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 8, 2014 (August 4, 2014)
Westlake Chemical Partners LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-36567 | 32-0436529 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas |
77056 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (713) 585-2900
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:
¨ | 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)) |
Item 1.01. | Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
On August 4, 2014, Westlake Chemical Partners LP (the Partnership ), closed its initial public offering (the Offering ) of 12,937,500 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership ( Common Units ), at a price to the public of $24.00 per Common Unit ($22.53 net of underwriting discounts), including the 1,687,500 Common Units that were issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional Common Units, as described in the Partnerships Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-195551), as amended, initially filed on April 29, 2014. The material terms of the Offering are described in the prospectus, dated July 29, 2014 (the Prospectus ), filed by the Partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission ) on July 31, 2014.
Registration Rights Agreement
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into a registration rights agreement (the Registration Rights Agreement ) with WPT LLC ( WPT ). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Partnership is required to file a registration statement to register the common units issued to WPT at its request. The Registration Rights Agreement also includes provisions dealing with indemnification and contribution and allocation of expenses. These registration rights are transferable to affiliates and, in certain circumstances, to third parties.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Omnibus Agreement
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the Offering, the Partnership entered into an omnibus agreement (the Omnibus Agreement ) by and among the Partnership, Westlake Management Services, Inc. ( Management Services ), Westlake Vinyls Corporation ( Vinyls Corp ), Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC (the General Partner ), WPT, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC ( Petrochem ), Westlake Vinyls, Inc. ( Vinyls ), Westlake Longview Corporation ( Longview and, collectively with Petrochem and Vinyls, the Buyers ), Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC ( OpCo GP ), Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ( OpCo ), Westlake PVC Corporation ( PVC ), Westlake Styrene LLC ( Styrene ) and Westlake Polymers LLC ( Polymers and, collectively with Management Services, Vinyls Corp, the General Partner, the Buyers, Longview, OpCo GP, OpCo, PVC and Styrene, the Westlake Parties ). Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, the Buyers granted the Partnership, among other things, a right of first refusal on any proposed transfer of (i) the ethylene production facilities that serve the Buyers other facilities and (ii) the Buyers equity interests in OpCo. The Omnibus Agreement also provides for reimbursement to the Buyers for the provision of various administrative services and direct expenses incurred on the Partnerships behalf and in connection with the operation of the Partnerships business. Under the Omnibus Agreement, the Partnership will indemnify the Westlake Parties against certain environmental and other losses and the Westlake Parties will indemnify the Partnership against certain environmental and other losses.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Omnibus Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Services and Secondment Agreement
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the closing of the Offering, OpCo entered into a services and secondment agreement (the Services and Secondment Agreement ) with Management Services and the Buyers. Pursuant to the Services and Secondment Agreement, OpCo will provide Management Services and the Buyers with various utilities and utility services and in exchange for such parties providing OpCo with various utility services, comprehensive operating services for OpCos units, services for the maintenance and operation of the common facilities and seconded employees to perform all services required under the Services and Secondment Agreement.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Services and Secondment Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Feedstock Supply Agreement
On August 4, 2014, OpCo entered into a feedstock supply agreement (the Feedstock Supply Agreement ) with Petrochem, with an initial term through December 31, 2026 and automatic 12-month renewal periods until terminated at the end of the initial term or any renewal term on 12 months notice, and pursuant to which Petrochem agrees to sell OpCo ethane and other feedstock in amounts sufficient for OpCo to produce the ethylene to be sold under the Ethylene Sales Agreement (as defined below). The price at which ethane and feedstock is sold includes an indexed price for spot gas liquids at Mont Belvieu and applicable transportation, storage and other costs.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Feedstock Supply Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Ethylene Sales Agreement
On August 4, 2014, OpCo entered into an ethylene sales agreement (the Ethylene Sales Agreement ) with the Buyers, with an initial term through December 31, 2026 and automatic 12-month renewal periods until terminated at the end of the initial term or any renewal term on 12 months notice. The Ethylene Sales Agreement requires the Buyers to purchase OpCos planned ethylene production each year, subject to certain exceptions and a maximum commitment of 3.8 billion pounds per year, less product sold by OpCo to third parties equal to approximately 5% of the annual output. If OpCos actual production is in excess of planned ethylene production, the Buyers have the option to purchase up to 95% of production in excess of planned production. The Buyers purchase price for ethylene under the Ethylene Sales Agreement includes a $0.10 per pound margin, the total costs incurred by OpCo for the feedstock and natural gas to produce each pound of ethylene (subject to a usage cap and a floor), and estimated operating costs, maintenance capital expenditures and other turnaround expenditures, less net proceeds from co-product sales. Under specified circumstances, cost underrecoveries may be carried forward for recovery in subsequent years. Variable costs not incurred by OpCo due to a deficiency in takes are rebated to the Buyers.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Ethylene Sales Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Site Lease Agreements
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the closing of the offering, OpCo entered into a 50-year Site Lease Agreement (Calvert City) with Vinyls as lessor (the Calvert City Lease ) and a 50-year Site Lease Agreement (Lake Charles) with Petrochem as lessor (the Lake Charles Lease and, together with the Calvert City Lease, the Site Leases ). Under the Site Leases, OpCo leases the real property underlying Calvert City Olefins and Lake Charles Olefins (each as defined in the Site Leases) and is granted certain use and access right related thereto, for a base rental amount of $1 per year per site. Each of the Site Leases is terminable by the lessor upon the occurrence of certain events of default or by OpCo if Calvert City Olefins or Lake Charles Olefins, as applicable, is destroyed by casualty. Pursuant to the Site Leases, the lessor has the right to restore and repurchase the units for fair market value if OpCo fails to expeditiously restore Calvert City Olefins or Lake Charles Olefins, as applicable, following a casualty loss. Subject to the foregoing repurchase right, OpCo may remove its ethylene production facilities and other related improvements for up to one year after expiration or termination of the applicable Site Lease, so long as such removal can be accomplished without material damage or harm to the lessors property or operations; provided that any assets that are not timely removed by OpCo will be deemed to have been surrendered to the lessor.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Site Leases, which are filed as Exhibit 10.5 and 10.6 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
2
Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Westlake Chemical OpCo LP
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the Offering, the Agreement of Limited Partnership of OpCo was amended (as amended and restated, the OpCo A&R LP Agreement ). A description of the OpCo A&R LP Agreement is contained in the sections of the Prospectus entitled Certain Relationships and Related TransactionsContractual ArrangementsOpCo Partnership Agreement and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the OpCo A&R LP Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.7 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
In connection with the Offering, the Board of Directors of the General Partner (the Board ) adopted the Westlake Chemical Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan ) for employees, consultants and directors of the Partnership, the General Partner and their respective affiliates. The Plan provides for the grant of options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units, phantom units, unit awards, distribution equivalent rights and other unit-based awards. The Partnership reserved 1,270,000 Common Units for issuance pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan, subject to certain adjustments. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a committee thereof. The Partnership will be responsible for the cost of awards granted under the Plan.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.8 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Intercompany Credit Facility
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the closing of the Offering, OpCo entered into a $600.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (the Intercompany Credit Facility ) with Westlake Development Corporation ( Development Corp ) as the lender for working capital and general corporate purposes and to fund growth capital expenditures. The Intercompany Credit Facility is for a term of five years and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3% per annum.
The Intercompany Credit Facility contains covenants that require OpCo to, among other things, notify Development Corp of the occurrence of any default or event of default and provide Development Corp with information in respect of OpCos business and financial status as it may reasonably require, including, but not limited to, copies of OpCos unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements. In addition, the Intercompany Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, among others, failure to pay any sum payable when due.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Intercompany Credit Facility, which is filed as Exhibit 10.9 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.
Relationships
Each of the Westlake Parties and Westlake Development Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Westlake Chemical Corporation ( Westlake ). As a result, certain individuals, including officers and directors of the General Partner and Westlake, serve as officers and/or directors of more than one of such other entities.
As more fully described in the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions section of the Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference, Westlake owns and controls the General Partner and owns through its wholly owned subsidiaries 1,436,115 Common Units, all of the subordinated units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership and the Partnerships incentive distribution rights. In addition, the General Partner owns a non-economic general partner interest in the Partnership.
3
Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The description of the Plan provided above under Item 1.01 is incorporated in this Item 5.02 by reference.
Item 5.03. | Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Changes in Fiscal Year. |
First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP
On August 4, 2014, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership amended and restated its agreement of limited partnership (as amended, the Partnership Agreement ). A description of the Partnership Agreement is contained in the sections of the Prospectus entitled How We Make Distributions To Our Partners and The Partnership Agreement and is incorporated in this Item 5.03 by reference.
The foregoing description and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Partnership Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 5.03 by reference.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
Exhibits
Exhibit
|
Description |
|
3.1 | First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, dated August 4, 2014, by and between Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC and Westlake International Services Corporation | |
4.1 | Registration Rights Agreement by and between Westlake Chemical Partners LP and WPT LLC | |
10.1 | Omnibus Agreement among Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake Vinyls Corporation, Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, Westlake Chemical Partners LP, WPT LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Vinyls, Inc., Westlake Longview Corporation, Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, Westlake PVC Corporation, Westlake Styrene LLC and Westlake Polymers LLC | |
10.2 | Services and Secondment Agreement by and among Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake Vinyls, Inc., WPT LLC and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC | |
10.3 | Feedstock Supply Agreement between Westlake Petrochemicals LLC and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.4 | Ethylene Sales Agreement between Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, WPT LLC, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC | |
10.5 | Site Lease Agreement (Calvert City) between Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.6 | Site Lease Agreement (Lake Charles) between Westlake Petrochemical LLC and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.7 | Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.8 | Westlake Chemical Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan | |
10.9 | Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement between Westlake Chemical OpCo LP and Westlake Development Corporation |
| Confidential status has been granted for certain portions thereof pursuant to the Order Granting Confidential Treatment Under the Securities Act of 1933 issued by the Division of Corporate Finance of the Securities Exchange Commission filed on August 1, 2014. |
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Westlake Chemical Partners LP | ||||||
By: | Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, | |||||
its general partner | ||||||
Date: August 8, 2014 | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|||||
Albert Chao | ||||||
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
|
Description |
|
3.1 | First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, dated August 4, 2014, by and between Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC and Westlake International Services Corporation | |
4.1 | Registration Rights Agreement by and between Westlake Chemical Partners LP and WPT LLC | |
10.1 | Omnibus Agreement among Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake Vinyls Corporation, Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, Westlake Chemical Partners LP, WPT LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Vinyls, Inc., Westlake Longview Corporation, Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, Westlake PVC Corporation, Westlake Styrene LLC and Westlake Polymers LLC | |
10.2 | Services and Secondment Agreement by and among Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake Vinyls, Inc., WPT LLC and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC | |
10.3 | Feedstock Supply Agreement between Westlake Petrochemicals LLC and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.4 | Ethylene Sales Agreement between Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, WPT LLC, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC | |
10.5 | Site Lease Agreement (Calvert City) between Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.6 | Site Lease Agreement (Lake Charles) between Westlake Petrochemical LLC and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.7 | Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
10.8 | Westlake Chemical Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan | |
10.9 | Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement between Westlake Chemical OpCo LP and Westlake Development Corporation |
| Confidential status has been granted for certain portions thereof pursuant to the Order Granting Confidential Treatment Under the Securities Act of 1933 issued by the Division of Corporate Finance of the Securities Exchange Commission filed on August 1, 2014 |
Exhibit 3.1
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
|
|||||
Section 1.1 |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
Section 1.2 |
Construction |
23 | ||||
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION |
|
|||||
Section 2.1 |
Formation |
24 | ||||
Section 2.2 |
Name |
24 | ||||
Section 2.3 |
Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices |
24 | ||||
Section 2.4 |
Purpose and Business |
24 | ||||
Section 2.5 |
Powers |
25 | ||||
Section 2.6 |
Term |
25 | ||||
Section 2.7 |
Title to Partnership Assets |
25 | ||||
ARTICLE III RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS |
|
|||||
Section 3.1 |
Limitation of Liability |
26 | ||||
Section 3.2 |
Management of Business |
26 | ||||
Section 3.3 |
Outside Activities of the Limited Partners |
26 | ||||
Section 3.4 |
Rights of Limited Partners |
26 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS |
|
|||||
Section 4.1 |
Certificates |
27 | ||||
Section 4.2 |
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates |
28 | ||||
Section 4.3 |
Record Holders |
28 | ||||
Section 4.4 |
Transfer Generally |
29 | ||||
Section 4.5 |
Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests |
29 | ||||
Section 4.6 |
Transfer of the General Partners General Partner Interest |
30 | ||||
Section 4.7 |
Restrictions on Transfers |
30 | ||||
Section 4.8 |
Eligibility Certificates; Ineligible Holders |
31 | ||||
Section 4.9 |
Redemption of Partnership Interests of Ineligible Holders |
32 | ||||
ARTICLE V CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS |
|
|||||
Section 5.1 |
Organizational Contributions |
34 | ||||
Section 5.2 |
Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates |
34 | ||||
Section 5.3 |
Contributions by Initial Limited Partners |
34 | ||||
Section 5.4 |
Interest and Withdrawal |
34 | ||||
Section 5.5 |
Capital Accounts |
35 | ||||
Section 5.6 |
Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments |
38 |
- i -
Section 5.7 |
Conversion of Subordinated Units |
39 | ||||
Section 5.8 |
Limited Preemptive Right |
39 | ||||
Section 5.9 |
Splits and Combinations |
39 | ||||
Section 5.10 |
Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests |
40 | ||||
Section 5.11 |
Issuance of Common Units in Connection with Reset of Incentive Distribution Rights |
40 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
|||||
Section 6.1 |
Allocations for Capital Account Purposes |
42 | ||||
Section 6.2 |
Allocations for Tax Purposes |
54 | ||||
Section 6.3 |
Distributions; Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders |
56 | ||||
Section 6.4 |
Distributions from Operating Surplus |
57 | ||||
Section 6.5 |
Distributions from Capital Surplus |
58 | ||||
Section 6.6 |
Adjustment of Target Distribution Levels |
58 | ||||
Section 6.7 |
Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Subordinated Units and Affiliate Retained Units |
59 | ||||
Section 6.8 |
Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of IDR Reset Common Units |
60 | ||||
Section 6.9 |
Entity-Level Taxation |
60 | ||||
ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS |
|
|||||
Section 7.1 |
Management |
61 | ||||
Section 7.2 |
Replacement of Fiduciary Duties |
63 | ||||
Section 7.3 |
Certificate of Limited Partnership |
63 | ||||
Section 7.4 |
Restrictions on the General Partners Authority |
63 | ||||
Section 7.5 |
Reimbursement of the General Partner |
64 | ||||
Section 7.6 |
Outside Activities |
65 | ||||
Section 7.7 |
Indemnification |
65 | ||||
Section 7.8 |
Liability of Indemnitees |
67 | ||||
Section 7.9 |
Resolution of Conflicts of Interest; Standards of Conduct and Modification of Duties |
68 | ||||
Section 7.10 |
Other Matters Concerning the General Partner |
70 | ||||
Section 7.11 |
Purchase or Sale of Partnership Interests |
70 | ||||
Section 7.12 |
Registration Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates |
71 | ||||
Section 7.13 |
Reliance by Third Parties |
73 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS |
|
|||||
Section 8.1 |
Records and Accounting |
74 | ||||
Section 8.2 |
Fiscal Year |
74 | ||||
Section 8.3 |
Reports |
74 |
- ii -
ARTICLE IX TAX MATTERS |
|
|||||
Section 9.1 |
Tax Returns and Information |
75 | ||||
Section 9.2 |
Tax Elections |
75 | ||||
Section 9.3 |
Tax Controversies |
75 | ||||
Section 9.4 |
Withholding; Tax Payments |
76 | ||||
ARTICLE X ADMISSION OF PARTNERS |
|
|||||
Section 10.1 |
Admission of Limited Partners |
76 | ||||
Section 10.2 |
Admission of Successor General Partner |
77 | ||||
Section 10.3 |
Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership |
77 | ||||
ARTICLE XI WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS |
|
|||||
Section 11.1 |
Withdrawal of the General Partner |
77 | ||||
Section 11.2 |
Removal of the General Partner |
79 | ||||
Section 11.3 |
Interest of Departing General Partner and Successor General Partner |
79 | ||||
Section 11.4 |
Conversion of Subordinated Units |
81 | ||||
Section 11.5 |
Withdrawal of Limited Partners |
81 | ||||
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION |
|
|||||
Section 12.1 |
Dissolution |
81 | ||||
Section 12.2 |
Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution |
82 | ||||
Section 12.3 |
Liquidator |
83 | ||||
Section 12.4 |
Liquidation |
83 | ||||
Section 12.5 |
Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership |
84 | ||||
Section 12.6 |
Return of Contributions |
84 | ||||
Section 12.7 |
Waiver of Partition |
84 | ||||
Section 12.8 |
Capital Account Restoration |
84 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE |
|
|||||
Section 13.1 |
Amendments to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner |
85 | ||||
Section 13.2 |
Amendment Procedures |
86 | ||||
Section 13.3 |
Amendment Requirements |
86 | ||||
Section 13.4 |
Special Meetings |
87 | ||||
Section 13.5 |
Notice of a Meeting |
88 | ||||
Section 13.6 |
Record Date |
88 | ||||
Section 13.7 |
Postponement and Adjournment |
88 | ||||
Section 13.8 |
Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of Minutes |
89 | ||||
Section 13.9 |
Quorum and Voting |
89 | ||||
Section 13.10 |
Conduct of a Meeting |
89 | ||||
Section 13.11 |
Action Without a Meeting |
90 |
- iii -
Section 13.12 |
Right to Vote and Related Matters |
90 | ||||
Section 13.13 |
Voting of Incentive Distribution Rights |
91 | ||||
ARTICLE XIV MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION |
|
|||||
Section 14.1 |
Authority |
92 | ||||
Section 14.2 |
Procedure for Merger or Consolidation |
92 | ||||
Section 14.3 |
Approval by Limited Partners |
93 | ||||
Section 14.4 |
Certificate of Merger |
94 | ||||
Section 14.5 |
Effect of Merger or Consolidation |
94 | ||||
ARTICLE XV RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS |
|
|||||
Section 15.1 |
Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests |
95 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
|||||
Section 16.1 |
Addresses and Notices; Written Communications |
96 | ||||
Section 16.2 |
Further Action |
97 | ||||
Section 16.3 |
Binding Effect |
97 | ||||
Section 16.4 |
Integration |
97 | ||||
Section 16.5 |
Creditors |
97 | ||||
Section 16.6 |
Waiver |
97 | ||||
Section 16.7 |
Third-Party Beneficiaries |
98 | ||||
Section 16.8 |
Counterparts |
98 | ||||
Section 16.9 |
Applicable Law; Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury; Attorney Fees |
98 | ||||
Section 16.10 |
Invalidity of Provisions |
99 | ||||
Section 16.11 |
Consent of Partners |
99 | ||||
Section 16.12 |
Facsimile Signatures |
99 |
- iv -
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT
OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP dated as of August 4, 2014, is entered into by and between Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the General Partner, and Westlake International Services Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as the Organizational Limited Partner, together with any other Persons who become Partners in the Partnership or parties hereto as provided herein. In consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions . The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.
Additional Book Basis means, with respect to any Adjusted Property, the portion of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to positive adjustments made to such Carrying Value, as determined in accordance with the provisions set forth below in this definition of Additional Book Basis. For purposes of determining the extent to which Carrying Value constitutes Additional Book Basis:
(a) Any negative adjustment made to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property as a result of either a Book-Down Event or a Book-Up Event shall first be deemed to offset or decrease that portion of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to any prior positive adjustments made thereto pursuant to a Book-Up Event or Book-Down Event.
(b) If Carrying Value that constitutes Additional Book Basis is reduced as a result of a Book-Down Event (an Additional Book Basis Reduction ) and the Carrying Value of other property is increased as a result of such Book-Down Event (a Carrying Value Increase ), then any such Carrying Value Increase shall be treated as Additional Book Basis in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of such Carrying Value Increase and (ii) the amount determined by proportionately allocating the Carrying Value Increases resulting from such Book-Down Event the lesser of (A) the aggregate Additional Book Basis Reductions resulting from such Book-Down Event and (B) the amount by which the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments after such Book-Down Event exceed the remaining Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnerships Adjusted Property after such Book-Down Event (determined without regard to the application of this clause (b) to such Book-Down Event).
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items means any Book Basis Derivative Items that are computed with reference to Additional Book Basis. To the extent that the Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnerships Adjusted Property as of the beginning of any taxable period exceeds the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the beginning of such
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL P ARTNERS LP
F IRST A MENDED AND R ESTATED A GREEMENT OF L IMITED P ARTNERSHIP
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period (the Excess Additional Book Basis ), the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for such period shall be reduced by the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items determined without regard to this sentence as the Excess Additional Book Basis bears to the Additional Book Basis as of the beginning of such period. With respect to a Disposed of Adjusted Property, the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items shall be the amount of Additional Book Basis taken into account in computing gain or loss from the disposition of such Disposed of Adjusted Property; provided that the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to the determination of the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items attributable to Disposed of Adjusted Property.
Adjusted Capital Account means, with respect to any Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account at the end of each taxable period of the Partnership, after giving effect to the following adjustments:
(a) Credit to such Capital Account any amounts which such Partner is (i) obligated to restore under the standards set by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) or (ii) deemed obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5); and
(b) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The Adjusted Capital Account of a Partner in respect of any Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such Adjusted Capital Account would be if such Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date on which such Partnership Interest was first issued.
Adjusted Operating Surplus means, with respect to any period, (a) Operating Surplus generated with respect to such period; (b) less (i) the amount of any net increase during such period in Working Capital Borrowings (or the Partnerships proportionate share of any net increase in Working Capital Borrowings in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned); (ii) the amount of any net decrease during such period in cash reserves (or the Partnerships proportionate share of any net decrease in cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for Operating Expenditures not relating to an Operating Expenditure made during such period; and (iii) the amount of any expenditures during such period using the proceeds of the Initial Offering as described under Use of Proceeds in the Registration Statement that would constitute Operating Expenditures in the absence of clause (c)(vi) of the definition thereof; and (c) plus (i) the amount of any net decrease during such period in Working Capital Borrowings (or the Partnerships proportionate share of any net decrease in Working Capital Borrowings in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned); (ii) the amount of any net increase during such period in cash reserves (or the Partnerships proportionate share of any net increase in cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for Operating Expenditures required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium; and (iii) the amount of any net decrease made in subsequent periods in cash reserves
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for Operating Expenditures initially established during such period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in Adjusted Operating Surplus in subsequent periods pursuant to clause (b)(ii) above. Adjusted Operating Surplus does not include that portion of Operating Surplus included in clause (a)(i) of the definition of Operating Surplus. To the extent that disbursements made, cash received or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of a period are included in the determination of Operating Surplus for such period (as contemplated by the proviso in the definition of Operating Surplus) such disbursements, cash receipts and changes in cash reserves shall be deemed to have occurred in such period (and not in any future period) for purposes of calculating increases or decreases in Working Capital Borrowings or cash reserves during such period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, for any year, there is a Production Shortfall or a Cost Overrun (each as defined in the Ethylene Supply Agreement), an amount equal to the Shortfall Amount (as defined in the Ethylene Supply Agreement) shall be added to Adjusted Operating Surplus for such year, allocated among the Quarters of such year in a manner determined appropriate by the General Partner. Any amount received by OpCo in respect of a Prior Year Adjustment (as defined in the Ethylene Supply Agreement) shall be deducted from Adjusted Operating Surplus in the Quarter in which such amount is received.
Adjusted Property means any property the Carrying Value of which has been adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d).
Affiliate means, with respect 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, the Person in question. As used herein, the term control means the possession, direct or indirect, 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.
Affiliate Retained Units means Units held as of the end of the applicable calendar year by the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner.
Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units is defined in Section 5.11(a).
Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments means, as of the end of any taxable period, the sum of the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of all the Partners.
Agreed Allocation means any allocation, other than a Required Allocation, of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1, including a Curative Allocation (if appropriate to the context in which the term Agreed Allocation is used).
Agreed Value of (a) a Contributed Property means the fair market value of such property at the time of contribution and (b) an Adjusted Property means the fair market value of such Adjusted Property on the date of the Revaluation Event, in each case as determined by the General Partner.
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Agreement means this First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Associate means, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, (a) any corporation or organization of which such Person is a director, officer, manager, general partner or managing member or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting stock or other voting interest; (b) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (c) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same principal residence as such Person.
Bad Faith means, with respect to any determination, action or omission, of any Person, board or committee, that such Person, board or committee reached such determination, or engaged in or failed to engage in such act or omission, with the belief that such determination, action or omission was adverse to the interest of the Partnership.
Board of Directors means the board of directors of the General Partner.
Book Basis Derivative Items means any item of income, deduction, gain or loss that is computed with reference to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property (e.g., depreciation, depletion, or gain or loss with respect to an Adjusted Property).
Book-Down Event means a Revaluation Event that gives rise to a Revaluation Loss.
Book-Tax Disparity means with respect to any item of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and the adjusted basis thereof for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of such date. A Partners share of the Partnerships Book-Tax Disparities in all of its Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference between such Partners Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Section 5.5 and the hypothetical balance of such Partners Capital Account computed as if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with U.S. federal income tax accounting principles.
Book-Up Event means a Revaluation Event that gives rise to a Revaluation Gain.
Business Day means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the government of the U.S. or the State of Texas shall not be regarded as a Business Day.
Capital Account means the capital account maintained for a Partner pursuant to Section 5.5. The Capital Account of a Partner in respect of any Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such Capital Account would be if such Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date on which such Partnership Interest was first issued.
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Capital Contribution means any cash, cash equivalents or the Net Agreed Value of Contributed Property that a Partner contributes to the Partnership or that is contributed or deemed contributed to the Partnership on behalf of a Partner (including, in the case of an underwritten offering of Units, the amount of any underwriting discounts or commissions).
Capital Improvement means any (a) addition or improvement to the assets owned by any Group Member, (b) acquisition (through an asset acquisition, merger, stock acquisition or other form of investment) of existing, or the construction or development of new, assets by any Group Member, or (c) capital contribution by a Group Member to a Person that is not a Subsidiary of a Group Member, in which a Group Member has, or after such capital contribution will have, an equity interest to fund the Group Members pro rata share of the cost of the acquisition of existing, or the construction or development of new or the improvement of existing, assets, in each case if such addition, improvement, acquisition, construction or development is made to increase the long-term operating capacity or net income of the Partnership Group from the long-term operating capacity or net income of the Partnership Group, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), or such Person, in the case of clause (c), from that existing immediately prior to such addition, improvement, acquisition or construction.
Capital Surplus means cash and cash equivalents distributed by the Partnership in excess of Operating Surplus, as described in Section 6.3(b).
Carrying Value means (a) with respect to a Contributed Property or an Adjusted Property, the Agreed Value of such property reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners Capital Accounts in respect of such property, and (b) with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such property for U.S. federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination. The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 5.5(d) and to reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General Partner.
Cause means a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the General Partner is liable to the Partnership or any Limited Partner for actual fraud or willful misconduct in its capacity as a general partner of the Partnership.
Certificate means a certificate in such form (including in global form if permitted by applicable rules and regulations) as may be adopted by the General Partner, issued by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one or more Partnership Interests.
Certificate of Limited Partnership means the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as referenced in Section 7.3, as such Certificate of Limited Partnership may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Citizenship Eligibility Trigger is defined in Section 4.8(a)(ii).
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claim (as used in Section 7.12(c)) is defined in Section 7.12(c).
Closing Date means the first date on which Common Units are issued and delivered by the Partnership to the Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.
Closing Price means, in respect of any class of Limited Partner Interests, as of the date of determination, the last sale price on such day, regular way, or in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the principal National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading or, if such Limited Partner Interests are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, the last quoted price on such day or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the primary reporting system then in use in relation to such Limited Partner Interests of such class, or, if on any such day such Limited Partner Interests of such class are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class selected by the General Partner, or if on any such day no market maker is making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class, the fair value of such Limited Partner Interests on such day as determined by the General Partner.
Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect 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 any successor law.
Combined Interest is defined in Section 11.3(a).
Commences Commercial Service means a Capital Improvement or replacement asset is first put into commercial service by a Group Member (or other Person that is not a Subsidiary of a Group Member, as contemplated in the definition of Capital Improvement) following, if applicable, completion of construction, acquisition, development and testing.
Commission means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Unit means a Partnership Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Common Units in this Agreement. The term Common Unit does not refer to or include any Subordinated Unit prior to its conversion into a Common Unit pursuant to the terms hereof.
Common Unit Arrearage means, with respect to any Common Unit, whenever issued, with respect to any Quarter wholly within the Subordination Period, the excess, if any, of (a) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution with respect to a Common Unit in respect of such Quarter over (b) the sum of all cash and cash equivalents distributed with respect to a Common Unit in respect of such Quarter pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i).
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Conflicts Committee means a committee of the Board of Directors composed entirely of one or more directors, each of whom is determined by the Board of Directors, after reasonable inquiry, (a) to not be an officer or employee of the General Partner (b) to not be an officer or employee of any Affiliate of the General Partner or a director of any Affiliate of the General Partner (other than any Group Member), (c) to not be a holder of any ownership interest in the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, including any Group Member, that would be likely to have an adverse impact on the ability of such director to act in an independent manner with respect to the matter submitted to the Conflicts Committee, other than Common Units and awards that are granted to such director in his or her capacity as a director under the LTIP, and (d) to be independent under the independence standards for directors who serve on an audit committee of a board of directors established by the Securities Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and by the National Securities Exchange on which any class of Partnership Interests is listed or admitted to trading.
Construction Debt means debt incurred to fund (a) all or a portion of a Capital Improvement, (b) interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees on other Construction Debt or (c) distributions paid in respect of Construction Equity, and incremental Incentive Distributions in respect thereof.
Construction Equity means equity issued to fund (a) all or a portion of a Capital Improvement, (b) interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees on Construction Debt or (c) distributions paid in respect of Construction Equity, and incremental Incentive Distributions in respect thereof.
Construction Period means the period beginning on the date that a Group Member (or other Person that is not a Subsidiary of a Group Member, as contemplated in the definition of Capital Improvement) enters into a binding obligation to commence a Capital Improvement and ending on the earlier to occur of the date that such Capital Improvement Commences Commercial Service and the date that the Group Member (or other Person that is not a Subsidiary of a Group Member, as contemplated in the definition of Capital Improvement) abandons or disposes of such Capital Improvement.
Contributed Property means each property, in such form as may be permitted by the Delaware Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the Partnership. Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d), such property shall no longer constitute a Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property.
Contribution Agreement means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2014, among the Partnership and WPT LLC, together with the additional conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage means, with respect to any Common Unit, whenever issued, and as of the end of any Quarter, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the Common Unit Arrearages with respect to an Initial Common Unit for each of the Quarters
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wholly within the Subordination Period ending on or before the last day of such Quarter over (b) the sum of any distributions theretofore made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(ii) and Section 6.5(b) with respect to an Initial Common Unit (including any distributions to be made in respect of the last of such Quarters).
Curative Allocation means any allocation of an item of income, gain, deduction, loss or credit pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(xi).
Current Market Price means, in respect of any class of Limited Partner Interests, as of the date of determination, the average of the daily Closing Prices per Limited Partner Interest of such class for the 20 consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to such date.
Delaware Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del C. Section 17-101, et seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Departing General Partner means a former General Partner from and after the effective date of any withdrawal or removal of such former General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2.
Derivative Instruments means options, rights, warrants, appreciation rights, tracking profit and phantom interests and other derivative instruments (other than equity interests in the Partnership) relating to, convertible into or exchangeable for Partnership Interests.
Disposed of Adjusted Property is defined in Section 6.1(d)(xii)(B).
Economic Risk of Loss has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-2(a).
Eligibility Certificate is defined in Section 4.8(b).
Eligible Holder means a Limited Partner whose (a) U.S. federal income tax status would not, in the determination of the General Partner, have the material adverse effect described in Section 4.8(a)(i) or (b) nationality, citizenship or other related status would not, in the determination of the General Partner, create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture as described in Section 4.8(a)(ii).
Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount is defined in Section 6.9.
Ethylene Supply Agreement means that certain Ethylene Supply Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among OpCo, WPT LLC, Westlake Longview Corporation and Westlake Vinyls, Inc., as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Event Issue Value means, with respect to any Common Unit as of any date of determination, (i) in the case of a Revaluation Event that includes the issuance of Common Units pursuant to a public offering and solely for cash, the price paid for such Common Units, or (ii) in
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the case of any other Revaluation Event, the Closing Price of the Common Units on the date of such Revaluation Event or, if the General Partner determines that a value for the Common Unit other than such Closing Price more accurately reflects the Event Issue Value, the value determined by the General Partner.
Event of Withdrawal is defined in Section 11.1(a).
Excess Additional Book Basis is defined in the definition of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items.
Excess Distribution is defined in Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A).
Excess Distribution Unit is defined in Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A).
Expansion Capital Expenditures means cash expenditures (including transaction expenses) for Capital Improvements, and shall not include Maintenance Capital Expenditures or Investment Capital Expenditures. Expansion Capital Expenditures shall include interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees on Construction Debt and paid in respect of the Construction Period. Where cash expenditures are made in part for Expansion Capital Expenditures and in part for other purposes, the General Partner shall determine the allocation between the amounts paid for each.
Final Subordinated Units is defined in Section 6.1(d)(x)(A).
First Liquidation Target Amount is defined in Section 6.1(c)(i)(D).
First Target Distribution means $0.3163 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to periods of less than a full fiscal quarter, it means the product of such amount multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such period, and the denominator is the total number of days in such fiscal quarter), subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis means, when calculating the number of Outstanding Units for any period, the sum of (1) the weighted average number of Outstanding Units during such period plus (2) all Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments (a) that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Units or for which Units are issuable, in each case that are senior to or pari passu with the Subordinated Units, (b) whose conversion, exercise or exchange price is less than the Current Market Price on the date of such calculation, (c) that may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for such Units prior to or during the Quarter immediately following the end of the period for which the calculation is being made without the satisfaction of any contingency beyond the control of the holder other than the payment of consideration and the compliance with administrative mechanics applicable to such conversion, exercise or exchange and (d) that were not converted into or exercised or exchanged for such Units during the period for which the calculation is being made; provided, however, that for purposes of determining the number of Outstanding Units on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis when calculating whether the Subordination Period has ended or the Subordinated Units
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are entitled to convert into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7, such Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments shall be deemed to have been Outstanding Units only for the four Quarters that comprise the last four Quarters of the measurement period; provided, further , that if consideration will be paid to any Group Member in connection with such conversion, exercise or exchange, the number of Units to be included in such calculation shall be that number equal to the difference between (i) the number of Units issuable upon such conversion, exercise or exchange and (ii) the number of Units that such consideration would purchase at the Current Market Price.
General Partner means Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns that are admitted to the Partnership as general partner of the Partnership, in their capacities as general partner of the Partnership (except as the context otherwise requires).
General Partner Interest means the non-economic management and ownership interest of the General Partner in the Partnership (in its capacity as a general partner and without reference to any Limited Partner Interest held by it) and includes any and all rights, powers and benefits to which the General Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of the General Partner to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The General Partner Interest does not include any rights to profits or losses or any rights to receive distributions from operations or upon the liquidation or winding-up of the Partnership.
Good Faith means, with respect to any determination, action or omission, of any Person, board or committee, that such determination, action or omission was not taken in Bad Faith.
Gross Liability Value means, with respect to any Liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i), the amount of cash that a willing assignor would pay to a willing assignee to assume such Liability in an arms-length transaction.
Group means two or more Persons that with or through any of their respective Affiliates or Associates have any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons), exercising investment power or disposing of any Partnership Interests with any other Person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, Partnership Interests.
Group Member means a member of the Partnership Group.
Group Member Agreement means the partnership agreement of any Group Member, other than the Partnership, that is a limited or general partnership, the limited liability company agreement of any Group Member that is a limited liability company, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws or similar organizational documents of any Group Member that is a corporation, the joint venture agreement or similar governing document of any Group Member
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that is a joint venture and the governing or organizational or similar documents of any other Group Member that is a Person other than a limited or general partnership, limited liability company, corporation or joint venture, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Hedge Contract means any exchange, swap, forward, cap, floor, collar, option or other similar agreement or arrangement entered into for the purpose of reducing the exposure of the Partnership Group to fluctuations in the price of hydrocarbons, interest rates, basis differentials or currency exchange rates in their operations or financing activities, in each case, other than for speculative purposes.
Holder as used in Section 7.12, is defined in Section 7.12(a).
IDR Reset Common Unit is defined in Section 5.11(a).
IDR Reset Election is defined in Section 5.11(a).
Incentive Distribution Right means a Limited Partner Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Incentive Distribution Rights in this Agreement.
Incentive Distributions means any amount of cash distributed to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to Section 6.4.
Incremental Income Taxes is defined in Section 6.9.
Indemnified Persons is defined in Section 7.12(c).
Indemnitee means (a) any General Partner, (b) any Departing General Partner, (c) any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing General Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, fiduciary or trustee of any Group Member, a General Partner, any Departing General Partner or any of their respective Affiliates, (e) any Person who is or was serving at the request of a General Partner, any Departing General Partner or any of their respective Affiliates as an officer, director, manager, managing member, general partner, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another Person owing a fiduciary or similar duty to any Group Member; provided that a Person shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services, (f) any Person who controls a General Partner or Departing General Partner and (g) any Person the General Partner designates as an Indemnitee for purposes of this Agreement because such Persons service, status or relationship exposes such Person to potential claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings relating to the Partnership Groups business and affairs.
Ineligible Holder is defined in Section 4.8(c).
Initial Common Units means the Common Units sold in the Initial Offering.
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Initial Limited Partners means the Organizational Limited Partner (with respect to the Common Units and Subordinated Units received by it as described in Section 5.2), WPT LLC (with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights), and the Underwriters, in each case upon being admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 10.1.
Initial Offering means the initial offering and sale of Common Units to the public, as described in the Registration Statement, including any offer and sale of Common Units pursuant to the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
Initial Unit Pric e means (a) with respect to the Common Units and the Subordinated Units, the initial public offering price per Common Unit at which the Underwriters first offered the Common Units to the public for sale as set forth on the cover page of the prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement and first issued at or after the time the Registration Statement first became effective or (b) with respect to any other class or series of Units, the price per Unit at which such class or series of Units is initially sold by the Partnership, as determined by the General Partner, in each case adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units.
Interim Capital Transactions means the following transactions if they occur prior to the Liquidation Date: (a) borrowings, including sales of debt securities and other incurrences of indebtedness for borrowed money, by any Group Member, other than Working Capital Borrowings; (b) sales of equity interests of any Group Member (including the Common Units sold to the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement) and (c) sales or other dispositions of any assets of any Group Member other than (i) sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) sales or other dispositions of assets as part of normal retirements or replacements.
Investment Capital Expenditures means capital expenditures other than Maintenance Capital Expenditures and Expansion Capital Expenditures.
Liability means any liability or obligation of any nature, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise.
Limited Partner means, unless the context otherwise requires, each Initial Limited Partner, each additional Person that becomes a Limited Partner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and any Departing General Partner upon the change of its status from General Partner to Limited Partner pursuant to Section 11.3, in each case, in such Persons capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership.
Limited Partner Interest means the ownership interest of a Limited Partner in the Partnership, which may be evidenced by Common Units, Subordinated Units, Incentive Distribution Rights or other Partnership Interests or a combination thereof or interest therein (but excluding Derivative Instruments), and includes any and all benefits to which such Limited Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Limited Partner hereunder.
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Liquidation Date means (a) in the case of an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) of the first sentence of Section 12.2, the date on which the applicable time period during which the holders of Outstanding Units have the right to elect to continue the business of the Partnership has expired without such an election being made, and (b) in the case of any other event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.
Liquidation Gain has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Gain.
Liquidation Loss has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Loss.
Liquidator means one or more Persons selected by the General Partner to perform the functions described in Section 12.4 as liquidating trustee of the Partnership within the meaning of the Delaware Act.
LTIP means benefit plans, programs and practices adopted by the General Partner pursuant to Section 7.5(c).
Maintenance Capital Expenditures means cash expenditures (including expenditures for the addition or improvement to or replacement of the assets owned by any Group Member or for the acquisition of existing, or the construction or development of new, assets) made to maintain the long-term operating capacity or net income of the Partnership Group. Where cash expenditures are made in part for Maintenance Capital Expenditures and in part for other purposes, the General Partner shall determine the allocation between the amounts paid for each.
Merger Agreement is defined in Section 14.1.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution means $0.2750 per Unit per Quarter (or with respect to periods of less than a full fiscal quarter, it means the product of such amount multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such period and the denominator is the total number of days in such fiscal quarter), subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
National Securities Exchange means an exchange registered with the Commission under Section 6(a) of the Securities Exchange Act (or any successor to such Section) and any other securities exchange (whether or not registered with the Commission under Section 6(a) (or successor to such Section) of the Securities Exchange Act) that the General Partner shall designate as a National Securities Exchange for purposes of this Agreement.
Net Agreed Value means, (a) in the case of any Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property reduced by any Liabilities either assumed by the Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when contributed and (b) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner by the Partnership, the Partnerships Carrying Value of such property (as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii)) at the time such property is distributed, reduced by any Liabilities either assumed by such Partner upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time of distribution.
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Net Income means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnerships items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period over the Partnerships items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5 and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d); provided , that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) shall be made without regard to any reversal of such items under Section 6.1(d)(xii).
Net Loss means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnerships items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period over the Partnerships items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5 and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d); provided , that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) shall be made without regard to any reversal of such items under Section 6.1(d)(xii).
Net Positive Adjustments means, with respect to any Partner, the excess, if any, of the total positive adjustments over the total negative adjustments made to the Capital Account of such Partner pursuant to Book-Up Events and Book-Down Events.
Net Termination Gain means, as applicable, (a) the sum, if positive, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction (determined in accordance with Section 5.5) that are recognized (i) after the Liquidation Date ( Liquidation Gain ) or (ii) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group) ( Sale Gain ), or (b) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Unrealized Gain over the aggregate amount of Unrealized Loss deemed recognized by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.5(d) on the date of a Revaluation Event ( Revaluation Gain ); provided, however , the items included in the determination of Net Termination Gain shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section 6.1(d); and provided , further , that Sale Gain and Revaluation Gain shall not include any items of income, gain, loss or deduction that are recognized during any portion of the taxable period during which such Sale Gain or Revaluation Gain occurs.
Net Termination Loss means, as applicable, (a) the sum, if negative, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction (determined in accordance with Section 5.5) that are recognized (i) after the Liquidation Date ( Liquidation Loss )or (ii) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group) ( Sale Loss ), or (b) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Unrealized Loss over the aggregate amount of Unrealized Gain deemed recognized by the
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Partnership pursuant to Section 5.5(d) on the date of a Revaluation Event ( Revaluation Loss ); provided , however , items included in the determination of Net Termination Loss shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) ; and provided , further , that Sale Loss and Revaluation Loss shall not include any items of income, gain, loss or deduction that are recognized during any portion of the taxable period during which such Sale Loss or Revaluation Loss occurs.
Noncompensatory Option has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.721-2(f).
Nonrecourse Built-in Gain means with respect to any Contributed Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or pledge securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.2(b) if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.
Nonrecourse Deductions means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b), are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.
Nonrecourse Liability has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-1(a)(2).
Notice of Election to Purchase is defined in Section 15.1(b).
OpCo means Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
Operating Expenditures means all Partnership Group cash expenditures (or the Partnerships proportionate share of expenditures in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned), including taxes, reimbursements of expenses of the General Partner and its Affiliates, payments made under any Hedge Contracts, officer compensation, repayment of Working Capital Borrowings, interest and principal payments on indebtedness and capital expenditures, subject to the following:
(a) repayments of Working Capital Borrowings deducted from Operating Surplus pursuant to clause (b)(iii) of the definition of Operating Surplus shall not constitute Operating Expenditures when actually repaid;
(b) payments (including prepayments and prepayment penalties and the purchase price of indebtedness that is repurchased and cancelled) of principal of and premium on indebtedness other than Working Capital Borrowings shall not constitute Operating Expenditures;
(c) Operating Expenditures shall not include (i) Expansion Capital Expenditures, (ii) Investment Capital Expenditures, (iii) payment of transaction expenses (including taxes) relating
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to Interim Capital Transactions, (iv) distributions to Partners, (v) repurchases of Partnership Interests, other than repurchases of Partnership Interests to satisfy obligations under employee benefit plans, or reimbursements of expenses of the General Partner for such purchases or (vi) any expenditures using the proceeds of the Initial Offering as described under Use of Proceeds in the Registration Statement. Where cash expenditures are made in part for Maintenance Capital Expenditures and in part for other purposes, the General Partner shall determine the allocation between the amounts paid for each; and
(d)(i) payments made in connection with the initial purchase of any Hedge Contract shall be amortized over the life of such Hedge Contract and (ii) payments made in connection with the termination of any Hedge Contract prior to its scheduled settlement or termination date shall be included in equal quarterly installments over what would have been the remaining scheduled term of such Hedge Contract had it not been so terminated.
Operating Surplus means, with respect to any period ending prior to the Liquidation Date, on a cumulative basis and without duplication,
(a) the sum of (i) $28 million, (ii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group (or the Partnerships proportionate share of cash receipts in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of such period, but excluding cash receipts from Interim Capital Transactions and provided that cash receipts from the termination of any Hedge Contract prior to its scheduled settlement or termination date shall be included in equal quarterly installments over what would have been the remaining scheduled life of such Hedge Contract had it not been so terminated and (iii) the amount of cash distributions paid in respect of Construction Equity (and incremental Incentive Distributions in respect thereof) and paid in respect of the Construction Period, less
(b) the sum of (i) Operating Expenditures for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of such period; (ii) the amount of cash reserves established by the General Partner (or the Partnerships proportionate share of cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) to provide funds for future Operating Expenditures; (iii) all Working Capital Borrowings not repaid within twelve (12) months after having been incurred from sources other than additional Working Capital Borrowings and (iv) any cash loss realized on disposition of an Investment Capital Expenditure;
provided, however , that disbursements made (including contributions to a Group Member or disbursements on behalf of a Group Member), cash received or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such period but on or before the date on which cash or cash equivalents will be distributed with respect to such period shall be deemed to have been made, received, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Operating Surplus, within such period if the General Partner so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) Operating Surplus with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero; and (y) cash receipts from an Investment Capital Expenditure shall be treated as cash receipts only to the extent they are a return on principal, but in no event shall a return of principal be treated as cash receipts.
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Opinion of Counsel means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular counsel to the Partnership or the General Partner or any of its Affiliates) acceptable to the General Partner.
Option Closing Date means the date or dates on which any Common Units are sold by the Partnership to the Underwriters upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
Organizational Limited Partner means Westlake International Services Corporation, in its capacity as the organizational limited partner of the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement.
