accounts payable

     3,405            3,405   

Other accrued liabilities

     1,492            1,492   

Accrued reorganization and trustee expense

     3,131            3,131   

Liabilities subject to compromise:

        

7% Senior notes

     115,000            115,000   

3  3 / 4 % Senior convertible notes

     150,000            150,000   

Accounts payable

     8,627            8,627   

Other accrued liabilities

     4,990            4,990   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     338,387        (51,742       286,645   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities::

        

Liabilities not subject to compromise:

        

Asset retirement obligations

     3,620        (3,568     (a     52   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     342,007        (3,568       286,697   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Equity:

        

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 3,000,000 shares, none issued

     —          —            —     

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares issued 28,783,190 shares at June 30, 2012

     288            288   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,643,285          (a,b,c     1,643,285   

Accumulated deficit

     (1,620,828     (55,444     (a,b,c     (1,676,272
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Delta stockholders’ equity

     22,745        (55,444       (32,699
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 364,752      $ (110,754     $ 253,998   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 


PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

     As
Reported
June 30,
2012
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
          Pro Forma
June 30,
2012
 

Revenue:

        

Oil and gas sales

   $ 17,613      $ (13,945     (d   $ 3,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Lease operating expense

     6,815        (4,187     (d     2,628   

Transportation expense

     5,286        (5,286     (d     —     

Production taxes

     799        (3,707     (d     (2,908

Exploration expense

     1        —            1   

Dry hole costs and impairments

     1        —            1   

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     10,226        (9,380     (d     846   

General and administrative expense

     7,745        —            7,745   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     30,873        (22,560       8,313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (13,260     8,615          (4,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Other income and (expense):

        

Interest expense and financing costs, net

     (4,862     —            (4,862

Other income

     (10     —            (10

Loss from Piceance Energy, LLC

       (3,236     (e     (3,236

Income from unconsolidated affiliates

     9        —            9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (4,863     (3,236       (8,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes reorganization items

     (18,123     5,379          (12,744

Income tax expense (benefit)

     —              —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (18,123     5,379          (12,744

Reorganizational items

        

Professional fees and administrative costs

     11,635        —            11,635   

(Gain) loss on settlement of liabilities

     (383     —            (383
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Delta common stockholders

   $ (29,375     5,379          (23,996
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Basic loss attributable to Delta common stockholders per common share:

   $ (1.02   $ 0.19        $ (0.83
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Diluted loss attributable to Delta common stockholders per common share:

   $ (1.02   $ 0.19        $ (0.83
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 


NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Summary of Piceance Energy, LLC Contribution Agreement Transactions

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Article 11, using the acquisition method of accounting, and are based on the historical financial statements of Par Petroleum Corporation (“the Company”) after giving effect to entering into a limited liability company agreement for Piceance Energy and the oil and gas properties contributed by the Company and Laramie Energy II, LLC to consummate the Company’s reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. The Company has preliminarily determined to consider its 33.34% investment in Piceance Energy, LLC to be accounted for as an equity investment. Immediately following the consummation of this transaction, the Company emerged from bankruptcy and has adopted fresh start reporting which may change the effects of this transaction as reported in this Form 8-K.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012 are presented as if the transaction had occurred on January 1, 2012.

On the effective transaction date Par Petroleum Corporation contributed oil and gas properties with a net book value of $349 million to Piceance Energy, LLC. In exchange for the assets contributed, the Company received a 33.34% interest in Piceance Energy, LLC and $74.2 million. Laramie Energy II, LLC contributed oil and gas properties with a net book value of $283 million and received 66.66% interest in Piceance Energy, LLC and $25 million.

The interest percentages for each entity were determined using a valuation of assets computed from a January 1, 2012 reserve analysis of the value of the oil and gas properties being contributed by each entity.

The fair value of the Company’s equity investment in the June 30, 2012 Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been estimated based on a reserve analysis of the value of the oil and gas properties as of June 30, 2012.

 

2. Accounting Policies

The unaudited pro forma financial information has been compiled in a manner consistent with the accounting policies adopted by Par Petroleum Corporation. Immediately following the consummation of this transaction, the Company emerged from bankruptcy and has adopted fresh start reporting which may change the recorded effects of this transaction.

 

3. Pro Forma Adjustments

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated balance sheets and the pro forma condensed combined consolidated statement of operations are as follows:

Description:

(a) Represents net adjustments to oil and gas properties and related depreciation, depletion and amortization for the assets contributed to Piceance Energy, LLC.

(b) Represents $74.2 million cash received from Piceance Energy, LLC per the Contribution Agreement and immediate payoff of the Company’s debtor in possession credit facility.

(c) Represents the estimated initial value of the Company’s investment in Piceance Energy, LLC.

(d) Represents adjustments removing the revenue and operating expenses directly related to operations from the oil and gas properties for the properties contributed to Piceance Energy, LLC from continuing operations.

(e) Represents the loss for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from the pro forma combined oil and gas operations of Piceance Energy, LLC.


4. Fresh Start Accounting

The adoption of fresh start accounting will result in a new reporting entity. All of the new entity’s assets and liabilities will be recorded at their estimated fair values upon the Effective Date and the Predecessor Company’s retained deficit and accumulated other comprehensive income will be eliminated. Under the Plan, Delta’s priority non-tax claims and secured claims will be unimpaired in accordance with section 1124(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each general unsecured claim and noteholder claims will receive its pro rata share of new common stock of Par Petroleum in full satisfaction of its claims.

In accordance with fresh start accounting, the Company will record the debt and equity at fair value utilizing the total enterprise value of approximately $176 million, which was determined in conjunction with the confirmation of the Plan in part based on a set of financial projections for the post-emergence entity. The enterprise value was dependent upon achieving the future financial results set forth in the Company’s projections, as well as the realization of certain other assumptions. These projections were prepared in connection with the Plan and the Bankruptcy Cases. The projections were based on information available to the Company and assumptions known to the Company. Projections are inherently subject to uncertainties and risks and the Company’s actual results and financial condition will likely vary from those contemplated by the projections and other financial information provided to the Bankruptcy Court.