Outstanding means, with respect to Partnership Interests, all Partnership Interests that are issued by the Partnership and reflected as outstanding on the Partnerships books and records as of the date of determination; provided , however , that if at any time any Person or Group (other than the General Partner or its Affiliates) beneficially owns 20% or more of the Partnership Interests of any class, none of the Partnership Interests owned by such Person or Group shall be entitled to be voted on any matter or be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under this Agreement, except that Partnership Interests so owned shall be considered to be Outstanding for purposes of Section 11.1(b)(iv) (such Partnership Interests shall not, however, be treated as a separate class of Partnership Interests for purposes of this Agreement or the Delaware Act); provided , further , that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to (i) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of the Partnership Interests of any class directly from the General Partner or its Affiliates (other than the Partnership), (ii) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of the Partnership Interests of any class directly or indirectly from a Person or Group described in clause (i) provided that the General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply, or (iii) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any Partnership Interests issued by the Partnership provided that the General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply.
Over-Allotment Option means the over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters by the Partnership pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i), are attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt.
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Partners means the General Partner and the Limited Partners.
Partnership means Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Group means, collectively, the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.
Partnership Interest means any class or series of equity interest (or, in the case of the General Partner, management interest) in the Partnership, which shall include any General Partner Interest and Limited Partner Interests but shall exclude all Derivative Instruments.
Partnership Minimum Gain means that amount determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
Percentage Interest means as of any date of determination and as to any Unitholder with respect to Units, the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the number of Units held by such Unitholder by (B) the total number of Outstanding Units. The Percentage Interest with respect to an Incentive Distribution Right shall at all times be zero. The Percentage Interest with respect to the General Partner Interest shall at all times be zero.
Person means an individual or a corporation, firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
Per Unit Capital Amount means, as of any date of determination, the Capital Account, stated on a per Unit basis, underlying any class of Units held by a Person other than the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner who holds Units.
Privately Placed Units means any Common Units issued for cash or property other than pursuant to a public offering.
Pro Rata means when used with respect to (a) Units or any class thereof, apportioned among all designated Units in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, (b) Partners or Record Holders, apportioned among all Partners or Record Holders in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests and (c) holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, apportioned among all holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in accordance with the relative number or percentage of Incentive Distribution Rights held by each such holder.
Purchase Date means the date determined by the General Partner as the date for purchase of all Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of a certain class (other than Limited Partner Interests owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) pursuant to Article XV.
Quarter means, unless the context requires otherwise, a fiscal quarter of the Partnership, or, with respect to the fiscal quarter of the Partnership in which the Closing Date occurs, the portion of such fiscal quarter after the Closing Date.
Rate Eligibility Trigger is defined in Section 4.8(a)(i).
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Recapture Income means any gain recognized by the Partnership (computed without regard to any adjustment required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the Code) upon the disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which gain is characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.
Record Date means the date established by the General Partner or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement for determining (a) the identity of the Record Holders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of Limited Partners or entitled to vote by ballot or give approval of Partnership action in writing without a meeting or entitled to exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of Limited Partners or (b) the identity of Record Holders entitled to receive any report or distribution or to participate in any offer.
Record Holder means (a) with respect to any class of Partnership Interests for which a Transfer Agent has been appointed, the Person in whose name a Partnership Interest of such class is registered on the books of the Transfer Agent as of the closing of business on a particular Business Day, or (b) with respect to other classes of Partnership Interests, the Person in whose name any such other Partnership Interest is registered on the books that the General Partner has caused to be kept as of the closing of business on such Business Day.
Redeemable Interests means any Partnership Interests for which a redemption notice has been given, and has not been withdrawn, pursuant to Section 4.9.
Registration Statement means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-179304) as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the Securities Act to register the offering and sale of the Common Units in the Initial Offering.
Remaining Net Positive Adjustments means as of the end of any taxable period, (i) with respect to the Unitholders, the excess of (a) the Net Positive Adjustments of the Unitholders as of the end of such period over (b) the sum of those Unitholders Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for each prior taxable period, and (ii) with respect to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, the excess of (a) the Net Positive Adjustments of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period over (b) the sum of the Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights for each prior taxable period.
Required Allocations means any allocation of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i), Section 6.1(d)(ii), Section 6.1(d)(iv), Section 6.1(d)(v), Section 6.1(d)(vi), Section 6.1(d)(vii) or Section 6.1(d)(ix).
Reset MQD is defined in Section 5.11(a).
Reset Notice is defined in Section 5.11(b).
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Revaluation Event means an event that results in adjustment of the Carrying Value of each Partnership property pursuant to Section 5.5(d).
Revaluation Gain has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Gain.
Revaluation Loss has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Loss.
Sale Gain has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Gain.
Sale Loss has the meaning set forth in the definition of Net Termination Loss.
Second Liquidation Target Amount is defined in Section 6.1(c)(i)(E).
Second Target Distribution means $0.3438 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to periods of less than a full fiscal quarter, it means the product of such amount multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such period, and the denominator is the total number of days in such fiscal quarter), subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute.
Securities Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute.
Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items means in connection with any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for any taxable period, (i) with respect to the Unitholders, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Unitholders Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such taxable period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time, and (ii) with respect to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time.
Special Approval means approval by a majority of the members of the Conflicts Committee or, if the Conflicts Committee has only one member, the sole member of the Conflicts Committee.
Subordinated Unit means a Partnership Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Subordinated Units in this Agreement. The term Subordinated Unit does not refer to or include a Common Unit. A Subordinated Unit that is convertible into a Common Unit shall not constitute a Common Unit until such conversion occurs.
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Subordination Period means the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first to occur of the following dates:
(a) the first Business Day following the distribution pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in respect of any Quarter beginning with the Quarter ending June 30, 2017 in respect of which (i) (A) aggregate distributions from Operating Surplus on the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case with respect to each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-Quarter periods immediately preceding such Business Day equaled or exceeded the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case in respect of such periods and (B) the Adjusted Operating Surplus for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-Quarter periods immediately preceding such Business Day equaled or exceeded the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Common Units, Subordinated Units and any other Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case that were Outstanding during such periods on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis, and (ii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages;
(b) the first Business Day following the distribution pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in respect of any Quarter in respect of which (i) (A) aggregate distributions from Operating Surplus on the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, with respect to the four-Quarter period immediately preceding such Business Day equaled or exceeded 150% of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in respect of such period, and (B) the Adjusted Operating Surplus for the four-Quarter period immediately preceding such Business Day equaled or exceeded 150% of the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Common Units and Subordinated Units and any other Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case that were Outstanding during such period on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis and the corresponding Incentive Distributions and (ii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages; and
(c) the first date on which there are no longer outstanding any Subordinated Units due to the conversion of Subordinated Units into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7 or otherwise.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general partner of such partnership, but only if such Person, directly or by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, controls such partnership on the date of determination or (c) any other Person in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
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Surviving Business Entity is defined in Section 14.2(b)(ii).
Target Distribution means each of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target Distribution.
Third Target Distribution means $0.4125 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to periods of less than a full fiscal quarter, it means the product of such amount multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such period, and the denominator is the total number of days in such fiscal quarter), subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
Trading Day means a day on which the principal National Securities Exchange on which the referenced Partnership Interests of any class are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if such Partnership Interests are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York City generally are open.
transfer is defined in Section 4.4(a).
Transfer Agent means such bank, trust company or other Person (including the General Partner or one of its Affiliates) as may be appointed from time to time by the Partnership to act as registrar and transfer agent for any class of Partnership Interests; provided, that if no Transfer Agent is specifically designated for any class of Partnership Interests, the General Partner shall act in such capacity.
Treasury Regulation means the United States Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code.
Underwriter means each Person named as an underwriter in the Underwriting Agreement who purchases Common Units pursuant thereto.
Underwriting Agreement means that certain Underwriting Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2014, among the Underwriters, the Partnership, the General Partner and the other parties thereto, providing for the purchase of Common Units by the Underwriters.
Unit means a Partnership Interest that is designated as a Unit and shall include Common Units and Subordinated Units but shall not include (i) the General Partner Interest or (ii) Incentive Distribution Rights.
Unitholders means the Record Holders of Units.
Unit Majority means (i) during the Subordination Period, a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units whose voting power is, with respect to the subject vote, controlled by the General Partner or its Affiliates), voting as a class, and a majority of the Outstanding Subordinated Units, voting as a class, and (ii) after the end of the Subordination Period, a majority of the Outstanding Common Units.
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Unpaid MQD is defined in Section 6.1(c)(i)(B).
Unrealized Gain attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)) over (b) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date).
Unrealized Loss attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)).
Unrecovered Initial Unit Price means at any time, with respect to a Unit, the Initial Unit Price less the sum of all distributions constituting Capital Surplus theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit and any distributions of cash (or the Net Agreed Value of any distributions in kind) in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit, adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision, or combination of such Units.
Unrestricted Person means (a) each Indemnitee, (b) each Partner, (c) each Person who is or was a member, partner, director, officer, employee or agent of any Group Member, a General Partner or any Departing General Partner or any Affiliate of any Group Member, a General Partner or any Departing General Partner and (d) any Person the General Partner designates as an Unrestricted Person for purposes of this Agreement.
U.S. GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.
U.S . means the United States of America.
Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel is defined in Section 11.1(b).
Working Capital Borrowings means borrowings used solely for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to Partners, made pursuant to a credit facility, commercial paper facility or other similar financing arrangement; provided that when incurred it is the intent of the borrower to repay such borrowings within 12 months from sources other than additional Working Capital Borrowings.
Section 1.2 Construction . Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms; (b) references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; (c) the
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terms include, includes, including and words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation; and (d) the terms hereof, herein and hereunder refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only, and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The General Partner has the power to construe and interpret this Agreement and to act upon any such construction or interpretation. Any construction or interpretation of this Agreement by the General Partner and any action taken pursuant thereto and any determination made by the General Partner in good faith shall, in each case, be conclusive and binding on all Record Holders and all other Persons for all purposes.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
Section 2.1 Formation . The General Partner and the Organizational Limited Partner have previously formed the Partnership as a limited partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act. This amendment and restatement shall become effective on the date of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, the rights, duties (including fiduciary duties), liabilities and obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Delaware Act.
Section 2.2 Name . The name of the Partnership shall be Westlake Chemical Partners LP. The Partnerships business may be conducted under any other name or names as determined by the General Partner, including the name of the General Partner. The words Limited Partnership, L.P., Ltd. or similar words or letters shall be included in the Partnerships name where necessary for the purpose of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular communication to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices . Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, and the registered agent for service of process on the Partnership in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The principal office of the Partnership shall be located at 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate. The address of the General Partner shall be 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.4 Purpose and Business . The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership shall be to (a) engage directly in, or enter into or form, hold and
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dispose of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that is approved by the General Partner, in its sole discretion, and that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity, and (b) do anything necessary or appropriate to the foregoing, including the making of capital contributions or loans to a Group Member; provided , however , that the General Partner shall not cause the Partnership to engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity that the General Partner determines would be reasonably likely to cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to propose or approve, and may, in its sole discretion, decline to propose or approve, the conduct by the Partnership Group of any business.
Section 2.5 Powers . The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business described in Section 2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership.
Section 2.6 Term . The term of the Partnership commenced upon the filing of the Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall continue in existence until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of Article XII. The existence of the Partnership as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Delaware Act.
Section 2.7 Title to Partnership Assets . Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General Partner, one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of the General Partner or one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees shall be held by the General Partner or such Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to cause record title to such assets (other than those assets in respect of which the General Partner determines that the expense and difficulty of conveyancing makes transfer of record title to the Partnership impracticable) to be vested in the Partnership or one or more of the Partnerships designated Affiliates as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , further , that, prior to the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as soon thereafter as practicable, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to effect the transfer of record title to the Partnership and, prior to any such transfer, will provide for the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to the General Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which record title to such Partnership assets is held.
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ARTICLE III
RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
Section 3.1 Limitation of Liability . The Limited Partners shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.
Section 3.2 Management of Business . No Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation, management or control (within the meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnerships business, transact any business in the Partnerships name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Partnership. No action taken by any Affiliate of the General Partner or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or trustee of a Group Member, in its capacity as such, shall be considered participating in the control of the business of the Partnership by a limited partner of the Partnership (within the meaning of Section 17-303(a) of the Delaware Act) nor shall any such action affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the liability of the Limited Partners under this Agreement.
Section 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.6, which shall continue to be applicable to the Persons referred to therein, regardless of whether such Persons shall also be Limited Partners, each Limited Partner shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the Partnership Group. Neither the Partnership nor any of the other Partners shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any Limited Partner.
Section 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners .
(a) Each Limited Partner shall have the right, for a purpose that is reasonably related, as determined by the General Partner, to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense, to obtain:
(i) true and full information regarding the status of the business and financial condition of the Partnership ( provided that the requirements of this Section 3.4(a)(i) shall be satisfied if the Limited Partner is furnished the Partnerships most recent annual report and any subsequent quarterly or periodic reports required to be filed (or which would be required to be filed) with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act);
(ii) a current list of the name and last known business, residence or mailing address of each Record Holder; and
(iii) a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto, together with copies of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto have been executed.
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The rights pursuant to this Section 3.4(a) replace in their entirety any rights to information provided for in Section 17-305(a) of the Delaware Act and each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law that they do not have any rights as Partners to receive any information either pursuant to Sections 17-305(a) of the Delaware Act or otherwise except for the information identified in Section 3.4(a).
(b) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner deems reasonable, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes (A) is not in the best interests of the Partnership Group, (B) could damage the Partnership Group or its business or (C) that any Group Member is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or Section 17-305 of the Delaware Act, each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law that they do not have rights to receive information from the Partnership or any Indemnitee for the purpose of determining whether to pursue litigation or assist in pending litigation against the Partnership or any Indemnitee relating to the affairs of the Partnership except pursuant to the applicable rules of discovery relating to litigation commenced by such Person.
ARTICLE IV
CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 4.1 Certificates . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise in respect of some or all of any or all classes of Partnership Interests, Partnership Interests shall not be evidenced by certificates. Certificates that are issued shall be executed on behalf of the Partnership by the Chairman of the Board, President or any Executive Vice President or Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer or the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the General Partner. No Certificate for a class of Partnership Interests shall be valid for any purpose until it has been countersigned by the Transfer Agent for such class of Partnership Interests; provided , however , that if the General Partner elects to cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Interests of such class in global form, the Certificate shall be valid upon receipt of a certificate from the Transfer Agent certifying that the Partnership Interests have been duly registered in accordance with the directions of the Partnership. Subject to the requirements of Section 6.7(c), if Common Units are evidenced by Certificates, on or after the date on which Subordinated Units are converted into Common Units, the Record Holders of such Subordinated Units (a) if the Subordinated Units are evidenced by Certificates, may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units or (b) if the Subordinated Units are not evidenced by Certificates, shall be issued Certificates evidencing Common Units.
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Section 4.2 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates .
(a) If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent, the appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a new Certificate evidencing the same number and type of Partnership Interests as the Certificate so surrendered.
(b) The appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign, a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the Record Holder of the Certificate:
(i) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the General Partner, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen;
(ii) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the General Partner has notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;
(iii) if requested by the General Partner, delivers to the General Partner a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the General Partner, with surety or sureties and with fixed or open penalty as the General Partner may direct to indemnify the Partnership, the Partners, the General Partner and the Transfer Agent against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate; and
(iv) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the General Partner or the Transfer Agent.
If a Limited Partner fails to notify the General Partner within a reasonable period of time after such Limited Partner has notice of the loss, destruction or theft of a Certificate, and a transfer of the Limited Partner Interests represented by the Certificate is registered before the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent receives such notification, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Limited Partner shall be precluded from making any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent for such transfer or for a new Certificate.
(c) As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 4.2, the General Partner may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent) reasonably connected therewith.
Section 4.3 Record Holders . The Partnership and the General Partner shall be entitled to recognize the Record Holder as the Partner with respect to any Partnership Interest and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such Partnership Interest on the part of any other Person, regardless of whether the Partnership shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which such
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Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading. Without limiting the foregoing, when a Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing) is acting as nominee, agent or in some other representative capacity for another Person in acquiring and/or holding Partnership Interests, as between the Partnership on the one hand, and such other Persons on the other, such representative Person shall be (a) the Record Holder of such Partnership Interest and (b) bound by this Agreement and shall have the rights and obligations of a Partner hereunder as, and to the extent, provided herein.
Section 4.4 Transfer Generally .
(a) The term transfer, when used in this Agreement with respect to a Partnership Interest, shall mean a transaction by which the holder of a Partnership Interest assigns such Partnership Interest to another Person who is or becomes a Partner, and includes a sale, assignment, gift, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise, excluding a pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage but including any transfer upon foreclosure of any pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage.
(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in part, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article IV. Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in accordance with this Article IV shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent a disposition by any stockholder, member, partner or other owner of any Partner of any or all of the shares of stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other ownership interests in such Partner and the term transfer shall not mean any such disposition.
Section 4.5 Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests .
(a) The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept on behalf of the Partnership a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe and subject to the provisions of Section 4.5(b), the Partnership will provide for the registration and transfer of Limited Partner Interests.
(b) The Partnership shall not recognize any transfer of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates until the Certificates evidencing such Limited Partner Interests are surrendered for registration of transfer. No charge shall be imposed by the General Partner for such transfer; provided , that as a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 4.5, the General Partner may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed with respect thereto. Upon surrender of a Certificate for registration of transfer of any Limited Partner Interests evidenced by a Certificate, and subject to the provisions hereof, the appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and in the case of Certificates evidencing Limited Partner Interests, the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the holder or the designated transferee or transferees, as required pursuant to the holders instructions, one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Limited Partner Interests as was evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered.
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(c) By acceptance of the transfer of any Limited Partner Interests in accordance with this Section 4.5 and except as provided in Section 4.8, each transferee of a Limited Partner Interest (including any nominee holder or an agent or representative acquiring such Limited Partner Interests for the account of another Person) acknowledges and agrees to the provisions of Section 10.1(a).
(d) Subject to (i) the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.5, (ii) Section 4.3, (iii) Section 4.7, (iv) with respect to any class or series of Limited Partner Interests, the provisions of any statement of designations or an amendment to this Agreement establishing such class or series, (v) any contractual provisions binding on any Limited Partner and (vi) provisions of applicable law including the Securities Act, Limited Partner Interests shall be freely transferable.
(e) The General Partner and its Affiliates shall have the right at any time to transfer their Subordinated Units, Common Units and Incentive Distribution Rights to one or more Persons.
Section 4.6 Transfer of the General Partners General Partner Interest .
(a) The General Partner may at its option transfer all or any part of its General Partner Interest without approval from any other Partner.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no transfer by the General Partner of all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another Person shall be permitted unless (i) the transferee agrees to assume the rights and duties of the General Partner under this Agreement and to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) the Partnership receives an Opinion of Counsel that such transfer would not result in the loss of limited liability under the Delaware Act of any Limited Partner or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed) and (iii) such transferee also agrees to purchase all (or the appropriate portion thereof, if applicable) of the partnership or membership interest held by the General Partner as the general partner or managing member, if any, of each other Group Member. In the case of a transfer pursuant to and in compliance with this Section 4.6, the transferee or successor (as the case may be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of Section 10.2 be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner effective immediately prior to the transfer of the General Partner Interest, and the business of the Partnership shall continue without dissolution.
Section 4.7 Restrictions on Transfers .
(a) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article IV, no transfer of any Partnership Interests shall be made if such transfer would (i) violate the then applicable federal or state securities laws or rules and regulations of the Commission, any state securities
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commission or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer, (ii) terminate the existence or qualification of the Partnership under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, or (iii) cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed).
(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the transfer of Partnership Interests if it determines, with the advice of counsel, that such restrictions are necessary or advisable to (i) avoid a significant risk of the Partnership becoming taxable as a corporation or otherwise becoming taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) preserve the uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof). The General Partner may impose such restrictions by amending this Agreement; provided, however, that any amendment that would result in the delisting or suspension of trading of any class of Limited Partner Interests on the principal National Securities Exchange on which such class of Limited Partner Interests is then listed or admitted to trading must be approved, prior to such amendment being effected, by the holders of a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of such class.
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement, other than Section 4.7(a), shall preclude the settlement of any transactions involving Partnership Interests entered into through the facilities of any National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading.
Section 4.8 Eligibility Certificates; Ineligible Holders .
(a) If at any time the General Partner determines, with the advice of counsel, that:
(i) the U.S. federal income tax status (or lack of proof of the U.S. federal income tax status) of one or more Limited Partners or their owners has or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the rates that can be charged to customers by any Group Member with respect to assets that are subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or similar regulatory body (a Rate Eligibility Trigger ); or
(ii) any Group Member is subject to any federal, state or local law or regulation that would create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property in which the Group Member has an interest based on the nationality, citizenship or other related status of a Limited Partner or its owner(s) (a Citizenship Eligibility Trigger );
then, the General Partner may adopt such amendments to this Agreement as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to (x) in the case of a Rate Eligibility Trigger, obtain such proof of the U.S. federal income tax status of the Limited Partners and, to the extent relevant, their owners, as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to reduce the risk of occurrence of a material adverse effect on the rates that can be charged to customers by any Group Member or (y) in the case of a Citizenship Eligibility Trigger,
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obtain such proof of the nationality, citizenship or other related status of the Limited Partners and, to the extent relevant, their owners as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to eliminate or mitigate the risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any properties or interests therein.
(b) Such amendments may include provisions requiring all Partners to certify as to their (and their owners) status as Eligible Holders upon demand and on a regular basis, as determined by the General Partner, and may require transferees of Units to so certify prior to being admitted to the Partnership as Partners (any such required certificate, an Eligibility Certificate ).
(c) Such amendments may provide that any Partner who fails to furnish to the General Partner within a reasonable period requested proof of its (and its owners) status as an Eligible Holder or if upon receipt of such Eligibility Certificate or other requested information the General Partner determines that a Limited Partner (or its owner) is not an Eligible Holder (an Ineligible Holder ), the Partnership Interests owned by such Limited Partner shall be subject to redemption in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.9. In addition, the General Partner shall be substituted and treated as the owner of all Partnership Interests owned by an Ineligible Holder.
(d) The General Partner shall, in exercising voting rights in respect of Partnership Interests held by it on behalf of Ineligible Holders, cast such votes in the same manner and in the same ratios as the votes of Partners (including the General Partner and its Affiliates) in respect of Partnership Interests other than those of Ineligible Holders are cast.
(e) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, an Ineligible Holder shall have no right to receive a distribution in kind pursuant to Section 12.4 but shall be entitled to the cash equivalent thereof, and the Partnership shall provide cash in exchange for an assignment of the Ineligible Holders share of any distribution in kind. Such payment and assignment shall be treated for purposes hereof as a purchase by the Partnership from the Ineligible Holder of the portion of his Partnership Interest representing his right to receive his share of such distribution in kind.
(f) At any time after he can and does certify that he has become an Eligible Holder, an Ineligible Holder may, upon application to the General Partner, request that with respect to any Partnership Interests of such Ineligible Holder not redeemed pursuant to Section 4.9, such Ineligible Holder be admitted as a Partner, and upon approval of the General Partner, such Ineligible Holder shall be admitted as a Partner and shall no longer constitute an Ineligible Holder and the General Partner shall cease to be deemed to be the owner in respect of such Ineligible Holders Partnership Interests.
Section 4.9 Redemption of Partnership Interests of Ineligible Holders .
(a) If at any time a Partner fails to furnish an Eligibility Certificate or other information requested within the period of time specified in amendments adopted pursuant to
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Section 4.8 or if upon receipt of such Eligibility Certificate, the General Partner determines, with the advice of counsel, that a Partner is an Ineligible Holder, the Partnership may, unless the Partner establishes to the satisfaction of the General Partner that such Partner is an Eligible Holder or has transferred his Limited Partner Interests to a Person who is an Eligible Holder and who furnishes an Eligibility Certificate to the General Partner prior to the date fixed for redemption as provided below, redeem the Partnership Interest of such Partner as follows:
(i) The General Partner shall, not later than the 30th day before the date fixed for redemption, give notice of redemption to the Partner, at his last address designated on the records of the Partnership or the Transfer Agent, as applicable, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid. The notice shall be deemed to have been given when so mailed. The notice shall specify the Redeemable Interests, the date fixed for redemption, the place of payment, that payment of the redemption price will be made upon redemption of the Redeemable Interests (or, if later in the case of Redeemable Interests evidenced by Certificates, upon surrender of the Certificate evidencing the Redeemable Interests) and that on and after the date fixed for redemption no further allocations or distributions to which the Partner would otherwise be entitled in respect of the Redeemable Interests will accrue or be made.
(ii) The aggregate redemption price for Redeemable Interests shall be an amount equal to the Current Market Price (the date of determination of which shall be the date fixed for redemption) of Partnership Interests of the class to be so redeemed multiplied by the number of Partnership Interests of each such class included among the Redeemable Interests. The redemption price shall be paid, as determined by the General Partner, in cash or by delivery of a promissory note of the Partnership in the principal amount of the redemption price, bearing interest at the rate of 8% annually and payable in three equal annual installments of principal together with accrued interest, commencing one year after the redemption date.
(iii) The Partner or his duly authorized representative shall be entitled to receive the payment for the Redeemable Interests at the place of payment specified in the notice of redemption on the redemption date (or, if later in the case of Redeemable Interests evidenced by Certificates, upon surrender by or on behalf of the Partner at the place specified in the notice of redemption, of the Certificate evidencing the Redeemable Interests, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an assignment duly executed in blank).
(iv) After the redemption date, Redeemable Interests shall no longer constitute issued and Outstanding Limited Partner Interests.
(b) The provisions of this Section 4.9 shall also be applicable to Partnership Interests held by a Partner as nominee of a Person determined to be an Ineligible Holder.
(c) Nothing in this Section 4.9 shall prevent the recipient of a notice of redemption from transferring his Partnership Interest before the redemption date if such transfer is otherwise permitted under this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such a transfer, the General Partner shall withdraw the notice of redemption, provided the transferee of such Partnership Interest certifies to the satisfaction of the General Partner that he is an Eligible Holder. If the transferee fails to make such certification, such redemption will be effected from the transferee on the original redemption date.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 5.1 Organizational Contributions . In connection with the formation of the Partnership under the Delaware Act, the General Partner has been admitted as the General Partner of the Partnership. The Organizational Limited Partner made an initial Capital Contribution to the Partnership in the amount of $1,000.00 in exchange for a Limited Partner Interest equal to a 100% Percentage Interest and has been admitted as a Limited Partner of the Partnership. As of the Closing Date, and effective with the admission of another Limited Partner to the Partnership, the interests of the Organizational Limited Partner will be redeemed as provided in the Contribution Agreement and the initial Capital Contributions of the Organizational Limited Partner will be refunded. One-hundred percent of any interest or other profit that may have resulted from the investment or other use of such initial Capital Contributions will be allocated and distributed to the Organizational Limited Partner.
Section 5.2 Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates . On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, WPT LLC shall contribute to the Partnership, as a Capital Contribution, the Reserves Contribution (as defined in the Contribution Agreement) in exchange for 1,436,115 Common Units, 12,686,115 Subordinated Units and the Incentive Distribution Rights, collectively.
Section 5.3 Contributions by Initial Limited Partners .
(a) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, each Underwriter shall contribute cash to the Partnership in exchange for the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units to each Underwriter, all as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
(b) Upon the exercise, if any, of the Over-Allotment Option, each Underwriter shall contribute cash to the Partnership in exchange for the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units to each Underwriter, all as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
Section 5.4 Interest and Withdrawal . No interest shall be paid by the Partnership on Capital Contributions. No Partner shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent, if any, that distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon liquidation of the Partnership may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall have priority over any other Partner either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions.
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Section 5.5 Capital Accounts .
(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a beneficial owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General Partner) owning a Partnership Interest a separate Capital Account with respect to such Partnership Interest in accordance with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). Such Capital Account shall be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital Contributions made by the Partner with respect to such Partnership Interest and (ii) all items of Partnership income and gain computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1, and decreased by (x) the amount of cash or Net Agreed Value of all actual and deemed distributions of cash or property made to the Partner with respect to such Partnership Interest and (y) all items of Partnership deduction and loss computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction that is to be allocated pursuant to Article VI and is to be reflected in the Partners Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for that purpose), provided , that:
(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 5.5, the Partnership shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by the General Partner based upon the provisions of the applicable Group Member Agreement) of all property owned by (A) any other Group Member that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (B) any other partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes of which a Group Member is, directly or indirectly, a partner, member or other equity holder.
(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the Partnership to promote the sale of (or to sell) a Partnership Interest that can neither be deducted nor amortized under Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for purposes of Capital Account maintenance, be treated as an item of deduction at the time such fees and other expenses are incurred and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section 6.1.
(iii) The computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be made (x) except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code that may be made by the Partnership, and (y) as to those items described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) or 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are neither currently deductible nor capitalized for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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(iv) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) of the Code (including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment in the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss.
(v) In the event the Carrying Value of Partnership property is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d), any Unrealized Gain resulting from such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain and any Unrealized Loss resulting from such adjustment shall be treated as an item of loss.
(vi) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount to the propertys Carrying Value as of such date.
(vii) Any deductions for depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to any Contributed Property or Adjusted Property shall be determined under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d) as if the adjusted basis of such property were equal to the Carrying Value of such property.
(viii) The Gross Liability Value of each Liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i) shall be adjusted at such times as provided in this Agreement for an adjustment to the Carrying Values of Partnership property. The amount of any such adjustment shall be treated for purposes hereof as an item of loss (if the adjustment increases the Carrying Value of such Liability of the Partnership) or an item of gain (if the adjustment decreases the Carrying Value of such Liability of the Partnership).
(c) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.5(c), a transferee of a Partnership Interest shall succeed to a pro rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor relating to the Partnership Interest so transferred.
(ii) Subject to Section 6.7(b), immediately prior to the transfer of (1) an Affiliate Retained Unit, (2) a Subordinated Unit or (3) a Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 by a holder thereof (in each case, other than a transfer to an Affiliate unless the General Partner elects to have this subparagraph 5.5(c)(ii) apply), the Capital Account maintained for such Person with respect to such transferred Units will (A) first, be allocated to the Units to be transferred in an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of such Units to be transferred and (y) the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit, and (B) second, any remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by the transferor, regardless of whether it has retained any Units. Following any such allocation, the transferors Capital Account, if any, maintained with respect to the retained Affiliate Retained Units, Subordinated Units or retained converted Subordinated Units, if any, will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (B) above, and the transferees Capital Account established with respect to the transferred Units will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (A) above.
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(iii) Subject to Section 6.8(b), immediately prior to the transfer of an IDR Reset Common Unit by a holder thereof (other than a transfer to an Affiliate unless the General Partner elects to have this subparagraph 5.5(c)(iii) apply), the Capital Account maintained for such Person with respect to its IDR Reset Common Units will (A) first, be allocated to the IDR Reset Common Units to be transferred in an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of such IDR Reset Common Units to be transferred and (y) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common Unit, and (B) second, any remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by the transferor, regardless of whether it has retained any IDR Reset Common Units. Following any such allocation, the transferors Capital Account, if any, maintained with respect to the retained IDR Reset Common Units, if any, will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (B) above, and the transferees Capital Account established with respect to the transferred IDR Reset Common Units will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (A) above.
(d) (i) Consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2), on an issuance of additional Partnership Interests for cash or Contributed Property, the issuance of a Noncompensatory Option, the issuance of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services, the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11, or the conversion of the Combined Interest to Common Units pursuant to Section 11.3(b), the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately prior to such issuance shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property; provided, however , that in the event of the issuance of a Partnership Interest pursuant to the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option where the right to share in Partnership capital represented by such Partnership Interest differs from the consideration paid to acquire and exercise such option, the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately after the issuance of such Partnership Interest shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be adjusted in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); provided further, that in the event of an issuance of Partnership Interests for a de minimis amount of cash or Contributed Property, in the event of an issuance of a Noncompensatory Option to acquire a de minimis Partnership Interest or in the event of an issuance of a de minimis amount of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services, the General Partner may determine that such adjustments are unnecessary for the proper administration of the Partnership. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership property (including cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to the issuance of additional Partnership Interests (or, in the case of a Revaluation Event resulting from the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, immediately after the issuance of the Partnership Interest acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Noncompensatory Option) shall be determined by the General Partner using such method of valuation as it may adopt. In making its determination of the fair market values of individual properties, the General Partner may first determine an aggregate value for the assets of the Partnership that takes into account the current trading price of the Common Units, the fair market value of all other Partnership Interests at such time and the value of Partnership Liabilities. The General Partner may allocate such aggregate value among the individual properties of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines appropriate). Absent a contrary determination by
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the General Partner, the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a Revaluation Event shall be the value that would result in the Capital Account for each Common Unit that is Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the Event Issue Value.
(ii) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), immediately prior to any distribution to a Partner of any Partnership property (other than a distribution of cash that is not in redemption or retirement of a Partnership Interest), the Carrying Value of all Partnership property shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership property (including cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a distribution shall (A) in the case of a distribution other than one made pursuant to Section 12.4, be determined in the same manner as that provided in Section 5.5(d)(i) or (B) in the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Section 12.4, be determined by the Liquidator using such method of valuation as it may adopt.
Section 5.6 Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments .
(a) The Partnership may issue additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments for any Partnership purpose at any time and from time to time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the General Partner shall determine, all without the approval of any Limited Partners.
(b) Each additional Partnership Interest authorized to be issued by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.6(a) may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any such classes, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of Partnership Interests), as shall be fixed by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Partnership profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Partnership Interest (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Partnership Interest is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Partnership Interest will be issued, evidenced by Certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Percentage Interest as to such Partnership Interest; and (viii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership Interest to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative rights, preferences and privileges of such Partnership Interest.
(c) The General Partner shall take all actions that it determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with (i) each issuance of Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments pursuant to this Section 5.6, (ii) the conversion of the Combined Interest into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii) the issuance of Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11, (iv) reflecting admission of such additional Limited Partners in the books and
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records of the Partnership as the Record Holders of such Limited Partner Interests and (v) all additional issuances of Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments. The General Partner shall determine the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Units or other Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments being so issued. The General Partner shall do all things necessary to comply with the Delaware Act and is authorized and directed to do all things that it determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with any future issuance of Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments or in connection with the conversion of the Combined Interest into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including compliance with any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units or other Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading.
(d) No fractional Units shall be issued by the Partnership.
Section 5.7 Conversion of Subordinated Units .
(a) All of the Subordinated Units shall convert into Common Units on a one-for-one basis on the first Business Day following the distribution pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in respect of the final full Quarter of the Subordination Period.
(b) The Subordinated Units may convert into Common Units on a one-for-one basis as set forth in, and pursuant to the terms of, Section 11.4.
Section 5.8 Limited Preemptive Right . Except as provided in this Section 5.8 or as otherwise provided in a separate agreement by the Partnership, no Person shall have any preemptive, preferential or other similar right with respect to the issuance of any Partnership Interest, whether unissued, held in the treasury or hereafter created. The General Partner shall have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its Affiliates, to purchase Partnership Interests from the Partnership whenever, and on the same terms that, the Partnership issues Partnership Interests to Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain the Percentage Interests of the General Partner and its Affiliates equal to that which existed immediately prior to the issuance of such Partnership Interests. The determination by the General Partner to exercise (or refrain from exercising) its right pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall be a determination made in its individual capacity.
Section 5.9 Splits and Combinations .
(a) The Partnership may make a distribution of Partnership Interests to all Record Holders or may effect a subdivision or combination of Partnership Interests. Upon any such event, each Partner shall have the same Percentage Interest in the Partnership as before such event (subject to the effect of Section 5.9(d)), and any amounts calculated on a per Unit basis (including any Common Unit Arrearage or Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage) or stated as a number of Units shall be proportionately adjusted retroactive to the beginning of the Partnership.
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(b) Whenever such a distribution, subdivision or combination of Partnership Interests is declared, the General Partner shall select a Record Date as of which the distribution, subdivision or combination shall be effective and shall send notice thereof at least 20 days prior to such Record Date to each Record Holder as of a date not less than 10 days prior to the date of such notice.
(c) Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision or combination, the Partnership may issue Certificates to the Record Holders of Partnership Interests as of the applicable Record Date representing the new number of Partnership Interests held by such Record Holders, or the General Partner may adopt such other procedures that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect such changes. If any such combination results in a smaller total number of Partnership Interests Outstanding, the Partnership shall require, as a condition to the delivery to a Record Holder of such new Certificate, the surrender of any Certificate held by such Record Holder immediately prior to such Record Date.
(d) The Partnership shall not issue fractional Units upon any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units. If a distribution, subdivision or combination of Units would result in the issuance of fractional Units but for the provisions of Section 5.6(d) and this Section 5.9(d), each fractional Unit shall be rounded to the nearest whole Unit (and a 0.5 Unit shall be rounded to the next higher Unit).
Section 5.10 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests . All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Article V shall be fully paid and non-assessable Limited Partner Interests in the Partnership, except as such non-assessability may be affected by Section 17-607 or 17-804 of the Delaware Act.
Section 5.11 Issuance of Common Units in Connection with Reset of Incentive Distribution Rights .
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.11, the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights) shall have the option, at any time when there are no Subordinated Units outstanding and the Partnership has made a distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(vii) or Section 6.4(b)(v) for each of the four most recently completed Quarters, to make an election (the IDR Reset Election ) to cause the Target Distributions to be reset in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith, the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will become entitled to receive their Pro Rata share of a number of Common Units (the IDR Reset Common Units ) equal to the result of dividing (i) the amount of cash distributions made by the Partnership for the Quarter immediately preceding the giving of the Reset Notice in respect of the Incentive Distribution Rights by (ii) the cash distribution made by the Partnership in respect of each Common Unit for the Quarter immediately preceding the giving of the Reset Notice (the Reset MQD ) (the number of Common Units determined by such quotient is referred to herein as the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units ). The making of the IDR Reset Election in
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the manner specified in Section 5.11(b) shall cause the Target Distributions to be reset in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith, the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will become entitled to receive Common Units on the basis specified above, without any further approval required by the General Partner or the Unitholders, at the time specified in Section 5.11(c) unless the IDR Reset Election is rescinded pursuant to Section 5.11(d).
(b) To exercise the right specified in Section 5.11(a), the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall deliver a written notice (the Reset Notice ) to the Partnership. Within 10 Business Days after the receipt by the Partnership of such Reset Notice, the Partnership shall deliver a written notice to the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights of the Partnerships determination of the aggregate number of Common Units that each holder of Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to receive.
(c) The holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to receive the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units on the fifteenth Business Day after receipt by the Partnership of the Reset Notice; provided , however , that the issuance of Common Units to the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights shall not occur prior to the approval of the listing or admission for trading of such Common Units by the principal National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are then listed or admitted for trading if any such approval is required pursuant to the rules and regulations of such National Securities Exchange.
(d) If the principal National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are then traded has not approved the listing or admission for trading of the Common Units to be issued pursuant to this Section 5.11 on or before the 30th calendar day following the Partnerships receipt of the Reset Notice and such approval is required by the rules and regulations of such National Securities Exchange, then the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall have the right to either rescind the IDR Reset Election or elect to receive other Partnership Interests having such terms as the General Partner may approve that will provide (i) the same economic value, in the aggregate, as the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units would have had at the time of the Partnerships receipt of the Reset Notice, as determined by the General Partner, and (ii) for the subsequent conversion (on terms acceptable to the National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are then traded) of such Partnership Interests into Common Units within not more than 12 months following the Partnerships receipt of the Reset Notice upon the satisfaction of one or more conditions that are reasonably acceptable to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights).
(e) The Target Distributions shall be adjusted at the time of the issuance of Common Units or other Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 5.11 such that (i) the
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Minimum Quarterly Distribution shall be reset to be equal to the Reset MQD, (ii) the First Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 115% of the Reset MQD, (iii) the Second Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 125% of the Reset MQD and (iv) the Third Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 150% of the Reset MQD.
(f) Upon the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11(a) (or other Partnership Interests as described in Section 5.11(d)), the Capital Account maintained with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights shall (i) first, be allocated to IDR Reset Common Units (or other Partnership Interests) in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units (or other Partnership Interests) and (B) the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit, and (ii) second, any remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by the holder(s) of the Incentive Distribution Rights. If there is not a sufficient Capital Account associated with the Incentive Distribution Rights to allocate the full Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit to the IDR Reset Common Units in accordance with clause (i) of this Section 5.11(f), the IDR Reset Common Units shall be subject to Sections 6.1(d)(x)(B) and (C).
ARTICLE VI
ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes . For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners among themselves, the Partnerships items of income, gain, loss and deduction (computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b)) for each taxable period shall be allocated among the Partners as provided herein below.
(a) Net Income . Net Income for each taxable period (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Income for such taxable period) shall be allocated as follows:
(i) First, to the General Partner until the aggregate amount of Net Income allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(a)(i) for the current and all previous taxable periods is equal to the aggregate amount of Net Loss allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable periods; and
(ii) Second, the balance, if any, 100% to the Unitholders, Pro Rata.
(b) Net Loss . Net Loss for each taxable period (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Loss for such taxable period) shall be allocated as follows:
(i) First, to the Unitholders, Pro Rata; provided , that Net Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(i) to the extent that such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account); and
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(ii) Second, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.
(c) Net Termination Gains and Losses . Any Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss occurring during a taxable period shall be allocated in the manner set forth in this Section 6.1(b)(ii). All allocations under this Section 6.1(b)(ii) shall be made after Capital Account balances have been adjusted by all other allocations provided under this Section 6.1 and after all distributions of cash and cash equivalents provided under Section 6.4 and Section 6.5 have been made; provided , however , that solely for purposes of this Section 6.1(b)(ii), Capital Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made pursuant to Section 12.4; and provided , further , that Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss attributable to (i) Liquidation Gain or Liquidation Loss shall be allocated on the last day of the taxable period during which such Liquidation Gain or Liquidation Loss occurred, (ii) Sale Gain or Sale Loss shall be allocated as of the time of the sale or disposition giving rise to such Sale Gain or Sale Loss and allocated to the Partners consistent with the second proviso set forth in Section 6.2(f) and (iii) Revaluation Gain or Revaluation Loss shall be allocated on the date of the Revaluation Event giving rise to such Revaluation Gain or Revaluation Loss.
(i) Except as provided in Section 6.1(c)(iv) and subject to the provisions set forth in the last sentence of this Section 6.1(c)(i), Net Termination Gain (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss, and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain) shall be allocated in the following order and priority:
(A) First, to each Partner having a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account, in the proportion that such deficit balance bears to the total deficit balances in the Adjusted Capital Accounts of all Partners, until each such Partner has been allocated Net Termination Gain equal to any such deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account;
(B) Second, to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, (2) if the Net Termination Gain is attributable to Liquidation Gain, the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i) or Section 6.4(b)(i) with respect to such Common Unit for such Quarter (the amount determined pursuant to this clause (2) is hereinafter referred to as the Unpaid MQD ) and (3) any then existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage;
(C) Third, if such Net Termination Gain is recognized (or is deemed to be recognized) prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit into a Common Unit, to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding equals the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, determined for the taxable period (or portion thereof) to which this allocation of gain relates, and (2) if the Net Termination Gain is attributable to Liquidation Gain, the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(iii) with respect to such Subordinated Unit for such Quarter;
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(D) Fourth, to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, (2) the Unpaid MQD, (3) any then existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage, and (4) the excess of (aa) the First Target Distribution less the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of cash or cash equivalents that are deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(iv) and Section 6.4(b)(ii) for such period (the sum of (1), (2), (3) and (4) is hereinafter referred to as the First Liquidation Target Amount );
(E) Fifth, 15% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 85.0% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the First Liquidation Target Amount, and (2) the excess of (aa) the Second Target Distribution less the First Target Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of cash or cash equivalents that are deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(v) and Section 6.4(b)(iii) for such period (the sum of (1) and (2) is hereinafter referred to as the Second Liquidation Target Amount );
(F) Sixth, 25% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the Second Liquidation Target Amount, and (2) the excess of (aa) the Third Target Distribution less the Second Target Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of cash or cash equivalents that are deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(vi) and Section 6.4(b)(iv) for such period; and
(G) Finally, 50% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 50% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 6.1(c)(i), the General Partner may adjust the amount of any Net Termination Gain arising in connection with a Revaluation Event that is allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in a manner that will result (1) in the Capital Account for each Common Unit that is Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the Event Issue Value and (2) to the greatest extent possible, the Capital Account with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights that are Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the amount of Net Termination Gain that would be allocated to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(i) if (i) the Capital Accounts with respect to all Partnership Interests that were Outstanding immediately prior to such Revaluation Event were equal to zero and (ii) the aggregate Carrying Value of all Partnership property equaled the aggregate amount of all Partnership Liabilities.
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(ii) Except as otherwise provided by Section 6.1(c)(iii) or Section 6.1(c)(iv), Net Termination Loss (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Loss) shall be allocated:
(A) First, if Subordinated Units remain Outstanding, to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;
(B) Second, to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero; and
(C) Third, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.
(iii) Net Termination Loss attributable to Revaluation Loss and deemed recognized prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and prior to the Liquidation Date shall be allocated:
(A) First, to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding equals the Event Issue Value; provided that Net Termination Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iii)(A) to the extent such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account);
(B) Second, to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata; provided that Net Termination Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iii)(B) to the extent such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account); and
(C) Third, the balance, if any, to the General Partner.
(iv) If a Net Termination Loss has been allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(iii), any subsequent Net Termination Gain attributable to Revaluation Gain and deemed recognized prior to the Liquidation Date shall be allocated:
(A) First, to the General Partner until the aggregate Net Termination Gain allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iv)(A) is equal to the aggregate Net Termination Loss previously allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)((iii)(C);
(B) Second, to the Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, until the aggregate Net Termination Gain allocated to the Unitholders holding Subordinated Units pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iv)(B) is equal to the aggregate Net Termination Loss previously allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(iii)(B); and
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(C) Third, the balance, if any, pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i).
(v) If (A) a Net Termination Loss has been allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(iii), (B) a Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss subsequently occurs (other than as a result of a Revaluation Event) prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and (C) after tentatively making all allocations of such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss provided for in Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit does not equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if Section 6.1(c)(iii) had not been part of this Agreement and all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable, then items of income, gain, loss and deduction included in such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss, as applicable, shall be specially allocated to the General Partner and all Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible, cause the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable.
(d) Special Allocations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1, the following special allocations shall be made for each taxable period in the following order:
(i) Partnership Minimum Gain Chargeback . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, each Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any successor provision. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d), each Partners Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) with respect to such taxable period (other than an allocation pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(vi) and Section 6.1(d)(vii)). This Section 6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply with the Partnership Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain . Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 6.1 (other than Section 6.1(d)(i)), except as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, any Partner with a share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable period shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and
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1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provisions. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d), each Partners Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d), other than Section 6.1(d)(i) and other than an allocation pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(vi) and Section 6.1(d)(vii), with respect to such taxable period. This Section 6.1(d)(ii) is intended to comply with the chargeback of items of income and gain requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(iii) Priority Allocations .
(A) If the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of any property distributed (except cash or property distributed pursuant to Section 12.4) with respect to a Unit for a taxable period exceeds the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of property distributed with respect to another Unit for the same taxable period (the amount of the excess, an Excess Distribution and the Unit with respect to which the greater distribution is paid, an Excess Distribution Unit ), then there shall be allocated gross income and gain to each Unitholder receiving an Excess Distribution with respect to the Excess Distribution Unit until the aggregate amount of such items allocated with respect to such Excess Distribution Unit pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) for the current taxable period and all previous taxable periods is equal to the amount of the Excess Distribution.
(B) After the application of Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A), the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for the taxable period, if any, shall be allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, until the aggregate amount of such items allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iii)(B) for the current taxable period and all previous taxable periods is equal to the cumulative amount of all Incentive Distributions made to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights from the Closing Date to a date 45 days after the end of the current taxable period.
(iv) Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Sections 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 Partnership gross income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital Account created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible; provided, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iv) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account after all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if this Section 6.1(d)(iv) were not in this Agreement.
(v) Gross Income Allocation . In the event any Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account at the end of any taxable period in excess of the sum of (A) the
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amount such Partner is required to restore pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the amount such Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership gross income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided , that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(v) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Capital Account after all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if Section 6.1(d)(iv) and this Section 6.1(d)(v) were not in this Agreement.
(vi) Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partners Pro Rata. If the General Partner determines that the Partnerships Nonrecourse Deductions should be allocated in a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is authorized to revise the prescribed ratio to the numerically closest ratio that does satisfy such requirements.
(vii) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Partner bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, the Partner Nonrecourse Deductions attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among such Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such Economic Risk of Loss.
(viii) Nonrecourse Liabilities . For purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Partners agree that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of Nonrecourse Built-in Gain shall be allocated first, to any Partner that contributed property to the Partnership in proportion to and to the extent of the amount by which each such Partners share of any Section 704(c) built-in gains exceeds such Partners share of Nonrecourse Built-in Gain, and second, among the Partners Pro Rata.
(ix) Code Section 754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) of the Code (including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution to a Partner in complete liquidation of such Partners interest in the Partnership, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) taken into account pursuant to Section 5.5, and such item of gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Treasury Regulations.
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(x) Economic Uniformity; Changes in Law .
(A) At the election of the General Partner with respect to any taxable period ending upon, or after, the termination of the Subordination Period, all or a portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for such taxable period, after taking into account allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(iii), shall be allocated 100% to each Partner holding Subordinated Units that are Outstanding as of the termination of the Subordination Period ( Final Subordinated Units ) in the proportion of the number of Final Subordinated Units held by such Partner to the total number of Final Subordinated Units then Outstanding, until each such Partner has been allocated an amount of gross income or gain that increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to such Final Subordinated Units to an amount that after taking into account the other allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction to be made with respect to such taxable period will equal the product of (1) the number of Final Subordinated Units held by such Partner and (2) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common Unit. The purpose of this allocation is to establish uniformity between the Capital Accounts underlying Final Subordinated Units and the Capital Accounts underlying Common Units held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates immediately prior to the conversion of such Final Subordinated Units into Common Units. This allocation method for establishing such economic uniformity will be available to the General Partner only if the method for allocating the Capital Account maintained with respect to the Subordinated Units between the transferred and retained Subordinated Units pursuant to Section 5.5(c)(ii) does not otherwise provide such economic uniformity to the Final Subordinated Units.
(B) Prior to making any allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xii)(C), if a Revaluation Event occurs during any taxable period of the Partnership ending upon, or after, the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11, then after the application of Section 6.1(d)(x)(A), any Unrealized Gains and Unrealized Losses shall be allocated among the Partners in a manner that to the nearest extent possible results in the Capital Accounts maintained with respect to such IDR Reset Common Units issued pursuant to Section 5.11 equaling the product of (1) the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units and (2) the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.
(C) Prior to making any allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xii)(C), if a Revaluation Event occurs after the Subordination Period has ended, then after the application of Section 6.1(d)(x)(A)-(B), any remaining Unrealized Gains and Unrealized Losses shall be allocated to the holders of (A) Affiliate Retained Units, Pro Rata, or (B) Outstanding Common Units (other than Affiliate Retained Units), Pro Rata, as applicable, in a manner that to the nearest extent possible results in the Capital Accounts maintained with respect to each Affiliate Retained Unit equaling the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.
(D) Prior to making any allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xii)(C), if a Revaluation Event occurs, then after the application of Section 6.1(d)(x)(A)-(C), any remaining Unrealized Gains and Unrealized Losses shall be allocated to the holders of (A) Outstanding Privately Placed Units, Pro Rata, or (B) Outstanding
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Common Units (other than Privately Placed Units), Pro Rata, as applicable, in a manner that to the nearest extent possible results in the Capital Accounts maintained with respect to each Privately Placed Unit equaling the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.
(E) With respect to any taxable period during which an IDR Reset Common Unit is transferred to any Person who is not an Affiliate of the transferor, all or a portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for such taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the transferor Partner of such transferred IDR Reset Common Unit until such transferor Partner has been allocated an amount of gross income or gain that increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to such transferred IDR Reset Common Unit to an amount equal to the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.
(F) For the proper administration of the Partnership and for the preservation of uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof), the General Partner shall (1) adopt such conventions as it deems appropriate in determining the amount of depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions; (2) make special allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss; and (3) amend the provisions of this Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or promulgation of Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) or Section 704(c) of the Code or (y) otherwise to preserve or achieve uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof) that are publicly traded as a single class. The General Partner may adopt such conventions, make such allocations and make such amendments to this Agreement as provided in this Section 6.1(d)(x)(F) only if such conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a material adverse effect on the Partners, the holders of any class or classes of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests or the Partnership.
(xi) Curative Allocation .
(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1, other than the Required Allocations, the Required Allocations shall be taken into account in making the Agreed Allocations so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of items of gross income, gain, loss and deduction allocated to each Partner pursuant to the Required Allocations and the Agreed Allocations, together, shall be equal to the net amount of such items that would have been allocated to each such Partner under the Agreed Allocations had the Required Allocations and the related Curative Allocation not otherwise been provided in this Section 6.1. In exercising its discretion under this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A), the General Partner may take into account future Required Allocations that, although not yet made, are likely to offset other Required Allocations previously made. Allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall only be made with respect to Required Allocations to the extent the General Partner determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the economic agreement among the Partners.
(B) The General Partner shall, with respect to each taxable period, (1) apply the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) in whatever order is most likely to minimize the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the Required Allocations, and (2) divide all allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) among the Partners in a manner that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.
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(xii) Corrective and Other Allocations . In the event of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items or a Net Termination Loss, the following rules shall apply:
(A) The General Partner shall allocate Additional Book Basis Derivative Items consisting of depreciation, amortization, depletion or any other form of cost recovery (other than Additional Book Basis Derivative Items included in Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) with respect to any Adjusted Property to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and the General Partner, all in the same proportion as the Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss resulting from the Revaluation Event that gave rise to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items was allocated to them pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii).
(B) If a sale or other taxable disposition of an Adjusted Property, including, for this purpose, inventory ( Disposed of Adjusted Property ) occurs other than in connection with an event giving rise to Sale Gain or Sale Loss, the General Partner shall allocate (1) items of gross income and gain (x) away from the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and (y) to the Unitholders, or (2) items of deduction and loss (x) away from the Unitholders and (y) to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, to the extent that the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to the Disposed of Adjusted Property (determined in accordance with the last sentence of the definition of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items) treated as having been allocated to the Unitholders pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(B) exceed their Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to such Disposed of Adjusted Property. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(B), the Unitholders shall be treated as having been allocated Additional Book Basis Derivative Items to the extent that such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items have reduced the amount of income that would otherwise have been allocated to the Unitholders under the Partnership Agreement (e.g., Additional Book Basis Derivative Items taken into account in computing cost of goods sold would reduce the amount of book income otherwise available for allocation among the Partners). Any allocation made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(B) shall be made after all of the other Agreed Allocations have been made as if this Section 6.1(d)(xii) were not in this Agreement and, to the extent necessary, shall require the reallocation of items that have been allocated pursuant to such other Agreed Allocations.
(C) Net Termination Loss in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) such Net Termination Loss and (2) the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments shall be allocated in such manner as is determined by the General Partner that to the extent possible, the Capital Account balances of the Partners will equal the amount they would have been had no prior Book-Up Events occurred, and any remaining Net Termination Loss shall be allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) hereof. In allocating Net Termination Loss pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(C), the General Partner shall attempt, to the extent possible, to cause the Capital Accounts of the Unitholders, on the one hand, and holders of the Incentive Distribution
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Rights, on the other hand, to equal the amount they would equal if (i) the Carrying Values of the Partnerships property had not been previously adjusted in connection with any prior Book-Up Events, (ii) Unrealized Gain and Unrealized Loss (or, in the case of a liquidation, Liquidation Gain or Liquidation Loss) with respect to such Partnership Property were determined with respect to such unadjusted Carrying Values, and (iii) any resulting Net Termination Gain had been allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account the provisions set forth in the last sentence of Section 6.1(c)(i)).
(D) In making the allocations required under this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(D), the General Partner may apply whatever conventions or other methodology it determines will satisfy the purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(D). Without limiting the foregoing, if an Adjusted Property is contributed by the Partnership to another entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the lower tier partnership ), the General Partner may make allocations similar to those described in Section 6.1(d)(xii)(A), (B) and (C) to the extent the General Partner determines such allocations are necessary to account for the Partnerships allocable share of income, gain, loss and deduction of the lower tier partnership that relate to the contributed Adjusted Property in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xii)(D).
(xiii) Special Curative Allocation in Event of Certain Liquidations .
(A) Liquidation Prior to Conversion of the Last Outstanding Subordinated Unit . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 (other than the Required Allocations), if (1) the Liquidation Date occurs prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and (2) after having made all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit does not equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if Section 6.1(c)(iii) and Section 6.1(c)(iv) had not been part of this Agreement and all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable, then items of income, gain, loss and deduction for such taxable period shall be reallocated among all Unitholders in a manner determined appropriate by the General Partner so as to cause, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the reallocation of items set forth in the immediately preceding sentence provides that, to the extent necessary to achieve the Capital Account balances described above, (x) items of income and gain that would otherwise be included in Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs shall be reallocated from the Unitholders holding Subordinated Units to Unitholders holding Common Units and (y) items of deduction and loss that would otherwise be included in Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs shall be reallocated from Unitholders holding Common Units to the Unitholders holding Subordinated Units. In the event that (1) the Liquidation Date occurs on or before the date (not including any extension of time prescribed by law) for the filing of the Partnerships federal income tax return for the taxable
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period immediately prior to the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs and (2) the reallocation of items for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs as set forth above in this Section 6.1(d)(xiii) fails to achieve the Capital Account balances described above, items of income, gain, loss and deduction that would otherwise be included in the Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for such prior taxable period shall be reallocated among the Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible and after taking into account all other allocations made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii), cause the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii), as applicable.
(B) Liquidation After Conversion of the Last Outstanding Subordinated Unit .
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 (other than the Required Allocations), if (x) the Liquidation Date occurs after the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and (y) after having made all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, the Capital Account maintained with respect to each Affiliate Retained Unit does not equal the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit, then items of gain and loss (including Unrealized Gain and Unrealized Loss) for such taxable period resulting from the sale, exchange or other disposition of assets of the Partnership Group (including any such items included in Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss for such period but excluding any items of income or deduction included in such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) shall be reallocated to the Unitholders in a manner determined appropriate by the General Partner so as to cause, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Accounts maintained with respect to each Affiliate Retained Unit to equal the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.
(2) In the event that the reallocation of items for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs as set forth above in Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B)(1) fails to achieve the Capital Account balances described therein, items of income, gain, loss and deduction that would otherwise be included in (x) Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, or (y) Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss, as the case may be, for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs shall be reallocated among the Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible and after taking into account all other allocations made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii), cause the Capital Account maintained with respect to each Affiliate Retained Unit to equal the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit; provided that the amount of items allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B)(2) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of items of gross income reallocated pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xiv) with respect to taxable periods ending more than five years prior to the end of the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs.
(3) In the event that (x) the Liquidation Date occurs on or before the date (not including any extension of time prescribed by law) for the filing of the Partnerships federal income tax return for the taxable period immediately prior to the taxable
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period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, and (y) the reallocations of items for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs as set forth above in Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B)(1) and (2) fail to achieve the Capital Account balances described therein, items of income, gain, loss and deduction that would otherwise be included in (i) Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, or (ii) Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss, as the case may be, for such prior taxable period shall be reallocated among the Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible and after taking into account all other allocations made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii), cause the Capital Account maintained with respect to each Affiliate Retained Unit to equal the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit; provided that the amount of items allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B)(3) shall not exceed an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the aggregate amount of items of gross income reallocated pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xiv) with respect to taxable periods ending more than six years prior to the end of the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, over (b) any amounts reallocated pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B)(2).
(xiv) Special Reallocation of Gross Income to Common Units . After taking into account (A) the allocation of Net Income pursuant to Section 6.1 or Net Loss pursuant to Section 6.2 and (B) the Required Allocations (including any Curative Allocations) for each taxable period ending on or before December 31, 2020 during which any Affiliate Retained Units are Outstanding, items of gross income that would otherwise be allocated to the holders of such Affiliate Retained Units shall be reallocated from the holders of such Affiliate Retained Units, Pro Rata, to the holders of Common Units other than Affiliate Retained Units, Pro Rata; provided that no reallocation of items of gross income shall be made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiv) in any taxable period to the extent such allocation would cause a hypothetical holder of an Initial Common Unit to be allocated under this Agreement an amount of federal taxable income with respect to such taxable period that would exceed 20% of the amount of cash distributed by the Partnership to such holder with respect to such Initial Common Unit for such taxable period.
Section 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes .
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of book income, gain, loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss, depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions shall be allocated for U.S. federal income tax purposes among the Partners in the manner provided under Section 704(c) of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code, as determined appropriate by the General Partner (taking into account the General Partners discretion under Section 6.1(d)(x)(F)); provided, that in all events the General Partner shall apply the remedial allocation method in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d).
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(c) The General Partner may determine to depreciate or amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code attributable to unrealized appreciation in any Adjusted Property (to the extent of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity of such property, despite any inconsistency of such approach with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6) or any successor regulations thereto. If the General Partner determines that such reporting position cannot reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt depreciation and amortization conventions under which all purchasers acquiring Limited Partner Interests in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization deductions, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in the Partnerships property. If the General Partner chooses not to utilize such aggregate method, the General Partner may use any other depreciation and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any Limited Partner Interests, so long as such conventions would not have a material adverse effect on the Limited Partners or the Record Holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests.
(d) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.1245-1(e) and 1.1250-1(f), any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other taxable disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible, after taking into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to this Section 6.2, be characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to the same extent as such Partners (or their predecessors in interest) have been allocated any deductions directly or indirectly giving rise to the treatment of such gains as Recapture Income.
(e) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit recognized by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and allocated to the Partners in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be determined without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code that may be made by the Partnership; provided , however , that such allocations, once made, shall be adjusted (in the manner determined by the General Partner) to take into account those adjustments permitted or required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.
(f) Each item of Partnership income, gain, loss and deduction shall, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be determined for each taxable period and prorated on a monthly basis and shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National Securities Exchange on which Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of each month; provided , however , such items for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of the month in which the Closing Date occurs shall be allocated to the Partners (including all Partners who acquire Units pursuant to the Contribution Agreement) as of the closing of the National Securities Exchange on which Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the last Business Day of the next succeeding month; and provided , further , that gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of any assets of the Partnership or any other extraordinary item of income, gain, loss or deduction as determined by the General Partner, shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National Securities Exchange on which Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of the month in which such item is recognized for federal income tax purposes. The General Partner may revise, alter or otherwise modify such methods of allocation to the extent permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and the regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder.
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(g) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Limited Partner under the provisions of this Article VI shall instead be made to the beneficial owner of Limited Partner Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method determined by the General Partner.
(h) If, as a result of an exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the General Partner shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).
Section 6.3 Distributions; Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders .
(a) The General Partner may adopt a cash distribution policy, which it may change from time to time without amendment to this Agreement. Distributions will be made as and when declared by the General Partner.
(b) All amounts of cash and cash equivalents distributed by the Partnership on any date from any source shall be deemed to be Operating Surplus until the sum of all amounts of cash and cash equivalents theretofore distributed by the Partnership to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.4 equals the Operating Surplus from the Closing Date through the close of the immediately preceding Quarter. Any remaining amounts of cash and cash equivalents distributed by the Partnership on such date shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.5, be deemed to be Capital Surplus. All distributions required to be made under this Agreement or otherwise made by the Partnership shall be made subject to Sections 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware Act.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 6.3(b), in the event of the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership, all Partnership assets shall be applied and distributed solely in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Section 12.4.
(d) Each distribution in respect of a Partnership Interest shall be paid by the Partnership, directly or through any Transfer Agent or through any other Person or agent, only to the Record Holder of such Partnership Interest as of the Record Date set for such distribution. Such payment shall constitute full payment and satisfaction of the Partnerships liability in respect of such payment, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such payment by reason of an assignment or otherwise.
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Section 6.4 Distributions from Operating Surplus .
(a) During Subordination Period . Cash and cash equivalents distributed in respect of any Quarter wholly within the Subordination Period that is deemed to be Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.5 shall be distributed as follows:
(i) First, to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(ii) Second, to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage existing with respect to such Quarter;
(iii) Third, to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(iv) Fourth, to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(v) Fifth, (A) 15% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 85% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Second Target Distribution over the First Target Distribution for such Quarter;
(vi) Sixth, (A) 25% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and
(vii) Thereafter, (A) 50% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 50% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata;
provided , however , if the Target Distributions have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a), the distribution of cash and cash equivalents that are deemed to be Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with Section 6.4(a)(vii).
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(b) After Subordination Period . Cash and cash equivalents distributed in respect of any Quarter ending after the Subordination Period has ended that is deemed to be Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.5 shall be distributed as follows:
(i) First, to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(ii) Second, to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(iii) Third, (A) 15% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 85% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Second Target Distribution over the First Target Distribution for such Quarter;
(iv) Fourth, (A) 25% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and
(v) Thereafter, (A) 50% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (B) 50% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata;
provided , however , if the Target Distributions have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a), the distribution of cash or cash equivalents that are deemed to be Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with Section 6.4(b)(v).
Section 6.5 Distributions from Capital Surplus . Cash and cash equivalents that are distributed and deemed to be Capital Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3(b) shall be distributed, unless the provisions of Section 6.3 require otherwise:
(a) First, 100% to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Minimum Quarterly Distribution has been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a);
(b) Second, 100% to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage; and
(c) Thereafter, all cash and cash equivalents that are distributed shall be distributed as if it were Operating Surplus and shall be distributed in accordance with Section 6.4.
Section 6.6 Adjustment of Target Distribution Levels .
(a) The Target Distributions, Common Unit Arrearages and Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of any distribution, combination or subdivision (whether effected by a distribution payable in Units or otherwise) of
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Units or other Partnership Interests. In the event of a distribution of cash or cash equivalents that is deemed to be from Capital Surplus, the then applicable Target Distributions shall be reduced in the same proportion that the distribution had to the fair market value of the Common Units immediately prior to the announcement of the distribution. If the Common Units are publicly traded on a National Securities Exchange, the fair market value will be the Current Market Price before the ex-dividend date. If the Common Units are not publicly traded, the fair market value will be determined by the Board of Directors.
(b) The Target Distributions shall also be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.11 and Section 6.9.
Section 6.7 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Subordinated Units and Affiliate Retained Units .
(a) Except with respect to the right to vote on or approve matters requiring the vote or approval of a percentage of the holders of Outstanding Common Units and the right to participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and distributions made with respect to Common Units, the holder of a Subordinated Unit shall have all of the rights and obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder; provided , however , that immediately upon the conversion of Subordinated Units into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7, the Unitholder holding Subordinated Units shall possess all of the rights and obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder with respect to such converted Subordinated Units, including the right to vote as a Common Unitholder and the right to participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and distributions made with respect to Common Units; provided , however , that such converted Subordinated Units shall remain subject to the provisions of Sections 5.5(c)(ii), 6.1(d)(x), and 6.7(b) and (c).
(b) A Unitholder shall not be permitted to transfer a Subordinated Unit, a Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common Unit pursuant to Section 5.7, or an Affiliate Retained Unit (other than a transfer to an Affiliate) if the remaining balance in the transferring Unitholders Capital Account with respect to the retained Subordinated Units or retained converted Subordinated Units or Affiliate Retained Units would be negative after giving effect to the allocation under Section 5.5(c)(ii)(B).
(c) The Unitholder holding a Common Unit that has resulted from the conversion of a Subordinated Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 or that is an Affiliate Retained Unit shall not be permitted to transfer such Common Unit to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the holder until such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of counsel, that each such Common Unit should have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics, in all material respects, to the intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of an Initial Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed by this Section 6.7(c), the General Partner may take whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to such Common Units in preparation for a transfer of such Common Units, including the application of Sections 5.5(c)(ii) and 6.1(d)(x)(C); provided , however , that no such steps may be taken that would have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units.
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Section 6.8 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of IDR Reset Common Units .
(a) A Unitholder shall not be permitted to transfer an IDR Reset Common Unit (other than a transfer to an Affiliate) if the remaining balance in the transferring Unitholders Capital Account with respect to the retained IDR Reset Common Units would be negative after giving effect to the allocation under Section 5.5(c)(iii).
(b) A Unitholder holding an IDR Reset Common Unit shall not be permitted to transfer such Common Unit to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the holder until such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of counsel, that upon transfer each such Common Unit should have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and U.S. federal income tax characteristics to the transferee, in all material respects, to the intrinsic economic and U.S. federal income tax characteristics of an Initial Common Unit to such transferee. In connection with the condition imposed by this Section 6.8(b), the General Partner may apply Sections 5.5(c)(ii), 6.1(d)(x) and 6.8(a) or, to the extent not resulting in a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units, take whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to such Common Units in preparation for a transfer of such IDR Reset Common Units.
Section 6.9 Entity-Level Taxation . If legislation is enacted or the official interpretation of existing legislation is modified by a governmental authority, which after giving effect to such enactment or modification, results in a Group Member becoming subject to federal, state or local or non-U.S. income or withholding taxes in excess of the amount of such taxes due from the Group Member prior to such enactment or modification (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any increase in the rate of such taxation applicable to the Group Member), then the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, reduce the Target Distributions by the amount of income or withholding taxes that are payable by reason of any such new legislation or interpretation (the Incremental Income Taxes ), or any portion thereof selected by the General Partner, in the manner provided in this Section 6.9. If the General Partner elects to reduce the Target Distributions for any Quarter with respect to all or a portion of any Incremental Income Taxes, the General Partner shall estimate for such Quarter the Partnership Groups aggregate liability (the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount ) for all (or the relevant portion of) such Incremental Income Taxes; provided that any difference between such estimate and the actual liability for Incremental Income Taxes (or the relevant portion thereof) for such Quarter may, to the extent determined by the General Partner, be taken into account in determining the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount with respect to each Quarter in which any such difference can be determined. For each such Quarter, the Target Distributions, shall be the product obtained by multiplying (a) the amounts therefor that are set out herein prior to the application of this Section 6.9 times (b) the quotient obtained by dividing (i) cash and cash equivalents with respect to such Quarter by (ii) the sum of cash and cash equivalents with respect to such Quarter and the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount for such Quarter, as determined by the General Partner. For purposes of the foregoing, cash and cash equivalents with respect to a Quarter will be deemed reduced by the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount for that Quarter.
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ARTICLE VII
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS
Section 7.1 Management .
(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage all activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, but without limitation on the ability of the General Partner to delegate its rights and power to other Persons, all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no other Partner shall have any management power over the business and affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted to a general partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or that are granted to the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner, subject to Section 7.4, shall have full power and authority to do all things and on such terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in Section 2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section 2.4, including the following:
(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness, including indebtedness that is convertible or exchangeable into Partnership Interests, and the incurring of any other obligations;
(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;
(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the Partnership or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with or into another Person (the matters described in this clause (iii) being subject, however, to any prior approval that may be required by Section 7.4 or Article XIV);
(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the financing of the conduct of the operations of the Partnership Group; the lending of funds to other Persons (including other Group Members); the repayment or guarantee of obligations of any Group Member; and the making of capital contributions to any Group Member;
(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts, conveyances or other instruments (including instruments that limit the liability of the Partnership under contractual arrangements to all or particular assets of the Partnership, with the other party to the contract to have no recourse against the General Partner or its assets other than its interest in the Partnership, even if the same results in the terms of the transaction being less favorable to the Partnership than would otherwise be the case);
(vi) the distribution of cash or cash equivalents by the Partnership;
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(vii) the selection, employment, retention and dismissal of employees (including employees having titles such as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer) and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors of the General Partner or the Partnership Group and the determination of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring;
(viii) the maintenance of insurance for the benefit of the Partnership Group, the Partners and Indemnitees;
(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the contribution of property and the making of loans to, any limited or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, limited liability companies or other Persons (including the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, any Group Member from time to time);
(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations of the Partnership, including the bringing and defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation, arbitration or mediation and the incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation;
(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
(xii) the entering into listing agreements with any National Securities Exchange and the delisting of some or all of the Limited Partner Interests from, or requesting that trading be suspended on, any such exchange;
(xiii) the purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition of Partnership Interests, or the issuance of Derivative Instruments;
(xiv) the undertaking of any action in connection with the Partnerships participation in the management of any Group Member; and
(xv) the entering into agreements with any of its Affiliates, including agreements to render services to a Group Member or to itself in the discharge of its duties as General Partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation, each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby (i) approves, ratifies and confirms the execution, delivery and performance by the parties thereto of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement, the Contribution Agreement and the other agreements described in or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are related to the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement (in the case of each agreement other than this Agreement, without giving effect to any amendments, supplements or restatements after the date hereof); (ii) agrees that the General Partner (on its own behalf or on behalf of the Partnership) is authorized to execute, deliver and
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perform the agreements referred to in clause (i) of this sentence and the other agreements, acts, transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the Partners, or the other Persons who may acquire an interest in Partnership Interests or are otherwise bound by this Agreement; and (iii) agrees that the execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner, any Group Member or any Affiliate of any of them of this Agreement or any agreement authorized or permitted under this Agreement (including the exercise by the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to Article XV) shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Partners or any other Persons under this Agreement (or any other agreements) or of any duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
Section 7.2 Replacement of Fiduciary Duties . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that, at law or in equity, the General Partner or any other Indemnitee would have duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Partnership, to another Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and replaced with the duties expressly set forth herein. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) and replacement thereof with the duties expressly set forth herein are approved by the Partnership, each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement.
Section 7.3 Certificate of Limited Partnership . The General Partner has caused the Certificate of Limited Partnership to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Delaware Act. The General Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other certificates or documents that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. To the extent the General Partner determines such action to be necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file amendments to and restatements of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and do all things to maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership or other entity in which the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware or of any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section 3.4(a), the General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification document or any amendment thereto to any Partner.
Section 7.4 Restrictions on the General Partners Authority . Except as provided in Article XII and Article XIV, the General Partner may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions without the approval of a Unit Majority; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude or limit the General Partners ability to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group and shall not apply to any sale of any or all of the assets of the Partnership Group pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such encumbrance.
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Section 7.5 Reimbursement of the General Partner .
(a) The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other basis as the General Partner may determine, for (i) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership Group (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any Person (including Affiliates of the General Partner) to perform services for the Partnership Group or for the General Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership Group), and (ii) all other expenses allocable to the Partnership Group or otherwise incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the Partnership Groups business (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership Group. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 7.5 shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the General Partner as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section 7.7.
(b) The General Partner and its Affiliates may charge any member of the Partnership Group a management fee to the extent necessary to allow the Partnership Group to reduce the amount of any state franchise or income tax or any tax based upon the revenues or gross margin of any member of the Partnership Group if the tax benefit produced by the payment for such management fee of such management fee or fees exceeds the amount of such fee or fees.
(c) The General Partner, without the approval of the Limited Partners (who shall have no right to vote in respect thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the Partnership benefit plans, programs and practices (including plans, programs and practices involving the issuance of Partnership Interests or Derivative Instruments), or cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Interests or Derivative Instruments in connection with, or pursuant to, any benefit plan, program or practice maintained or sponsored by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, any Group Member or their Affiliates, or any of them, in each case for the benefit of employees, officers, consultants and directors of the General Partner or its Affiliates, in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the Partnership Group. The Partnership agrees to issue and sell to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates any Partnership Interests that the General Partner or such Affiliates are obligated to provide to any employees, officers, consultants and directors pursuant to any such benefit plans, programs or practices. Expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with any such plans, programs and practices (including the net cost to the General Partner or such Affiliates of Partnership Interests purchased by the General Partner or such Affiliates, from the Partnership or otherwise, to fulfill awards under such plans, programs and practices) shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section 7.5(a). Any and all obligations of the General Partner under any benefit plans, programs or practices adopted by the General Partner as permitted by this Section 7.5(c) shall constitute obligations of the General Partner hereunder and shall be assumed by any successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partners General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6.
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Section 7.6 Outside Activities .
(a) The General Partner, for so long as it is the General Partner of the Partnership, shall not engage in any business or activity or incur any debts or liabilities except in connection with or incidental to (i) its performance as general partner or managing member, if any, of one or more Group Members or as described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement, (ii) the acquiring, owning or disposing of debt securities or equity interests in any Group Member or (iii) the direct or indirect provision of management, advisory, and administrative services to its Affiliates or to other Persons.
(b) Each Unrestricted Person (other than the General Partner) shall have the right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other activities for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business ventures of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently or with others, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the business and activities of any Group Member. No such business interest or activity shall constitute a breach of this Agreement, any fiduciary or other duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise, or obligation of any type whatsoever to the Partnership or other Group Member, to another Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, shall not apply to any Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner). No Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) who acquires knowledge of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for the Partnership, shall have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to any Group Member, and such Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) shall not be liable to the Partnership or other Group Member, to another Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement for breach of any fiduciary or other duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise by reason of the fact that such Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another Person or does not communicate such opportunity or information to any Group Member.
(d) The General Partner and each of its Affiliates may acquire Units or other Partnership Interests in addition to those acquired on the Closing Date and, except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 7.11, shall be entitled to exercise, at their option, all rights relating to all Units or other Partnership Interests acquired by them.
Section 7.7 Indemnification .
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, all Indemnitees shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (joint or several), expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all threatened
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pending or completed claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal and including appeals, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee and acting (or refraining to act) in such capacity; provided , that the Indemnitee shall not be indemnified and held harmless if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Indemnitee acted in Bad Faith or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the Indemnitees conduct was unlawful. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being agreed that the General Partner shall not be personally liable for such indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to Section 7.7(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7, the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified upon receipt by the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized by this Section 7.7.
(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the holders of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests, as a matter of law, in equity or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitees capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other capacity, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the Indemnitee.
(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse the General Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of the General Partner, its Affiliates, the Indemnitees and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against, or expense that may be incurred by, such Person in connection with the Partnerships activities or such Persons activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines within the meaning of Section 7.7(a); and action taken or omitted by an Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the best interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose that is in the best interests of the Partnership.
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(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.
(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(h) The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees and their heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.
(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.7 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees .
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages or otherwise to the Partnership, to another Partner, to any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, for losses sustained or liabilities incurred, of any kind or character, as a result of its or any of any other Indemnitees determinations, act(s) or omission(s) in their capacities as Indemnitees; provided, however , that an Indemnitee shall be liable for losses or liabilities sustained or incurred by the Partnership, the other Partners, any other Persons who acquire an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person bound by this Agreement, if it is determined by a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that such losses or liabilities were the result of the conduct of that Indemnitee engaged in by it in Bad Faith or with respect to any criminal conduct, with the knowledge that its conduct was unlawful.
(b) The General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner if such appointment was not made in Bad Faith.
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(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership, to the Partners, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in connection with the Partnerships business or affairs shall not be liable to the Partnership , to any Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement for its reliance on the provisions of this Agreement.
(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the liability of the Indemnitees under this Section 7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest; Standards of Conduct and Modification of Duties .
(a) Whenever the General Partner, acting in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, or the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) or any Affiliates of the General Partner cause the General Partner to make a determination or take or omit to take any action in such capacity, whether or not under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, then, unless another lesser standard is provided for in this Agreement, the General Partner, the Board of Directors, such committee or such Affiliates, shall not make such determination, or take or omit to take such action, in Bad Faith. The foregoing and other lesser standards provided for in this Agreement are the sole and exclusive standards governing any such determinations, actions and omissions of the General Partner, the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) and any Affiliate of the General Partner and no such Person shall be subject to any fiduciary duty or other duty or obligation, or any other, different or higher standard (all of which duties, obligations and standards are hereby waived and disclaimed), under this Agreement any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity. Any such determination, action or omission by the General Partner, the Board of Directors of the General Partner or any committee thereof (including the Conflicts Committee) or of any Affiliates of the General Partner, will for all purposes be presumed to have been in Good Faith. In any proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Partnership, any Limited Partner, or any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person who is bound by this Agreement, challenging such determination, act or omission, the Person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding shall have the burden of proving that such determination, action or omission was not in Good Faith.
(b) Whenever the General Partner makes a determination or takes or omits to take any action, or any of its Affiliates causes it to do so, not acting in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, whether or not under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement
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or any other agreement contemplated hereby, then the General Partner, or such Affiliates causing it to do so, are entitled, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to make such determination or to take or omit to take such action free of any fiduciary duty or duty of Good Faith, or other duty or obligation existing at law, in equity or otherwise whatsoever to the Partnership, to another Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, and the General Partner, or such Affiliates causing it to do so, shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be required to act in Good Faith or pursuant to any fiduciary or other duty or standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity.
(c) For purposes of Sections 7.9(a) and (b) of this Agreement, acting in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership means and is solely limited to, the General Partner exercising its authority as a general partner under this Agreement, other than when it is acting in its individual capacity. For purposes of this Agreement, acting in its individual capacity means: (i) any action by the General Partner or its Affiliates other than through the exercise of the General Partner of its authority as a general partner under this Agreement; and (ii) any action or inaction by the General Partner by the exercise (or failure to exercise) of its rights, powers or authority under this Agreement that are modified by: (A) the phrase at the option of the General Partner, (B) the phrase in its sole discretion or in its discretion or (iii) some variation of the phrases set forth in clauses (i) and (ii). For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the General Partner votes, acquires Partnership Interests or transfers its Partnership Interests, or refrains from voting or transferring its Partnership Interests, it shall be and be deemed to be acting in its individual capacity.
(d) Whenever a potential conflict of interest exists or arises between the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnership, any Group Member or any Partner, any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person who is bound by this Agreement on the other hand, the General Partner may in its discretion submit any resolution, course of action with respect to or causing such conflict of interest or transaction (i) for Special Approval or (ii) for approval by the vote of a majority of the Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner or its Affiliates). If any resolution, course of action or transaction: (A) receives Special Approval; or (B) receives approval of a majority of the Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner or its Affiliates), then such resolution, course of action or transaction shall be conclusively deemed to be approved by the Partnership, all the Partners, each Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person who is bound by this Agreement, and shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, of any Group Member Agreement, of any agreement contemplated herein or therein, or of any fiduciary or other duty or obligation existing at law, in equity or otherwise or obligation of any type whatsoever.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the General Partner and its Affiliates or any other Indemnitee shall have no duty or obligation, express or implied, to (i) sell or otherwise dispose of any asset of the Partnership Group or (ii) permit any Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General Partner and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into from time to time specifically dealing with such use. Any determination by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates to enter into such contracts or transactions shall be in its sole discretion.
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(f) The Partners and each Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or is otherwise bound by this Agreement hereby authorize the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership as a partner or member of a Group Member, to approve actions by the general partner or managing member of such Group Member similar to those actions permitted to be taken by the General Partner pursuant to this Section 7.9.
(g) For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee), the officers of the General Partner or any Affiliates of the General Partner make a determination on behalf of the General Partner, or cause the General Partner to take or omit to take any action, whether in the General Partners capacity as the General Partner or in its individual capacity, the standards of care applicable to the General Partner shall apply to such Persons, and such Persons shall be entitled to all benefits and rights of the General Partner hereunder, including waivers and modifications of duties, protections and presumptions, as if such Persons were the General Partner hereunder.
Section 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner .
(a) The General Partner may rely, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
(b) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisers selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the advice or opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such Persons as to matters that the General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Persons professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in Good Faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion.
(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its or the Partnerships duly authorized officers, a duly appointed attorney or attorneys-in-fact.
Section 7.11 Purchase or Sale of Partnership Interests . The General Partner may cause the Partnership to purchase or otherwise acquire Partnership Interests. As long as any Partnership Interests are held by any Group Member, such Partnership Interests shall not be entitled to any vote and shall not be considered to be Outstanding.
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Section 7.12 Registration Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates .
(a) If (i) the General Partner or any of its Affiliates (including for purposes of this Section 7.12, any Person that is an Affiliate of the General Partner at the date hereof notwithstanding that it may later cease to be an Affiliate of the General Partner) holds Partnership Interests that it desires to sell and (ii) Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption from registration is not available to enable such holder of Partnership Interests (the Holder ) to dispose of the number of Partnership Interests it desires to sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under the Securities Act, then at the option and upon the request of the Holder, the Partnership shall file with the Commission as promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective and remain effective for a period of not less than six months following its effective date or such shorter period as shall terminate when all Partnership Interests covered by such registration statement have been sold, a registration statement under the Securities Act registering the offering and sale of the number of Partnership Interests specified by the Holder; provided, however , that the Partnership shall not be required to effect more than two registrations pursuant to this Section 7.12(a) in any twelve-month period; and provided further, however , that if the General Partner determines that a postponement of the requested registration would be in the best interests of the Partnership and its Partners due to a pending transaction, investigation or other event, the filing of such registration statement or the effectiveness thereof may be deferred for up to six months, but not thereafter. In connection with any registration pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the Partnership shall (i) promptly prepare and file (A) such documents as may be necessary to register or qualify the securities subject to such registration under the securities laws of such states as the Holder shall reasonably request; provided, however , that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Partnership would become subject to general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business as a foreign corporation or partnership doing business in such jurisdiction solely as a result of such registration, and (B) such documents as may be necessary to apply for listing or to list the Partnership Interests subject to such registration on such National Securities Exchange as the Holder shall reasonably request, and (ii) do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or appropriate to enable the Holder to consummate a public sale of such Partnership Interests in such states. Except as set forth in Section 7.12(c), all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without reimbursement by the Holder.
(b) If the Partnership shall at any time propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act for an offering of Partnership Interests for cash (other than an offering relating solely to a benefit plan), the Partnership shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to include such number or amount of Partnership Interests held by any Holder in such registration statement as the Holder shall request; provided , that the Partnership is not required to make any effort or take any action to so include the Partnership Interests of the Holder once the registration statement becomes or is declared effective by the Commission, including any registration statement providing for the offering from time to time of Partnership Interests pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act. If the proposed offering pursuant to this Section 7.12(b) shall be an
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underwritten offering, then, in the event that the managing underwriter or managing underwriters of such offering advise the Partnership and the Holder that in their opinion the inclusion of all or some of the Holders Partnership Interests would adversely and materially affect the timing or success of the offering, the Partnership shall include in such offering only that number or amount, if any, of Partnership Interests held by the Holder that, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, will not so adversely and materially affect the offering. Except as set forth in Section 7.12(c), all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without reimbursement by the Holder.
(c) If underwriters are engaged in connection with any registration referred to in this Section 7.12, the Partnership shall provide indemnification, representations, covenants, opinions and other assurance to the underwriters in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such underwriters. Further, in addition to and not in limitation of the Partnerships obligation under Section 7.7, the Partnership shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless the Holder, its officers, directors and each Person who controls the Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any agent thereof (collectively, Indemnified Persons ) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnified Person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, under the Securities Act or otherwise (hereinafter referred to in this Section 7.12(c) as a claim and in the plural as claims ) based upon, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement under which any Partnership Interests were registered under the Securities Act or any state securities or Blue Sky laws, in any preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the effective date of such registration statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or issuer free writing prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Partnership is required to keep the registration statement current), or arising out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person to the extent that any such claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, such preliminary, summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Partnership by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person specifically for use in the preparation thereof.
(d) The provisions of Section 7.12(a) and Section 7.12(b) shall continue to be applicable with respect to the General Partner (and any of the General Partners Affiliates) after it ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership, during a period of two years subsequent to the effective date of such cessation and for so long thereafter as is required for the Holder to sell all of the Partnership Interests with respect to which it has requested during such two-year period inclusion in a registration statement otherwise filed or that a registration statement be filed;
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provided, however , that the Partnership shall not be required to file successive registration statements covering the same Partnership Interests for which registration was demanded during such two-year period. The provisions of Section 7.12(c) shall continue in effect thereafter.
(e) The rights to cause the Partnership to register Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 7.12 may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a transferee or assignee of such Partnership Interests, provided (i) the Partnership is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the Partnership Interests with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned; and (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in this Section 7.12.
(f) Any request to register Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 7.12 shall (i) specify the Partnership Interests intended to be offered and sold by the Person making the request, (ii) express such Persons present intent to offer such Partnership Interests for distribution, (iii) describe the nature or method of the proposed offer and sale of Partnership Interests, and (iv) contain the undertaking of such Person to provide all such information and materials and take all action as may be required in order to permit the Partnership to comply with all applicable requirements in connection with the registration of such Partnership Interests.
Section 7.13 Reliance by Third Parties . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume that the General Partner and any officer of the General Partner authorized by the General Partner to act on behalf of and in the name of the Partnership has full power and authority to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter into any authorized contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and such Person shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner or any such officer as if it were the Partnerships sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each Limited Partner, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all defenses or other remedies that may be available to such Person or Partner to contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the General Partner or any such officer in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or any such officer or its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of this Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or action of the General Partner or any such officer or its representatives. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or its representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full force and effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.
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ARTICLE VIII
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
Section 8.1 Records and Accounting . The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership appropriate books and records with respect to the Partnerships business, including all books and records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information required to be provided pursuant to Section 3.4(a). Any books and records maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business, including the record of the Record Holders of Units or other Partnership Interests, books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be kept on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device; provided , that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the Partnership shall be maintained, for financial reporting purposes, on an accrual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Partnership shall not be required to keep books maintained on a cash basis and the General Partner shall be permitted to calculate cash-based measures, including Operating Surplus and Adjusted Operating Surplus, by making such adjustments to its accrual basis books to account for non-cash items and other adjustments as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.
Section 8.2 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a fiscal year ending December 31.
Section 8.3 Reports .
(a) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 105 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Partnership, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means, to each Record Holder of a Unit or other Partnership Interest as of a date selected by the General Partner, an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership for such fiscal year of the Partnership, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of operations, Partnership equity and cash flows, such statements to be audited by a firm of independent public accountants selected by the General Partner, and such other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, or as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.
(b) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 50 days after the close of each Quarter except the last Quarter of each fiscal year, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means to each Record Holder of a Unit or other Partnership Interest, as of a date selected by the General Partner, a report containing unaudited financial statements of the Partnership and such other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, or as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.
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(c) The General Partner shall be deemed to have made a report available to each Record Holder as required by this Section 8.3 if it has either (i) filed such report with the Commission via its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system and such report is publicly available on such system or (ii) made such report available on any publicly available website maintained by the Partnership.
ARTICLE IX
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.1 Tax Returns and Information . The Partnership shall timely file all returns of the Partnership that are required for federal, state and local income tax purposes on the basis of the accrual method and the taxable period or year that it is required by law to adopt, from time to time, as determined by the General Partner. If the Partnership is required to use a taxable period other than a year ending on December 31, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to change the taxable period of the Partnership to a year ending on December 31. The tax information reasonably required by Record Holders for federal, state and local income tax reporting purposes with respect to a taxable period shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close of the calendar year in which the Partnerships taxable period ends. The classification, realization and recognition of income, gain, losses and deductions and other items shall be on the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Section 9.2 Tax Elections .
(a) The Partnership shall make the election under Section 754 of the Code in accordance with applicable regulations thereunder, subject to the reservation of the right to seek to revoke any such election upon the General Partners determination that such revocation is in the best interests of the Limited Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, for the purposes of computing the adjustments under Section 743(b) of the Code, the General Partner shall be authorized (but not required) to adopt a convention whereby the price paid by a transferee of a Limited Partner Interest will be deemed to be the lowest Closing Price of the Limited Partner Interests on any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading during the calendar month in which such transfer is deemed to occur pursuant to Section 6.2(f) without regard to the actual price paid by such transferee.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall determine whether the Partnership should make any other elections permitted by the Code.
Section 9.3 Tax Controversies . Subject to the provisions hereof, the General Partner is designated as the Tax Matters Partner (as defined in the Code) and is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at the Partnerships expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnerships affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to cooperate with the General Partner and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the General Partner to conduct such proceedings.
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Section 9.4 Withholding; Tax Payments .
(a) The General Partner may treat taxes paid by the Partnership on behalf of, all or less than all of the Partners, either as a distribution of cash to such Partners or as a general expense of the Partnership, as determined appropriate under the circumstances by the General Partner.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that may be required to cause the Partnership and other Group Members to comply with any withholding requirements established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the extent that the Partnership is required or elects to withhold and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income or from a distribution to any Partner (including by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), the General Partner may treat the amount withheld as a distribution of cash pursuant to Section 6.3 in the amount of such withholding from such Partner.
ARTICLE X
ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
Section 10.1 Admission of Limited Partners .
(a) By acceptance of the transfer of any Limited Partner Interests in accordance with Article IV or the acceptance of any Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to Article V or pursuant to a merger or consolidation or conversion pursuant to Article XIV, and except as provided in Section 4.8, each transferee of, or other such Person acquiring, a Limited Partner Interest (including any nominee holder or an agent or representative acquiring such Limited Partner Interests for the account of another Person) (i) shall be admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so transferred or issued to such Person when any such transfer or issuance is reflected in the books and records of the Partnership and such Limited Partner becomes the Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interests so transferred or issued, (ii) shall become bound, and shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound, by the terms of this Agreement, (iii) represents that the transferee or other recipient has the capacity, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and (iv) makes the consents, acknowledgements and waivers contained in this Agreement, all with or without execution of this Agreement by such Person. The transfer of any Limited Partner Interests and the admission of any new Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to this Agreement. A Person may become a Limited Partner or Record Holder of a Limited Partner Interest without the consent or approval of any of the Partners. A Person may not become a Limited Partner without acquiring a Limited Partner Interest and until such Person is reflected in the books and records of the Partnership as the Record Holder of such Limited Partner Interest. The rights and obligations of a Person who is an Ineligible Holder shall be determined in accordance with Section 4.8.
(b) The name and mailing address of each Record Holder shall be listed on the books and records of the Partnership maintained for such purpose by the Partnership or the Transfer Agent. The General Partner shall update the books and records of the Partnership from time to time as necessary to reflect accurately the information therein (or shall cause the Transfer Agent to do so, as applicable).
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(c) Any transfer of a Limited Partner Interest shall not entitle the transferee to share in the profits and losses, to receive distributions, to receive allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit or any similar item or to any other rights to which the transferor was entitled until the transferee becomes a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 10.1(a).
Section 10.2 Admission of Successor General Partner . A successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 who is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective immediately prior to the withdrawal or removal of the predecessor or transferring General Partner, pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transfer of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6, provided, however , that no such successor shall be admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the terms of Section 4.6 has occurred and such successor has executed and delivered such other documents or instruments as may be required to effect such admission. Any such successor shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the members of the Partnership Group without dissolution.
Section 10.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership . To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner shall take all steps necessary or appropriate under the Delaware Act to amend the records of the Partnership to reflect such admission and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practicable an amendment to this Agreement and, if required by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership.
ARTICLE XI
WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS
Section 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner .
(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the following events (each such event herein referred to as an Event of Withdrawal );
(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership by giving written notice to the other Partners;
(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6;
(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to Section 11.2;
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(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (B) files a voluntary bankruptcy petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; (C) files a petition or answer seeking for itself a liquidation, dissolution or similar relief (but not a reorganization) under any law; (D) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the General Partner in a proceeding of the type described in clauses (A) - (C) of this Section 11.1(a)(iv); or (E) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee (but not a debtor-in-possession), receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or any substantial part of its properties;
(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is entered by a court with appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary petition by or against the General Partner; or
(vi) (A) if the General Partner is a corporation, a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is filed for the General Partner, or 90 days expire after the date of notice to the General Partner of revocation of its charter without a reinstatement of its charter, under the laws of its state of incorporation; (B) if the General Partner is a partnership or a limited liability company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the General Partner; (C) if the General Partner is acting in such capacity by virtue of being a trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust; and (D) if the General Partner is a natural person, his death or adjudication of incompetency.
If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v) or (vi)(A), (B) or (C) occurs, the withdrawing General Partner shall give notice to the Limited Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The Partners hereby agree that only the Events of Withdrawal described in this Section 11.1 shall result in the withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership.
(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances: (i) at any time during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 11:59 pm, prevailing Central Time, on June 30, 2024, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners; provided , that prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, the withdrawal is approved by Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates) and the General Partner delivers to the Partnership an Opinion of Counsel ( Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel ) that such withdrawal (following the selection of the successor General Partner) would not result in the loss of the limited liability under the Delaware Act of any Limited Partner or cause any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed); (ii) at any time after 11:59 pm, prevailing Central Time, on June 30, 2024, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days advance notice to the Unitholders, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in such notice; (iii) at any time that the General Partner ceases to be the General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(ii) or is removed pursuant to Section 11.2; or (iv) notwithstanding
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clause (i) of this sentence, at any time that the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in the notice, if at the time such notice is given one Person and its Affiliates (other than the General Partner and its Affiliates) own beneficially or of record or control at least 50% of the Outstanding Units. The withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall also constitute the withdrawal of the General Partner as general partner or managing member, if any, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members. If the General Partner gives a notice of withdrawal pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i), a Unit Majority may, prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, elect a successor General Partner. The Person so elected as successor General Partner shall automatically become the successor general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If, prior to the effective date of the General Partners withdrawal pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i), a successor is not selected by the Unitholders as provided herein or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with Section 12.1 unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.1 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.2.
Section 11.2 Removal of the General Partner . The General Partner may be removed if such removal is approved by the Unitholders holding at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Units (including Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates) voting as a single class. Any such action by such holders for removal of the General Partner must also provide for the election of a successor General Partner by the Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Common Units, voting as a class, and a majority of the Outstanding Subordinated Units, voting as a class (including, in each case, Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates). Such removal shall be effective immediately following the admission of a successor General Partner pursuant to Section 10.2. The removal of the General Partner shall also automatically constitute the removal of the General Partner as general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If a Person is elected as a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.2, such Person shall, upon admission pursuant to Section 10.2, automatically become a successor general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. The right of the holders of Outstanding Units to remove the General Partner shall not exist or be exercised unless the Partnership has received an opinion opining as to the matters covered by a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.2.
Section 11.3 Interest of Departing General Partner and Successor General Partner .
(a) In the event of (i) withdrawal of the General Partner under circumstances where such withdrawal does not violate this Agreement or (ii) removal of the General Partner by the holders of Outstanding Units under circumstances where Cause does not exist, if the successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or
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Section 11.2, the Departing General Partner shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the withdrawal or removal of such Departing General Partner, to require its successor to purchase its General Partner Interest and its or its Affiliates general partner interest (or equivalent interest), if any, in the other Group Members and all of its or its Affiliates Incentive Distribution Rights (collectively, the Combined Interest ) in exchange for an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Combined Interest, such amount to be determined and payable as of the effective date of its withdrawal or removal. If the General Partner is removed by the Unitholders under circumstances where Cause exists or if the General Partner withdraws under circumstances where such withdrawal violates this Agreement, and if a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 (or if the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 and the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner), such successor shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the withdrawal or removal of such Departing General Partner (or, in the event the business of the Partnership is continued, prior to the date the business of the Partnership is continued), to purchase the Combined Interest for such fair market value of such Combined Interest. In either event, the Departing General Partner shall be entitled to receive all reimbursements due such Departing General Partner pursuant to Section 7.5, including any employee-related liabilities (including severance liabilities), incurred in connection with the termination of any employees employed by the Departing General Partner or its Affiliates (other than any Group Member) for the benefit of the Partnership or the other Group Members.
For purposes of this Section 11.3(a), the fair market value of the Combined Interest shall be determined by agreement between the Departing General Partner and its successor or, failing agreement within 30 days after the effective date of such Departing General Partners withdrawal or removal, by an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the Departing General Partner and its successor, which, in turn, may rely on other experts, and the determination of which shall be conclusive as to such matter. If such parties cannot agree upon one independent investment banking firm or other independent expert within 45 days after the effective date of such withdrawal or removal, then the Departing General Partner shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, the Departing General Partners successor shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, and such firms or experts shall mutually select a third independent investment banking firm or independent expert, which third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert shall determine the fair market value of the Combined Interest. In making its determination, such third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert may consider the value of the Units, including the then current trading price of Units on any National Securities Exchange on which Units are then listed or admitted to trading, the value of the Partnerships assets, the rights and obligations of the Departing General Partner, the value of the Incentive Distribution Rights and the General Partner Interest and other factors it may deem relevant.
(b) If the Combined Interest is not purchased in the manner set forth in Section 11.3(a), the Departing General Partner (and its Affiliates, if applicable) shall become a Limited Partner and the Combined Interest shall be converted into Common Units pursuant to a
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valuation made by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected pursuant to Section 11.3(a), without reduction in such Partnership Interest (but subject to proportionate dilution by reason of the admission of its successor). Any successor General Partner shall indemnify the Departing General Partner as to all debts and liabilities of the Partnership arising on or after the date on which the Departing General Partner becomes a Limited Partner. For purposes of this Agreement, conversion of the Combined Interest to Common Units will be characterized as if the Departing General Partner (and its Affiliates, if applicable) contributed the Combined Interest to the Partnership in exchange for the newly issued Common Units.
(c) If a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 (or if the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 and the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner) and the option described in Section 11.3(a) is not exercised by the party entitled to do so, the successor General Partner shall, at the effective date of its admission to the Partnership, contribute to the Partnership cash in the amount equal to the product of (x) the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Percentage Interest of the General Partner Interest of the Departing General Partner by (ii) a percentage equal to 100% less the Percentage Interest of the General Partner Interest of the Departing General Partner and (y) the Net Agreed Value of the Partnerships assets on such date. In such event, such successor General Partner shall, subject to the following sentence, be entitled to its Percentage Interest of all Partnership allocations and distributions to which the Departing General Partner was entitled. In addition, the successor General Partner shall cause this Agreement to be amended to reflect that, from and after the date of such successor General Partners admission, the successor General Partners interest in all Partnership distributions and allocations shall be its Percentage Interest.
Section 11.4 Conversion of Subordinated Units . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, if the General Partner is removed as general partner of the Partnership under circumstances where Cause does not exist, the Subordinated Units held by any Person will immediately and automatically convert into Common Units on a one-for-one basis, provided (i) neither such Person nor any of its Affiliates voted any of its Units in favor of the removal and (ii) such Person is not an Affiliate of the successor General Partner; provided , however , that such converted Subordinated Units shall remain subject to the provisions of Section 5.5(c)(ii), Section 6.1(d)(x), Section 6.7(b) and Section 6.7(c).
Section 11.5 Withdrawal of Limited Partners . No Limited Partner shall have any right to withdraw from the Partnership; provided , however , that when a transferee of a Limited Partners Limited Partner Interest becomes a Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interest so transferred, such transferring Limited Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interest so transferred.
ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 12.1 Dissolution . The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Limited Partners or by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance
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with the terms of this Agreement. Upon the removal or withdrawal of the General Partner, if a successor General Partner is elected pursuant to Section 11.1, Section 11.2 or Section 12.2, the Partnership shall not be dissolved and such successor General Partner is hereby authorized to, and shall, continue the business of the Partnership. Subject to Section 12.2, the Partnership shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as provided in Section 11.1(a) (other than Section 11.1(a)(ii)), unless a successor is elected and such successor is admitted to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement;
(b) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General Partner that is approved by a Unit Majority;
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act; or
(d) at any time there are no Limited Partners, unless the Partnership is continued without dissolution in accordance with the Delaware Act.
Section 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution . Upon (a) an Event of Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner as provided in Section 11.1(a)(i) or (iii) and the failure of the Partners to select a successor to such Departing General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2, then within 90 days thereafter, or (b) an event constituting an Event of Withdrawal as defined in Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v) or (vi), then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, within 180 days thereafter, a Unit Majority may elect to continue the business of the Partnership on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement by appointing as a successor General Partner a Person approved by a Unit Majority. Unless such an election is made within the applicable time period as set forth above, the Partnership shall conduct only activities necessary to wind up its affairs. If such an election is so made, then:
(i) the Partnership shall continue without dissolution unless earlier dissolved in accordance with this Article XII;
(ii) if the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner, then the interest of the former General Partner shall be treated in the manner provided in Section 11.3; and
(iii) the successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as General Partner, effective as of the Event of Withdrawal, by agreeing in writing to be bound by this Agreement;
provided , that the right of a Unit Majority to approve a successor General Partner and to continue the business of the Partnership shall not exist and may not be exercised unless the Partnership has received an Opinion of Counsel that (x) the exercise of the right would not result in the loss of limited liability under the Delaware Act of any Limited
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Partner and (y) neither the Partnership nor any Group Member would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of such right to continue (to the extent not already so treated or taxed).
Section 12.3 Liquidator . Upon dissolution of the Partnership, unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2, the General Partner shall select one or more Persons to act as Liquidator. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall be entitled to receive such compensation for its services as may be approved by holders of a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, voting as a single class. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days prior notice and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal approved by holders of a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, voting as a single class. Upon dissolution, removal or resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and substitute Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days thereafter be approved by holders of a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, voting as a single class. The right to approve a successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute Liquidator approved in the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article XII, the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto, all of the powers conferred upon the General Partner under the terms of this Agreement (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on sale set forth in Section 7.4) necessary or appropriate to carry out the duties and functions of the Liquidator hereunder for and during the period of time required to complete the winding up and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for herein.
Section 12.4 Liquidation . The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of the assets of the Partnership, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up its affairs in such manner and over such period as determined by the Liquidator, subject to Section 17-804 of the Delaware Act and the following:
(a) The assets may be disposed of by public or private sale or by distribution in kind to one or more Partners on such terms as the Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any property is distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the property shall be deemed for purposes of Section 12.4(c) to have received cash equal to its fair market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions must be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of the Partnerships assets for a reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of the Partnerships assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners. The Liquidator may distribute the Partnerships assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.
(b) Liabilities of the Partnership include amounts owed to the Liquidator as compensation for serving in such capacity (subject to the terms of Section 12.3) and amounts to
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Partners otherwise than in respect of their distribution rights under Article VI. With respect to any liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise not yet due and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused portion of the reserve shall be distributed as additional liquidation proceeds.
(c) All property and all cash in excess of that required to discharge liabilities as provided in Section 12.4(b) shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments (other than those made by reason of distributions pursuant to this Section 12.4(c)) for the taxable period of the Partnership during which the liquidation of the Partnership occurs (with such date of occurrence being determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)), and such distribution shall be made by the end of such taxable period (or, if later, within 90 days after said date of such occurrence).
Section 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . Upon the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and property as provided in Section 12.4 in connection with the liquidation of the Partnership, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
Section 12.6 Return of Contributions . The General Partner shall not be personally liable for, and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the return of the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners or Unitholders, or any portion thereof, it being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from Partnership assets.
Section 12.7 Waiver of Partition . To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership property.
Section 12.8 Capital Account Restoration . No Limited Partner shall have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of the Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of its interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable period of the Partnership during which such liquidation occurs, or, if later, within 90 days after the date of such liquidation.
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ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE
Section 13.1 Amendments to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner . Each Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the approval of any Partner, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect:
(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership;
(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement;
(c) a change that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue the qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that the Group Members will not be treated as associations taxable as corporations or otherwise taxed as entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
(d) a change that the General Partner determines (i) does not adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests) in any material respect, (ii) to be necessary or appropriate to (A) satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute (including the Delaware Act) or (B) facilitate the trading of the Units (including the division of any class or classes of Outstanding Units into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax consequences within such classes of Units) or comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are or will be listed or admitted to trading, (iii) to be necessary or appropriate in connection with action taken by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.9 or (iv) is required to effect the intent expressed in the Registration Statement or the intent of the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by this Agreement;
(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable period of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable period of the Partnership including, if the General Partner shall so determine, a change in the definition of Quarter and the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership;
(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of Counsel, to prevent the Partnership, or the General Partner or its directors, officers, trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or plan asset regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, regardless of whether such are substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor;
(g) an amendment that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of Partnership Interests and Derivative Instruments pursuant to Section 5.6;
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(h) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to be made by the General Partner acting alone;
(i) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section 14.3;
(j) an amendment that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect and account for the formation by the Partnership of, or investment by the Partnership in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, in connection with the conduct by the Partnership of activities permitted by the terms of Section 2.4 or 7.1(a);
(k) a merger, conveyance or conversion pursuant to Section 14.3(d); or
(l) any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.
Section 13.2 Amendment Procedures . Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed only by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to propose or approve any amendment to this Agreement and may decline to do so in its sole discretion. An amendment shall be effective upon its approval by the General Partner and, except as otherwise provided by Section 13.1 or 13.3, a Unit Majority, unless a greater or different percentage is required under this Agreement or by Delaware law. Each proposed amendment that requires the approval of the holders of a specified percentage of Outstanding Units shall be set forth in a writing that contains the text of the proposed amendment. If such an amendment is proposed, the General Partner shall seek the written approval of the requisite percentage of Outstanding Units or call a meeting of the Unitholders to consider and vote on such proposed amendment. The General Partner shall notify all Record Holders upon final adoption of any amendments. The General Partner shall be deemed to have notified all Record Holders as required by this Section 13.2 if it has either (i) filed such amendment with the Commission via its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system and such amendment is publicly available on such system or (ii) made such amendment available on any publicly available website maintained by the Partnership.
Section 13.3 Amendment Requirements .
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 (other than Section 13.1(d)(iv)) and Section 13.2, no provision of this Agreement (other than Section 11.2 or Section 13.4) that establishes a percentage of Outstanding Units (including Units deemed owned by the General Partner) or requires a vote or approval of Partners (or a subset of Partners) holding a specified Percentage Interest to take any action shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any respect that would have the effect of reducing or increasing such percentage, unless such amendment is approved by the written consent or the affirmative vote of holders of Outstanding Units whose aggregate Outstanding Units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced or increased, as applicable, or the affirmative vote of Partners whose aggregate Percentage Interests constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced or increased, as applicable.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 (other than Section 13.1(d)(iv)) and Section 13.2, no amendment to this Agreement may (i) enlarge the obligations of (including requiring any holder of a class of Partnership Interests to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership) any Limited Partner without its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of an amendment approved pursuant to Section 13.3(c), or (ii) enlarge the obligations of, restrict, change or modify in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable to, the General Partner or any of its Affiliates without its consent, which consent may be given or withheld at its option.
(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3 or Section 13.1, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any class of Partnership Interests in relation to other classes of Partnership Interests must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of the class affected. If the General Partner determines an amendment does not satisfy the requirements of Section 13.1(d)(i) because it adversely affects one or more classes of Partnership Interests, as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests, in any material respect, such amendment shall only be required to be approved by the adversely affected class or classes.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for amendments pursuant to Section 13.1 and except as otherwise provided by Section 14.3(b), no amendments shall become effective without the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Percentage Interests of all Limited Partners voting as a single class unless the Partnership obtains an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment will not affect the limited liability of any Limited Partner under applicable partnership law of the state under whose laws the Partnership is organized.
(e) Except as provided in Section 13.1, this Section 13.3 shall only be amended with the approval of Partners (including the General Partner and its Affiliates) holding at least 90% of the Percentage Interests of all Limited Partners.
Section 13.4 Special Meetings . All acts of Limited Partners to be taken pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken in the manner provided in this Article XIII. Special meetings of the Limited Partners may be called by the General Partner or by Limited Partners owning 50% or more of the Outstanding Units of the class or classes for which a meeting is proposed. Limited Partners shall call a special meeting by delivering to the General Partner one or more requests in writing stating that the signing Limited Partners wish to call a special meeting and indicating the specific purposes for which the special meeting is to be called and the class or classes of Units for which the meeting is proposed. No business may be brought by any Limited Partner before such special meeting except the business listed in the related request. Within 60 days after receipt of such a call from Limited Partners or within such greater time as may be reasonably necessary for the Partnership to comply with any statutes, rules, regulations, listing agreements
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or similar requirements governing the holding of a meeting or the solicitation of proxies for use at such a meeting, the General Partner shall send a notice of the meeting to the Limited Partners either directly or indirectly through the Transfer Agent. A meeting shall be held at a time and place determined by the General Partner on a date not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days after the time notice of the meeting is given as provided in Section 16.1. Limited Partners shall not vote on matters that would cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners limited liability under the Delaware Act or the law of any other state in which the Partnership is qualified to do business.
Section 13.5 Notice of a Meeting . Notice of a meeting called pursuant to Section 13.4 shall be given to the Record Holders of the class or classes of Units for which a meeting is proposed in writing by mail or other means of written communication in accordance with Section 16.1. The notice shall be deemed to have been given at the time when deposited in the mail or sent by other means of written communication.
Section 13.6 Record Date . For purposes of determining the Limited Partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners or to give approvals without a meeting as provided in Section 13.11 the General Partner may set a Record Date, which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days before (a) the date of the meeting (unless such requirement conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading or U.S. federal securities laws, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange or U.S. federal securities laws shall govern) or (b) in the event that approvals are sought without a meeting, the date by which Limited Partners are requested in writing by the General Partner to give such approvals. If the General Partner does not set a Record Date, then (i) the Record Date for determining the Limited Partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, and (ii) the Record Date for determining the Limited Partners entitled to give approvals without a meeting shall be the date the first written approval is deposited with the Partnership in care of the General Partner in accordance with Section 13.11.
Section 13.7 Postponement and Adjournment . Prior to the date upon which any meeting of Limited Partners is to be held, the General Partner may postpone such meeting one or more times for any reason by giving notice to each Limited Partner entitled to vote at the meeting so postponed of the place, date and hour at which such meeting would be held. Such notice shall be given not fewer than two days before the date of such meeting and otherwise in accordance with this Article XIII. When a meeting is postponed, a new Record Date need not be fixed unless such postponement shall be for more than 45 days. Any meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned by the General Partner one or more times for any reason, including the failure of a quorum to be present at the meeting with respect to any proposal or the failure of any proposal to receive sufficient votes for approval. No Limited Partner vote shall be required for any adjournment. A meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned by the General Partner as to one or more proposals regardless of whether action has been taken on other matters. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting
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and a new Record Date need not be fixed, if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless such adjournment shall be for more than 45 days. At the adjourned meeting, the Partnership may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 45 days or if a new Record Date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with this Article XIII.
Section 13.8 Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of Minutes . The transaction of business at any meeting of Limited Partners, however called and noticed, and whenever held, shall be as valid as if it had occurred at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present either in person or by proxy. Attendance of a Limited Partner at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, except when the Limited Partner attends the 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; and except that attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to disapprove the consideration of matters required to be included in the notice of the meeting, but not so included, if the disapproval is expressly made at the meeting.
Section 13.9 Quorum and Voting . The holders of a majority, by Percentage Interest, of Partnership Interests of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called (including Partnership Interests deemed owned by the General Partner) represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Partners of such class or classes unless any such action by the Partners requires approval by holders of a greater Percentage Interest, in which case the quorum shall be such greater Percentage Interest. At any meeting of the Partners duly called and held in accordance with this Agreement at which a quorum is present, the act of Partners holding Partnership Interests that, in the aggregate, represent a majority of the Percentage Interest of those present in person or by proxy at such meeting shall be deemed to constitute the act of all Partners, unless a greater or different percentage is required with respect to such action under the provisions of this Agreement, in which case the act of the Partners holding Partnership Interests that in the aggregate represent at least such greater or different percentage shall be required; provided , however , that if, as a matter of law or provision of this Agreement, approval by plurality vote of Partners (or any class thereof) is required to approve any action, no minimum quorum shall be required. The Partners present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Partners to leave less than a quorum, if any action taken (other than adjournment) is approved by Partners holding the required Percentage Interest specified in this Agreement.
Section 13.10 Conduct of a Meeting . The General Partner shall have full power and authority concerning the manner of conducting any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including the determination of Persons entitled to vote, the existence of a quorum, the satisfaction of the requirements of Section 13.4, the conduct of voting, the validity and effect of any proxies and the determination of any controversies, votes or challenges arising in connection with or during the meeting or voting. The General Partner shall designate a Person to serve as chairman of any meeting and shall further designate a Person to
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take the minutes of any meeting. All minutes shall be kept with the records of the Partnership maintained by the General Partner. The General Partner may make such other regulations consistent with applicable law and this Agreement as it may deem advisable concerning the conduct of any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including regulations in regard to the appointment of proxies, the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes and approvals, the submission and examination of proxies and other evidence of the right to vote, and the revocation of approvals in writing.
Section 13.11 Action Without a Meeting . If authorized by the General Partner, any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Limited Partners may be taken without a meeting, without a vote and without prior notice, if an approval in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by Limited Partners owning not less than the minimum percentage, by Percentage Interest, of the Partnership Interests of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called (including Partnership Interests deemed owned by the General Partner), as the case may be, that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all the Limited Partners entitled to vote at such meeting were present and voted (unless such provision conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange shall govern). Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the Limited Partners who have not approved in writing. The General Partner may specify that any written ballot submitted to Limited Partners for the purpose of taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the Partnership within the time period, which shall be not less than 20 days, specified by the General Partner. If a ballot returned to the Partnership does not vote all of the Units held by the Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be deemed to have failed to receive a ballot for the Units that were not voted. If approval of the taking of any action by the Limited Partners is solicited by any Person other than by or on behalf of the General Partner, the written approvals shall have no force and effect unless and until (a) they are deposited with the Partnership in care of the General Partner and (b) an Opinion of Counsel is delivered to the General Partner to the effect that the exercise of such right and the action proposed to be taken with respect to any particular matter (i) will not cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners limited liability, and (ii) is otherwise permissible under the state statutes then governing the rights, duties and liabilities of the Partnership and the Partners. Nothing contained in this Section 13.11 shall be deemed to require the General Partner to solicit all Limited Partners in connection with a matter approved by the holders of the requisite percentage of Units acting by written consent without a meeting.
Section 13.12 Right to Vote and Related Matters .
(a) Only those Record Holders of the Outstanding Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section 13.6 shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Units have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Units.
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(b) With respect to Units that are held for a Persons account by another Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation, or an agent of any of the foregoing), in whose name such Units are registered, such other Person shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such Units on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such Persons provides otherwise, vote such Units in favor of, and at the direction of, the Person who is the beneficial owner, and the Partnership shall be entitled to assume it is so acting without further inquiry. The provisions of this Section 13.12(b) (as well as all other provisions of this Agreement) are subject to the provisions of Section 4.3.
Section 13.13 Voting of Incentive Distribution Rights .
(a) For so long as a majority of the Incentive Distribution Rights are held by the General Partner and its Affiliates, the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights shall not be entitled to vote such Incentive Distribution Rights on any Partnership matter except as may otherwise be required by law and the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, in their capacity as such, shall be deemed to have approved any matter approved by the General Partner.
(b) If less than a majority of the Incentive Distribution Rights are held by the General Partner and its Affiliates, the Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to vote on all matters submitted to a vote of Unitholders, other than amendments and other matters that the General Partner determines do not adversely affect the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights as a whole in any material respect. On any matter in which the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights are entitled to vote, such holders will vote together with the Subordinated Units, prior to the end of the Subordination Period, or together with the Common Units, thereafter, in either case as a single class except as otherwise required by Section 13.3(c), and such Incentive Distribution Rights shall be treated in all respects as Subordinated Units or Common Units, as applicable, when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under this Agreement. The relative voting power of the Incentive Distribution Rights and the Subordinated Units or Common Units, as applicable, will be set in the same proportion as cumulative cash distributions, if any, in respect of the Incentive Distribution Rights for the four consecutive Quarters prior to the record date for the vote bears to the cumulative cash distributions in respect of such class of Units for such four Quarters.
(c) In connection with any equity financing, or anticipated equity financing, by the Partnership of an Expansion Capital Expenditure, the General Partner may, without the approval of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, temporarily or permanently reduce the amount of Incentive Distributions that would otherwise be distributed to such holders, provided that in the judgment of the General Partner, such reduction will be in the long-term best interest of such holders.
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ARTICLE XIV
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION
Section 14.1 Authority . The Partnership may merge or consolidate with or into one or more corporations, limited liability companies, statutory trusts or associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated businesses, including a partnership (whether general or limited (including a limited liability partnership)) or convert into any such entity, whether such entity is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of the U.S., pursuant to a written plan of merger or consolidation ( Merger Agreement ) in accordance with this Article XIV.
Section 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation .
(a) Merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to this Article XIV requires the prior consent of the General Partner, provided , however , that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner, in declining to consent to a merger or consolidation, may act in its sole discretion.
(b) If the General Partner shall determine to consent to the merger or consolidation, the General Partner shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:
(i) the name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of each of the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate;
(ii) the name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of the business entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the Surviving Business Entity );
(iii) the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or consolidation;
(iv) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity interests of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity; and (A) if any interests, securities or rights of any constituent business entity are not to be exchanged or converted solely for, or into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity, then the cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity) which the holders of such interests, securities or rights are to receive in exchange for, or upon conversion of their interests, securities or rights, and (B) in the case of equity interests represented by certificates, upon the surrender of such certificates, which cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity or any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity), or evidences thereof, are to be delivered;
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(v) a statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or certificate of incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or agreement of limited partnership, certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement or other similar charter or governing document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by such merger or consolidation;
(vi) the effective time of the merger, which may be the date of the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4 or a later date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement ( provided , that if the effective time of the merger is to be later than the date of the filing of such certificate of merger, the effective time shall be fixed at a date or time certain and stated in the certificate of merger); and
(vii) such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or consolidation that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.
Section 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners .
(a) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d) and 14.3(e), the General Partner, upon its approval of the Merger Agreement shall direct that the Merger Agreement and the merger or consolidation contemplated thereby, as applicable, be submitted to a vote of Limited Partners, whether at a special meeting or by written consent, in either case in accordance with the requirements of Article XIII. A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement, as the case may be, shall be included in or enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the written consent.
(b) Except as provided in Sections 14.3(d) and 14.3(e), the Merger Agreement shall be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a Unit Majority unless the Merger Agreement contains any provision that, if contained in an amendment to this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement or the Delaware Act would require for its approval the vote or consent of a greater percentage of the Outstanding Units or of any class of Limited Partners, in which case such greater percentage vote or consent shall be required for approval of the Merger Agreement.
(c) Except as provided in Sections 14.3(d) and 14.3(e), after such approval by vote or consent of the Limited Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4, the merger or consolidation may be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the Merger Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to convert the Partnership or any Group Member into a new limited liability entity, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or convey all of the Partnerships assets to, another limited liability entity that shall be newly formed and shall have no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of such merger or conveyance other than those it receives from the Partnership or other Group Member if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of the limited liability under the
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Delaware Act of any Limited Partner or cause the Partnership or any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already treated as such), (ii) the sole purpose of such merger, or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the Partnership into another limited liability entity and (iii) the governing instruments of the new entity provide the Limited Partners and the General Partner with substantially the same rights and obligations as are herein contained.
(e) Additionally, notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to merge or consolidate the Partnership with or into another entity if (A) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the merger or consolidation, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of the limited liability under the Delaware Act of any Limited Partner or cause the Partnership or any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already treated as such), (B) the merger or consolidation would not result in an amendment to this Agreement, other than any amendments that could be adopted pursuant to Section 13.1, (C) the Partnership is the Surviving Business Entity in such merger or consolidation, (D) each Partnership Interest outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation is to be an identical Partnership Interest of the Partnership after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, and (E) the number of Partnership Interests to be issued by the Partnership in such merger or consolidation does not exceed 20% of the Partnership Interests (other than Incentive Distribution Rights) Outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of such merger or consolidation.
(f) Pursuant to Section 17-211(g) of the Delaware Act, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved in accordance with this Article XIV may (i) effect any amendment to this Agreement or (ii) effect the adoption of a new partnership agreement for the Partnership if it is the Surviving Business Entity. Any such amendment or adoption made pursuant to this Section 14.3 shall be effective at the effective time or date of the merger or consolidation.
Section 14.4 Certificate of Merger . Upon the required approval by the General Partner and the Unitholders of a Merger Agreement, a certificate of merger shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in conformity with the requirements of the Delaware Act.
Section 14.5 Effect of Merger or Consolidation .
(a) At the effective time of the certificate of merger:
(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business entities and all other things and causes of action belonging to each of those business entities, shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business Entity to the extent they were of each constituent business entity;
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(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation;
(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security interests in property of any of those constituent business entities shall be preserved unimpaired; and
(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.
ARTICLE XV
RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS
Section 15.1 Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests .
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at any time the General Partner and its Affiliates hold more than 80% of the total Limited Partner Interests of any class then Outstanding, the General Partner shall then have the right, which right it may assign and transfer in whole or in part to the Partnership or any Affiliate of the General Partner, exercisable in its sole discretion, to purchase all, but not less than all, of such Limited Partner Interests of such class then Outstanding held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, at the greater of (x) the Current Market Price as of the date three days prior to the date that the notice described in Section 15.1(b) is mailed and (y) the highest price paid by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates for any such Limited Partner Interest of such class purchased during the 90-day period preceding the date that the notice described in Section 15.1(b) is mailed.
(b) If the General Partner, any Affiliate of the General Partner or the Partnership elects to exercise the right to purchase Limited Partner Interests granted pursuant to Section 15.1(a), the General Partner shall deliver to the Transfer Agent notice of such election to purchase (the Notice of Election to Purchase ) and shall cause the Transfer Agent to mail a copy of such Notice of Election to Purchase to the Record Holders of Limited Partner Interests of such class (as of a Record Date selected by the General Partner) at least 10, but not more than 60, days prior to the Purchase Date. Such Notice of Election to Purchase shall also be filed and distributed as may be required by the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed. The Notice of Election to Purchase shall specify the Purchase Date and the price (determined in accordance with Section 15.1(a)) at which Limited Partner Interests will be purchased and state that the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, elects to purchase such Limited Partner Interests, upon surrender of Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests in the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, in exchange for payment, at such office or offices of the Transfer
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Agent as the Transfer Agent may specify, or as may be required by any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading. Any such Notice of Election to Purchase mailed to a Record Holder of Limited Partner Interests at his address as reflected in the records of the Transfer Agent shall be conclusively presumed to have been given regardless of whether the owner receives such notice. On or prior to the Purchase Date, the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall deposit with the Transfer Agent cash in an amount sufficient to pay the aggregate purchase price of all of such Limited Partner Interests to be purchased in accordance with this Section 15.1. If the Notice of Election to Purchase shall have been duly given as aforesaid at least 10 days prior to the Purchase Date, and if on or prior to the Purchase Date the deposit described in the preceding sentence has been made for the benefit of the holders of Limited Partner Interests subject to purchase as provided herein, then from and after the Purchase Date, notwithstanding that any Certificate shall not have been surrendered for purchase, all rights of the holders of such Limited Partner Interests shall thereupon cease, except the right to receive the purchase price (determined in accordance with Section 15.1(a)) for Limited Partner Interests therefor, without interest, upon surrender to the Transfer Agent of the Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests in the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, and such Limited Partner Interests shall thereupon be deemed to be transferred to the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, on the record books of the Transfer Agent and the Partnership, and the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner, or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the owner of all such Limited Partner Interests from and after the Purchase Date and shall have all rights as the owner of such Limited Partner Interests.
(c) In the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, at any time from and after the Purchase Date, a holder of an Outstanding Limited Partner Interest subject to purchase as provided in this Section 15.1 may surrender his Certificate evidencing such Limited Partner Interest to the Transfer Agent in exchange for payment of the amount described in Section 15.1(a), therefor, without interest thereon.
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 16.1 Addresses and Notices; Written Communications .
(a) Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class U.S. mail or by other means of written communication to the Partner at the address described below. Any notice, payment or report to be given or made to a Partner hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give such notice or report or to make such payment shall be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such notice, payment or report to the Record Holder of such Partnership Interests at his address as shown on the records of the Transfer Agent or as otherwise shown on the records of the Partnership, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such Partnership Interests by reason of any assignment or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) a Partner shall
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consent to receiving notices, demands, requests, reports or proxy materials via electronic mail or by the Internet or (ii) the rules of the Commission shall permit any report or proxy materials to be delivered electronically or made available via the Internet, any such notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials shall be deemed given or made when delivered or made available via such mode of delivery. An affidavit or certificate of making of any notice, payment or report in accordance with the provisions of this Section 16.1 executed by the General Partner, the Transfer Agent or the mailing organization shall be prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report. If any notice, payment or report given or made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 16.1 is returned marked to indicate that such notice, payment or report was unable to be delivered, such notice, payment or report and, in the case of notices, payments or reports returned by the U.S. Postal Service (or other physical mail delivery mail service outside the U.S.), any subsequent notices, payments and reports shall be deemed to have been duly given or made without further mailing (until such time as such Record Holder or another Person notifies the Transfer Agent or the Partnership of a change in his address) or other delivery if they are available for the Partner at the principal office of the Partnership for a period of one year from the date of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the other Partners. Any notice to the Partnership shall be deemed given if received by the General Partner at the principal office of the Partnership designated pursuant to Section 2.3. The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in relying on any notice or other document from a Partner or other Person if believed by it to be genuine.
(b) The terms in writing, written communications, written notice and words of similar import shall be deemed satisfied under this Agreement by use of e-mail and other forms of electronic communication.
Section 16.2 Further Action . The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 16.3 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 16.4 Integration . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 16.5 Creditors . None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.
Section 16.6 Waiver . No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
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Section 16.7 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Each Partner agrees that (a) any Indemnitee shall be entitled to assert rights and remedies hereunder as a third-party beneficiary hereto with respect to those provisions of this Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to such Indemnitee and (b) any Unrestricted Person shall be entitled to assert rights and remedies hereunder as a third-party beneficiary hereto with respect to those provisions of this Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to such Unrestricted Person.
Section 16.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto or, in the case of a Person acquiring a Limited Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 10.1(a) without execution hereof.
Section 16.9 Applicable Law; Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury; Attorney Fees .
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.
(b) Each of the Partners and each Person holding any beneficial interest in the Partnership (whether through a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing or otherwise):
(i) irrevocably agrees that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings (A) arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement (including any claims, suits or actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of this Agreement or the duties, obligations or liabilities among Partners or of Partners to the Partnership, or the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the Partners or the Partnership), (B) brought in a derivative manner on behalf of the Partnership, (C) asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary or other duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee of the Partnership or the General Partner, or owed by the General Partner, to the Partnership or the Partners, (D) asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Act or (E) asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court located in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction), in each case regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims;
(ii) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court located in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction) in connection with any such claim, suit, action or proceeding;
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(iii) agrees not to, and waives any right to, assert in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding that (A) it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or of any other court to which proceedings in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware may be appealed, (B) such claim, suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, or (C) the venue of such claim, suit, action or proceeding is improper;
(iv) expressly waives any requirement for the posting of a bond by a party bringing such claim, suit, action or proceeding;
(v) consents to process being served in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding by mailing, certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy thereof to such party at the address in effect for notices hereunder, and agrees that such services shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof; provided , nothing in this clause (v) shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and
(vi) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUCH CLAIM, SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING; and
(vii) agrees that if such Partner or Person does not obtain a judgment on the merits that substantially achieves, in substance and amount, the full remedy sought in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding, then such Partner or Person shall be obligated to reimburse the Partnership and its Affiliates for all fees, costs and expenses of every kind and description, including but not limited to all reasonable attorneys fees and other litigation expenses, that the parties may incur in connection with such claim, suit, action or proceeding.
Section 16.10 Invalidity of Provisions . If any provision or part of a provision of this Agreement is or becomes for any reason, invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions and/or parts thereof contained herein shall not be affected thereby and this Agreement shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reformed and construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision, or part of a provision, had never been contained herein, and such provision or part reformed so that it would be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent possible.
Section 16.11 Consent of Partners . Each Partner hereby expressly consents and agrees that, whenever in this Agreement it is specified that an action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by the results of such action.
Section 16.12 Facsimile Signatures . The use of facsimile signatures affixed in the name and on behalf of the transfer agent and registrar of the Partnership on Certificates representing Units is expressly permitted by this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS GP LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
ORGANIZATIONAL LIMITED PARTNER: | ||
WESTLAKE INTERNATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President |
S IGNATURE P AGE
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Exhibit 4.1
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of August 4, 2014, by and between Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership ), and WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( WPT ).
WHEREAS, this Agreement is made in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement by and between the Partnership and WPT dated as of July 29, 2014 and effective as of August 4, 2014 (the Contribution Agreement ); and
WHEREAS, the Partnership has agreed to provide certain registration and other rights set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of WPT pursuant to the Contribution Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by each party hereto, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated August 4, 2014, as amended from time to time (the Partnership Agreement ). The terms set forth below are used herein as so defined:
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, control means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Agreement has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph.
Commission has the meaning given to such term in Section 1.02 .
Contribution Agreement has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.
Effectiveness Period has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01 .
Exchange Act has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.07(a) .
General Partner means Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, as the general partner of the Partnership.
Holder means the record holder of any Registrable Securities.
Losses has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.07(a) .
Managing Underwriter(s) means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, the book-running lead manager(s) of such Underwritten Offering.
Notice has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01 .
Partnership has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, voluntary association, joint venture, trust, limited liability partnership, unincorporated organization, government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, or any other form of entity.
Registrable Securities means the (i) Common Units issued (or issuable) to WPT pursuant to the Contribution Agreement; (ii) Subordinated Units; and (iii) Common Units issuable upon conversion of the Subordinated Units or the Combined Interests pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement, which Registrable Securities are subject to the rights provided herein until such rights terminate pursuant to the provisions hereof.
Registration Expenses means all expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incident to the Partnerships performance under or compliance with this Agreement to effect the registration of Registrable Securities on a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.01 and/or in connection with an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , and the disposition of such Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, all registration, filing, securities exchange listing and securities exchange fees, all registration, filing, qualification and other fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws, fees of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, fees of transfer agents and registrars, all word processing, duplicating and printing expenses, any transfer taxes and the fees and disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants for the Partnership, including the expenses of any special audits or cold comfort letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance.
Registration Statement has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01 .
Securities Act has the meaning given to such term in Section 1.02 .
Selling Expenses means all underwriting fees, discounts and selling commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities.
Selling Holder means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.
Shelf Registration Statement has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01 .
Testing-the-Waters Communication means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act.
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Underwritten Offering means an offering (including an offering pursuant to a Registration Statement) in which Registrable Securities are sold to an underwriter on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public or an offering that is a bought deal with one or more investment banks.
WPT has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph.
Written Testing-the-Waters Communication means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
Section 1.02. Registrable Securities . Any Registrable Security will cease to be a Registrable Security (a) at the time a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Security has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission ), or otherwise has become effective, and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement; (b) at the time such Registrable Security has been disposed of pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the Securities Act )); (c) if such Registrable Security is held by the Partnership or one of its subsidiaries; (d) at the time such Registrable Security has been sold in a private transaction in which the transferors rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the transferee of such securities; or (e) if such Registrable Security has been sold in a private transaction in which the transferors rights under this Agreement are assigned to the transferee and such transferee is not an Affiliate of the the General Partner, at the time that is two years following the later of: (i) if the Registrable Security is a Subordinated Unit, the conversion of the Subordinated Units into Common Units and (ii) the transfer of such Registrable Security to such transferee.
ARTICLE II
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
Section 2.01. Demand Registration . Upon the written request (a Notice ) by WPT or by any other Holder(s) owning at least ten percent (10%) of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.04 ), the Partnership shall file with the Commission, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event more than 90 days following the receipt of the Notice, a registration statement (each, a Registration Statement ) under the Securities Act providing for the resale of the Registrable Securities (which may, at the option of the Holders giving such Notice, be a registration statement under the Securities Act that provides for the resale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 from time to time by the Holders (a Shelf Registration Statement )). The Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as reasonably practicable after the initial filing of the Registration Statement. Any Registration Statement shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Holders of any and all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement. The Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01 to be continuously effective, supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for the resale of all Registrable Securities by the Holders until all Registrable Securities covered by such
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Registration Statement have ceased to be Registrable Securities (the Effectiveness Period ). Each Registration Statement when effective (and the documents incorporated therein by reference) shall comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. There shall be no limit on the number of Registration Statements that may be required by the Holders hereunder.
Section 2.02. Underwritten Offerings .
(a) Request for Underwritten Offering . In the event that WPT or one or more Holders collectively elect to dispose of at least fifteen percent (15%) of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.04 ) under a Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering, the Partnership shall, upon written request by such Holders, retain underwriters in order to permit such Holders to effect such sale through an Underwritten Offering. The obligation of the Partnership to retain underwriters shall include entering into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Managing Underwriter(s), which shall include customary indemnities in favor of, and taking all reasonable actions as are requested by, the Managing Underwriter(s) to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities. The Partnership shall, upon request of the Holders, cause its management to participate in a roadshow or similar marketing effort on behalf of the Holders.
(b) Limitation on Underwritten Offerings . Notwithstanding Section 2.02(a) above, in no event shall the Partnership be required under Section 2.02(a) to participate in more than two Underwritten Offerings in any twelve-month period.
(c) General Procedures . In connection with any Underwritten Offering under this Agreement, the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold in such Underwritten Offering shall be entitled, subject to the Partnerships consent (which is not to be unreasonably withheld), to select the Managing Underwriter(s). In connection with any Underwritten Offering under this Agreement, each Selling Holder and the Partnership shall be obligated to enter into an underwriting agreement that contains such representations and warranties, covenants, indemnities and other rights and obligations as are customary in underwriting agreements for firm commitment offerings of securities. No Selling Holder may participate in such Underwritten Offering unless such Selling Holder agrees to sell its Registrable Securities on the basis provided in such underwriting agreement and completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreement. Each Selling Holder may, at its option, require that any or all of the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Partnership to and for the benefit of such underwriters also be made to and for such Selling Holders benefit and that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement also be conditions precedent to such Selling Holders obligations. If any Selling Holder disapproves of the terms of an Underwritten Offering, such Selling Holder may elect to withdraw from such Underwritten Offering by notice to the Partnership and the Managing Underwriter(s); provided, however , that such withdrawal must be made at a time prior to the time of pricing of such Underwritten Offering. No such withdrawal shall affect the Partnerships obligation to pay Registration Expenses.
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Section 2.03. Delay Rights . If the General Partner determines that the Partnerships compliance with its obligations under this Article II would be materially detrimental to the Partnership and its Partners because such registration would (a) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, reorganization, financing or other similar transaction involving the Partnership, (b) require premature disclosure of material information that the Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (c) render the Partnership unable to comply with applicable securities laws, then the Partnership shall have the right to postpone compliance with its obligations under this Article II for a period of not more than six months, provided, that such right pursuant to this Section 2.03 may not be utilized more than twice in any twelve-month period.
Section 2.04. Sale Procedures . In connection with its obligations under this Article II , the Partnership will, as expeditiously as possible:
(a) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to each Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep each Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement;
(b) if a prospectus supplement will be used in connection with the marketing of an Underwritten Offering and the Managing Underwriter(s) notifies the Partnership in writing that, in the sole judgment of such Managing Underwriter(s), inclusion of detailed information in such prospectus supplement is of material importance to the success of the Underwritten Offering of such Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to include such information in such prospectus supplement;
(c) furnish to each Selling Holder (i) as far in advance as reasonably practicable before filing a Registration Statement or any supplement or amendment thereto, upon request, copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents proposed to be filed (including exhibits and each document incorporated by reference therein to the extent then required by the rules and regulations of the Commission), and provide each such Selling Holder the opportunity to object to any information pertaining to such Selling Holder and its plan of distribution that is contained therein and make the corrections reasonably requested by such Selling Holder with respect to such information prior to filing a Registration Statement or supplement or amendment thereto, and (ii) such number of copies of such Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein and any supplements and amendments thereto as such Persons may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement;
(d) if applicable, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Selling Holders or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, the Managing Underwriter(s), shall reasonably request; provided, however , that the Partnership will not be required to qualify generally to transact business in any jurisdiction where it is not then required to so qualify or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;
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(e) promptly notify each Selling Holder and each underwriter, at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) the filing of a Registration Statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement to be used in connection therewith, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and, with respect to such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective; and (ii) any written comments from the Commission with respect to any filing referred to in clause (i) hereof and any written request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement thereto;
(f) immediately notify each Selling Holder and each underwriter, at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus or prospectus supplement contained in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of the prospectus contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made); (ii) the issuance or threat of issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; or (iii) the receipt by the Partnership of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale under the applicable securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction. Following the provision of such notice, the Partnership agrees to, as promptly as practicable, amend or supplement the prospectus or prospectus supplement or take other appropriate action so that the prospectus or prospectus supplement does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and to take such other commercially reasonable action as is necessary to remove a stop order, suspension, threat thereof or proceedings related thereto;
(g) upon request and subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations, furnish to each Selling Holder copies of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence with the Commission or any other governmental agency or self-regulatory body or other body having jurisdiction (including any domestic or foreign securities exchange) relating to any offering of Registrable Securities;
(h) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, furnish upon request, (i) an opinion of counsel for the Partnership dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and (ii) a cold comfort letter, dated the pricing date of such Underwritten Offering (to the extent available) and a letter of like kind dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, in each case, signed by the independent public accountants who have certified the Partnerships financial statements included or incorporated by reference into the applicable registration statement, and each of the opinion and the cold comfort letter shall be in customary form and covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus and any prospectus supplement included therein) as have been customarily covered in opinions of issuers counsel and in accountants letters delivered to the underwriters in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Partnership and such other matters as such underwriters and Selling Holders may reasonably request;
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(i) otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 promulgated thereunder;
(j) make available to the appropriate representatives of the Managing Underwriter(s) and Selling Holders access to such information and Partnership personnel as is reasonable and customary to enable such parties to establish a due diligence defense under the Securities Act;
(k) cause all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to be listed on each securities exchange or nationally recognized quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Partnership are then listed;
(l) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Partnership to enable the Selling Holders to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Securities;
(m) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement not later than the effective date of such registration statement; and
(n) enter into customary agreements and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the Selling Holders or the underwriters, if any, in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities.
Each Selling Holder, upon receipt of notice from the Partnership of the happening of any event of the kind described in subsection (f) of this Section 2.04 , shall forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registrable Securities by means of a prospectus or prospectus supplement until such Selling Holders receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by subsection (f) of this Section 2.04 or until it is advised in writing by the Partnership that the use of the prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings incorporated by reference in the prospectus.
Section 2.05. Cooperation by Holders . The Partnership shall have no obligation to include in a Registration Statement, or in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , Registrable Securities of a Selling Holder who has failed to timely furnish such information that the Partnership determines, after consultation with counsel, is reasonably required in order for the Registration Statement or prospectus supplement, as applicable, to comply with the Securities Act.
Section 2.06. Expenses . The Partnership will pay all reasonable Registration Expenses, including in the case of an Underwritten Offering, regardless of whether any sale is made in such Underwritten Offering. Each Selling Holder shall pay all Selling Expenses in connection with any sale of its Registrable Securities hereunder. In addition, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07 , the Partnership shall not be responsible for legal fees incurred by Holders in connection with the exercise of such Holders rights hereunder.
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Section 2.07. Indemnification .
(a) By the Partnership . In the event of a registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, the Partnership will indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder participating therein, its directors, officers, employees and agents, and each Person, if any, who controls such Selling Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the Exchange Act ), and its directors, officers, employees or agents, against any losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees and expenses) (collectively, Losses ), joint or several, to which such Selling Holder, director, officer, employee, agent or controlling Person may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact (in the case of any prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement is made) contained in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, a Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus or final prospectus or prospectus supplement contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and will reimburse each such Selling Holder, its directors, officers, employee and agents, and each such controlling Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Loss or actions or proceedings as such expenses are incurred; provided, however , that the Partnership will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by such Selling Holder, its directors, officers, employees and agents or such controlling Person in writing specifically for use in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, a Registration Statement, or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, as applicable. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Selling Holder or any such directors, officers, employees agents or controlling Person, and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Selling Holder.
(b) By Each Selling Holder . Each Selling Holder agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership, its directors, officers, employees and agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Partnership within the meaning of the Securities Act or of the Exchange Act, and its directors, officers, employees and agents, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Partnership to the Selling Holders, but only with respect to information regarding such Selling Holder furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Holder expressly for inclusion in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, a Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus or final prospectus or prospectus supplement contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof; provided, however , that the liability of each Selling Holder shall not be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of any Selling Expenses) received by such Selling Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification.
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(c) Notice . Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party hereunder of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party hereunder, notify the indemnifying party in writing thereof, but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party other than under this Section 2.07 . In any action brought against any indemnified party, the indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and, to the extent it shall wish, to assume and undertake the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume and undertake the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 2.07 for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation and of liaison with counsel so selected; provided, however , that, (i) if the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense or employ counsel reasonably acceptable to the indemnified party or (ii) if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and counsel to the indemnified party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, or if the interests of the indemnified party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the indemnifying party, then the indemnified party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the reasonable expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other reasonable expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the indemnifying party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no indemnified party shall settle any action brought against it with respect to which it is entitled to indemnification hereunder without the consent of the indemnifying party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete and unconditional release from all liability of, the indemnifying party.
(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.07 is held by a court or government agency of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to any indemnified party or is insufficient to hold them harmless in respect of any Losses, then each indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of such indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however , that in no event shall any Selling Holder be required to contribute an aggregate amount in excess of the dollar amount of proceeds (net of Selling Expenses) received by such Selling Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification. The relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact has been made by, or relates to, information supplied by such party, and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this paragraph were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable
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considerations referred to herein. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the Losses referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be deemed to include any legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any Loss that is the subject of this paragraph. 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 is not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation.
(e) Other Indemnification . The provisions of this Section 2.07 shall be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution that an indemnified party may have pursuant to law, equity, contract or otherwise.
Section 2.08. Rule 144 Reporting . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission that may permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the Partnership agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to:
(a) make and keep public information regarding the Partnership available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times from and after the date hereof;
(b) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Partnership under the Exchange Act at all times from and after the date hereof; and
(c) so long as a Holder owns any Registrable Securities, unless otherwise available via EDGAR, furnish to such Holder forthwith upon request a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Partnership, and such other reports and documents so filed as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.
Section 2.09. Transfer or Assignment of Registration Rights . The rights to cause the Partnership to register Registrable Securities granted to a Holder by the Partnership under this Article II may be transferred or assigned by such Holder to one or more transferee(s) or assignee(s) of such Registrable Securities (or Subordinated Units prior to conversion); provided, however , that (a) unless such transferee or assignee is an Affiliate of WPT, each such transferee or assignee holds Registrable Securities (or Subordinated Units prior to conversion) representing at least five percent (5%) of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.04 ), (b) the Partnership is given written notice prior to any said transfer or assignment, stating the name and address of each such transferee and identifying the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned and (c) each such transferee agrees to be bound by this Agreement.
Section 2.10. Restrictions on Public Sale by Holders of Registrable Securities . WPT and any other Holder(s) who, along with its Affiliates, holds at least five percent (5%) of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.04 ), agrees to enter into a customary letter agreement with underwriters providing such Holder will not effect any public sale or distribution of the Registrable Securities during the 90 calendar day
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period beginning on the date of a prospectus or prospectus supplement filed with the Commission with respect to the pricing of an Underwritten Offering, provided that (i) the duration of the foregoing restrictions shall be no longer than the duration of the shortest restriction generally imposed by the underwriters on the Partnership or the officers, directors or any other unitholder of the Partnership on whom a restriction is imposed and (ii) the restrictions set forth in this Section 2.10 shall not apply to any Registrable Securities that are included in such Underwritten Offering by such Holder.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 3.01. Communications . All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by facsimile, electronic mail, courier service or personal delivery:
(a) if to WPT:
WPT LLC
Attention: Amy Moore
Manager, Olefins
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
(b) if to a transferee of WPT, to such Holder at the address provided pursuant to Section 2.09 ; and
(c) if to the Partnership:
Westlake Chemical Partners LP
Attention: L. Benjamin Ederington
Vice President, General Counsel & Assistant Secretary
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Fax: (713) 629-6239
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered and when actually received, if sent by courier service or any other means.
Section 3.02. Successor and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including subsequent Holders of Registrable Securities to the extent permitted herein.
Section 3.03. Assignment of Rights . All or any portion of the rights and obligations of the Holders under this Agreement may be transferred or assigned by the Holders in accordance with Section 2.09 hereof.
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Section 3.04. Recapitalization, Exchanges, Etc. Affecting the Registrable Securities . The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth herein with respect to any and all securities of the Partnership or any successor or assign of the Partnership (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) that may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution of, the Registrable Securities, and shall be appropriately adjusted for combinations, splits, recapitalizations, pro rata distributions and the like occurring after the date of this Agreement.
Section 3.05. Specific Performance . Damages in the event of breach of this Agreement by a party hereto may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each party, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, will have the right to an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and each of the parties hereto hereby waives any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right will not preclude any such party from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such party may have.
Section 3.06. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.
Section 3.07. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
Section 3.08. Governing Law . The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern this Agreement.
Section 3.09. Severability of Provisions . Any provision of this Agreement that 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 or affecting or impairing the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 3.10. Scope of Agreement . The rights granted pursuant to this Agreement are intended to supplement and not to reduce or replace any rights any Holders may have under the Partnership Agreement with respect to the Registrable Securities. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. Except as provided in the Partnership Agreement, there are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership set forth herein. Except as provided in the Partnership Agreement, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
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Section 3.11. Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by means of a written amendment signed by the Partnership and the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities; provided, however , that no such amendment shall materially and adversely affect the rights of any Holder hereunder without the consent of such Holder.
Section 3.12. No Presumption . If any claim is made by a party relating to any conflict, omission, or ambiguity in this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion shall be implied by virtue of the fact that this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of a particular party or its counsel.
Section 3.13. Aggregation of Registrable Securities . All Registrable Securities held or acquired by Persons who are Affiliates of one another shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement.
Section 3.14. Obligations Limited to Parties to Agreement . Each of the parties hereto covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no Person other than the Partnership and the Holders shall have any obligation hereunder and that, notwithstanding that one or more of the Holders may be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, no recourse under this Agreement or under any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be had against any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of the Holders or any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of the foregoing, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of the Holders or any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of the foregoing, as such, for any obligations of the Holders under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith or therewith or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligation or its creation, except in each case for any assignee of the Holders hereunder.
Section 3.15. Interpretation . All references to Articles and Sections shall be deemed to be references to Articles and Sections of 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 word including shall mean including but not limited to. Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by the Holders under this Agreement, such action shall be in the Holders sole discretion unless otherwise specified.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.
WPT LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemicals Investments, Inc., | |
its manager | ||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, | |
its general partner | ||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
S IGNATURE P AGE
TO
R EGISTRATION R IGHTS A GREEMENT
Exhibit 10.1
OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
among
WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS GP LLC
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO GP LLC
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP
WPT LLC
WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC.
WESTLAKE PVC CORPORATION
WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC
WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC
and
WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I |
DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION |
1 | ||||
Section 1.1 |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
Section 1.2 |
Construction |
8 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
INDEMNIFICATION |
8 | ||||
Section 2.1 |
Environmental Indemnification |
8 | ||||
Section 2.2 |
Additional Indemnification |
9 | ||||
Section 2.3 |
Consequential Damages |
11 | ||||
Section 2.4 |
Indemnification Procedures |
11 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
SERVICES |
12 | ||||
Section 3.1 |
Scope of Services |
12 | ||||
Section 3.2 |
Exclusion of Services |
12 | ||||
Section 3.3 |
Performance of Services by Affiliates or Other Persons |
12 | ||||
Section 3.4 |
Payment Amount |
12 | ||||
Section 3.5 |
Payment of the Payment Amount |
14 | ||||
Section 3.6 |
Disputed Charges |
14 | ||||
Section 3.7 |
Employees |
14 | ||||
Section 3.8 |
Limitation of Duties and Liability |
14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
15 | ||||
Section 4.1 |
Westlake Right of First Refusal |
15 | ||||
Section 4.2 |
Procedures |
15 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
17 | ||||
Section 5.1 |
Representations by the Westlake Parties |
17 | ||||
Section 5.2 |
Representations by Partnership Entities |
18 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
INSURANCE |
19 | ||||
Section 6.1 |
Westlake Insurance |
19 | ||||
Section 6.2 |
MLP Insurance |
21 | ||||
Section 6.3 |
Certificates; Proof of Loss |
22 | ||||
Section 6.4 |
Payment of Deductible Amounts |
22 | ||||
Section 6.5 |
Contractors Insurance |
22 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION |
24 | ||||
Section 7.1 |
Information |
24 | ||||
Section 7.2 |
Definition |
24 | ||||
Section 7.3 |
Legal Requirement |
24 | ||||
Section 7.4 |
Survival |
25 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |
25 | ||||
Section 8.1 |
Ownership by the Westlake Entities and License to MLP |
25 | ||||
Section 8.2 |
License to the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates |
25 |
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ARTICLE IX |
TERM; MISCELLANEOUS |
25 | ||||
Section 9.1 |
Term |
25 | ||||
Section 9.2 |
Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction |
25 | ||||
Section 9.3 |
Dispute Resolution |
26 | ||||
Section 9.4 |
Notice |
27 | ||||
Section 9.5 |
Entire Agreement |
27 | ||||
Section 9.6 |
Amendment or Modification |
28 | ||||
Section 9.7 |
Assignment |
28 | ||||
Section 9.8 |
Counterparts |
28 | ||||
Section 9.9 |
Severability |
28 | ||||
Section 9.10 |
Further Assurances |
28 | ||||
Section 9.11 |
No Waiver |
28 | ||||
Section 9.12 |
Set Off |
28 | ||||
Section 9.13 |
Rights of Third Parties |
28 |
Schedule I |
Westlake Complexes |
|
Schedule II |
Services |
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OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
THIS OMNIBUS AGREEMENT ( Agreement ) is entered into on, and effective as of, the Closing Date (as defined herein), and is by and among Westlake Management Services Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Westlake Services ), Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( GP ), Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the MLP ), Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Operating GP ), Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( OpCo ), WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( WPT ), Westlake Longview Corporation, a Delaware Corporation ( Westlake Longview ), Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Westlake Petrochemicals ), Westlake Vinyls, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Westlake Vinyls , and together with WPT, Westlake Longview and Westlake Petrochemicals, the Westlake Contributors ), Westlake PVC Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( Westlake PVC ), Westlake Styrene LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Westlake Styrene ), Westlake Polymers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Westlake Polymers ), and Westlake Vinyl Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( Vinyl Corporation and together with Westlake Styrene, Westlake Polymers and the Westlake Contributors, the Westlake Complex Parties ). The above-named entities are sometimes referred to in this Agreement each as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
RECITALS:
Certain of the Parties have entered into the Related Agreements (as defined below), and in connection therewith, the Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their agreement with respect to certain obligations of the Parties, as more fully set forth herein.
In consideration of the premises and the covenants, conditions, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
Acquisition Proposal is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Administrative Personnel means individuals who are employed by the Westlake Parties or any of their Affiliates and assist in providing, as part of the Services, any of the administrative services referred to in Schedule II hereto.
Affiliate means (i) with respect to Westlake, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by Westlake, excluding GP and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by GP; (ii) with respect to the Partnership Entities, any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by GP; (iii) with respect to any other Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is
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under common control with such first Person. As used herein, the term 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 introduction to this Agreement.
Applicable Laws means all statutes, regulations, rules, ordinances, codes, licenses, permits, orders, approvals and rules of common law of each Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Parties, including Environmental Laws, all health, building, fire, safety and other codes, ordinances and requirements and all applicable standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, in each case, as amended, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree, judgment or settlement; in each case, as applicable to the Westlake Parties, the Partnership Entities, the Assets or the Westlake Complexes, as the case may be.
Asset Contribution Agreement means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Westlake Contributors, GP, the MLP, Operating GP, OpCo and certain other parties, together with the additional conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder.
Assets means all assets conveyed, contributed, or otherwise transferred by the Westlake Entities to the Partnership Entities prior to or on the Closing Date pursuant to the Asset Contribution Agreement.
Business is defined in Section 3.1 .
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a holiday on which banking institutions in the State of Texas are closed.
Change in Law shall mean the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking into effect of any law, treaty, order, policy, rule or regulation, (b) any change in any law, treaty, order, policy, rule or regulation 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.
Closing Date means the date of the closing of the MLPs initial public offering of Common Units.
Common Units is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
Confidential Information is defined in Section 7.2 .
Conflicts Committee is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
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Dedicated Personnel means individuals, other than Administrative Personnel, who are employed by the Westlake Parties or any of their Affiliates and provided on a full-time basis to the Partnership Group in connection with provision of the Services.
Default Rate shall mean an interest rate, compounded on a monthly basis, at the rate per annum equal to the one-month term, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR rate) for U.S. dollar deposits, plus two percentage points per annum, applicable on the first Business Day prior to the due date of payment and thereafter on the first Business Day of each succeeding month; provided, however , that the Default Rate shall never exceed the maximum rate permitted by applicable Law.
Disposition Notice is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
dispute shall have the meaning set out in Section 9.3(a) .
Environmental Law means any and all Applicable Laws pertaining to (i) pollution, protection of the environment (including natural resources), or workplace health and safety, (ii) any Release, threatened Release or exposure of any Person or property to Hazardous Substances, or (iii) the generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, arrangement for disposal or transport, or handling of Hazardous Substances. Without limiting the foregoing, Environmental Laws include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq.; the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f through 300j; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.; and all similar Applicable Laws of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Assets, the Westlake Complexes or their respective operations, and all amendments to such Applicable Laws and all regulations implementing any of the foregoing.
Environmental Liabilities or Environmental Liability shall mean any liabilities, claims or causes of action (including environmental and Toxic Tort exposure claims or causes of action), demands, losses (including diminution in value suffered by third parties), damages (including real property damages, personal property damages, and natural resource damages), injuries (including personal injury and death), judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, sanctions, supplemental environmental projects, costs (including costs for Remediation), and expenses (including environmental or Toxic Tort pre-trial, trial or appellate legal or litigation support work, court costs and reasonable and documented attorneys, experts and consultants fees, charges and disbursements) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
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ERISA Affiliate means each entity which is or has been treated as a single employer with the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates for purposes of Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
Ethylene Sales Agreement means the Ethylene Sales Agreement among OpCo, and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Feedstock Supply Agreement means the Feedstock Supply Agreement between Westlake Petrochemicals and OpCo dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
First ROFR Acceptance Deadline is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Governmental Authority means any governmental authority, agency, department, commission, bureau, board, instrumentality, court or quasi-governmental authority of the United States, or any state that has or obtains jurisdiction over the matter in question, or any political subdivision thereof.
GP is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
Hazardous Substances means and includes any substance that, by its nature or its use, is regulated or as to which liability might arise under any Environmental Law including each substance defined, designated or classified as a hazardous waste, solid waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law and any petroleum, petroleum products, petroleum hydrocarbons, whether refined or unrefined, crude oil or any fractions or derivatives thereof, asbestos, radioactive materials, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, and radon gas.
Indemnified Party means the Partnership Entities or the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates, as the case may be, in their capacity as the parties entitled to indemnification in accordance with Article II .
Indemnifying Party means either the Partnership Entities or Westlake, as the case may be, in their capacity as the parties from whom indemnification may be required in accordance with Article II .
Lender means any Person providing financing with respect to the Assets.
Limited Partner is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
Losses is defined in Section 2.2(d) .
MLP is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
Offer Price is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
OpCo is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
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Operating GP is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
Partnership Agreement means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, dated as of the Closing Date, as such agreement is in effect on the Closing Date, to which reference is hereby made for all purposes of this Agreement. No amendment or modification to the Partnership Agreement subsequent to the Closing Date shall be given effect for the purposes of this Agreement unless consented to by each of the Parties to this Agreement.
Partnership Entities means GP and each member of the Partnership Group; and Partnership Entity means any of the Partnership Entities.
Partnership Group means the MLP, Operating GP, OpCo and any Subsidiary of any such Person, treated as a single consolidated entity.
Partnership Group Member means any member of the Partnership Group.
Party and Parties are defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
Person means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, or Governmental Authority.
Personnel Costs means all compensation costs incurred by an employer in connection with the employment by such employer of applicable personnel, including all payroll and benefits.
Pre-Closing Environmental Liabilities means any and all Environmental Liabilities by reason of or arising out of any acts, omissions or conditions to the extent occurring or existing before the Closing Date associated with the Westlake Complexes or the Assets that constitute or result in (i) a violation of or any non-compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws in effect before the Closing Date that are applicable to the Westlake Complexes or the Assets, (ii) a Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, a Hazardous Substance at, under, on or from or to the Westlake Complexes or the Assets or arising out of operation of the Westlake Complexes or the Assets (including the Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, Hazardous Substances on, under, or from real properties offsite the Westlake Complexes and Assets where such Hazardous Substances were transported or disposed, or arranged to be transported or disposed as a result of or in connection with operations at the Westlake Complexes or the Assets) as to which Environmental Laws in effect before the Closing Date impose liability or require Remediation or (iii) any actual or threatened claims, demands, causes of action, actions or proceedings by or before any Person or Governmental Authority alleging potential liability under any Environmental Laws in effect before the Closing Date.
Post-Closing Environmental Liabilities means any and all Environmental Liabilities by reason of or arising out of any acts, omissions or conditions to the extent occurring or existing on or after the Closing Date associated with the Assets that constitute or result in (i) a violation of or any non-compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date that are applicable to the Assets, (ii) a Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, a Hazardous Substance at, under, on or from or to the Assets, or arising out of
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operation of the Assets (including the Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, Hazardous Substances on, under, or from real properties offsite the Assets where such Hazardous Substances were transported or disposed, or arranged to be transported or disposed as a result of or in connection with operations at the Assets) as to which Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date impose liability or require Remediation or (iii) any actual or threatened claims, demands, causes of action, actions or proceedings by or before any Person or Governmental Authority alleging potential liability under any Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date.
Proposed Transferee is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Recipient is defined in Section 7.1 .
Related Agreements means the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement, the Services Agreement and the Site Lease Agreements.
Release any releasing, depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing.
Remediation shall mean any investigation, study, assessment, evaluation, sampling, testing, monitoring, containment, removal or removal action, disposal, closure, corrective action, remediation or remedial action (regardless of whether active or passive), natural attenuation, restoration, bioremediation, response, repair, corrective measure, cleanup, or abatement that is required under any Environmental Law.
Retained Assets means the facilities owned by any of the Westlake Entities that were not conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred to the Partnership Group pursuant to the Asset Contribution Agreement.
ROFR Acceptance Deadline means the First ROFR Acceptance Deadline or the Second ROFR Acceptance Deadline, as applicable.
Sale Assets is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Second ROFR Acceptance Deadline is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Seller is defined in Section 4.2(a) .
Services is defined in Section 3.1 .
Services Agreement means the Services Agreement among OpCo and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Share-Based Compensation means any compensation accruing or payable under any incentive or other compensation plan or program of an employer based upon changes in the equity value of such employer or any of its Affiliates (but excluding the MLP and its subsidiaries).
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Shared Personnel means individuals, other than Administrative Personnel, who are employed by the Westlake Parties or any of their Affiliates and provided on a part-time basis to the Partnership Group in connection with provision of the Services.
Site Lease Agreements means the Site Lease Agreements between OpCo and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general partner of such partnership, but only if such Person, directly or by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, controls such partnership on the date of determination or (c) any other Person in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
Toxic Tort means a claim or cause of action alleging personal injury or property damage incurred by the plaintiff that is alleged to have been caused by exposure to, or contamination by, Hazardous Substances that have been released into the environment by or as a result of the actions or omissions of the defendant.
Transfer including the correlative terms Transferring or Transferred means any direct or indirect transfer, assignment, sale, gift, pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance, or any other disposition (whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law).
Units is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
Voting Securities means securities of any class of a Person entitling the holders thereof to vote on a regular basis in the election of members of the board of directors or other governing body of such Person.
Westlake means Westlake Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
Westlake Entities means any Person controlled, directly or indirectly, by Westlake other than the Partnership Entities; and Westlake Entity means any of the Westlake Entities.
Westlake Complexes means the petrochemical production facilities owned by Westlake and located in Calvert City, Kentucky and Lake Charles, Louisiana, as more particularly described on Schedule I to this Agreement, but excluding the Assets.
Westlake Complex Parties is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
Westlake Contributors is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
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Westlake Parties means any Westlake Entity party to this Agreement.
Westlake Post-Closing Environmental Liabilities means any and all Environmental Liabilities by reason of or arising out of any acts, omissions or conditions to the extent occurring or existing on or after the Closing Date associated with the Westlake Complexes that constitute or result in (i) a violation of or any non-compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date that are applicable to the Westlake Complexes, (ii) a Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, a Hazardous Substance at, under, on or from or to the Westlake Complexes, or arising out of operation of the Westlake Complexes (including the Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, Hazardous Substances on, under, or from real properties offsite the Westlake Complexes where such Hazardous Substances were transported or disposed, or arranged to be transported or disposed as a result of or in connection with operations at the Westlake Complexes) as to which Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date impose liability or require Remediation or (iii) any actual or threatened claims, demands, causes of action, actions or proceedings by or before any Person or Governmental Authority alleging potential liability under any Environmental Laws in effect on or after the Closing Date.
Section 1.2 Construction . In construing this Agreement, the following principles shall be followed: (i) no consideration shall be given to the captions of articles, sections or subsections; (ii) no consideration shall be given to the fact or presumption that one Party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting this Agreement; (iii) the word includes and its syntactic variants means includes, but is not limited to and corresponding syntactic variant expressions; and (iv) the plural shall be deemed to include the singular, and vice versa.
ARTICLE II
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 2.1 Environmental Indemnification .
(a) The Westlake Contributors agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Partnership Entities and their respective officers, directors and employees from and against any and all Pre-Closing Environmental Liabilities, incurred by or asserted against Partnership Entities; provided that the Partnership Entities shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any such cost, but failure to use such commercially reasonable efforts shall not limit the Partnership Entities rights to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Westlake Contributors are prejudiced thereby.
(b) So long as any Related Agreement remains in effect, the Partnership Entities agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Westlake Contributors and their Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors and employees, from and against any and all Post-Closing Environmental Liabilities, incurred by or asserted against the Westlake Contributors or any of their Affiliates; provided that the Westlake Contributors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any such cost, but failure to use such commercially reasonable efforts shall not limit the Westlake Contributors rights to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Partnership Entities are prejudiced thereby.
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(c) So long as any Related Agreement remains in effect, the Westlake Complex Parties agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Partnership Entities, and their respective officers, directors and employees, from and against any and all Westlake Post-Closing Environmental Liabilities, incurred by or asserted against the Partnership Entities; provided that the Partnership Entities shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any such cost, but failure to use such commercially reasonable efforts shall not limit the Partnership Entities rights to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Westlake Complex Parties are prejudiced thereby.
(d) So long as any Related Agreement remains in effect, the Partnership Entities agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Westlake Complex Parties, and their respective officers, directors and employees, from and against any and all Environmental Liabilities (other than Pre-Closing Environmental Liabilities or Westlake Post-Closing Environmental Liabilities), incurred by or asserted against the Westlake Complex Parties; provided that the Westlake Complex Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any such cost, but failure to use such commercially reasonable efforts shall not limit the Westlake Complex Parties rights to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Partnership Entities are prejudiced thereby.
Section 2.2 Additional Indemnification .
(a) The Westlake Parties shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Partnership Entities from and against any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, and reasonable costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys and experts fees) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent, suffered or incurred by the Partnership Entities by reason of or arising out of claims asserted by any third party with respect to (i) events and conditions associated with the ownership or operation of the Assets and occurring before the Closing Date (other than those losses for which the Partnership Entities are entitled to indemnification from the Westlake Contributors under Section 2.1 ) to the extent that the Westlake Entities are notified in writing of any of the foregoing within one year after the Closing Date, (ii) all currently pending legal actions or those threatened in writing against the Westlake Parties, (iii) events and conditions associated with the Retained Assets whether occurring before or after the Closing Date, and (iv) all federal, state and local income tax liabilities attributable to the operation of the Assets prior to the Closing Date, including any such income tax liabilities of the Westlake Entities that may result from the consummation of the formation transactions for the Partnership Entities.
(b) The Partnership Entities shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates from and against any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties and reasonable costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys and experts fees) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent, suffered or incurred by the Westlake Entities or their Affiliates by reason of or arising out of claims asserted by any third party with respect to events and conditions associated with the operation of the Assets and occurring on or after the Closing Date (other than those losses for which the Partnership Entities are entitled to indemnification from the Westlake Contributors under Section 2.1(a) or Section 2.2(a) ).
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(c) The Westlake Parties shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Partnership Entities from and against any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, and reasonable costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys and experts fees) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent, suffered or incurred by the Partnership Entities by reason of or arising out of any employee benefit plan sponsored or contributed to by the Westlake Parties or their ERISA Affiliates (other than the Partnership Entities and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by a Partnership Entity), including, but not limited to, any liability of the Westlake Parties and such ERISA Affiliates under Title IV of ERISA and any claims by current or former employees of such entities for post-retirement medical benefits, but excluding any such loss, damage, liability, claim, demand, cause of action, judgment, settlement, fine, penalty or cost and expense that is reimbursable by a Partnership Entity to the Westlake Parties under the Services Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnity provided in the preceding sentence shall cease to apply with respect to a Partnership Entity on the date such Partnership Entity ceases to be an ERISA Affiliate except with respect to any matter covered by such indemnity that arose prior to such date.
(d) The Partnership Entities shall indemnify, reimburse, defend and hold harmless the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates and their respective successors and permitted assigns, together with their respective employees, officers, members, managers, directors, agents and representatives, from and against all losses, costs, damages, injuries, taxes, penalties, interests, expenses, obligations, claims and liabilities (joint or severable) of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively Losses ) that are incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) the breach by such Partnership Entity of any term or condition of this Agreement, or (ii) the performance of any Services hereunder; provided, however, that the Partnership Entities shall not be obligated to indemnify, reimburse, defend or hold harmless any Indemnified Party for any Losses incurred, by such Indemnified Party in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) a breach by such Indemnified Party of this Agreement, (ii) the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of such Indemnified Party with respect to the Services hereunder or (iii) fraudulent or dishonest acts of such Indemnified Party.
(e) The Westlake Parties shall indemnify, reimburse, defend and hold harmless the Partnership Entities and their Affiliates and their respective successors and permitted assigns, together with their respective employees, officers, members, managers, directors, agents and representatives, from and against all losses, costs, damages, injuries, taxes, penalties, interests, expenses, obligations, claims and liabilities (joint or severable) of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively Losses ) that are incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) the breach by such Westlake Party of any term or condition of this Agreement, or (ii) the performance of any Services hereunder; provided, however, that the Westlake Parties shall not be obligated to indemnify, reimburse, defend or hold harmless any Indemnified Party for any Losses incurred, by such Indemnified Party in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) a breach by such Indemnified Party of this Agreement, (ii) the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of such Indemnified Party with respect to the Services hereunder or (iii) fraudulent or dishonest acts of such Indemnified Party.
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Section 2.3 Consequential Damages . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR INDEMNIFIED PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY LOST OR PROSPECTIVE PROFITS OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR INDIRECT LOSSES OR DAMAGES FROM ITS PERFORMANCE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR FOR ANY FAILURE OR PERFORMANCE HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES RECOVERED BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST ANY PARTY IN RESPECT OF WHICH SUCH PARTY WOULD OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE II, PROVIDED THAT NO PARTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT ARE CONTRARY TO APPLICABLE LAW.
Section 2.4 Indemnification Procedures .
(a) The Indemnified Party agrees that promptly after it becomes aware of facts giving rise to a claim for indemnification under this Article II , it will provide notice thereof in writing to the Indemnifying Party, specifying the nature of and specific basis for such claim. The Indemnified Party shall also provide supporting information indicating the facts and circumstances relating to the claim, copies of all correspondence with third parties, Governmental Authorities or other individuals relating to the claim, and other relevant information reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party.
(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control all aspects of the response to or defense of (and any counterclaims with respect to) any claims brought against the Indemnified Party that are covered by the indemnification under this Article II , including correspondence and negotiation with Governmental Authorities, the selection of counsel and other consultants, determination of the scope of and approach to any investigation or remediation, determination of whether to appeal any decision of any court, determination of whether to enter into any voluntary agreement with any Governmental Authority, and the settling of any such matter or any issues relating thereto; provided, however, that no such settlement shall be entered into without the consent of the Indemnified Party (with the concurrence of the Conflicts Committee in the case of the Partnership Entities) unless it includes a full release of the Indemnified Party from such matter or issues, as the case may be.
(c) The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate fully with the Indemnifying Party, with respect to all aspects of the defense of any claims covered by the indemnification under this Article II , including the prompt furnishing to the Indemnifying Party of any correspondence or other notice relating thereto that the Indemnified Party may receive, permitting the name of the Indemnified Party to be utilized in connection with such defense, the making available to the Indemnifying Party of any files, records or other information of the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party considers relevant to such defense and the making available to the Indemnifying Party of any employees of the Indemnified Party; provided, however, that in connection therewith the Indemnifying Party agrees to use reasonable efforts to minimize the impact thereof on the operations of the Indemnified Party and further agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all files, records, and other information furnished by the
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Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 2.4 . In no event shall the obligation of the Indemnified Party to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence be construed as imposing upon the Indemnified Party an obligation to hire and pay for counsel in connection with the defense of any claims covered by the indemnification set forth in this Article II ; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party may, at its own option, cost and expense, hire and pay for counsel in connection with any such defense. The Indemnifying Party agrees to keep any such counsel hired by the Indemnified Party informed as to the status of any such defense, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to retain sole control over such defense.
(d) In determining the amount of any loss, cost, damage or expense for which the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the gross amount of the indemnification will be reduced by (i) any insurance proceeds realized by the Indemnified Party, and such correlative insurance benefit shall be net of any incremental insurance premiums that become due and payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such claim and (ii) all amounts recovered by the Indemnified Party under contractual indemnities from third Persons.
ARTICLE III
SERVICES
Section 3.1 Scope of Services . The Westlake Parties agree to provide, and agree to cause their respective Affiliates to provide, on behalf of the GP for the Partnership Entities benefit, the selling, general and administrative services necessary to run the business of the Partnership Entities (the Business ), which services may include, without limitation, those services set forth in Schedule II to this Agreement (collectively, the Services ).
Section 3.2 Exclusion of Services . At any time, either GP or the Westlake Parties may temporarily or permanently exclude any particular service from the scope of Services upon 180 days notice.
Section 3.3 Performance of Services by Affiliates or Other Persons . The Parties hereby agree that in discharging its obligations hereunder, the Westlake Parties may engage any of their Affiliates or other Persons to perform the Services (or any part of the Services) on their behalf and that the performance of the Services (or any part of the Services) by any such Affiliate or Person shall be treated as if the Westlake Parties performed such Services. No such delegation by the Westlake Parties to Affiliates or other Persons shall relieve the Westlake Parties of their obligations hereunder.
Section 3.4 Payment Amount . GP shall pay, or cause to be paid, to the Westlake Parties the amount of any direct or indirect expenses incurred by the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates in connection with the provision of Services by the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates (the Payment Amount ), in accordance with the following:
(a) Dedicated Personnel . The Payment Amount will include all Personnel Costs of Dedicated Personnel as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis.
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(b) Shared Personnel and Administrative Personnel . The Payment Amount will include a pro rata share of all Personnel Costs of Shared Personnel and Administrative Personnel, as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis.
(c) Administrative Costs . The Payment Amount will include following:
(i) Office Costs . A pro rata share of all office costs (including, without limitation, all costs relating to office leases, equipment leases, supplies, property taxes and utilities) for all locations of Administrative Personnel, as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis, based on the allocation methodology determined by the Westlake Parties, as reasonably acceptable to the Partnership Group and in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles;
(ii) Insurance . Insurance premiums will be direct charged to the applicable insured to the extent possible, and otherwise will be allocated on a commercially reasonable basis determined by the Westlake Parties, based on the allocation methodology determined by the Westlake Parties, as reasonably acceptable to the Partnership Group and in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles;
(iii) Outside Services . Services provided by outside vendors (including audit services, legal services and other services) will first be direct charged where applicable; provided, however that the Payment Amount will include a pro rata share of charges for all services that are provided by outside vendors and not direct charged, as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis, based on the allocation methodology determined by the Westlake Parties, as reasonably acceptable to the Partnership Group and in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles;
(iv) Other SGA Costs . A pro rata share of all other sales, general and administrative costs relating to the Partnership Entities, as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis, based on the allocation methodology determined by the Westlake Parties, as reasonably acceptable to the Partnership Group and in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles; and
(v) Depreciation and Amortization . A pro rata share of depreciation and amortization relating to all locations of Administrative Personnel, as determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis, following recognition of such depreciation or amortization as an expense on the books and records of the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates.
(d) Other Costs . Bank charges, interest expense and any other costs as reasonably incurred by the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates in the provision of Services will be direct charged to the Partnership Entities. For the avoidance of doubt, any of the foregoing costs and expenses described in Section 3.4 that are direct charged to any Party will not be included in the Payment Amount.
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Section 3.5 Payment of the Payment Amount . The Westlake Parties shall submit monthly invoices to GP for the Services on or before the 20 th day of each month, which invoices shall be due and payable not later than the 5 th day following receipt of such invoice. If the due date for payment is not a Business Day, then the due date for payment shall be the immediately succeeding Business Day. GP shall pay, or cause the Partnership Group to pay, to the Westlake Parties in immediately available funds, the full Payment Amount due under Section 3.4 . Past due amounts shall bear interest at the Default Rate. If GP fails to make payment of any amount of any monthly invoice, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with Section 3.6 below, on or before the later of (a) the 60th Day after such payment is due and (b) the 30th Day after notice by the Westlake Parties of such non-payment, the Westlake Parties shall have the right to suspend the provision of the Services hereunder until such payment is made.
Section 3.6 Disputed Charges . GP MAY, WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF A CHARGE FROM THE WESTLAKE PARTIES, TAKE WRITTEN EXCEPTION TO SUCH CHARGE, ON THE GROUND THAT THE SAME WAS NOT A REASONABLE COST INCURRED BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES OR THEIR AFFILIATES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICES. GP SHALL NEVERTHELESS PAY OR CAUSE THE PARTNERSHIP ENTITIES TO PAY IN FULL WHEN DUE THE FULL PAYMENT AMOUNT OWED TO THE WESTLAKE PARTIES. SUCH PAYMENT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT OF A PARTNERSHIP ENTITY TO RECOUP ANY CONTESTED PORTION OF ANY AMOUNT SO PAID. HOWEVER, IF THE AMOUNT AS TO WHICH SUCH WRITTEN EXCEPTION IS TAKEN, OR ANY PART THEREOF, IS ULTIMATELY DETERMINED NOT TO BE A REASONABLE COST INCURRED BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES OR THEIR AFFILIATES IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR PROVISION OF THE SERVICES HEREUNDER, SUCH AMOUNT OR PORTION THEREOF (AS THE CASE MAY BE) SHALL BE REFUNDED BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES TO THE PARTNERSHIP ENTITIES TOGETHER WITH INTEREST THEREON AT THE DEFAULT RATE FOR THE PERIOD FROM THE DATE OF PAYMENT BY THE PARTNERSHIP ENTITIES TO THE DATE OF REFUND BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES.
Section 3.7 Employees . The Partnership Entities shall not be obligated to pay directly to Dedicated Personnel or Shared Personnel any compensation, salaries, wages, bonuses, benefits, social security taxes, workers compensation insurance, retirement and insurance benefits, training or other expenses.
Section 3.8 Limitation of Duties and Liability . The relationship of the Westlake Parties to the Partnership Entities pursuant to this Article III is as an independent contractor and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impose on the Westlake Parties, or on any of their Affiliates, or on any of their respective successors and permitted assigns, or on their respective employees, officers, members, managers, directors, agents and representatives, any express or implied fiduciary duty. The Westlake Parties and their Affiliates and their respective successors and permitted assigns, together with their respective employees, officers, members, managers, directors, agents and representatives, shall not be liable for, and the Partnership Entities shall not take, or permit to be taken, any action against any of such Persons to hold such Persons liable for (a) any error of judgment or mistake of law by such Persons or for any Loss suffered by such Persons in connection with the performance of any Services under this Agreement, except for a liability or loss resulting from gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad
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faith or reckless disregard in the performance by such Persons of the Services, or (b) any fraudulent or dishonest acts by the Partnership Entities. In no event, whether based on contract, indemnity, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, shall the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates, their respective successors and permitted assigns, or their respective employees, officers, members, managers, directors, agents and representatives, be liable for loss of profits or revenue or special, incidental, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.
ARTICLE IV
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
Section 4.1 Westlake Right of First Refusal .
(a) The Partnership Entities hereby grant to Westlake a right of first refusal on any proposed Transfer (other than a grant of a security interest to a bona fide third-party Lender or a Transfer to another Partnership Entity; provided that such Partnership Entity shall remain bound by this Section 4.1 ) of (i) equity interests in OpCo or (ii) both the Assets that serve the Westlake Entities other facilities and any other assets that the Partnership Group may acquire from the Westlake Entities, excluding sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts receivable, spare parts and other assets in the ordinary course of business, and sales or other dispositions of assets as part of normal retirements or replacements. The Parties acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Section 4.1 shall prevent or restrict the Transfer of the capital stock of, equity ownership interests or other securities in the GP or the MLP.
(b) The Parties acknowledge that all potential Transfers of Assets pursuant to this Section 4.1 are subject to obtaining any and all required written consents of Governmental Authorities.
(c) Westlake shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to assign its rights under this Section 4.1 to any Affiliate of Westlake.
Section 4.2 Procedures .
(a) If a Partnership Entity proposes to Transfer either the equity interests in OpCo or any of the Assets with respect to which a right of first refusal has been granted pursuant to this Article IV to any Person pursuant to a bona fide third-party offer (an Acquisition Proposal ), then the Partnership Entity bound by such right of first refusal ( Seller ) shall promptly give written notice (a Disposition Notice ) thereof to Westlake. The Disposition Notice shall set forth the following information in respect of the proposed Transfer: the name and address of the prospective acquiror (the Proposed Transferee ), the assets subject to the Acquisition Proposal (the Sale Assets ), the purchase price offered by such Proposed Transferee (the Offer Price ), reasonable detail concerning any non-cash portion of the proposed consideration, if any, to allow Westlake to reasonably determine the fair market value of such non-cash consideration, Sellers estimate of the fair market value of any non-cash consideration and all other material terms and conditions of the Acquisition Proposal that are then known to Seller. To the extent the Proposed Transferees offer consists of consideration other than cash (or in addition to cash) the Offer Price shall be deemed equal to the amount of any such cash plus the fair market value of such non-cash consideration. In the event Seller and
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Westlake agree as to the fair market value of any non-cash consideration, Westlake will provide written notice of its decision regarding the exercise of its right of first refusal to purchase the Sale Assets within 30 days of its receipt of the Disposition Notice (the First ROFR Acceptance Deadline ). Failure to provide such notice within such 30-day period shall be deemed to constitute a decision not to purchase the Sale Assets. In the event (i) Westlakes determination of the fair market value of any non-cash consideration described in the Disposition Notice (to be determined by Westlake within 30 days of receipt of such Disposition Notice) is less than the fair market value of such consideration as determined by Seller in the Disposition Notice and (ii) Westlake and Seller are unable to mutually agree upon the fair market value of such non-cash consideration within 30 days after Westlake notifies Seller of its determination thereof, Seller and Westlake shall engage a mutually agreed upon valuation firm to determine the fair market value of the non-cash consideration. Such valuation firm shall be instructed to notify Westlake and Seller of its decision within 30 days after all material information is submitted thereto, which decision shall be final. The fees of the valuation firm will be split equally between Seller and Westlake. Westlake will provide written notice of its decision regarding the exercise of its right of first refusal to purchase the Sale Assets to Seller within 30 days after the valuation firm has submitted its determination (the Second ROFR Acceptance Deadline ). Failure to provide such notice within such 30-day period shall be deemed to constitute a decision by Westlake not to purchase the Sale Assets. If Westlake fails to exercise a right during any applicable period set forth in this Section 4.2(a) , Westlake shall be deemed to have waived its rights with respect to such proposed disposition of the Sale Assets, but not with respect to any future offer of assets.
(b) If Westlake chooses to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the Sale Assets under Section 4.2(a) , Westlake and Seller shall enter into a purchase and sale agreement for the Sale Assets, which shall include the following terms:
(i) Westlake will agree to deliver cash for the Offer Price (unless Westlake and Seller agree that consideration will be paid by means of non-cash consideration);
(ii) Seller will represent that it has good and indefeasible title to the Sale Assets, subject to all recorded matters and all physical conditions in existence on the closing date for the purchase of the Sale Assets, plus any other such matters as Westlake may approve, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld. If Westlake desires to obtain any title insurance with respect to the Sale Assets, the full cost and expense of obtaining the same (including the cost of title examination, document duplication and policy premium) shall be borne by Westlake;
(iii) Seller will grant to Westlake the right, exercisable at Westlakes risk and expense, to make such surveys, tests and inspections of the Sale Assets as Westlake may deem desirable, so long as such surveys, tests or inspections do not damage the Sale Assets or interfere with the activities of Seller and its Affiliates thereon and so long as Westlake has furnished Seller with evidence that adequate liability insurance is in full force and effect;
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(iv) Westlake will have the right to terminate its obligation to purchase the Sale Assets under this Article IV if the results of any searches, surveys, tests or inspections conducted pursuant to Section 4.2(b)(ii) or (iii) above are, in the reasonable opinion of Westlake, unsatisfactory;
(v) the closing date for the purchase of the Sale Assets shall occur no later than 120 days following receipt by Seller of written notice by Westlake of its intention to exercise its option to purchase the Sale Assets pursuant to Section 4.2(a) ;
(vi) Seller shall execute, have acknowledged and deliver to Westlake a special warranty deed, assignment of easement, or comparable document, as appropriate, in the applicable jurisdiction, on the closing date for the purchase of the Sale Assets constituting real property interests, conveying the Sale Assets to Westlake free and clear of all encumbrances created by Seller and its Affiliates other than those set forth in Section 4.2(b)(ii) above;
(vii) the sale of any Sale Assets shall be made on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Acquisition Proposal, unless otherwise agreed by Seller and Westlake or otherwise provided herein; and
(viii) neither Seller nor Westlake shall have any obligation to sell or buy the Sale Assets if any of the material consents referred to in Section 4.1(c) have not been obtained.
(c) Seller and Westlake shall cooperate in good faith in obtaining all necessary governmental and other third Person approvals, waivers and consents required for the closing. Any such closing shall be delayed, to the extent required, until the third Business Day following the expiration of any required waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
(d) If the Transfer to the Proposed Transferee is not consummated in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition Proposal within the later of (A) 180 days after the later of the applicable ROFR Acceptance Deadline, and (B) 10 days after the satisfaction of all governmental approval or filing requirements, if any, the Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to lapse, and Seller may not Transfer any of the Sale Assets described in the Disposition Notice without complying again with the provisions of this Article IV .
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 5.1 Representations by the Westlake Parties . Each of the Westlake Parties represents and warrants to the Partnership Entities that:
(a) Such Westlake Party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite power and authority to own and lease the properties and assets it currently owns and leases, including the Retained Assets, and to conduct its activities as such activities are currently conducted and as contemplated by this Agreement.
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(b) Such Westlake Party has all requisite power, authority and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by such Westlake Party have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Westlake Party, and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Westlake Party, and is the valid and binding obligation of such Westlake Party, enforceable against such Westlake Party in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable laws of bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors rights and remedies generally.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance by such Westlake Party of this Agreement does not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of such Westlake Partys organizational documents; (ii) violate any provision of any Applicable Laws; (iii) conflict with, violate, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (without regard to requirements of notice, lapse of time, or elections of other Persons, or any combination thereof) or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by, any contracts or other instruments to which such Westlake Party is a party or by which either such Westlake Party or the Retained Assets is bound or affected which would cause a material adverse impact on the Partnership Entities; or (iv) require any consent, approval, or authorization of, or filing of any certificate, notice, application, report, or other document with, any Governmental Authority or other Person that has not been obtained or the failure to obtain which would cause a material adverse impact on the Partnership Entities.
Section 5.2 Representations by Partnership Entities . Each of the Partnership Entities represents and warrants to the Westlake Parties that:
(a) Such Partnership Entity is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, and, as of the Closing Date, has all requisite power and authority to own and lease the properties and assets it currently owns and leases, including the Assets, and to conduct its activities as such activities are currently conducted and as contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Such Partnership Entity has all requisite power, authority and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by such Partnership Entity have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Partnership Entity, and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Partnership Entity, and is the valid and binding obligation of such Partnership Entity, enforceable against such Partnership Entity in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable laws of bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors rights and remedies generally.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance by such Partnership Entity of this Agreement do not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of such Partnership Entitys organizational documents; (ii) violate any provision of any Applicable Laws; (iii) conflict with, violate, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (without regard to requirements of notice, lapse of time, or elections of other Persons, or any combination thereof)
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or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by, any contracts or other instruments to which such Partnership Entity is a party or by which either such Partnership Entity or its Assets are bound or affected, which would cause a material adverse impact on the Westlake Entities; or (iv) require any consent, approval, or authorization of, or filing of any certificate, notice, application, report, or other document with, any Governmental Authority or other Person that has not been obtained or the failure to obtain which would cause a material adverse impact on the Westlake Entities.
ARTICLE VI
INSURANCE
Section 6.1 Westlake Insurance .
(a) Subject to the GPs reasonable approval and the last sentence of this Section 6.1(a) , the Westlake Entities shall obtain and maintain the insurance described in Section 6.1(b) during any period in which one or more of the Related Agreements is in effect. The Westlake Entities shall procure and maintain such insurance under individual or blanket policies and include the Partnership Entities as additional insureds under all liability policies except for workers compensation insurance. If at any time the insurer (or prospective insurer) under the property insurance referenced in Section 6.1(b)(vi) will not permit the Partnership Entities to remain named insureds under such policy, then the Westlake Entities shall notify the MLP thereof as soon as reasonably practicable (but in any event no later than 30 days prior to the date that the Partnership Entities cease to be named insureds) and the MLP shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining the property insurance described in such Section 6.1(b)(vi) covering the Partnership Entities real and personal property and time element loss caused by direct damage to covered property.
(b) The minimum insurance to be obtained and maintained by the Westlake Entities is set forth below:
(i) Statutory Workers Compensation Insurance in compliance with Applicable Law covering all employees at the Westlake Complexes;
(ii) Employers Liability Insurance, in a minimum amount per accident determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis;
(iii) Commercial General Liability Insurance, covering bodily injury and property damage to third parties and covering liability for damage to property of third parties. Such policy or combination of policies shall provide per occurrence and annual aggregate limits determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis and shall include contractual liability coverage. Policy form may be either occurrence or claims-made;
(iv) Automobile Liability Insurance with limits per accident determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis and covering any auto;
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(v) Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance written on an occurrence or integrated occurrences basis and providing coverage limits in excess of the primary limits of the insurance described in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) above; the limits of such excess/umbrella coverage shall be determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis;
(vi) Property Insurance, on an All Risks of physical loss or damage to all of the Partnership Entities and the Westlake Entities real and personal property (including the Assets and the Westlake Complexes) and time element loss in which the MLP and the Westlake Entities have an insurable interest; such coverage shall name the Partnership Entities as named insureds and meet the requirements of any Lender; and
(vii) Environmental Insurance having limits of liability of an amount per pollution condition and an aggregate amount for all pollution conditions, each as determined by Westlake on a commercially reasonable basis, which provide reasonably obtainable coverage for bodily injury, property damage, or remediation costs to the Partnership Entities and the Westlake Entities property or to third parties, relating to pollution conditions, including Releases, Hazardous Substances or Remediations; such coverage shall name the Partnership Entities as named insureds.
Except for workers compensation insurance and that insurance described above as to which the Partnership Entities are required to be named as named insureds, the insurance described in this Section 6.1(b) shall include the Partnership Entities as additional insureds as to the operations and activities of the Assets and the Westlake Complexes. It is further agreed that such insurance shall be primary with regard to the aforementioned additional insured status.
(c) All policies, binders or interim insurance contracts with respect to insurance maintained by the Westlake Entities pursuant to Section 6.1(b) and with respect to insurance maintained by the MLP pursuant to Section 6.2 shall:
(i) be placed with reputable, creditworthy insurance companies of nationally recognized standing and reasonably acceptable to the MLP, the Westlake Entities and (if applicable) Lenders and that are licensed or authorized to do business in the State of Texas;
(ii) state that it is primary, or is excess only with respect to the specific primary policy provided by the same Party for such coverage, and not excess or contributing as with respect to any other insurance (or self-insurance) available to any other Person or Lender insured thereunder and that all provisions thereof, except the limits of liability, shall operate in the same manner as if there were a separate policy covering each insured under each such policy;
(iii) provide that there will be no recourse against any additional insured for the payment of premiums or commissions (if such policies provide for the payment thereof) or additional premiums or assessments, it being understood that such are obligations of the named insured providing such insurance pursuant to this Agreement;
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(iv) waive any right of subrogation of the insurers thereunder against the MLP, Lender and the members, partners, officers and directors and employees of each of them with respect to insurance described in Section 6.1(b) , waive any right of subrogation of the insurers thereunder against the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates and the members, partners, officers, directors and employees of each of them with respect to insurance described in Section 6.2 , and waive any right of the insurers to any set-off or counterclaim or any other deduction, whether by attachment or otherwise, with respect to any liability of any such Person insured under such policy;
(v) with respect to the interests of the additional named insureds, provide that such insurance shall not be invalidated by any action or inaction of the additional named insureds and shall insure the additional named insureds regardless of any breach or violation of any warranty, declaration or condition contained in such insurance by the primary named insured; and
(vi) provide that it may not be canceled or materially changed without giving the MLP 30 days prior written notification thereof with respect to insurance described in Section 6.1(b) , and without giving the Westlake Entities 30 days prior written notification thereof with respect to insurance described in Section 6.2 .
(d) Reference is made to the fact that the Westlake Entities periodically review the availability, terms and cost of property and liability insurance coverages with respect to the Westlake Complexes and other properties and operations of the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates. During the term of this Agreement, the Westlake Entities agree to conduct such review no less frequently than once each fiscal year. On or about the completion of each such review, the Westlake Entities will notify the MLP of the results of such review. The Westlake Entities and the MLP shall thereafter reasonably cooperate in determining the limits, deductibles, self-insured retention amounts and other material terms that will apply to the renewal or replacement insurance coverages to be acquired by the Westlake Entities and as to which the MLP will be a named insured or additional insured consistent with the provisions of this Section 6.1 ; and in each case the determination to be made in accordance with the preceding provisions of this sentence shall take into account the terms and cost of the available insurance coverages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, until such time as the MLP is responsible for acquiring a particular insurance coverage pursuant to the last sentence of Section 6.1(a) , the Westlake Entities shall have the right to acquire such insurance coverage even if the Westlake Entities and the MLP have failed to reach a mutual determination on the limits, deductibles or other terms of such coverage.
Section 6.2 (a) MLP Insurance . MLP shall obtain and maintain (or cause to be obtained and maintained) at its expense the minimum insurance described below under individual or blanket policies:
(i) In the event any of the Partnership Entities has any employees, such Partnership Entity will obtain and maintain at all times statutory Workers Compensation Insurance in compliance with Applicable Law; and
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(ii) During any period when the last sentence of Section 6.1(a) is applicable, the property insurance referenced in such sentence.
(b) Reference is made to the fact that the MLP will periodically review the availability, terms and cost of property and liability insurance coverages with respect to the Assets. During the term of this Agreement, the MLP agrees to conduct such review no less frequently than once each fiscal year of the MLP. On or about the completion of each such review, the MLP will notify the Westlake Entities of the results of such review. The Westlake Entities and the MLP shall thereafter reasonably cooperate in determining the limits, deductibles, self-insured retention amounts and other material terms that will apply to the renewal or replacement insurance coverages to be acquired by the MLP consistent with the provisions of this Section 6.2 ; and in each case the determination to be made in accordance with the preceding provisions of this sentence shall take into account the terms and cost of the available insurance coverages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the MLP shall have the right to acquire such insurance coverage even if the MLP and the Westlake Entities have failed to reach a mutual determination on the limits, deductibles or other terms of such coverage.
Section 6.3 Certificates; Proof of Loss . On or before the required date for the insurance to be provided hereunder, each Party shall furnish certificates of insurance to the other Party evidencing the insurance required of such Party pursuant to this Agreement. The Party maintaining each insurance hereunder shall make all proofs of loss under each such policy and shall take all other action reasonably required to ensure collection from insurers for any loss under any such policy, except that the MLP may require the Westlake Entities to provide such proof of loss and take such other action on behalf of the MLP in the case of the insurance maintained by the MLP pursuant to Section 6.2 .
Section 6.4 Payment of Deductible Amounts . Notwithstanding which Party shall have obtained, or have been responsible for obtaining, insurance under Section 6.1 or 6.2(i) , the Person making the claim under any liability insurance shall bear any deductible or self-insured retention amount applicable to such claim; provided that if any other Person insured under such liability insurance is also liable with respect to the occurrence giving rise to such claim, then the Person making the claim and such other Persons shall each bear its pro rata share of such deductible or self-insured retention amount based on the allocation of liability among them; and (b) the Person making the claim under any property insurance shall bear any deductible or self-insured retention amount applicable to such claim; provided, if the occurrence giving rise to such claim also results in damage to or loss of property owned by any other Person insured under such property insurance, then the Person making the claim and such other Persons shall bear its pro rata share of such deductible or self-insured retention amount based on the damage and loss suffered by such Person as compared to the aggregate damage and loss suffered by all such Persons.
Section 6.5 Contractors Insurance . MLP and the Westlake Entities shall require their respective contractors and their subcontractors performing any services or conducting any operations or taking any on site activities with respect to the Assets or Retained Assets to procure and maintain, at a minimum, the following insurance and all policies shall include the Partnership Entities, the applicable Westlake Entity and (as applicable) Lender as additional insureds (except for workers compensation) and shall include waivers of subrogation in favor of the Partnership Entities, the applicable Westlake Entity and Lender. Such insurance will be primary and non-contributory of any insurance carried by or maintained on behalf of the Partnership Entities, the applicable Westlake Entity or Lender.
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Any contractor of the MLP or a Westlake Entity shall carry, and shall either cause its subcontractors to carry or to provide access to, insurance for Workers Compensation, Employers Liability, project specific Commercial General Liability (including Products & Completed Operations and Sudden & Accidental Pollution), Watercraft and Aircraft Liability (if same are used in providing services) and Automobile Liability insurance (including any auto), each with minimum limits determined on a commercially reasonable basis (which can be accomplished in conjunction with an umbrella insurance policy); provided that minimum amounts of Workers Compensation shall be set forth in Applicable Law.
Any contractor of the MLP or a Westlake Entity shall also carry or provide access to Pollution Liability insurance as required by environmental laws and/or regulations. Additionally, such contractors shall provide All Risks Property insurance with limits equal to the full value of the services and associated equipment during fabrication/construction and final delivery to the MLP or the applicable Westlake Entity. Such contractors shall supply the MLP and the applicable Westlake Entity with certificates or policies of such insurance prior to entry upon premises of the MLP and the applicable Westlake Entity. MLP and the applicable Westlake Entity shall be named as an additional insured, except for Workers Compensation and Employers Liability, and subrogation shall be waived on all insurance. All insurance of any contractor and their subcontractors shall be primary.
Any contractor of the MLP or a Westlake Entity shall waive subrogation with respect to all deductibles and no self-insured retention shall exceed the amount determined by the Westlake Parties on a commercially reasonable basis without written approval of the MLP and the Westlake Entities. Such contractors shall cause their and their subcontractors insurers to provide the MLP and the Westlake Entities with thirty (30) days written notice of cancellation or material change. In the event any contractor or any of its subcontractors fail to procure or maintain in force the insurance specified herein the MLP and the Westlake Entities may secure such insurance and the cost thereof shall be borne by such contractor. The insurance required under the Standard Terms and Conditions shall not be a limitation on any contractors liability under this Agreement, nor shall it be limited by any other section of this Agreement.
Any contractor of the MLP or a Westlake Entity shall carry project specific Professional Liability insurance covering claims to the extent resulting from their negligent performance of services. Minimum limits shall be set on a commercially reasonable basis. Claims-made coverage is acceptable provided the policy retroactive date is maintained prior to the date services are rendered to the MLP and the applicable Westlake Entity and continuing for a period of time equal to two (2) years from the actual completion of such contractors services.
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ARTICLE VII
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Section 7.1 Information . Each of the Partnership Entities and the Westlake Parties (the Recipient ) agrees that it will utilize any Confidential Information received from the other solely in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and the exercise by the Recipient of its rights and remedies hereunder and under Applicable Law, and all such Confidential Information will be subject to and bound by the provisions set forth in this Article VII . Upon termination of this Agreement and the Related Agreements, the Recipient shall return or destroy all such Confidential Information (and cease all further use and disclosure of such Confidential Information) that has been provided to it, together with all reproductions thereof in the Recipients possession; provided that the Recipient shall have the right to retain copies of any such information and records that relate to its performance of any services and the exercise of its rights and remedies hereunder or under the Related Agreements and under Applicable Law, and all such copies and the information reflected thereon shall be subject to the first sentence of this Section 7.1 and to Section 7.2 .
Section 7.2 Definition . Confidential Information means any information (regardless of format or medium of exchange) that is disclosed by any disclosing Party or any Affiliate, employee or agent thereof to the Recipient or any Affiliate, employee or agent of the Recipient in connection with the performance of this Agreement or the Related Agreements or that any disclosing Party has reason to expect will be maintained confidentially provided that Confidential Information shall not include any information that is publicly known. It is further understood that each Party may have the opportunity as a result of proximity or close operational ties to observe or obtain Confidential Information of any other Party and agrees not to divulge or use such information other than as set forth in this Article VII .
Section 7.3 Legal Requirement . If the Recipient is legally required (by interrogatories, discovery requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil or criminal investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, it is agreed that the Recipient prior to disclosure will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the disclosing Party with prompt notice of such request(s) so that the disclosing Party may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive the Recipients compliance with this Article VII . If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or the disclosing Party grants a waiver hereunder, the Recipient required to furnish Confidential Information may furnish that portion (and only that portion) of the Confidential Information which, in the opinion of such Partys counsel, the Recipient is legally compelled to disclose, and the Recipient will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded any Confidential Information so furnished. Disclosure of Confidential Information by the Recipient shall not violate this Article VII to the extent that Recipient (or its ultimate parent) in the exercise of reasonable good faith judgment deems it necessary, pursuant to law, regulation or stock exchange rule, to disclose such information in or in connection with filings made with the Securities Exchange Commission, any securities exchange upon which debt or equity securities of such Recipient or its parent may be listed, to any Governmental Authority or in presentations to lenders or ratings agencies.
24
Section 7.4 Survival . The provisions of this Article VII shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of three years following such termination.
ARTICLE VIII
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Section 8.1 Ownership by the Westlake Entities and License to MLP . Any (i) inventions, whether patentable or not, developed or invented, or (ii) copyrightable material (and the intangible rights of copyright therein) developed, by the Westlake Entities, their Affiliates or their employees in connection with the performance of the Services shall be the property of the Westlake Entities; provided, however, that the Westlake Entities hereby grant, and agree to cause their Affiliates to grant, to the MLP an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive and non-transferable (without the prior written consent of the applicable Westlake Entity) right and license to use such inventions or material; and further provided, however, that the MLP shall only be granted such a right and license to the extent such grant does not conflict with, or result in a breach, default, or violation of a right or license to use such inventions or material granted to the applicable Westlake Entity by any Person other than an Affiliate of the applicable Westlake Entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Westlake Entities will and will cause their Affiliates to, use all commercially reasonable efforts to grant such right and license to the MLP.
Section 8.2 License to the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates . MLP hereby grants, and will cause its Affiliates to grant, to the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive and non-transferable right and license to use, during the term of this Agreement, any intellectual property provided by the MLP or its Affiliates to the Westlake Entities or their Affiliates, but only to the extent such use is necessary for the performance of the Services. The Westlake Entities agree that the Westlake Entities and their Affiliates will utilize such intellectual property solely in connection with the performance of the Services.
ARTICLE IX
TERM; MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of all of the Related Agreements; provided that any claims for indemnification made under this Agreement within any required time period under this Agreement prior to termination shall survive termination.
Section 9.2 Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each of the Parties hereby agrees: (i) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (iii) that such Party will not bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court, and (iv) that such Party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding, and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect to any such action or proceeding.
25
Section 9.3 Dispute Resolution .
(a) The dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 9.3 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a dispute ) arising under the Agreement, and each Party irrevocably waives any right to any trial by jury with respect to any dispute arising under this Agreement.
(b) If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented:
(i) Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 9.3 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Parties.
(ii) Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 9.3 , and subject to Section 9.12 , the Parties agree and undertake that all payments not in dispute shall continue to be made and that all obligations not in dispute shall continue to be performed.
(iii) Within 30 days after receipt of notice of a dispute under subsection (b)(i), representatives of the Parties shall engage in non-binding mediation, and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under Section 9.3(b)(iv).
(iv) If, after satisfying the requirement above, the dispute is not resolved, the Parties shall resolve the dispute by a binding arbitration, to be held in the State of Texas pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and in accordance with the then-prevailing Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the AAA ). The AAA shall select one (1) arbitrator. Each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with arbitration and the fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the Parties involved in the dispute and advanced by them from time to time as required. It is the mutual intention and desire of the Parties that the arbitrator be selected as expeditiously as possible following the submission of the dispute to arbitration. Once the arbitrator is selected and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Parties involved in such dispute or as ordered by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown, the hearing for the dispute will be held within sixty (60) days of submission of the dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator shall render his final award within sixty (60) days, subject to extension by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown of extraordinary circumstances, following conclusion of the hearing and any required post-hearing briefing or other proceedings ordered by the arbitrator. Any discovery in connection with arbitration hereunder shall be limited to information directly relevant to the controversy or claim in arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator in any such proceeding will be reasoned, final and binding and final judgment may be entered upon such an award in any court of competent jurisdiction, but entry of such
26
judgment will not be required to make such award effective. Any action against any Party ancillary to arbitration (as determined by the arbitrators), including any action for provisional or conservatory measures or action to enforce an arbitration award or any judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Texas, and the Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Texas over any such action. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such action brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such action. Each of the Parties agrees that a judgment in any such action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
Section 9.4 Notice . All notices or requests or consents provided for by, or permitted to be given pursuant to, this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by depositing same in the United States mail, addressed to the Person to be notified, postpaid, and registered or certified with return receipt requested or by delivering such notice in person or by facsimile or e-mail to such Party. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by facsimile or e-mail shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the recipients normal business hours or at the beginning of the recipients next Business Day after receipt if not received during the recipients normal business hours. All notices to be sent to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth below such Partys signature to this Agreement or at such other address as such Party may stipulate to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 9.4 .
If to the Westlake Entities:
Westlake Chemical Corporation
Attention: L. Benjamin Ederington
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
If to the Partnership Entities:
Westlake Chemical Partners GP
Attention: L. Benjamin Ederington
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
Section 9.5 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein.
27
Section 9.6 Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto; provided, that the MLP may not, without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee, agree to any amendment or modification of this Agreement that, in the reasonable judgment of the GP, will adversely affect the holders of Common Units. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Agreement.
Section 9.7 Assignment . No Party to this Agreement may assign or otherwise transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties hereto, and any purported transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure the benefit of, permitted successors and assigns.
Section 9.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all signatory parties had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 9.9 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 9.10 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each signatory party hereto agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions.
Section 9.11 No Waiver. Failure of any Party to this Agreement to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect such Partys right to full performance thereof at any time thereafter, and the waiver by any Party to this Agreement of a breach of any provision hereof shall not constitute a waiver of any similar breach in the future or of any other breach or nullify the effectiveness of such provision.
Section 9.12 Set Off . Each Party has the right to set off against any amounts due to the other Party hereunder any and all amounts that the other Party owes to the first Party under this Agreement or the Related Agreements.
Section 9.13 Rights of Third Parties . The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties to this Agreement, and no third party (including any Limited Partner of the MLP) shall have the right, separate and apart from the Parties to this Agreement, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
[signatures on the following page]
28
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on, and effective as of, the Closing Date.
WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS GP LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, its general partner | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO GP LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Lawrence E. Teel | |
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer |
Signature Page to Omnibus Agreement
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC | |
By: | /s/ Lawrence E. Teel | |
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer | |
WPT LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President | |
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
Signature Page to Omnibus Agreement
WESTLAKE PVC CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
Signature Page to Omnibus Agreement
SCHEDULE I
WESTLAKE COMPLEXES
Lake Charles Assets
| Styrene plant at the Petro Site that was started up in 1992; it is Technip ( Badger) technology and has a capacity of 570MM lb/yr. |
| Poly 3 at the Petro Site that was started up in 1998; licensed from Ineos and has a capacity of 600MM lb/ yr of LLDPE. |
| Five lines at the Poly Site with a total capacity of 850 MM lb/yr which consist of 4 autoclave units and 1 tubular unit that all make LDPE. |
| The tankage and dock at the Lake Charles Terminal to service the Styrene plant. |
| Service groups and facilities at the Petro Site, Poly Site and off site Administration building that support all of the plants. |
Calvert City Assets
| The Chlor Alkali plant built in 1966 and occupies approximately 40 acres. It was upgraded and expanded to 275K ECU capacity in 2001 utilizing Asahi Kasei membrane technology. The feedstocks are rock salt and electricity. |
| The VCM unit was built in 1953 utilizing B. F. Goodrich technology. The unit occupies approximately 55 acres and has an annual production capacity of 1.3 billion pounds of VCM. The feedstocks are Chlorine, Ethylene and Oxygen as well as supplemental Ethylene Dichloride as required. |
| The PVC unit was built in 1959 and occupies approximately 26 acres. It has a current annual production capacity of 1.4 billion pounds. The units feedstock is VCM produced by the Westlake VCM unit. |
Schedule I Page 1
SCHEDULE II
SERVICES
| services from the Westlake Parties employees in capacities equivalent to the capacities of corporate executive officers, except that those who serve in such capacities under this Agreement shall serve on a shared, part-time basis only, unless and to the extent agreed otherwise by the Westlake Parties; |
| administrative and professional services, including, but not limited to, legal, accounting services, audit services, human resources, insurance, tax, credit, finance, government affairs and regulatory affairs; |
| management of the MLPs property and the property of the MLPs subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; |
| recommendations on capital raising activities to the GPs Board of directors, including the issuance of debt or equity interests, the entry into credit facilities and other capital market transactions; |
| managing or overseeing litigation and administrative or regulatory proceedings, and establishing appropriate insurance policies for us, and providing safety and environmental advice; |
| recommending the payment of distributions; and |
| managing or providing advice for other projects, including acquisitions, as may be agreed by the Westlake Parties and GP from time to time. |
Schedule II Page 1
Exhibit 10.2
SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT
by and between
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP
and
WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
and
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC.
and
WPT LLC
and
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC
August 4 , 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, CONSTRUCTION |
||||||
1.1 |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
1.2 |
Construction |
6 | ||||
ARTICLE II SHARED SERVICES |
||||||
2.1 |
Engagement of the Westlake Parties |
6 | ||||
2.2 |
Common Facilities Services |
6 | ||||
2.3 |
Utility Services |
8 | ||||
2.4 |
Permits |
9 | ||||
2.5 |
Consultations |
10 | ||||
2.6 |
Relationship of the Parties |
10 | ||||
ARTICLE III OPERATING SERVICES |
||||||
3.1 |
Seconded Employees of the Westlake Parties |
10 | ||||
3.2 |
Owners Rights |
11 | ||||
3.3 |
Consultations |
11 | ||||
3.4 |
Title, Documents and Data |
11 | ||||
ARTICLE IV WESTLAKE PROVIDED UTILITIES |
||||||
4.1 |
Engagement of the Westlake Parties |
11 | ||||
4.2 |
High Pressure Steam |
11 | ||||
4.3 |
Other Steam |
12 | ||||
4.4 |
Consultations |
12 | ||||
ARTICLE V OWNER PROVIDED SERVICES |
||||||
5.1 |
Engagement of Owner |
12 | ||||
5.2 |
Owner Provided Services |
12 | ||||
5.3 |
Consultations |
13 | ||||
5.4 |
Relationship of the Parties |
13 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL SERVICES |
||||||
6.1 |
Additional Westlake Provided Services |
13 | ||||
6.2 |
Additional Seconded Employees |
13 | ||||
6.3 |
Additional Westlake Provided Utilities |
13 | ||||
6.4 |
Additional Owner Provided Services |
14 |
i
ARTICLE VII
AUTHORIZED PERSONS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
|||||
7.1 |
Delegation |
14 | ||||
7.2 |
Personnel and Secondment |
14 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII
BUDGETS, AUDITS AND ACCOUNTING |
|
|||||
8.1 |
Approved Annual Budgets |
16 | ||||
8.2 |
Unbudgeted Expenditures |
16 | ||||
8.3 |
Accounting, Reimbursement and Fee |
17 | ||||
8.4 |
Reports |
17 | ||||
8.5 |
Audit and Examination |
17 | ||||
ARTICLE IX
STANDARD OF CARE, NEGATIVE COVENANTS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY INVENTIONS |
|
|||||
9.1 |
Standard of Care |
17 | ||||
9.2 |
Negative Covenants |
18 | ||||
9.3 |
Proprietary Inventions and Techniques |
18 | ||||
ARTICLE X
PAYMENT OF COSTS |
|
|||||
10.1 |
Payments |
18 | ||||
10.2 |
Reimbursement for Emergencies |
19 | ||||
ARTICLE XI
TAXES |
|
|||||
11.1 |
Embedded Tax Amounts |
20 | ||||
11.2 |
Income Taxes |
20 | ||||
ARTICLE XII
WARRANTY/CLAIMS |
|
|||||
12.1 |
Warranties |
21 | ||||
12.2 |
Claims |
21 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII
TERMINATION |
|
|||||
13.1 |
Term |
21 | ||||
13.2 |
Termination |
21 | ||||
13.3 |
Self Help |
22 | ||||
13.4 |
General Obligations |
22 |
ii
ARTICLE XIV
ACCESS TO ETHYLENE ASSETS |
|
|||||
ARTICLE XVI
INDEMNIFICATION |
|
|||||
16.1 |
By the Westlake Parties |
23 | ||||
16.2 |
By Owner |
23 | ||||
16.3 |
Indemnification Procedures |
23 | ||||
ARTICLE XVII
FORCE MAJEURE |
|
|||||
17.1 |
Force Majeure Event |
24 | ||||
17.2 |
Force Majeure Notice |
24 | ||||
ARTICLE XVIII
OTHER PROVISIONS |
|
|||||
18.1 |
Assignment |
24 | ||||
18.2 |
Notices |
25 | ||||
18.3 |
Severability |
25 | ||||
18.4 |
Entire Agreement |
26 | ||||
18.5 |
Amendment or Modification |
26 | ||||
18.6 |
No Waiver |
26 | ||||
18.7 |
Safety Regulations |
26 | ||||
18.8 |
Relationship of Parties |
26 | ||||
18.9 |
Governing Law |
26 | ||||
18.10 |
Dispute Resolution |
26 | ||||
18.11 |
Waiver of Consequential Damages |
27 | ||||
18.12 |
Further Assurances |
27 | ||||
18.13 |
Set Off |
27 | ||||
18.14 |
Counterparts |
27 | ||||
18.15 |
Rights of Third Parties |
27 |
iii
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 |
Ethylene Assets |
|
SCHEDULE 2 |
Common Facilities |
|
SCHEDULE 3 |
Common Facilities Services |
|
SCHEDULE 4 |
Utility Services |
|
SCHEDULE 5 |
Operating Services |
|
SCHEDULE 6 |
Owner Provided Services |
|
SCHEDULE 7 |
Accounting Procedures |
iv
SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of August 4, 2014, by and between Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( Owner ), and Westlake Management Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( WMSI ), Westlake Vinyls, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Vinyls ), WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( WPT ) and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Petrochemicals ) (collectively, the Westlake Parties ). Owner and the Westlake Parties are sometimes referred to herein separately as Party or collectively as the Parties .
RECITALS
Owner is owner of the Ethylene Assets and Westlake Chemical Corporation ( Westlake Chemical ) and the Westlake Parties are the owners of the adjacent Westlake Facilities and the Common Facilities. The Ethylene Assets are currently connected to and have been operated on an integrated basis with the Westlake Facilities.
In order to continue to operate the Ethylene Assets and the Westlake Facilities in an efficient manner, Owner and the Westlake Parties have agreed to common use of the Common Facilities and Utility Services. The Westlake Parties have agreed to provide certain shared services and Seconded Employees who Owner will use in the operation and maintenance of the Ethylene Assets, and Owner has agreed to provide certain purge gas processing services and certain other services relating to the operation of the Westlake Facilities, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Furthermore, the Parties and certain of their Affiliates have agreed to provide each other with certain utilities for use in their respective production processes.
Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, Owner and the Westlake Parties or certain of their Affiliates will enter into the Related Agreements.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, Owner and the Westlake Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS, CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Definitions . In this Agreement, capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, shall have the respective meanings given to such terms set forth below:
Accounting Procedures means the terms and provisions set forth in Schedule 7.
Affiliate means (i) with respect to the Westlake Parties, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by Westlake Chemical, excluding GP and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by GP (including Owner); and (ii) with respect to Owner, GP and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by GP. As used herein, the term 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.
Applicable Law means all statutes, regulations, rules, ordinances, codes, licenses, permits, orders, approvals and rules of common law of each Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Parties, including Environmental Laws, all health, building, fire, safety and other codes, ordinances and requirements and all applicable standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, in each case, as amended, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree, judgment or settlement; in each case, as applicable to Owner, the Westlake Parties, the Ethylene Assets or the Westlake Facilities.
1
Agreement means this Services and Secondment Agreement, as the same may be amended.
Approved Annual Budget shall mean the budget so labeled and already approved by Owner and the Westlake Parties for the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending December 31, 2014 and the budget for any applicable succeeding Fiscal Year proposed by the Westlake Parties, subject to Section 8.1.
Bankruptcy Proceeding means with respect to a Party or entity, such Party or entity (i) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (ii) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (iii) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) institutes a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights; (v) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights, or a petition is presented for its winding up or liquidation, and any such proceeding or petition is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (vi) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (vii) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets; (viii) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced, or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (ix) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in clauses (i) to (viii) (inclusive); or (x) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.
Base Rate shall mean, interest compounded on a Monthly basis, at the rate per annum equal to the one-month term, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR rate) for U.S. dollar deposits, as published by The Wall Street Journal or if not published, then by the Financial Times of London.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or a holiday on which national banking associations in the State of Texas are closed.
Calvert City Assets means an ethylene plant in Calvert City, Kentucky, owned by Owner and more fully described on Schedule 1.
Capital Expenditures means all Expenditures that are capitalized by the Westlake Parties or Owner, as applicable in accordance with GAAP and the relevant Partys accounting capitalization procedures, in each case as consistently applied and as in effect from time to time.
Claims shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Common Facilities means certain facilities owned by the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates in Calvert City, Kentucky and Lake Charles, Louisiana, and described on Schedule 2, and any other facilities owned by the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates as may be required for the performance of the Shared Services.
Common Facilities Services means those services described in Section 2.2 and Schedule 3.
Common Units means common units representing limited partner interests in the MLP.
2
Conflicts Committee shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the MLPs agreement of limited partnership, as amended from time to time.
Default Rate shall mean the Base Rate plus two percentage points per annum, applicable on the first Business Day prior to the due date of payment and thereafter on the first Business Day of each succeeding Month; provided, however, that the Default Rate shall never exceed the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law.
Demineralized Water means demineralized water produced by the Lake Charles Assets.
Dispute shall have the meaning set out in Section 17.10(a).
Emergency means the events described in Section 10.2(b).
Environmental Law or Environmental Laws means any and all Applicable Laws pertaining to (i) pollution, protection of the environment (including natural resources), or workplace health and safety, (ii) any Release, threatened Release or exposure of any Person or property to Hazardous Substances, or (iii) the generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, arrangement for disposal or transport, or handling of Hazardous Substances. Without limiting the foregoing, Environmental Laws include including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq.; the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f through 300j; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.; and all similar Applicable Laws of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Ethylene Assets or the Westlake Facilities or their respective operations, and all amendments to such Applicable Laws and all regulations implementing any of the foregoing.
Ethylene Assets means the Calvert City Assets, the Lake Charles Assets and the Ethylene Pipeline, collectively.
Ethylene Pipeline means an ethylene pipeline from Mont Belvieu, Texas to Longview, Texas, owned by Owner.
Ethylene Sales Agreement means the Ethylene Sales Agreement between Owner and certain Affiliates of Westlake Chemical, dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Expenditure means a cost, expense or expenditure.
Feedstock Supply Agreement means the Feedstock Supply Agreement between Owner and Petrochemicals, dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Fiscal Year means each 12 month period beginning on the first day of January of a year and ending on December 31 of the same year; provided, the first Fiscal Year hereunder shall begin on the date of this Agreement and shall end on December 31, 2014; and further provided, the last Fiscal Year shall end at the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
First Approved Annual Budget shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a).
Force Majeure Event means the following events, conditions and circumstances, and all similar events, conditions and circumstances of the kind enumerated herein, for which a Party is rendered, wholly or substantially, unable to perform its obligations hereunder, except in each case, (i) to the extent any of the following is within the reasonable control of, could be sufficiently alleviated by the reasonable efforts of, or is caused by the gross negligence, breach or default of, the Party claiming the Force Majeure, and provided that, the Party claiming the Force Majeure takes all reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of the Force Majeure and (ii) that changes in costs
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of goods and services (including amounts payable under the Related Agreements), changes in costs of regulatory or other compliance with Applicable Law, and the lack of finances do not constitute Force Majeure:
(a) any act of God or the public enemy, fire, explosion, perils of the sea, flood, unusually bad weather (including hurricanes, tornadoes and ice storms), drought, war, terrorism, national emergency, riot, sabotage or embargo, and any interruption of or delay in transportation, electrical or other utility shortage or blackout, or any inadequacy or shortage or failure or breakdown of supply of raw materials or equipment or mechanical breakdown or other production shutdown or accident to machinery;
(b) any Labor Difficulties from whatever cause arising and whether or not the demands of the employees involved are within the power of the claiming Party to concede, including Labor Difficulties affecting transportation facilities, raw material supplies or services to the Westlake Facilities, Ethylene Assets or Common Facilities, which shall constitute events of Force Majeure to the extent that such Labor Difficulties affect a Partys ability to perform its obligations hereunder;
(c) compliance with any order, action, direction or request of any Governmental Authority or with any Applicable Law not brought about by any action or omission on the part of the Party claiming the Force Majeure.
GAAP means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time.
Governmental Authority means any governmental authority, agency, department, commission, bureau, board, instrumentality, court or quasi-governmental authority of any foreign nation, the United States, or any state that has or obtains jurisdiction over the matter in question, or any political subdivision thereof.
GP means Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, the general partner of the MLP.
High Pressure Steam means steam described in Schedule 6 under the heading High Pressure Steam, all within the tolerances and in compliance with the specifications therein contained.
Indemnified Party shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.3(a).
Indemnifying Party shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.3(a).
Initial Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
Labor Difficulties means strikes and lockouts, both legal and illegal, and other forms of organized actions, howsoever called, by labor or other personnel to stop or significantly reduce or slow down work or production or to withdraw or withhold labor or services.
Lake Charles Assets means ethylene plants Petro 1 and Petro 2 and the co-products storage and shipping area in Lake Charles, Louisiana, owned by Owner and more fully described on Schedule 1.
Limited Partner is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
MLP means Westlake Chemical Partners LP.
Month means calendar month.
Monthly Invoice shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a).
Non-Discriminatory Basis means performing any Service or taking any other action without a preference or bias which unduly favors the Westlake Facilities or any part or operation thereof over the Ethylene Assets or any part or operation thereof or vice versa.
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Omnibus Agreement means the Omnibus Agreement between Owner, Westlake Chemical and certain of its Affiliates, dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Operating Expenses means all Expenditures that are treated as operating expenses in accordance with GAAP and the Westlake Parties accounting procedures, in each case as consistently applied and as in effect from time to time.
Operating Services have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
Owner shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
Owner Group shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2.
Owner Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.
Owner Provided Services shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
Partnership Agreement means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, dated as of August 4, 2014, to which reference is hereby made for all purposes of this Agreement. No amendment or modification to the Partnership Agreement subsequent to the date hereof shall be given effect for the purposes of this Agreement unless consented to by each of the Parties to this Agreement.
Party or Parties means any of the entities named in the first paragraph to this Agreement and any respective successors or permitted assigns in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Period of Secondment shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).
Permit means all permits, licenses, franchises, consents, authorizations, certifications, exemptions, variances, and approvals, as necessary under Applicable Laws for operating the Ethylene Assets.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint stock company or Governmental Authority.
Petrochemicals has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
Purge Gas means such purge gas from the LDPE Plant, located near the Lake Charles Assets, and owned by Westlake Polymers LLC.
Related Agreements means the Site Lease Agreements, the Omnibus Agreement, the Ethylene Sales Agreement and the Feedstock Supply Agreement.
Renewal Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
Seconded Employee(s) shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).
Services means the Operating Services, the Shared Services, the Westlake Provided Utilities and the Owner Provided Services.
Shared Services shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
Site Lease Agreements means, collectively, (i) the Calvert City Site Lease Agreement between Owner and Vinyls; and (ii) the Lake Charles Site Lease Agreement between Owner, WPT and Petrochemicals, each dated of even date herewith, as the same may be amended.
Subject Services shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.3.
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Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
Utility Services has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).
Vinyls shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
Westlake Chemical shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Westlake Facilities means certain facilities all owned by the Westlake Chemical, the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates in Calvert City, Kentucky and Lake Charles, Louisiana and other assets and properties near the Ethylene Assets, other than the Common Facilities.
Westlake Group shall have the meaning set out in Section 15.1.
Westlake Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2.
Westlake Parties shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
Westlake Provided Services means the Operating Services and the Shared Services.
Westlake Provided Utilities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
WMSI shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
WPT shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph.
1.2 Construction . In construing this Agreement, the following principles shall be followed: (a) no consideration shall be given to the captions of articles, sections or subsections; (b) no consideration shall be given to the fact or presumption that one Party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting this Agreement; (c) the word includes and its syntactic variants means includes, but is not limited to and corresponding syntactic variant expressions; and (d) the plural shall be deemed to include the singular, and vice versa.
ARTICLE II
SHARED SERVICES
2.1 Engagement of the Westlake Parties . Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Owner hereby engages the Westlake Parties to perform the Common Facilities Services (as defined below) and make available the Utility Services (as defined below) (together, the Shared Services ). Owner hereby authorizes the Westlake Parties to perform all acts that are necessary or appropriate in the reasonable judgment of the Westlake Parties, to perform the Shared Services and the Westlake Parties hereby accept such engagement and agree to perform all acts necessary or appropriate in the reasonable judgment of the Westlake Parties, to perform the Shared Services, all in accordance with the terms and conditions and subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.
2.2 Common Facilities Services .
(a) The Westlake Parties hereby grant Owner full and free access to and use of the Common Facilities in accordance with the Westlake Parties policies, procedures and requirements and at all times in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, as necessary or appropriate for Owner to operate the Ethylene Assets; provided that such access shall not materially and unreasonably interfere with the operations of the Westlake Facilities; and
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(b) The Westlake Parties shall have the responsibility for maintaining the Common Facilities for use by the Westlake Facilities and the Ethylene Assets, including, but not limited to, the following services and those listed on Schedule 3:
(i) issuing and enforcing health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and requirements and other activities relating to the Common Facilities, and training employees of the Westlake Parties, Owner, their Affiliates or their subcontractors with respect thereto;
(ii) training all employees of the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates employed in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Common Facilities;
(iii) performing safety reviews associated with the Common Facilities in accordance with the applicable policies, procedures and requirements;
(iv) taking such actions as they deem necessary to keep the Common Facilities in sound operating condition, including overseeing site administration and preparing and maintaining daily operating logs and records regarding the operation and maintenance of the Common Facilities in accordance with the policies, procedures and requirements of this Agreement;
(v) providing such information for technical evaluation of the Common Facilities as may be reasonably requested by Owner subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement at Owners sole cost and expense;
(vi) carrying out such periodic performance tests of the Common Facilities as they deem necessary to operate the Common Facilities in accordance with this Agreement and recommending to Owner any remedial action that the Westlake Parties consider necessary or prudent to correct any operational deficiencies revealed by analysis of the test results or otherwise discovered during operation of the Common Facilities, and, at Owners sole cost and expense, carrying out such additional tests as Owner may reasonably request (provided that such additional tests do not materially and unreasonably interfere with the operation by the Westlake Parties of the Westlake Facilities);
(vii) providing such engineering services as they deem necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Common Facilities in accordance with this Agreement;
(viii) managing, organizing and supervising any contracted and subcontracted maintenance, repair and testing services used to carry out scheduled inspections, periodic overhauls, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and any major breakdown repairs of the Common Facilities;
(ix) advising Owner by telephone (with confirmation in writing) as soon as practicable of the occurrence of any event or the reasonable probability of occurrence of any event (including a Force Majeure Event) that could have a material adverse effect or has had a material adverse effect on the operation and maintenance of the Common Facilities;
(x) maintaining accounting records regarding the Common Facilities Services in accordance with this Agreement;
(xi) promptly notifying Owner of all material defects in the Common Facilities; and
(xii) procuring of all goods and services they deem necessary to maintain the Common Facilities; and storing all items so procured in accordance with the same practices and procedures used by the Westlake Parties in connection with the storage of similar items for the Westlake Facilities.
(c) Owner hereby engages the Westlake Parties to provide the services described in this Section 2.2(c), including all necessary or desirable services in connection therewith, for the benefit of the Westlake Facilities and the Ethylene Assets:
(i) maintaining or causing to be maintained all roads, easements, yards, parking areas, walkways, environmental compliance equipment and utilities located on or at the Common Facilities or necessary for access to or for the operation and maintenance of the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
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(ii) maintaining or causing to be maintained fire protection, health equipment and safety equipment required in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
(iii) providing or causing to be provided reasonably adequate security, firefighting, wastewater treatment and emergency response services (including fire brigade, rescue and hazmat teams) for the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities in accordance with standards established by Applicable Law and not less than the quality being used in the operation of the Common Facilities and the Ethylene Assets as of the date of this Agreement, and as otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Parties;
(iv) providing or causing to be provided transportation, loading and unloading services (including tank car and barge facilities and repair services) for use in the movement of such raw materials, process chemicals and other supplies and fuels as required in connection with the operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
(v) providing accounting and human resources services, marketing services and purchasing of such chemicals and supplies as required in connection with the operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
(vi) providing information technology, telephone, office support and other technology and support services for the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
(vii) providing water control management services, quality control and laboratory services required for the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities;
(viii) providing cooling tower services and waste treatment in connection with the operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities; and
(ix) providing housekeeping services for the Ethylene Assets and the Common Facilities, including HVAC, janitorial services, weed control, and trash pickup,
(subsections (a), (b) and (c), collectively, the Common Facilities Services ).
2.3 Utility Services .
(a) The Westlake Parties are party to various contracts with utilities and other parties pursuant to which the Ethylene Assets and the Westlake Facilities receive electricity, natural gas, nitrogen, water and other utility services described on Schedule 4 (collectively, the Utility Services ) necessary to operate and maintain the Ethylene Assets, the Westlake Facilities and the Common Facilities. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make available to Owner electricity, natural gas, fuel gas, boiler feed water, cooling water, potable water, steam, process steam and such other services as may be needed to operate the Ethylene Assets. The quality, standards and specifications for such Utility Services shall be suitable for the operation of the Common Facilities and the Ethylene Assets in accordance with standards and quality being used in the operation of the Common Facilities and the Ethylene Assets as of the date of this Agreement or as may be reasonably requested by Owner based upon changed needs. It is understood that the Utility Services are furnished by outside providers who supply services to the Westlake Facilities and that Owner shares the expense related to such services in accordance with this Agreement. The Westlake Parties are not public utilities or common carriers and do not sell, provide or furnish utility services or utilities, and are not in the business of selling, providing or furnishing such services or utilities, but rather share the costs thereof in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Owner shall provide the Westlake Parties with timely information regarding any changes in Owners requirements for Utility Services and the Westlake Parties shall consult with Owner and consider Owners interest on an equal footing along with the interests of the Westlake Parties concerning any negotiations with third parties from whom the Westlake Parties obtain or propose to obtain Utility Services relating to the Common Facilities or the Ethylene Assets.
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(c) The Westlake Parties shall not enter into contracts with third Persons with respect to the provision of Utility Services to the Ethylene Assets without the prior written consent of Owner, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. At the request of Owner, the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) add Owner as a party to the Westlake Parties utility contract or (ii) reach a mutually acceptable accommodation with one or more of the Westlake Parties utility providers whereby each Party would be able to receive utility services on an individual basis.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event that the Westlake Parties delivery of electricity, water or other Utility Service to Owner is challenged before a judicial, regulatory or administrative body and the Westlake Parties determine, in their sole judgment, that it is likely that such body will determine that, in connection with such challenge, the Westlake Parties or their affected Affiliate will be subject to regulation under Applicable Law as a consequence of such delivery of electricity, water or other Utility Service (including the regulation or classification of the Westlake Parties or such Affiliate, as the case may be, as a utility, public utility, retail public utility, electric utility, retail electric utility, common carrier, water and sewer utility or similar designation), then the Westlake Parties and Owner will cooperate in an attempt to restructure the provision of such Service in a manner which will not subject the Westlake Parties to such regulation (provided that any such restructure does not materially and unreasonably interfere with the Westlake Parties or Owners operations or cause significant net economic detriment to the Westlake Parties or Owner). If such restructuring efforts are unsuccessful or not reasonably practicable, then the Westlake Parties shall have the right to require Owner to obtain from a third party such electricity, water or other Utility Service that would cause the Westlake Parties to be subject to regulation as a utility, and the Westlake Parties will cooperate with Owner in connection therewith and shall grant such access rights or similar rights as may be reasonably necessary for such Utility Service to be so provided to Owner. In the event that a challenge proceeds despite restructuring, then the Westlake Parties will provide notice to Owner of any such challenge and the Westlake Parties and Owner will cooperate to resist the challenge. The cost of resisting such challenge pursuant to a mutually agreed upon course of action shall be paid equally by the Westlake Parties and Owner. Any penalty, fee or fine imposed on the Westlake Parties or their Affiliate, as a result of the Westlake Parties delivery of electricity, water or other Utility Service to Owner shall be shared pro rata by the Westlake Parties and Owner in proportion to the consumption of the Utility Service being challenged. If such challenges and restrictions are removed, pursuant to appeal or otherwise, so that the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates will not be subject to such regulation, Owner will resume receipt of the affected Utility Service in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(e) If the Westlake Parties become aware of any planned or actual outage or involuntary reduction with respect to any of the Utility Services, the Westlake Parties shall promptly give notice thereof to Owner and the Westlake Parties shall coordinate such outage or reduction as nearly as reasonably practicable on a Non Discriminatory Basis so as to minimize adverse impact on each Partys respective operations (with the standard being the equitable allocation of such Utility Services between the Westlake Facilities and the Ethylene Assets).
2.4 Permits .
(a) Subject to section 3.5 of each of the Site Lease Agreements, the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) obtain and maintain with respect to the Ethylene Assets, the Westlake Facilities and the Common Facilities, all Permits for which Owner is not a necessary and indispensable party, including with respect to Environmental Law, reasonably necessary in connection with the ownership or operation thereof, and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all conditions and requirements imposed by such Permits, including all sampling, testing and monitoring required by any Permit or Governmental Authority in connection with any Permit.
(b) Owner shall cooperate in all reasonable respects with the Westlake Parties in Westlakes obtaining and maintaining all necessary Permits, including Owners signing, submitting and prosecuting all applications or submissions for Permits with respect to the Ethylene Assets for which Owner is a necessary and indispensable party and taking every other action reasonably required of Owner to enable the Westlake Parties to perform their obligations under Section 2.4(a). Owner shall notify the Westlake Parties promptly of any written notification that
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Owner receives of any investigation, proceeding or other action commenced by any Governmental Authority relating to any such Permit or Applicable Law with respect to the Ethylene Assets. Owner shall promptly provide the Westlake Parties with copies of any and all written notices or other communications received by Owner from any Government Authority with respect to the Ethylene Assets and, at the reasonable request of the Westlake Parties, any other information or document that is within Owners possession relating to such Ethylene Asset Permits or any Westlake obligations thereunder.
2.5 Consultations .
(a) The Westlake Parties and Owner agree to meet for the purpose of coordinating outages or involuntary reductions in the availability of the Common Facilities on a Non-Discriminatory Basis so as to minimize adverse impact on each Partys respective operations (with the standard being the equitable allocation of such services between the Westlake Facilities and the Ethylene Assets). The Westlake Parties shall provide notice of any outages or reductions in availability of Common Facilities to Owner promptly after becoming aware of any such outage or reduction. The Parties shall commit to keep each other timely informed about planned turnarounds, shutdowns, major technical projects, capital projects, significant operational events and other major events that are relevant to the safe and efficient operation of the Ethylene Assets and the performance of Owners obligations under this Agreement.
(b) At Owners request from time to time, the Westlake Parties shall consult with Owner with respect to the performance of the Shared Services and shall provide to Owner such information as may be reasonably requested by Owner regarding the performance of the Shared Services. Without limiting the foregoing, the Westlake Parties and Owner shall consult as frequently as reasonably necessary regarding the scope of Shared Services and particular circumstances that may require an adjustment to the scope of any such Shared Services. The Westlake Parties and Owner agree that the Ethylene Assets will be operated to the maximum extent possible in an efficient manner with the Westlake Facilities, but in any event in a manner that permits Owner to comply with its obligations under this Agreement and the Related Agreements.
(c) The Westlake Parties shall deliver to Owner at least (i) twelve months advance written notice of any permanent planned shutdown of the Westlake Facilities and (ii) nine months advance written notice of any planned reconfiguration of the Westlake Facilities that is reasonably anticipated to result in the Ethylene Assets being shutdown for more than three months (excluding planned maintenance turnarounds). The Westlake Parties represent to Owner that, as of the date of this Agreement, they are not considering a permanent shutdown of the Westlake Facilities or any changes to the Westlake Facilities that would have a material adverse effect on the operation of the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets.
2.6 Relationship of the Parties . At all times during the performance of the Shared Services hereunder, all Persons performing such Shared Services (including agents, temporary employees, independent third parties and consultants) shall be construed as being independent from the Owner, and such Persons shall not be considered or deemed to be an employee of Owner or its Affiliates nor entitled to any employee benefits of Owner or its Affiliates as a result of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary expressed or implied, this Agreement shall not constitute or create any agency, joint venture, partnership or other fiduciary relationship or any fiduciary duty or fiduciary obligation, all of the same being hereby expressly disclaimed and waived.
ARTICLE III
OPERATING SERVICES
3.1 Seconded Employees of the Westlake Parties . Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Westlake Parties agree to provide Seconded Employees (as defined in Section 7.2(b)) who, in their capacity as employees of the Owner, will perform the services described on Schedule 5, except as outsourced by Owner to third party service providers (the Operating Services ), in order for the Owner to operate the Ethylene Assets in an efficient manner with the Westlake Facilities, and in a manner that permits Owner to comply with its obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement and Feedstock Supply Agreement. The Seconded Employees will perform the Operating Services in accordance with the terms and conditions and subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.
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3.2 Owners Rights . The Seconded Employees shall be subject to the direction and control of Owner. The Westlake Parties shall respond in a commercially reasonable manner to all instructions, notices, requests or inquiries from Owner with respect to the Seconded Employees. Decisions, acts or omissions so undertaken by the Seconded Employees or the Westlake Parties with respect to the Seconded Employees pursuant to the direction and control of Owner shall not give rise to any breach of or default under this Agreement by the Westlake Parties or liability to the Westlake Parties provided that the Westlake Parties otherwise act in accordance with the requirements of Section 3.1.
3.3 Consultations . The Westlake Parties and Owner shall consult as frequently as reasonably necessary regarding the scope of Operating Services to be performed by the Seconded Employees and particular circumstances that may require an adjustment to the Westlake Parties obligation to provide the Seconded Employees, and shall keep each other timely informed about planned turnarounds, shutdowns, major technical projects, capital projects, significant operational events and other major events that are relevant to the safe and efficient operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Westlake Facilities and the performance of the Parties respective obligations under this Agreement.
3.4 Title, Documents and Data . Title to all materials, equipment, supplies, consumables, spare parts and other items purchased or obtained by the Westlake Parties for or on behalf of the Ethylene Assets or Owner shall pass immediately to and vest in Owner free and clear of all liens or encumbrances (other than liens and security interests securing any unpaid portion of the purchase price for the same) upon passage of title from the vendor or supplier thereof. All materials, data and documents prepared or developed by the Westlake Parties or their employees, representatives or contractors prior to or during the Term of this Agreement for Owner in connection with the Seconded Employees performance of the Operating Services, including all manuals, data, designs, drawings, plans, specifications and reports, shall belong to Owner. All such materials in whatever form, including electronic copies and databases, shall be provided promptly to Owner following any termination of this Agreement, or at such other times as Owner may reasonably direct.
ARTICLE IV
WESTLAKE PROVIDED UTILITIES
4.1 Engagement of the Westlake Parties . Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Owner hereby engages the Westlake Parties to, or to cause their Affiliates to, make available the utility services described in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 (the Westlake Provided Utilities ) and authorizes the Westlake Parties to perform, or cause to be performed, all acts that are necessary or appropriate in the Westlake Parties reasonable judgment to provide the Westlake Provided Utilities. The Westlake Parties hereby accept such engagement and agree to perform, or cause to be performed, all acts necessary or appropriate in the Westlake Parties reasonable judgment to provide the Westlake Provided Utilities, all in accordance with the terms and conditions and subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement. The Westlake Parties agree to provide, or cause to be provided, the Westlake Provided Utilities to permit the Ethylene Assets to be operated to the maximum extent possible in an efficient manner with the Westlake Facilities, but in any event in a manner that permits Owner to comply with its obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement and Feedstock Supply Agreement.
4.2 High Pressure Steam . The Westlake Parties shall, upon reasonable request by Owner make, or cause certain of their Affiliates to, make available to Owner High Pressure Steam produced at a cost to Owner as incurred by the Westlake Parties or such Affiliates in the production of such High Pressure Steam and calculated in accordance with a formula as agreed between the Parties, and at sufficient pressure, amounts, and of such quality, standards and specifications suitable for the operation of the Ethylene Assets, in accordance with standards and quality being used in the operation of the Ethylene Assets as of the date of this Agreement, or as may be reasonably requested by Owner based upon changed needs. The Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, or cause their Affiliates to, make available such High Pressure Steam when requested by Owner; provided that the Westlake Parties shall not be obligated to make, or cause its Affiliates to make available High Pressure Steam hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Westlake Facilities. Owner shall provide reasonable notice to the Westlake Parties of the approximate date, time and quantity of each of its requirements of the High Pressure Steam.
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4.3 Other Steam . The Westlake Parties may, or may cause certain of its Affiliates to, supply Owner with any steam (other than High Pressure Steam) produced in the operation of the Westlake Facilities, which is not required by such operation and is required for Owners operation, at a cost to Owner as incurred by the Westlake Parties or such Affiliates in the production of such steam; provided that the Westlake Parties shall not be obligated to make, or cause its Affiliates to make available steam hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Westlake Facilities. Owner shall provide reasonable notice to the Westlake Parties of the approximate date, time and quantity of each of its requirements of such steam.
4.4 Consultations . At Owners request from time to time, the Westlake Parties shall consult with Owner with respect to the performance of the Westlake Provided Utilities and shall provide to Owner such information as may be reasonably requested by Owner regarding the performance of the Westlake Provided Utilities. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Westlake Parties and Owner shall consult as frequently as reasonably necessary regarding the scope of Westlake Provided Utilities and particular circumstances that may require an adjustment to the scope of any Westlake Provided Utilities, and shall keep each other timely informed about planned turnarounds, shutdowns, major technical projects, capital projects, significant operational events and other major events that are relevant to the safe and efficient operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Westlake Facilities and the performance of the Parties respective obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE V
OWNER PROVIDED SERVICES
5.1 Engagement of Owner . Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Westlake Parties and certain of their Affiliates hereby engage Owner to perform the Owner Provided Services (as defined below) and authorize Owner to perform all acts that are necessary or appropriate in Owners reasonable judgment to perform the Owner Provided Services. Owner hereby accepts such engagement and agrees to perform all acts necessary or appropriate in Owners reasonable judgment to perform the Owner Provided Services, all in accordance with the terms and conditions and subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement. Owner agrees to provide the Owner Provided Services to permit the Westlake Facilities to be operated to the maximum extent possible in an efficient manner with the Owner Facilities, but in any event in a manner that permits the Westlake Parties to comply with their obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement and Feedstock Supply Agreement.
5.2 Owner Provided Services .
(a) High Pressure Steam . Owner shall, upon reasonable request by the Westlake Parties make available to the Westlake Parties High Pressure Steam produced by the Ethylene Assets at a cost to the Westlake Parties as incurred by Owner in the production of such High Pressure Steam, and at sufficient pressure, amounts, and of such quality, standards and specifications suitable for the operation of the Westlake Facilities, in accordance with standards and quality being used in the operation of the Westlake Facilities as of the date of this Agreement, or as may be reasonably requested by the Westlake Parties based upon changed needs. Owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make available such High Pressure Steam when requested by the Westlake Parties; provided that Owner shall not be obligated to make available High Pressure Steam hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Ethylene Assets. The Westlake Parties shall provide reasonable notice to Owner of the approximate date, time and quantity of each of their requirements of High Pressure Steam.
(b) Other Steam . Owner may supply the Westlake Parties with any steam (other than High Pressure Steam) produced in the operation of the Ethylene Assets, which is not required by such operation and is required for the Westlake Parties operation, at a cost to the Westlake Parties as incurred by Owner in the production of such steam; provided that Owner shall not be obligated to make available steam hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Ethylene Assets. The Westlake Parties shall provide reasonable notice to Owner of the approximate date, time and quantity of each of its requirements of such steam.
(c) Purge Gas Services . Owner shall receive for processing and purification from the Westlake Parties or their Affiliate and return to the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates, at a cost to the Westlake Parties as set forth in Schedule 6, all of the Purge Gas. Owner shall provide such Purge Gas processing and purification services in accordance with standards and quality being used in the Westlake Facilities as of the date of this Agreement, or as may be reasonably requested by the Westlake Parties based upon changed needs. Owner shall use commercially
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reasonable efforts to make available such Purge Gas purification services when requested by the Westlake Parties; provided that Owner shall not be obligated to make available the purge gas purification services hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Ethylene Assets. The Westlake Parties shall provide reasonable notice to Owner of the approximate date and time of their requirement for purge gas purification services and the volume of Purge Gas for processing.
(d) Demineralized Water . Owner shall, upon reasonable request by the Westlake Parties make available to the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates Demineralized Water, at a cost to the Westlake Parties as incurred by Owner in relation to such Demineralized Water, and in sufficient amounts, and of such quality, standards and specifications suitable for the operation of the Westlake Facilities, in accordance with the standards and quality being used in the operation of the Westlake Facilities as of the date of this Agreement, or as may be reasonably requested by the Westlake Parties based upon changed needs. Owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make available such Demineralized Water when requested by the Westlake Parties; provided that Owner shall not be obligated to make available Demineralized Water hereunder if doing so would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Ethylene Assets. The Westlake Parties shall provide reasonable notice to Owner of the approximate date, time and quantity of each of their requirements of Demineralized Water,
(subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d), collectively, the Owner Provided Services ).
5.3 Consultations . At the Westlake Parties request from time to time, Owner shall consult with the Westlake Parties with respect to the performance of the Owner Provided Services and shall provide to the Westlake Parties such information as may be reasonably requested by the Westlake Parties regarding the performance of the Owner Provided Services. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Owner and the Westlake Parties shall consult as frequently as reasonably necessary regarding the scope of Owner Provided Services and particular circumstances that may require an adjustment to the scope of any Owner Provided Services, and shall keep each other timely informed about planned turnarounds, shutdowns, major technical projects, capital projects, significant operational events and other major events that are relevant to the safe and efficient operation of the Ethylene Assets and the Westlake Facilities and the performance of the Parties respective obligations under this Agreement.
5.4 Relationship of the Parties . At all times during the performance of the Owner Provided Services hereunder, all Persons performing such Owner Provided Services (including agents, temporary employees, independent third parties and consultants) shall be construed as being independent from the Westlake Parties, and such Persons shall not be considered or deemed to be an employee of the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates nor entitled to any employee benefits of the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates as a result of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary expressed or implied, this Agreement shall not constitute or create any agency, joint venture, partnership or other fiduciary relationship or any fiduciary duty or fiduciary obligation, all of the same being hereby expressly disclaimed and waived.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
6.1 Additional Westlake Provided Services . If, subsequent to the date hereof, additional common facilities or services are required to operate the Westlake Facilities that are not listed on Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to supply such additional facilities and services on mutually agreeable pricing and other terms to be determined on a basis similar to the pricing and other terms set forth in this Agreement, whereupon such facility or service shall be considered part of the Common Facilities Services or Utility Services, as applicable.
6.2 Additional Seconded Employees . If, subsequent to the date hereof, additional common facilities or services are required to operate the Ethylene Assets that are not listed on Schedule 5, the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Seconded Employees to operate such additional facilities and services on mutually agreeable pricing and other terms to be determined on a basis similar to the pricing and other terms set forth in this Agreement, whereupon such facility or service shall be considered part of the Operating Services.
6.3 Additional Westlake Provided Utilities . If, subsequent to the date hereof, additional utilities are required to operate the Ethylene Assets that are not described in Article IV, the Westlake Parties shall use
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commercially reasonable efforts to supply such additional utilities on mutually agreeable pricing and other terms to be determined on a basis similar to the pricing and other terms set forth in this Agreement, whereupon such service shall be considered part of the Westlake Provided Utilities.
6.4 Additional Owner Provided Services . If, subsequent to the date hereof, additional utilities or services are required to operate the Westlake Facilities that are not described in Article V or listed on Schedule 6, Owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to supply such additional utilities or services on mutually agreeable pricing and other terms to be determined on a basis similar to the pricing and other terms set forth in this Agreement, whereupon such service shall be considered part of the Owner Provided Services.
ARTICLE VII
AUTHORIZED PERSONS AND EMPLOYEES
7.1 Delegation .
(a) Subject to Section 3.2, Owner hereby delegates full authority to the Westlake Parties to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in the Westlake Parties reasonable judgment for the performance of the Operating Services;
(b) Owner hereby delegates full authority to the Westlake Parties to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in the Westlake Parties reasonable judgment for the performance of the Shared Services;
(c) Owner hereby delegates full authority to the Westlake Parties to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in the Westlake Parties reasonable judgment for the provision of the Westlake Provided Utilities; and
(d) The Westlake Parties hereby delegate full authority to Owner to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in Owners reasonable judgment for the performance of the Owner Provided Services,
which delegation of authority shall include the right to further delegate such authority to others. If any of the Services are delegated to and performed by an Affiliate of a Party or an employee of a Party or an employee of any Affiliate of a Party, Section 9.1 shall apply thereto.
7.2 Personnel and Secondment .
(a) Pursuant to Section 3.1, the Westlake Parties shall provide, or cause to be provided, to Owner the Seconded Employees (as defined in Section 7.2(b) below) and such other Persons (including consultants and professionals, service or other organizations)) as the Westlake Parties deem necessary or appropriate in order to perform the Operating Services in an efficient and prudent manner. Subject to the Westlake Parties right to be reimbursed for such expenses in accordance with the Accounting Procedures, each Westlake Party shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with the retention of the Seconded Employees and such other Persons, including, but not limited to, compensation, salaries, wages and overhead and administrative expenses, charges to or incurred by such Westlake Party, and, if applicable, social security taxes, workers compensation insurance, retirement and insurance benefits and other such expenses. Any such Seconded Employees and other Persons retained by any Westlake Party may be union or non-union employees, and the Westlake Parties shall have the sole right to negotiate the terms and provisions of any labor or other agreements with the unions to which such employees belong. The Westlake Parties shall provide, or cause to be provided, all workers who will perform Services.
(b) During the term of this Agreement, the Westlake Parties shall, from time to time, designate certain of their employees to be seconded to Owner to perform duties at the Owners assets or facilities or otherwise work on behalf of Owner in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement. Each such employee who the Westlake Parties second to Owner shall, during the time that such employee is seconded to Owner under this Agreement (the Period of Secondment ), be referred to individually herein as a Seconded Employee and, collectively, as the Seconded Employees.
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(c) The Westlake Parties will give notice to each Seconded Employee at times and in the normal processes by which it gives similar notices to employees or otherwise in its discretion. The notices will include that (i) each such Seconded Employee will be a joint employee of the Westlake Parties and Owner, and (ii) for any work place injury, the Seconded Employees sole remedy against either the Westlake Parties or Owner will be under the workers compensation insurance policy or qualified self-insured program of the Westlake Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge that the Seconded Employees will, during the Period of Secondment, be called upon to perform services for both Owner and the Westlake Parties of the same or closely-related nature. The Westlake Parties retain the right to terminate the secondment of any Seconded Employee for any reason at any time or to hire or discharge the Seconded Employees with respect to their employment with the Westlake Parties. Owner will have the right to terminate the secondment to it of any Seconded Employee for any reason at any time, upon prior written notice to the Westlake Parties, but at no time will Owner have the right to terminate any Seconded Employees employment by the Westlake Parties. Upon the termination of the secondment of any Seconded Employee, such Seconded Employee will cease performing services for Owner.
(d) In the course and scope of performing any Seconded Employees job functions for Owner, the Seconded Employee will report into Owners management structure, and will be under the direct management, supervision, direction and control of Owner with respect to such Seconded Employees performance of the Operating Services and day-to-day activities.
(e) Those Seconded Employees who serve as supervisors or managers and who are called upon to oversee the work of Seconded Employees working at Owners assets or facilities or to provide management support on behalf of Owner are designated by Owner as supervisors to act on the behalf of Owner in supervising the Seconded Employees pursuant to Section 7.2(d) above. Any Seconded Employee so designated will be acting on the behalf of Owner when supervising the work of the Seconded Employees or when they are otherwise providing management or executive support on behalf of Owner.
(f) With respect to Owners operations in Texas, the Westlake Parties shall obtain workers compensation coverage as defined by Texas Labor Code Section 401.011(44) on behalf of both the Westlake Parties and Owner, and Owner shall be considered an employer solely for the purposes of Texas Labor Code Section 401.011(18) and Section 408.001. With respect to the Owners operations in Kentucky, the Westlake Parties shall obtain workers compensation coverage as defined by Kentucky Revised Statute Section 342.340 on behalf of both the Westlake Parties and Owner, and Owner shall be considered an employer solely for the purposes of Kentucky Revised Statute Section 342.630 and Section 342.690. With respect to the Owners operations in Louisiana, the Westlake Parties shall obtain workers compensation coverage as defined by Louisiana Revised Statute Section 23:1168 on behalf of both the Westlake Parties and Owner, and Owner shall be considered an employer solely for the purposes of Louisiana Revised Statute Section 23:1031 and Section 23:1032. With respect to Owner Group operations performed in any jurisdiction other than Texas, Kentucky, or Louisiana, the Westlake Parties shall obtain workers compensation coverage as defined and required by Law on behalf of both the Westlake Parties and Owner, provided that Owner shall be considered an employer solely for the purposes of its status as a dual, joint- or co-employer under the relevant workers compensation regime. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement has any effect on the right of a Seconded Employee to prosecute a workers compensation claim against Owner, the Westlake Parties, or both.
(g) Owner and the Westlake Parties acknowledge that the services provided for under this Agreement are an integral part of and essential to the ability of Owner to generate the goods, products, and services of Owner, and to enable Owner to fulfill its business and commercial contracts, which are the core of its business. By executing this Agreement, Owner undertakes to execute work that is part of its trade, business, and occupation. Owner and the Westlake Parties expressly recognize Owner as the statutory employer of the Seconded Employees for workers compensation purposes, whether those employees be direct employees or statutory employees of the Westlake Parties. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.2(g), Owner remains the joint employer, with the Westlake Parties, of the Seconded Employees when under secondment, and should any conflict be found between this Section 7.2(g) and Section 7.2(c), Section 7.2(c) shall predominate.
(h) Owner shall not be a participating employer in any benefit plan of any Westlake Party. The Westlake Parties shall remain solely responsible for all obligations and liabilities arising with respect to any benefit plans relating to any Seconded Employees and Owner shall not assume any benefit plan or have any obligations or liabilities arising thereunder, in each case except for costs properly chargeable to Owner.
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ARTICLE VIII
BUDGETS, AUDITS AND ACCOUNTING
8.1 Approved Annual Budgets .
(a) Owner and the Westlake Parties acknowledge that they have agreed upon an Approved Annual Budget consistent with the Accounting Procedures for the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending December 31, 2014 (the First Approved Annual Budget ).
(b) The Westlake Parties shall prepare and deliver to Owner, no later than 30 days before the commencement of each Fiscal Year, a proposed budget for the Shared Services and the Operating Services to be performed by the Westlake Parties and the Seconded Employees, respectively, during such Fiscal Year. Each such budget shall be prepared on the same basis and using the same methodology as the First Approved Annual Budget. Such budgets shall be prepared in sufficient detail to satisfy the reasonable requirements of Owner. However, at a minimum, such budgets shall include estimates of the labor expense and expenses incurred by employees of the Westlake Parties or their Affiliates in performing the Shared Services and the Operating Services as well as an itemized list of estimated third Person expenses to be incurred in performing the Shared Services and the Operating Services, in each case consistent with the Accounting Procedures. If requested by Owner, the Westlake Parties shall also prepare and deliver to Owner an explanation of any specific Expenditure. The Parties shall use good faith efforts to agree upon an Approved Annual Budget reasonably acceptable to Owner no later than 15 days prior to the commencement of the Fiscal Year for which such budget applies. Owner shall have the right to reasonably comment on and make objections to each annual budget proposed by the Westlake Parties, to the extent such comments and objections are with respect to the failure to prepare such budget on the same basis and using the same methodology as the First Annual Approved Budget; provided that if Owner and the Westlake Parties fail to agree on such budget, the Westlake Parties budget shall provisionally constitute an Annual Approved Budget. If the Parties have not reached agreement on the annual budget within 30 days after Owners notice of objection thereto, then senior management representatives of the Parties shall engage in negotiations, and if the Parties have not reached agreement within 30 days after commencement of negotiations, either Party shall have the right to resolve such dispute in a court of law pursuant to this Agreement. If any such dispute is resolved in favor of Owner, the Westlake Parties shall reimburse Owner the amount of Expenditures determined not to be chargeable to the Westlake Parties, with interest as provided in Section 10.1(c). As to each Approved Annual Budget, no later than the 15th day preceding the commencement of the second, third and fourth quarterly periods covered by such Approved Annual Budget, the Westlake Parties will provide to Owner adjustments to such Approved Annual Budget to reflect the estimated Expenditures to be incurred in the performance of the Shared Services and the Operating Services over the balance of the Fiscal Year covered by such Approved Annual Budget.
(c) It is acknowledged and agreed by the Parties that the annual budgeting process, the quarterly updates to such budgets, and the revisions of such budgets pursuant to this Article VIII to cover overages are for planning purposes, and if the actual Expenditures incurred by the Westlake Parties in the performance of the Shared Services and the Operating Services exceed such budgeted Expenditures, the Westlake Parties shall nevertheless be entitled to reimbursement of such actual Expenditures pursuant and subject to the terms of Article X.
8.2 Unbudgeted Expenditures. The Westlake Parties shall notify Owner as soon as practicable of any occurrences or other circumstances which the Westlake Parties have reason to believe may (a) cause any line item in the most recently Approved Annual Budget (as updated pursuant to Section 8.1) to be exceeded by the greater of (i) twenty percent (20%); or (ii) 1 million US dollars or (b) cause the total amount of such Approved Annual Budget to be exceeded by the greater of (i) twenty percent (20%); or (ii) 1 million US dollars. If the Westlake Parties determine that either clause (a) or (b) will likely occur, the Westlake Parties shall in the notice advising Owner describe the circumstances thereof in writing in such detail as may reasonably be necessary to provide an informed understanding of the situation including a description of the category or categories of Expenditures involved, the reason for such projected overage, the necessary revisions to the Approved Annual Budget to cover such overage, and such further information as Owner may reasonably request. Owner shall have the right, acting reasonably, to comment on and make objections to such revisions; provided that if Owner and the Westlake Parties fail to agree on such revisions, the Westlake Parties revisions shall remain in place, subject to Owners right to resolve disputes in a court of law pursuant to this Agreement.
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8.3 Accounting, Reimbursement and Fee .
(a) The Westlake Parties shall keep a full and complete account of all Expenditures incurred by them in connection with the performance of the Shared Services and the Operating Services in the manner set forth in the Accounting Procedures, and shall otherwise keep a full and complete account of all accounts that Owner is required to maintain (except accounts required for Owners investors), or that are otherwise contemplated, under this Agreement.
(b) The Westlake Parties shall be reimbursed by Owner for Expenditures and Capital Expenditures incurred by the Westlake Parties in the performance of the Shared Services and the Operating Services, in accordance with the Accounting Procedures; provided, Owner shall not be required to reimburse the Westlake Parties for (i) Expenditures arising out of claims for non-payment of any and all contributions, withholding deductions or taxes measured by the wages, salaries or compensation paid to Persons employed by the Westlake Parties or any of their Affiliates in connection herewith or (ii) Expenditures for which the Westlake Parties are required to provide indemnification to Owner pursuant to Section 15.1.
8.4 Reports . The Westlake Parties shall cause to be timely prepared and delivered to Owner such reports, forecasts, implementation plans, plans of action, studies and other information pertaining to the performance of the Shared Services and the Operating Services as Owner may reasonably request from time to time. The costs incurred by the Westlake Parties in preparing and delivering such reports, forecasts, plans, studies and other information shall be included in the Expenditures to be reimbursed by Owner pursuant to Sections 8.3(b).
8.5 Audit and Examination .
(a) To the extent necessary to verify the accuracy of any statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement, each Party shall have the right, at its cost, to interview representatives of the other Party and to examine the books and records maintained by such other Party relating to this Agreement, including support for costs charged by the Partys third party contractors, relating to the performance of the relevant Services, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice to the other Party; provided that each Party has the right to redact from the records subject to examination of any portions thereof as necessary to comply with such Partys confidentiality obligations. Such audit must be commenced within 12 Months of receiving said statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement and will take place at a location mutually agreeable to the Parties. All records subject to audit hereunder shall be caused to be retained for no less than two calendar years after their creation. If any such examination establishes any inaccuracy in any billing made prior to such examination, the necessary adjustments to such billings will be made promptly without any interest charge.
(b) Absent fraud or intentional concealment or misrepresentation by the relevant Party, such Party shall neither be required nor permitted to adjust any Expenditure incurred by such Party during a Fiscal Year unless a claim therefor is presented or adjustment is initiated within the 12 Months following such Fiscal Year, and in the absence of such timely claims or adjustments, the books and records rendered by the Westlake Parties shall be conclusively established as correct. If a Party has commenced an audit within the period referenced in Section 8.5(a) but has been unable to complete the audit within such period despite its good faith efforts to do so, then such Party may request a reasonable extension of time to complete the audit and such request will not be unreasonably denied by the other Party.
ARTICLE IX
STANDARD OF CARE, NEGATIVE COVENANTS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY INVENTIONS
9.1 Standard of Care. In performing the Services, the Parties shall at all times act in accordance with the following: (a) the requirements of this Agreement, (b) prudent operating and maintenance practices of the U.S.
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chemical industry; (c) all Applicable Law including environmental standards in effect from time to time, and any other applicable rules and requirements of Governmental Authorities; and (d) good faith and reasonable commercial standards; provided, in no event shall a Party be obligated to comply with a requirement if such compliance would result in a breach by that Party of Applicable Law. In addition, the Services to be provided hereunder shall be performed generally in a good faith effort to be cost effective, and with the same general degree of care and at the same general degree of accuracy and responsiveness as when such Party performs services for itself at the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, as applicable. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY CONTRARY PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF ACTUAL FRAUD, THE PARTIES AND THEIR AFFILIATES (AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND CONTRACTORS) SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO OWNER UNDER OR WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE OR CONCURRENT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE)) FOR LOSSES SUSTAINED OR LIABILITIES INCURRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.1.
9.2 Negative Covenants . A Party shall not, without the prior written consent of the other Party, do or, to the extent the same is within its reasonable control and consistent with the other terms of this Agreement, permit to occur or to continue, any of the following:
(a) Commit the other Party to, or enter into on behalf of such other Party, any contract or agreement except in the ordinary course of operating the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, as applicable, unless the Party is authorized to do so by the other Party;
(b) Create or incur any lien, security interest or encumbrance upon the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, as applicable, including without limitation any mechanics or material mens liens or similar encumbrances arising out of claims for work, labor or materials furnished to the Party in connection with the provision of Services by that Party hereunder;
(c) Purport to sell, lease, pledge, mortgage, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, as applicable or any of the other Partys now owned or hereafter acquired assets, except for replaced parts and other assets that are taken out of service and are sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of operating the Westlake Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, as applicable; or
(d) Commit the other Party to be or to become directly or contingently responsible or liable for obligations of any other Person, by assumption, guarantee, endorsement or otherwise.
9.3 Proprietary Inventions and Techniques . Owner grants to the Westlake Parties an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive and non-assignable license to use, during the Term of this Agreement, any proprietary inventions, processes and techniques of Owner which are necessary or useful in the operation of the Common Facilities. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of such license to use, the Westlake Parties hereby expressly agree that they will utilize such proprietary inventions, processes and techniques solely in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder. Upon termination of this Agreement, such license shall terminate and the Westlake Parties shall return to Owner whatever possessory interest the Westlake Parties have in all inventions, processes or techniques that are proprietary to Owner.
ARTICLE X
PAYMENT OF COSTS
10.1 Payments .
(a) Each Party shall issue to the other Party an invoice on or before the 20 th day of each Month (the Monthly Invoice ) reflecting such other Partys allocable share of Expenditures (split between Operating Expenses and Capital Expenditures) incurred by the Party under this Agreement in the provision of Services for the prior Month (the Relevant Month ).
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(b) Each Party shall pay the amount of each Monthly Invoice to the other Party, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with Section 10.1(e) below, not later than the 5 th day following receipt from such other Party of the Monthly Invoice. If the due date for payment is not a Business Day, then the due date for payment shall be the immediately succeeding Business Day. Any adjustments necessary to reconcile the resolution of a disputed amount with the amount actually paid shall be paid within five Days following resolution of the disputed amount. Any adjustments, whether for overpayment or underpayment, for disputed amounts shall bear interest at the Base Rate from the date of overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be, until the actual date of payment.
(c) In the event that any amount reflected in any statement or invoice is not paid when due, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with Section 10.1(e) below, such unpaid amount shall bear interest from and including the day following the due date therefor up to and including the date when payment is made, at the Default Rate.
(d) If any Party fails to make payment of any amount of any Monthly Invoice, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with Section 10.1(e) below, on or before the later of (i) the 60 th day after such payment is due an (ii) the 30 th day after notice to such Party of non-payment, the other Party shall have the right to suspend the performance of the relevant Services hereunder to such Party until such payment is made.
(e) A Party may withhold payment of all or any portion of any amount reflected as owing by the other Party in any statement or invoice received from the other Party to the extent that the paying Party disputes payment of such amount or such portion thereof in good faith. For the avoidance of doubt, as to any Monthly Invoice, a Party may withhold payment as to any disputed amount, including to account for any credit such Party believes it is owed with respect to the performance or receipt of Services, or the failure thereof. In the event of such a dispute, the disputing Party shall promptly notify the other Party, stating its reasons for disputing such amount and, to the extent available providing reasonable supporting documentation therefor.
(f) A Party may dispute a Monthly Invoice, or any portion thereof, by notice to the other Party, up to one calendar year following receipt of such Monthly Invoice, provided that if a Party fails to deliver such notification within such period, it shall be deemed to have waived the right to dispute the applicable Monthly Invoice.
(g) All payments pursuant to this Section 10.1 shall be calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles and shall exclude any costs or expenses for which a Party is required to indemnify the other Party pursuant to Section 15.1.
(h) Monthly Invoices shall take into account any prior payments made by a Party that have not been used by the Party providing services. Each Monthly Invoice shall include a reconciliation (split between Operating Expenses and Capital Expenditures) of the Monthly Invoice payment made by the relevant Party for the Month and such Partys allocable share of the actual Expenditures incurred by the Party providing the services during such Month, and any amount owing by one Party to the other Party pursuant to such reconciliation shall adjust the amount otherwise payable on that Monthly Invoice.
(i) All payments under this Agreement shall be made in United States dollars by wire transfer in immediately available funds by deposit to the bank account designated in writing by the Party receiving the payment. Any wire transfer charges shall be for the account of the Party making the payment. If a Party elects to change the bank or account to which payments are to be made, that Party shall notify the other Party before the effective date of such change.
10.2 Reimbursement for Emergencies .
(a) If the Westlake Parties take any action pursuant to an Emergency involving or related to the Common Facilities or the Ethylene Assets, the Westlake Parties shall be entitled to reimbursement for Owners allocable share of all Expenditures reasonably incurred in taking such action (subject to Section 10.2(c)). The Westlake Parties agree to promptly notify Owner of any such Emergency, and to provide Owner with sufficient
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explanation and justification for any action taken in response thereto and the Expenditures incurred, or expected to be incurred, in connection therewith, any further action required, and such other details as may be required for reporting to any Governmental Authority. Owner shall reimburse the Westlake Parties for Owners allocable share of Expenditures reasonably incurred under this Section 10.2 upon receipt of invoices, if applicable, sent by the Westlake Parties in the ordinary course after the Expenditures have been incurred and Owner is notified thereof.
(b) The Westlake Parties are hereby authorized to make immediate commitments or expenditures, without prior approval, as necessary to accomplish the following:
(i) prevent imminent escape of gas, liquids, chemicals or vapors from the Common Facilities and/or the Ethylene Assets;
(ii) prevent imminent injury to any Person arising out of the operation of the Common Facilities and/or the Ethylene Assets;
(iii) prevent, curtail, minimize or otherwise mitigate imminent damage to the environment or the property of Owner, the Westlake Parties or third parties arising out of the operation of the Common Facilities and/or the Ethylene Assets or from the performance of the Services;
(iv) prevent imminent failure or unplanned shutdown of the Common Facilities, any Utility Service or the Ethylene Assets;
(v) restore the Common Facilities, any Utility Service and the Ethylene Assets to operating condition following an unplanned shutdown or failure; or
(vi) comply with emergency orders of any Governmental Authority arising out of the operation of the Common Facilities, the Ethylene Assets or the performance of the Services.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Westlake Parties shall not be entitled to reimbursement for Expenditures made in accordance with this Section 10.2 if the circumstance giving rise to the Expenditure resulted from the Westlake Parties gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(d) If an Emergency or other situation requiring prompt action arises and the Westlake Parties are not reasonably responding in a prompt fashion, Owner shall have the right to take such remedial action as it deems appropriate, at Owners cost, and the Westlake Parties will reimburse Owner for the Westlake Parties allocable share of the costs incurred by Owner in connection with such remedial action; provided, if the circumstance giving rise to such remedial action resulted from the Westlake Parties gross negligence or willful misconduct, then the cost of such remedial action shall be borne and paid by the Westlake Parties.
ARTICLE XI
TAXES
11.1 Embedded Tax Amounts . If any portion of any payment made by a Party hereunder is to reimburse the other Party for any federal, state or local taxes or assessments, then such other Party shall cause such taxes and assessments to be paid prior to delinquency.
11.2 Income Taxes . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Expenditures for which a Party is entitled to reimbursement pursuant to this Agreement shall not include taxes that are measured or based on that Partys income or franchise taxes or similar taxes, and all such income, franchise and similar taxes shall be the responsibility of that Party.
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ARTICLE XII WARRANTY/CLAIMS
12.1 Warranties .
(a) The Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts, as agent for Owner, to secure from vendors, suppliers and subcontractors, for Owners benefit, such warranties and guarantees as may reasonably be available regarding supplies, materials, equipment and services purchased for the Ethylene Assets in the performance of the Operating Services, and to enforce such warranties and guarantees on behalf of Owner. As regards any equipment, materials, supplies or services obtained by the Westlake Parties from vendors, suppliers and subcontractors, the only warranties, if any, applicable thereto and available to Owner shall be those offered by such vendors, suppliers and subcontractors. THE WESTLAKE PARTIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, GUARANTY OR REPRESENTATION, INCLUDING ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SUITABILITY OR MERCHANTABILITY, REGARDING THE DESIGN OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ETHYLENE ASSETS OR ANY SUCH EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICE, ALL OF WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED AND NEGATED.
(b) OWNERS EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICES OBTAINED BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES FROM THIRD PARTY VENDORS, SUPPLIERS AND SUBCONTRACTORS SHALL BE THOSE UNDER THE VENDOR, SUPPLIER AND SUBCONTRACTOR WARRANTIES REFERENCED IN SECTION 12.1(a), AND THE WESTLAKE PARTIES ONLY OBLIGATION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH WARRANTY OR BREACH THEREOF, SHALL BE TO USE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE EFFORTS TO ENFORCE SUCH WARRANTIES AND OWNER SHALL HAVE NO OTHER REMEDIES AGAINST THE WESTLAKE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICES OBTAINED BY THE WESTLAKE PARTIES FROM SUCH VENDORS, SUPPLIERS AND SUBCONTRACTORS.
12.2 Claims . Any and all claims against Owner instituted by anyone other than the Westlake Parties arising out of the performance of the Operating Services that are not covered by insurance shall be settled or litigated and defended by the Westlake Parties except when (a) the amount involved is stated to be (or estimated to be, as the case may be) greater than $1,000,000 or (b) criminal sanction is sought. The settlement or defense of any claim described in clause (a) or (b) above shall be decided by Owner in its sole and absolute discretion following consultation with the Westlake Parties. Each Party shall provide written notice to the other Party as soon as practicable of any claims instituted against Owner or the Westlake Parties in their capacity as provider of the Operating Services (regardless of the amount or nature of the claim).
ARTICLE XIII
TERMINATION
13.1 Term . This Agreement shall commence as of the date of this Agreement and shall continue in effect until the 12 th anniversary hereof (the Initial Term ) or, if earlier, the date upon which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13.2. Beginning at least one] year prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, the Parties will negotiate in good faith using commercially reasonable efforts to reach agreement upon terms for the renewal of this Agreement (a Renewal Term ; and the Initial Term together with any Renewal Term is the Term of this Agreement), along with the terms for renewal of the Related Agreements. If the Parties have not reached agreement upon terms for the renewal of this Agreement and the Related Agreements by the date that is six months prior to the expiration of this Agreement, then senior management representatives of the Parties (including at least one representative from each Party who has not previously been directly engaged in the prior renewal negotiations) shall engage in discussions regarding such renewal; provided, however, that neither Party shall be obligated to renew this Agreement.
13.2 Termination . The following provisions shall govern the termination of this Agreement. Any termination pursuant to this Section 13.2 shall be evidenced by a notice given by the Party effectuating such termination.
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(a) Owner shall have the option to terminate this Agreement if:
(i) the Westlake Parties materially default in the performance of their obligations under this Agreement and (1) such material default continues for a period of 30 days after notice thereof by Owner to the Westlake Parties or (2) if the default is not reasonably susceptible of being cured within a 30 day period, the Westlake Parties fail to commence the cure of said default within a 30 day period or thereafter fails to pursue the cure with commercially reasonable diligence; or
(ii) the annual fees payable by Owner in respect of Services exceed such amount given in the Agreed Annual Budget for the relevant Fiscal Year by the greater of (i) 20 %; or (ii) 1 million US dollars, without the prior written consent of Owner; and
(b) The Westlake Parties shall have the option to terminate this Agreement if:
(i) Owner materially defaults in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and (i) such material default continues for a period of 30 days after notice thereof by the Westlake Parties to Owner or (ii) if the default is not reasonably susceptible of being cured within a 30 day period, Owner fails to commence the cure of said default within a 30 day period or thereafter fails to pursue the cure with commercially reasonable diligence;
(ii) Owner becomes subject to a Bankruptcy Proceeding;
(iii) Owner permanently shuts down the Ethylene Assets; or
(iv) Owner has not operated the Ethylene Assets for a period of more than six consecutive months for any reason other than for (A) construction following a casualty loss, which construction is being performed in compliance with section 7.3 of each of the Site Lease Agreements or (B) Force Majeure.
(c) A Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement in the case of a Force Majeure Event which is continuing for at least 12 months after receipt by the other Party of notice pursuant to Section 16.2.
(d) This Agreement shall automatically terminate if the Ethylene Sales Agreement terminates pursuant to the provisions therein.
13.3 Self Help . During any period that a Party (a) is unable pursuant to Article XVI or (b) has failed to perform any Service after receipt of notice from the other Party regarding such failure, to perform any of the Services (the Subject Services ), the other Party shall have the right to perform or cause to be performed the Subject Services, and the first Party shall take all actions reasonably necessary to facilitate such performance of the Subject Services.
13.4 General Obligations . As reasonably requested by a Party during the 180 day period following the termination of this Agreement, the other Party shall provide Services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (and for which the requesting Party shall continue to advance or reimburse Expenditures as set forth in Article X) and otherwise reasonably cooperate with Owner, provided that Owner is not in payment default at any time during such period.
ARTICLE XIV
ACCESS TO ETHYLENE ASSETS
The Westlake Parties, their agents and contractors and the Seconded Employees shall at all times during their performance of the Westlake Provided Services hereunder have full and free, non-exclusive access to the Ethylene Assets as necessary to perform their obligations under this Agreement, and all such Persons shall comply with all safety and other procedures from time to time imposed by Owner or the Westlake Parties in connection with any access to or work performed on or about the Ethylene Assets or the Westlake Facilities. Owner shall reasonably cooperate with the Westlake Parties in connection with the Westlake Parties performance of their obligations under
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this Agreement, including (a) signing, submitting and prosecuting applications or submissions for Permits with respect to the Ethylene Assets for which Owner is a necessary and indispensable party and taking such other action reasonably required of Owner to enable the Westlake Parties to perform their obligations under this Agreement including, obtaining and maintaining applicable Permits; (b) granting the Westlake Parties and their representatives and agents such, non-exclusive access to the Ethylene Assets and information to the extent known by Owner about historic, current and projected operations as may be reasonably needed by the Westlake Parties in order to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement; and (c) granting the Westlake Parties and their representatives and agents the right to undertake all sampling, testing and monitoring required by any Permit or Governmental Authority in connection with any Permit. Owner shall notify the Westlake Parties promptly of any written notification that it receives by Owner of any investigation, proceeding or other action commenced by any Governmental Authority relating to any Ethylene Asset Permit or any Applicable Law relating to the Ethylene Assets. Owner shall promptly provide the Westlake Parties with copies of any and all written notices or other communications received by Owner from any Governmental Authority with respect to the Ethylene Assets and, at the reasonable request of the Westlake Parties, any other information or document that is within Owners possession relating to such Ethylene Assets Permits or any obligations thereunder.
ARTICLE XV
INDEMNIFICATION
15.1 By the Westlake Parties . The Westlake Parties shall indemnify, protect and defend Owner and its Affiliates and all of their officers, directors, employees and agents (the Owner Indemnified Parties ) against, and hold the Owner Indemnified Parties harmless from, any and against all losses (including lost profits), costs, damages, injuries, taxes, penalties, interests, expenses, obligations, claims and liabilities (joint or severable) of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, Claims ) that are incurred by such Owner Indemnified Parties in connection with, relating to or arising out of (a) the breach by any Westlake Party, the Westlake Parties Affiliates, or their directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or consultants (the Westlake Group ) of any term or condition of this Agreement, or (b) the performance of any Services hereunder; provided, however, that the Westlake Parties shall not be obligated to indemnify, reimburse, defend or hold harmless any Owner Indemnified Party for any Claims incurred by such Owner Indemnified Party in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) a breach by such Owner Indemnified Party of this Agreement, (ii) the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of such Owner Indemnified Party with respect to the Services hereunder or (iii) the fraudulent or dishonest acts of such Owner Indemnified Party.
15.2 By Owner . Owner shall indemnify, protect and defend the Westlake Parties and their Affiliates and all of their officers, directors, employees and agents (the Westlake Indemnified Parties ) against, and hold the Westlake Indemnified Parties harmless from, any and against all Claims that are incurred by such Westlake Indemnified Parties in connection with, relating to or arising out of (a) the breach by Owner, Owners Affiliates, or its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or consultants (the Owner Group ) of any term or condition of this Agreement, or (b) the performance of any Services hereunder; provided, however, that Owner shall not be obligated to indemnify, reimburse, defend or hold harmless any Westlake Indemnified Party for any Claims incurred by such Westlake Indemnified Party in connection with, relating to or arising out of (i) a breach by such Westlake Indemnified Party of this Agreement, (ii) the gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of such Westlake Indemnified Party with respect to the Services hereunder or (iii) the fraudulent or dishonest acts of such Westlake Indemnified Party.
15.3 Indemnification Procedures .
(a) A Party (the Indemnified Party ) agrees that promptly after it becomes aware of facts giving rise to a Claim under this Article XV, it will provide notice thereof to the other Party pursuant to Section 15.1 or Section 15.2 (the Indemnifying Party ), specifying the nature of and specific basis for such claim, copies of all correspondence with third parties, Governmental Authorities or other individuals relating to the claim, and other relevant information reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party.
(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control all aspects of the response to and/or defense of (and any counterclaims with respect to) any claims brought against the Indemnified Party that are covered by the indemnification under this Article XV, including correspondence and negotiation with Governmental Authorities,
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the selection of counsel and engineering and other consultants, determination of the scope of and approach to any investigation or remediation, determination of whether to appeal any decision of any court, determination of whether to enter into any voluntary agreement with any Governmental Authority, and the settling of any such matter or any issues relating thereto; provided, however, that no such settlement shall be entered into without the consent of the Indemnified Party unless it includes a full release of the Indemnified Party from such matter or issues, as the case may be.
(c) The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate fully with the Indemnifying Party, with respect to all aspects of the defense of any claims covered by the indemnification under this Article XV, including the prompt furnishing to the Indemnifying Party of any correspondence or other notice relating thereto that the Indemnified Party may receive, permitting the name of the Indemnified Party to be utilized in connection with such defense, the making available to the Indemnifying Party of any files, records or other information of the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party considers relevant to such defense and the making available to the Indemnifying Party of any employees of the Indemnified Party; provided, however, that in connection therewith the Indemnifying Party agrees to use reasonable efforts to minimize the impact thereof on the operations of the Indemnified Party and further agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all files, records, and other information furnished by the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 15.3. In no event shall the obligation of the Indemnified Party to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence be construed as imposing upon the Indemnified Party an obligation to hire and pay for counsel in connection with the defense of any claims covered by the indemnification set forth in this Article XV; provided, however, that that the Indemnified Party may, at its own option, cost and expense, hire and pay for counsel in connection with any such defense. The Indemnifying Party agrees to keep any such counsel hired by the Indemnified Party informed as to the status of any such defense, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to retain sole control over such defense.
(d) In determining the amount of any loss, cost, damage or expense for which the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the gross amount of the indemnification will be reduced by (i) any insurance proceeds realized by the Indemnified Party, and such correlative insurance benefit shall be net of any incremental insurance premiums that become due and payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such claim and (ii) all amounts recovered by the Indemnified Party under contractual indemnities from third Persons.
ARTICLE XVI
FORCE MAJEURE
16.1 Force Majeure Event . Subject to the following provisions of this Article XVI, a Party shall not be in default hereunder or responsible for any loss or damage to the other Party resulting from any delay in performing or failure to perform any obligation of such Party under this Agreement (other than a Partys failure or delay to make advances and payments for the provision of Services performed or to be performed) to the extent such failure or delay is caused by a Force Majeure Event. For clarification purposes, a Party shall not be obligated to make advances or payments for Services that are not performed as a result of a Force Majeure Event.
16.2 Force Majeure Notice . The Party whose ability to perform is affected by a Force Majeure Event must, as a condition to its right to suspend its obligations under Section 16.1, promptly give the other Party notice setting forth the particulars of the Force Majeure Event and, to the extent possible, the expected duration of the Force Majeure Event and the Services to be affected by the Force Majeure Event. Such notice shall also include a description of the steps taken and proposed to be taken to lessen and cure the Force Majeure Event. The cause of the Force Majeure Event shall so far as commercially reasonable be remedied with all reasonable dispatch, except that no Party shall be obligated to resolve any Labor Difficulties other than as it shall determine to be in its best interests.
ARTICLE XVII
OTHER PROVISIONS
17.1 Assignment . Except as permitted pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, neither Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties hereto, and any purported assignment or transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure the benefit of, permitted successors and assigns.
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17.2 Notices . All notices or requests or consents provided for by, or permitted to be given pursuant to, this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by depositing same in the United States mail, addressed to the Person to be notified, postpaid, and registered or certified with return receipt requested or by delivering such notice in person or by facsimile or e-mail to such Party. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by facsimile or e-mail shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the recipients normal business hours or at the beginning of the recipients next Business Day after receipt if not received during the recipients normal business hours. All notices to be sent to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth below such Partys signature to this Agreement or at such other address as such Party may stipulate to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 17.2.
Owner:
Westlake Chemical OpCo, LP
c/o Westlake Chemical Partners LP
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: Lawrence Teel, Principal Operating Officer
Fax: 713.960.8761
The Westlake Parties:
Westlake Management Services, Inc.
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: David Hansen, Senior Vice President
Fax: 713.960.8738
Westlake Vinyls, Inc.
c/o Westlake Chemical Corporation
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: Robert Buesinger, Senior Vice President
Fax: 713.963.1578
WPT LLC
c/o Westlake Chemical Corporation
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: Amy Moore, Manager, Olefins
Fax: 713.960.8761
Westlake Petrochemicals LLC
c/o Westlake Chemical Corporation
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: Todd Root, Director,
Planning & Business Developments, Olefins
Fax: 713.960.8761
17.3 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
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17.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein.
17.5 Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto; provided, that the Owner may not, without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee, agree to any amendment or modification of this Agreement that, in the reasonable judgment of the GP, will adversely affect the holders of Common Units. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Agreement.
17.6 No Waiver . Failure of either Owner or the Westlake Parties to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect either Partys right to full performance thereof at any time thereafter, and the waiver by either Owner or the Westlake Parties of a breach of any provision hereof shall not constitute a waiver of any similar breach in the future or of any other breach or nullify the effectiveness of such provision.
17.7 Safety Regulations . All employees of each Party when on the property of the other Party will conform to the rules, regulations and procedures concerning safety of such other Party. From time to time, each Party shall furnish the other Party with complete, accurate and current copies of all such rules, regulations and procedures.
17.8 Relationship of Parties . This Agreement does not create a partnership, joint venture, or relationship of trust or agency between the Parties.
17.9 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each of the Parties hereby agrees: (i) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (iii) that such Party will not bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court, and (iv) that such Party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding, and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect to any such action or proceeding.
17.10 Dispute Resolution .
(a) The dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 17.10 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a Dispute ) arising under the Agreement, and each Party irrevocably waives any right to any trial by jury with respect to any dispute arising under this Agreement.
(b) If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented:
(i) Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 17.10 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Parties.
(ii) Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 17.10, and subject to Section 17.3, the Parties agree and undertake that all payments not in dispute shall continue to be made and that all obligations not in dispute shall continue to be performed.
(iii) Within 30 days after receipt of notice of a dispute, representatives of the Parties shall engage in non-binding mediation, and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under subsection (b)(iv).
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(iv) If, after satisfying the requirement above, the dispute is not resolved, the Parties shall resolve the dispute by a binding arbitration, to be held in the State of Texas pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and in accordance with the then-prevailing Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the AAA ). The AAA shall select one (1) arbitrator. Each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with arbitration and the fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the Parties involved in the dispute and advanced by them from time to time as require. It is the mutual intention and desire of the Parties that the arbitrator be selected as expeditiously as possible following the submission of the dispute to arbitration. Once the arbitrator is selected and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Parties involved in such dispute or as ordered by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown, the hearing for the dispute will be held within sixty (60) days of submission of the dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator shall render his final award within sixty (60) days, subject to extension by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown of extraordinary circumstances, following conclusion of the hearing and any required post-hearing briefing or other proceedings ordered by the arbitrator. Any discovery in connection with arbitration hereunder shall be limited to information directly relevant to the controversy or claim in arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator in any such proceeding will be reasoned, final and binding and final judgment may be entered upon such an award in any court of competent jurisdiction, but entry of such judgment will not be required to make such award effective. Any action against any Party ancillary to arbitration (as determined by the arbitrators), including any action for provisional or conservatory measures or action to enforce an arbitration award or any judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Texas, and the Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Texas over any such action. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such action brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such action. Each of the Parties agrees that a judgment in any such action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
17.11 Waiver of Consequential Damages . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR OR IN RESPECT OF ANY CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY ANY OTHER PARTY ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR RESULTING FROM, THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE IS BASED ON TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, CONTRACT (INCLUDING BREACH OF OR FAILURE TO PERFORM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE BREACH OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY HEREUNDER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES RECOVERED BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST ANY PARTY IN RESPECT OF WHICH SUCH PARTY WOULD OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XV, PROVIDED THAT NO PARTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT ARE CONTRARY TO APPLICABLE LAW.
17.12 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each signatory party hereto agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions.
17.13 Set Off . Each Party has the right to set off against any amounts due to the other Party hereunder any and all amounts that the other Party owes to the first Party under this Agreement or the Related Agreements.
17.14 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all signatory parties had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument.
17.15 Rights of Third Parties . The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties to this Agreement, and no third party (including any Limited Partner of the MLP) shall have the right, separate and apart from the Parties to this Agreement, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
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[Signatures on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, its general partner | |
By: | /s/ Lawrence E. Teel | |
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer | |
WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WPT LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
Signature Page to Services and Secondment Agreement
SCHEDULE 1
ETHYLENE ASSETS
PART A
CALVERT CITY ASSETS
The ethylene plant was built in 1963 and occupies approximately 13 acres. The original unit was designed and built by C. F. Braun. The unit was converted to ethane feedstock and expanded to an annual capacity of 630 million pounds in early 2014.
PART B
LAKE CHARLES ASSETS
1. | Petro 1 was started up in 1991 and occupies 26.99 acres. It was built with KBR technology as an ethane cracker and is now being expanded with Technip technology to 1.5B lb/yr of ethylene. |
2. | Petro 2 was started up in 1997 and occupies 23.43 acres. It was built by Lummus as an ethane and propane cracker. It was expanded in 2013 to 1.49B lb/yr of ethylene by Lummus and will achieve that capacity with the start-up of the seventh furnace at the end of 2014. |
3. | As part of the Petro 2 project in 1997, the co-products storage and shipping area was built. The co-products storage area occupies 7.75 acres. |
4. | The Lake Charles Assets comprise 58.17 acres in total. |
Schedule 1
SCHEDULE 2
COMMON FACILITIES
1. | Lake Charles Common Facilities |
The Petro Site has 320 acres and has Petro 1, Petro 2, Co-products, Styrene and Poly 3. As noted Petro 1, Petro 2 and Co-products are owned by Owner and have 58.17 acres. To the west of the Petro Site, Westlake Chemical owns about 350 acres of land for future development. |
2. | Calvert City Common Facilities: |
i. | The Chlor Alkali plant was built in 1966 and occupies approximately 40 acres. It was upgraded and expanded to 275K ECU capacity in 2001 utilizing Asahi Kasei membrane technology. The feedstocks are rock salt and electricity. |
ii. | The VCM unit was built in 1953 utilizing B. F. Goodrich technology. The unit occupies approximately 55 acres and has an annual production capacity of 1.3 billion pounds of VCM. The feedstocks are Chlorine, Ethylene and Oxygen as well as supplemental Ethylene Dichloride as required. |
iii. | The PVC unit was built in 1959 and occupies approximately 26 acres. It has a current annual production capacity of 1.4 billion pounds. The units feedstock is VCM produced by the Westlake VCM unit. |
3. | Common Facilities which are owned by Westlake Parties and their Affiliates that Owner may use, and will be charged through Shared Services, will include, but shall not be limited to: |
i. | Parking lots |
ii. | Security |
iii. | Internal roads |
iv. | Walk ways |
v. | Maintenance buildings |
vi. | Warehouses |
vii. | Engineering buildings |
viii. | Office buildings |
ix. | Lay down areas |
x. | Rail tracks and loading and unloading |
xi. | Truck loading and unloading |
xii. | Raw water supply system |
xiii. | Power supply system |
xiv. | Feedstock supply system |
xv. | Product outlet |
Schedule 2
xvi. | Co-product handling |
xvii. | Waste water line |
xviii. | Firewater |
xix. | Fire equipment in emergencies |
Schedule 2
SCHEDULE 3
COMMON FACILITIES SERVICES
Plant Services
Maintenance direct labor and direct supervision for routine maintenance and construction
Warehouse routine supplies and critical spare parts
Laboratory
Plant safety includes safety training and maintaining safety equipment
Site Security includes manning front gate (contract)
Emergency Response includes fire brigade, rescue and hazmat teams
Railroad Services loading rack and dock services, including direct labor and direct supervision
Wastewater Treatment includes sewer system
Cooling Tower
Purchasing of and arranging for feedstock, services and supplies, including risk management and insurance thereto.
Technical Services
Direct Process Engineering
Process Safety Management
Environmental
Process and Quality Control
Project Engineering
IT
Other Services
Marketing, accounting, human resources
Buildings and Grounds: HVAC, janitorial, lawn care, weed control, trash, sprinkler system, roads, fencing, lighting, medical services and uniform
Buildings and Grounds include Maintenance Shop, Warehouse and associated storage buildings, Central Control Room, Main Office, Security Building, Fire House, Motor Control Centers, Boilerhouse, Chemical Storage unit
Training
Miscellaneous: phones, faxes, copiers, printers, mail services, office supplies
Schedule 3
SCHEDULE 4
UTILITY SERVICES
Utility Services
Electric Power
Natural Gas
Nitrogen
Fuel Gas
Steam and process steam
Cooling water
Potable water
Boiler feed water, service and soft water
Raw water (from Sabine Diversion)
Instrument/Utility air
Schedule 4
SCHEDULE 5
OPERATING SERVICES
The services shall include the personnel, supplies, parts and materials necessary for the provision of comprehensive Operating Services. The Westlake Parties shall provide or cause to be provided the following Operating Services in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Ethylene Assets, all in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements of this Agreement, including the following services by the Westlake Parties:
1. | provide, or procure and manage, those services (including operation, maintenance, engineering and construction services) necessary for the operation of the Ethylene Assets and to maintain the Ethylene Assets in sound operating condition and good repair; |
2. | perform routine maintenance, preventative maintenance and capitalized repairs; |
3. | perform corrosion and inspection services, |
4. | submit the applications for, pursue the issuance of, and maintain in force, the environmental and all other permits necessary for the operation of the Ethylene Assets; |
5. | prepare, sign and file, or cause to be prepared, signed and filed, all filings required to be filed by an operator of comparable manufacturing facilities with any Governmental Authority with respect to the Ethylene Assets or the operation thereof; |
6. | pay any existing or future ad valorem tax, and any existing or future sales tax, use tax, value added tax, environmental tax or other governmental charge or tax (other than taxes measured by income) levied or imposed on the Westlake Parties with respect to the Operating Services and prepare, deliver and maintain the required reports, valuations and statements with respect to such charges and taxes; |
7. | provide, or procure and manage, any raw materials, catalysts, additives, process chemicals and other supplies required for the operation of the Ethylene Assets; |
8. | operate the Ethylene Assets for the production of ethylene and certain ethylene co-products, including, but not limited to propylene, butadiene, pygas, pyoil and hydrogen ( Products ); |
9. | use, store, handle, treat and, on Owners behalf and in Owners name, dispose of, in accordance with Applicable Law, the hazardous waste and other hazardous materials and nonhazardous waste made, used, processed, stored or generated in the operation of the Ethylene Assets; |
10. | maintain proper inventory control and counting procedures and read, maintain and calibrate metering devices and maintain proper records in respect of the Products and other raw materials, catalysts, process chemicals, supplies and fuel used in the operation of the Ethylene Assets; |
11. | transport and store Products, including through exchange transactions; |
12. | sell and distribute the Products to third-parties; |
13. | prepare and maintain accounting, statistical, production runs and other operational reports, special reports detailing any accident or other significant event and such other reports and records as are required by Applicable Law or as are customarily maintained by prudent operators for facilities similar to the Ethylene Assets, including, as applicable, the following information: |
i. | intakes and outturns of the Ethylene Assets; |
ii. | production of Products; |
iii. | maintenance of the Ethylene Assets, including turnarounds; |
iv. | scheduled and unscheduled shutdowns and other events reducing available time, space or other available use of the Ethylene Assets; |
Schedule 5
v. | inventory feedstock, Product and other raw materials, catalysts, additives, process chemicals and other supplies and fuel; |
vi. | permit violations; and |
vii. | NOVs/NODs, and environmental releases or spills requiring the preparation, maintenance or submission of reports or records under any Environmental Laws or such other policy as Owner may specify in advance in writing or any other event materially affecting the environment, health and/or safety; |
14. | propose such capital projects to the Ethylene Assets as it may consider necessary or useful and provide, or procure the provision of, project assistance for capital projects to the Ethylene Assets as requested by Owner, including the development of project scope, plans, cost estimates, performance targets and other relevant information for capital projects that the Owner may reasonably request; |
15. | provide, or procure and manage, engineering, technical services, construction and installation work to the Ethylene Assets, including for capital projects; |
16. | prepare and maintain periodic reviews and updates of facilities procedures manuals and other documentation and of appropriate rules, regulations, procedures and manuals for the protection of the environment, health and/or safety as required by Applicable Law and as would be customarily prepared and maintained by a prudent operator for facilities similar to the Ethylene Assets; |
17. | take such reasonable actions as to cause the warranties and guaranties from vendors, operators and contractors required by applicable contract or design specifications to be delivered and maintained; |
18. | maintain such quality certifications with respect to the Ethylene Assets as is necessary for the production of Products. In addition, if Owner shall require a quality certification for the Ethylene Assets to satisfy the requirements of a customer of any end use products, the Westlake Parties shall obtain and maintain such certification provided that to do so does not place excessive administrative or other burdens on the Westlake Parties and Owner pays all incremental costs of obtaining and maintaining such quality certification; and |
19. | perform laboratory testing procedures for the Ethylene Assets products required for process and quality control and to maintain compliance with specifications. |
In the event that, subsequent to the date hereof, additional services are required to operate the Ethylene Assets that are not listed on this Schedule 5, the Westlake Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to supply such additional services on a mutually agreeable pricing and other terms, whereupon such services shall be considered to be an Operating Service for purposes of this Agreement.
Schedule 5
SCHEDULE 6
OWNER PROVIDED SERVICES
Purge Gas Processing
At the Lake Charles Assets the Poly 1/2 units send ethylene purge gas from their process to maintain the quality of the polyethylene product. This purge gas is returned to Petro 1 or Petro 2 and reprocessed, as it is largely ethylene.
A reprocessing charge that covers the cost of energy, chemicals, etc. is made. This cost is to be mutually agreed between the parties from time to time, based upon to cost of energy, chemicals, etc. pursuant to the mutual agreement of the Parties.
High Pressure Steam
At the Lake Charles Assets, in order to support the Petro 1 and Styrene plants, there is a line between them to allow the transfer of 600 psig superheated steam from one plant to the other for unit upsets and emergencies. This steam is sold at the full cost of production of the steam, based on an agreed upon formula.
Schedule 6
SCHEDULE 7
ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES
1.0 Statements and Billings . Each Party shall bill the other Party in accordance with Section 10.1(a) of this Agreement. If requested by a Party, the Party issuing the bill will promptly provide reasonably sufficient support for the Expenditures anticipated to be incurred for the following Month. Bills will be summarized by appropriate classifications indicative of the nature thereof and will be accompanied by such detail and supporting documentation as the paying Party may reasonably request.
2.0 Records . The Parties shall maintain accurate books and records covering all of such Parties performance of the relevant Services.
3.0 Purchase of Materials . All material, equipment and supplies used or consumed at the Ethylene Assets will be owned by Owner and purchased or furnished for its account. So far as is reasonably practical and consistent with efficient, safe and economical operation as determined by the Westlake Parties, only such material shall be obtained for the Ethylene Assets as may be required for immediate or near-term use, and the accumulation of surplus stock shall be avoided. To the extent reasonably possible, the Westlake Parties shall take advantage of discounts available by early payments and pass such benefits (or an allocable portion thereof) on to Owner.
4.0 Accounting Principles .
(a) The Westlake Parties are part of an affiliated group of companies (the Affiliated Group ) that as of the date of this Agreement are engaged in the manufacture and marketing of chemicals, vinyls, olefins, polymers and various fabricated building products. Accounting, purchasing, and risk management (among other functions and services) as of the date of this Agreement are managed or provided by the Westlake Parties or one of their Affiliates to the Affiliated Group. The costs and expenses incurred by the Westlake Parties or such Affiliate in managing or providing such functions and services are accrued on the books and records of the Westlake Parties in accordance with GAAP and are allocated (where applicable) among the members of the Affiliated Group in accordance with GAAP (the Accounting Principles ).
(b) The costs and expenses incurred by Owner or such Affiliate in managing or providing functions and services as at the date of this Agreement are accrued on the books and records of Owner in accordance with the Accounting Principles.
(c) For purposes of this Schedule, Expenditures shall be classified as either Owner Only Expenditures, Westlake Only Expenditures or Other Expenditures:
(i) Owner Only Expenditures shall be comprised of the Expenditures (Operating Expenses and Capital Expenditures) which are incurred solely in respect of the Ethylene Assets, Owner or Owners business. Owner Only Expenditures shall include (without limitation) Taxes imposed on the Ethylene Assets or the operation thereof, the cost of employees, labor, materials, equipment, supplies, replacement parts, license and Permit fees and fees of accountants and other professionals, in case incurred solely in respect of the Ethylene Assets, Owner or Owners business.
(ii) Westlake Only Expenditures shall be comprised of the Expenditures (Operating Expenses and Capital Expenditures) which are incurred solely in respect of the Westlake Facilities, the Westlake Parties or the business of the Westlake Parties. Westlake Only Expenditures shall include (without limitation) Taxes imposed on the Westlake Facilities or the operation thereof, the cost of employees, labor, materials, equipment, supplies, replacement parts, and fees of accountants and other professionals, in case incurred solely in respect of the Westlake Facilities, the Westlake Parties or the business of the Westlake Parties.
Schedule 7
(iii) Other Expenditures shall include all Expenditures (Operating and Capital Expenditures) other than Owner Only Expenditures or Westlake Only Expenditures.
(d) The Parties shall apply the Accounting Principles in determining the Expenditures and in allocating the Other Expenditures among the Parties or the other applicable members of the Affiliated Group. The Accounting Principles shall provide a mechanism for validating an Expenditure and all allocations of an Expenditure. If a Party believes that the determination or allocation of any Expenditure is inconsistent with the Accounting Principles, then such Party shall notify the other Party in writing of the specific manner in which the first Party regards such determination or allocation to be deficient or objectionable. The second Party shall either correct or change such determination or allocation in accordance with the notice, or, if the second Party disagrees with first Partys notice, disputes shall be resolved in accordance with Section 17.10 of this Agreement. Owners auditors and the Audit Committee of the GP may make reasonable suggestions on accounting relating to this Agreement, then the Westlake Parties will reasonably cooperate with Owner in addressing such changes; provided, the implementation of such suggestions shall be subject to the mutual agreement of Owner and the Westlake Parties.
(e) There shall be no duplication of charges for the same Expenditure. Likewise, no duplication of an Expenditure that has been charged to a Party under any other agreement between the Parties may occur.
Schedule 7
Exhibit 10.3
FEEDSTOCK SUPPLY AGREEMENT
between
W ESTLAKE P ETROCHEMICALS LLC
as Seller
and
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL O P C O LP
as Buyer
Dated August 4, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
1.1 Certain Defined Terms |
1 | |||
1.2 Interpretation |
5 | |||
ARTICLE II TERM |
6 | |||
ARTICLE III ANNUAL PLANNED REQUIREMENTS |
6 | |||
3.1 Forecast of Annual Planned Requirements |
6 | |||
3.2 Monthly Requirements |
7 | |||
ARTICLE IV PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OBLIGATIONS |
7 | |||
4.1 Purchase and Take Commitments |
7 | |||
4.2 Seller Deficiency |
8 | |||
4.3 Uniformity |
9 | |||
4.4 Title, Transfer and Possession |
9 | |||
ARTICLE V PRICE |
9 | |||
5.1 Price |
9 | |||
5.2 Index |
9 | |||
ARTICLE VI STATEMENTS AND PAYMENT |
10 | |||
6.1 Monthly Statements |
10 | |||
6.2 Payment |
10 | |||
6.3 Payment Method |
11 | |||
6.4 Access to Books and Records |
11 | |||
6.5 Adequate Assurance of Performance |
12 | |||
ARTICLE VII QUALITY |
12 | |||
7.1 Specifications |
12 | |||
7.2 Off-Spec Feedstock |
12 | |||
ARTICLE VIII MEASUREMENT AND TESTING |
13 | |||
ARTICLE IX FORCE MAJEURE |
13 | |||
9.1 Performance Excused |
13 | |||
9.2 Force Majeure Defined |
13 | |||
9.3 Force Majeure Notice |
14 | |||
9.4 Settlement of Industrial Disturbances |
14 | |||
9.5 Extended Force Majeure |
14 |
i
ARTICLE X TERMINATION |
15 | |||
10.1 General |
15 | |||
10.2 Seller Suspension |
15 | |||
10.3 Events of Default |
15 | |||
10.4 Remedies for Events of Default |
15 | |||
10.5 Termination for Extended Force Majeure |
16 | |||
10.6 Effect of Termination |
16 | |||
ARTICLE XI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
16 | |||
11.1 Title to Feedstock |
16 | |||
11.2 Warranty to Specification |
16 | |||
11.3 Financial Obligations |
16 | |||
11.4 Disclaimer of any Other Warranties |
17 | |||
ARTICLE XII LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES |
17 | |||
12.1 Consequential Loss or Damage |
17 | |||
12.2 Liquidated Damages Not Penalty |
17 | |||
12.3 Exclusive Remedies |
17 | |||
ARTICLE XIII INSURANCE |
18 | |||
ARTICLE XIV CONFIDENTIALITY |
18 | |||
14.1 Information |
18 | |||
14.2 Definition |
18 | |||
14.3 Legal Requirement |
18 | |||
14.4 Survival |
19 | |||
ARTICLE XV ASSIGNMENT; CHANGE OF CONTROL |
19 | |||
15.1 Assignment Generally |
19 | |||
15.2 Assignment to Affiliates |
19 | |||
ARTICLE XVI TAXES |
19 | |||
ARTICLE XVII MISCELLANEOUS |
20 | |||
17.1 Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction |
20 | |||
17.2 Dispute Resolution |
20 | |||
17.3 Survival |
22 | |||
17.4 Notice |
22 | |||
17.5 Entire Agreement |
23 | |||
17.6 Amendment or Modification |
23 | |||
17.7 Counterparts |
23 | |||
17.8 Severability |
23 |
ii
17.9 Further Assurances |
23 | |||
17.10 No Waiver |
23 | |||
17.11 Set Off |
24 | |||
17.12 Rights of Third Parties |
24 | |||
17.13 Legal Relationship |
24 | |||
SCHEDULES |
||||
Schedule 7.1 Specifications |
iii
This FEEDSTOCK SUPPLY AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of August 4, 2014 (the Effective Date ), by and between Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Seller ), and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( Buyer ). Seller and Buyer hereinafter are referred to each individually as a Party and collectively as the Parties .
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Buyer owns and operates two ethylene production facilities at Westlakes (as defined herein) Lake Charles, Louisiana complex (collectively referred to as the Lake Charles Plants ), and one ethylene production facility at Westlakes Calvert City, Kentucky complex (the Calvert City Plant , and together with the Lake Charles Plants, the Plants , and each, a Plant ) with a current combined annual production capacity of approximately 3.4 billion pounds of Ethylene (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and tender to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase and receive from Seller, certain quantities of Feedstock (as defined herein) to enable Buyer to produce Ethylene and associated co-products at the Plants in conformance with, and with the objective of supporting Buyers obligations under, the Ethylene Sales Agreement (as defined herein), subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and in conformity with the applicable Specifications (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, Downstream Buyer (as defined below) desires to utilize certain quantities of Ethylene purchased under the Ethylene Sales Agreement as feedstock at certain petrochemical plants located in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Geismar, Louisiana; Calvert City, Kentucky; and Longview, Texas (collectively, the Downstream Facilities ), and sell certain quantities of Ethylene purchased under the Ethylene Sales Agreement to Affiliates (as defined herein) and Third Parties (as defined herein); and
WHEREAS, the Parties are entering into this Agreement with the understanding that Buyer will enter into the Ethylene Sales Agreement with Downstream Buyer whereby Buyer will sell certain quantities of Ethylene to Downstream Buyer;
NOW, THEREFORE, Seller and Buyer, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 | Certain Defined Terms . For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
AAA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.2(b)(iv) .
Adequate Assurance of Performance shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(d) .
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Affiliate means (a) with respect to Westlake, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls or is controlled by Westlake, excluding Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC; (b) with respect to the Partnership Entities (as defined in the Omnibus Agreement), any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC; and (c) with respect to any other Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person; provided that, for purposes of this Agreement, Seller and Buyer shall not be considered Affiliates of each other. As used herein, the term 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 shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
All Other Cash Production Costs shall have the meaning set forth in the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Annual Planned Production shall have the meaning given to such term in the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Annual Planned Requirements shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .
Annual Quantity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .
Base Rate shall mean, interest compounded on a Monthly basis, at the rate per annum equal to the one-month term, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR rate) for U.S. dollar deposits, as published by The Wall Street Journal or if not published, then by the Financial Times of London.
Btu or British Thermal Unit shall mean the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of pure water from fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit (59°F) to sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F) at a constant pressure of fourteen and six hundred and ninety-six thousandths (14.696) pounds per square inch absolute.
Business Day shall mean every Day other than Saturdays, Sundays, and United States public holidays.
Buyer shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Buyer Event of Default shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(b) .
Calvert City Plant shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Confidential Information shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.2 .
2
Contract Year shall mean a calendar year that commences on January 1 and ends on December 31 of such calendar year, except that (a) the first Contract Year shall commence on the Effective Date and end on December 31, 2014, and (b) the final Contract Year shall commence on January 1 of the calendar year in which the Term expires or is terminated in accordance herewith, and end on the last Day that this Agreement is in effect.
Day shall mean a 24-hour period commencing immediately upon midnight.
Default Rate shall mean the Base Rate plus two percentage points per annum, applicable on the first Business Day prior to the due date of payment and thereafter on the first Business Day of each succeeding Month; provided, however , that the Default Rate shall never exceed the maximum rate permitted by applicable Law.
dispute shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.2(a) .
Downstream Buyer shall mean, collectively, Seller, WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Westlake Vinyls, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Downstream Facilities shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Ethane shall mean ethane conforming to the applicable Specifications.
Ethane Price shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Ethylene shall mean the ethylene product conforming to the applicable specifications set forth in the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Ethylene Sales Agreement shall mean that certain ethylene sales agreement entered into by and between Buyer and Downstream Buyer on or about the date hereof.
Ethylene Shortfall Fee shall have the meaning given to such term in the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Feedstock means, as applicable, jointly or individually, Ethane and Propane.
Feedstock Shortfall Fee shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c) .
Force Majeure shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .
Gallon means a U.S. gallon of 231 cubic inches of liquid at sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F) and equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid.
Governmental Authority shall mean any foreign, federal, state, regional, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal.
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Initial Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Lake Charles Plants shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Law shall mean any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, rule, rule of common law, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization, or other directional requirement of any Governmental Authority.
Month shall mean a calendar month (according to the Gregorian calendar), (and Monthly shall refer to a frequency of one Month) and also refers to the partial calendar months created by the beginning and end of the Term, as applicable, except that (a) the Month during which the Effective Date occurs shall be deemed the first Month that this Agreement is in effect, and (b) the Month during which the Term expires or is terminated in accordance herewith shall be deemed the final Month that this Agreement is in effect.
Monthly Statement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .
Natural Gas shall mean natural gas conforming to the applicable specifications set forth in the Services Agreement.
Off-Spec Feedstock shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a) .
Omnibus Agreement means the Omnibus Agreement among Buyer and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
OPIS Index shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Party/Parties shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble.
Person shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, association, firm, foundation, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof) or any other entity (in each case whether or not incorporated and whether or not having a separate legal identity).
Plant / Plants shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
pound or lb shall mean one pound avoirdupois.
Prior Year Adjustment shall have the meaning specified in the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Propane shall mean propane conforming to the applicable Specifications.
Propane Price shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
4
Reasonable and Prudent Operator shall mean a Person seeking in good faith to perform its contractual obligations, and in so doing, and in the general conduct of its undertaking, acting in a proper and workmanlike manner in accordance with practices customarily used in the operation of ethylene production or similar facilities, and exercising that degree of skill, diligence, prudence, and foresight that would reasonably and ordinarily be expected from a skilled and experienced operator engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same or similar circumstances and conditions.
Receipt Point(s) shall mean, in respect of each Plant, the inlet flange at the plant line of the applicable Plant, as more fully described and depicted in the applicable Site Lease Agreement, or such other points that may be designated by the Parties from time to time in writing.
Related Agreements means this Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement, the Services Agreement, the Site Lease Agreement, and the Omnibus Agreement.
Renewal Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Seller shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble.
Seller Deficiency Quantity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) .
Seller Event of Default shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a) .
Services Agreement means the Services Agreement among Buyer and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
Site Lease Agreement means, with respect to each Plant, the Site Lease Agreement between Buyer and an Affiliate of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
Specifications shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .
Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Third Party shall mean any Person that is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party.
Westlake shall mean Westlake Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
1.2 |
Interpretation . Within this Agreement, including the Recitals and attachments, except where expressly provided to the contrary, (a) in the event of a conflict, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall prevail over the provisions contained in any attachment; (b) words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise; (c) words denoting individuals or persons include all types of Persons, unless the context requires otherwise; (d) words denoting any gender include male, female, and neuter genders, unless the context requires otherwise; (e) references to Sections, paragraphs, recitals, Articles, Schedules, and Exhibits shall mean Sections in, paragraphs of, recitals to, Articles of, Schedules to, and Exhibits to this Agreement; (f) references to any document (including this Agreement) or to any Law shall mean the |
5
same as amended, modified or restated from time to time; (g) references to any amount of money shall mean a reference to the amount in United States dollars; (h) references to a time and date in connection with the performance of an obligation by a Party shall mean a reference to the time and the date in the location where the relevant Plant(s) is located or the location where the relevant activities are to be performed if such activities will not be performed at the applicable Plant(s); (i) references to a Party or any Person shall include its successors and permitted assigns; (j) the words include and including shall be deemed to be qualified by a reference to without limitation; (k) or when used as a conjunction shall connote any or all of; (l) words, phrases or expressions that are not defined in this Agreement but that have a generally accepted meaning in the practice of measurement and metering in the international businesses of production, transportation, distribution, tolling, purchase, and sale of Feedstock shall have that meaning in this Agreement; and (m) no consideration shall be given to the fact or presumption that one Party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting this Agreement. |
ARTICLE II
TERM
This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article X , shall continue in effect until December 31, 2026 (such period, the Initial Term ). This Agreement will continue in effect thereafter on an annual basis (each period after the end of the Initial Term during which this Agreement remains in effect, a Renewal Term ) unless and until terminated at the end of either the Initial Term or any Renewal Term upon no less than 12 Months prior written notice; provided that the Term of this Agreement shall not be renewed unless and until the Ethylene Sales Agreement is simultaneously renewed. The Initial Term and any Renewal Term are referred to herein collectively as the Term .
ARTICLE III
ANNUAL PLANNED REQUIREMENTS
3.1 | Forecast of Annual Planned Requirements . Not later than 25 Days prior to the first Day of each Contract Year, Buyer shall furnish to Seller in writing a non-binding forecast that sets out a reasonable good faith projection of the total quantity of each type of Feedstock (in Gallons) that it will require Seller to sell and make available during such Contract Year at each Plant (the Annual Planned Requirements ); provided that the Annual Planned Requirements for the first Contract Year shall equal Buyers forecasted aggregate requirements of Feedstock (in Gallons) for such Contract Year beginning on the Effective Date and ending December 31, 2014. The Annual Planned Requirements shall: |
(a) | identify applicable quantities of Ethane and Propane that are, in Buyers good faith determination, required at the Calvert City Plant and at the Lake Charles Plants for Buyer to produce the Annual Planned Production of Ethylene during such Contract Year; |
(b) | be based on Buyers then-current budget for each Plant; and |
6
(c) | take into account Buyers reasonable estimate of planned outages at each Plant during such Contract Year. |
3.2 | Monthly Requirements . Prior to the first Day of each Month, Buyer shall provide to Seller in writing a forecast of the quantity of each type of Feedstock (in Gallons) that it expects to require Seller to sell and make available at the Calvert City Plant and the Lake Charles Plants during the following Month. |
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OBLIGATIONS
4.1 | Purchase and Take Commitments . |
(a) | Commencing with the Effective Date, and continuing throughout the Term, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller shall sell and make available, and Buyer shall purchase, take delivery of and accept at the applicable Receipt Points, during each Contract Year, the quantity of the Annual Planned Requirements notified to Seller under Section 3.1 in respect of the relevant Contract Year (as adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.1 , the Annual Quantity ), not to exceed a quantity of Feedstock necessary to produce 3.8 billion pounds of Ethylene in a given Contract Year. Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to purchase, take delivery of, and accept the Annual Quantity during each Contract Year on a ratable Monthly basis. |
(b) | Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Buyer shall be entitled from time to time during the Term, by prior notice, to adjust the Annual Quantity upward or downward if it determines, in its reasonable discretion, that any such adjustment is appropriate in order to (i) account for operating conditions or marketing conditions or (ii) source from other suppliers all or a part of the Feedstock required to sell approximately 5% of the aggregate quantities of Ethylene actually produced at the Plants during such Contract Year to Third Parties. |
(c) | The Annual Quantity for the Contract Year in which the Term commences and ends, respectively, shall be proportionately reduced based on the number of Days during such Contract Year that occur during the Term, if applicable. |
(d) | Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver the Feedstock mix notified to Seller under Section 3.1 . The Parties shall consult with one another from time to time during the Contract Year and use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve an economically optimal Feedstock mix for the operation of the Plants, as determined by Buyer in good faith. |
7
4.2 | Seller Deficiency . |
(a) | If the total quantity of Feedstock sold and delivered by Seller under this Agreement during any Contract Year (in Gallons) is less than |
(i) | the applicable Annual Quantity, minus |
(ii) | the quantities (in Gallons) made available by Seller but not purchased and taken by Buyer during such Contract Year due to either |
(A) | Buyers breach of its obligations hereunder or |
(B) | Force Majeure affecting the Plants to the extent that any such occurrence exceeds 45 consecutive Days, |
then such deficiency (in Gallons) shall be the Seller Deficiency Quantity.
(b) | For the avoidance of doubt, the Seller Deficiency Quantity shall not be reduced by any quantity of Feedstock not made available by Seller due to |
(i) | Sellers breach of any of its obligations hereunder, or |
(ii) | Force Majeure affecting the Plants to the extent that any such occurrence does not exceed 45 consecutive Days; or |
(iii) | Force Majeure affecting Seller. |
(c) | If, in respect of any Contract Year, there is a Seller Deficiency Quantity, Seller shall pay Buyer a deficiency fee ($) (the Feedstock Shortfall Fee ) equal to the quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) that Buyer was unable to produce and deliver from the Plants as a result of the Seller Deficiency Quantity multiplied by the sum of: |
(i) | $0.10/lb plus |
(ii) | the then-current All Other Cash Production Costs ($/lb), plus |
(iii) | the then-current Prior Year Adjustment ($/lb), if any; |
provided, however , Buyer shall rebate to Seller the Variable Cash Conversion Costs and the Cost of Feedstock (each as defined in the Ethylene Sales Agreement) that are actually avoided by Buyer for such Contract Year, if any, as a result of such deficiency, such rebate to be by way of credit in the invoice for the last Month of the Contract Year.
(d) | If at any time the Feedstock Shortfall Fee and the Ethylene Shortfall Fee may be applied to the same volume of Ethylene not produced or purchased, then with respect to only such volume of Ethylene contemplated by this Section 4.2(d) : |
(i) | Downstream Buyer shall pay the applicable Ethylene Shortfall Fee in accordance with Section 4.2(c) of the Ethylene Sales Agreement and |
(ii) | Seller shall have no obligation to pay the applicable Feedstock Shortfall Fee hereunder, it being understood and agreed that the Ethylene Shortfall Fee and the Feedstock Shortfall Fee shall not be applied in respect of the same volume of Ethylene not produced or delivered. |
8
4.3 | Uniformity . Seller shall make available and Buyer shall receive and take quantities of Feedstock hereunder at each Receipt Point, as nearly as practicable, at uniform hourly and daily rates of flow for the quantities of Feedstock purchased hereunder. |
4.4 | Title, Transfer and Possession . |
(a) | Title to and risk of loss of the Feedstock delivered hereunder shall pass from Seller to Buyer at the applicable Receipt Point free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances. |
(b) | Seller shall be deemed to be in exclusive control and possession of the Feedstock deliverable to Buyer hereunder prior to the time such Feedstock shall have been delivered to Buyer at the applicable Receipt Point, and Buyer shall be deemed to be in exclusive control and possession thereof after such delivery. |
(c) | Seller shall bear all costs of any nature concerning the Feedstock before delivery to each applicable Receipt Point, including all applicable taxes payable by Seller in accordance with Article XVI . Buyer shall bear all costs of any nature concerning the Feedstock at or after delivery to each applicable Receipt Point, including all applicable taxes payable by Buyer in accordance with Article XVI . |
ARTICLE V
PRICE
5.1 | Price . Commencing with the Effective Date and continuing for each Month of the Term, Buyer shall reimburse Seller for (a) the purchase of Feedstock for sale under this Agreement at a deemed purchase price equal to the OPIS Index, plus (b) all commercially reasonable and verifiable costs incurred (excluding internal costs of Seller) for the storage, handling, and transportation of such quantities from the Mont Belvieu pricing point to the applicable Receipt Points. Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize such costs. |
5.2 | Index . |
(a) | OPIS Index means the monthly average of the daily high and low prices per Gallon, for the month of delivery, as quoted by Oil Price Information Service, or its successor-in-interest, in the OPIS LPG Report for Any Current Month under Mont Belvieu Spot Gas Liquids Prices using (i) the Purity Ethane prices for Ethane ( Ethane Price ), and (ii) the Non-TET prices for Propane ( Propane Price ). |
(b) |
If, for any given Month, the Ethane Price or the Propane Price fails to settle or be published prior to invoicing hereunder, the provisional price therefor shall be the Ethane Price or the Propane Price (as applicable) for the immediately preceding |
9
Month or the last settled Month of delivery, as the case may be. Once the Ethane Price or the Propane Price (as applicable) has settled for the Month of delivery or is otherwise published, Seller will promptly reissue the invoice for the Month in question, which invoice will provide the appropriate adjustment to reflect the change to the provisional price. Any additional amounts owing by Buyer will be paid within 15 Days of the receipt of such invoice and any credits owing to Buyer will be applied to the next invoice delivered by Seller.
(c) | Should the OPIS Index be discontinued, it will be replaced by the index specified by the applicable publisher to be the replacement index therefor, or, if no replacement index is specified by the applicable publisher, the Parties shall promptly and in good faith attempt to mutually agree to a satisfactory and comparable successor index or publication. |
ARTICLE VI
STATEMENTS AND PAYMENT
6.1 | Monthly Statements . On or before the 20th Day of each Month, Seller shall provide to Buyer a statement for each of the Receipt Points setting forth Sellers calculation of the total amount payable by Buyer for the prior Month for deliveries made to each Receipt Point (each, a Monthly Statement ). The Parties shall provide for the exchange of all relevant data reasonably necessary in connection with preparing each Monthly Statement, including the aggregate quantities (in Gallons) of each Feedstock delivered by Seller and taken by Buyer for each Day of such Month at each Receipt Point, information relating to any Seller Deficiency Quantity for such Month at each Receipt Point (if applicable), and information relating to any events of Force Majeure. |
6.2 | Payment . |
(a) | Buyer shall pay the amount of each Monthly Statement, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, no later than the 5th Day following receipt by Buyer of such Monthly Statement. If the due date for payment is not a Business Day, then the due date for payment shall be the immediately succeeding Business Day. Any adjustments necessary to reconcile the resolution of a disputed amount with the amount actually paid shall be paid within five Days following resolution of the disputed amount. Any adjustments, whether for overpayment or underpayment, for disputed amounts shall bear interest at the Base Rate from the date of overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be, until the actual date of payment. |
(b) | In the event that any amount reflected in any statement or invoice is not paid when due, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, such unpaid amount shall bear interest from and including the Day following the due date therefor up to and including the date when payment is made, at the Default Rate. |
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(c) | If Buyer fails to make payment of any amount of any Monthly Statement, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, on or before the later of (i) the 60th Day after such payment is due and (ii) the 30th Day after notice by Seller of such non-payment, Seller shall have the right to suspend deliveries of Feedstock hereunder to Buyer until such payment is made. |
(d) | Seller and Buyer, as the case may be, may withhold payment of all or any portion of any amount reflected as owing by such Party in any statement or invoice received from the other Party to the extent that the receiving Party disputes payment of such amount or such portion thereof in good faith. For the avoidance of doubt, as to any Monthly Statement, Buyer may withhold payment as to any disputed amount, including to account for any credit Buyer believes it is owed with respect to the purchase, sale or delivery of Feedstock, or the failure thereof. In the event of such a dispute, the disputing Party shall promptly notify the other Party, stating its reason for disputing such amount and, to the extent available, providing reasonable supporting documentation therefor. |
(e) | Buyer may dispute a Monthly Statement or any portion thereof, by notice to Seller, up to one calendar year following receipt of such Monthly Statement; provided that if Buyer fails to deliver such notification within such period, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived the right to dispute the applicable Monthly Statement. |
6.3 | Payment Method . All payments under this Agreement shall be made in United States dollars by wire transfer in immediately available funds by deposit to the bank account designated in writing by the Party receiving the payment. Any wire transfer charges shall be for the account of the Party making the payment. If a Party elects to change the bank or account to which payments are to be made, that Party shall notify the other Party before the effective date of such change. |
6.4 | Access to Books and Records . To the extent necessary to verify the accuracy of any statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement, each Party shall have the right, at its cost, to interview representatives of the other Party and to examine the books and records of the other Party relating to this Agreement during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice to the other Party; provided that each Party has the right to redact from the records subject to examination any portions thereof as necessary to comply with such Partys confidentiality obligations. Such examination must be commenced within 12 Months of receiving said statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement and will take place at a location mutually agreeable to the Parties. All records subject to examination hereunder shall be caused to be retained for no less than two calendar years after their creation. If any such examination establishes any inaccuracy in any billing made prior to such examination, the necessary adjustments to such billings will be made promptly without any interest charge. |
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6.5 | Adequate Assurance of Performance . |
(a) | If Seller, in its sole judgment, has reasonable grounds for insecurity regarding the ability of Buyer to perform its financial obligations hereunder, or any other material obligation under this Agreement, the Parties shall work together in good faith to resolve Sellers concerns. If the Parties cannot resolve such concerns, Seller may request that Buyer provide Adequate Assurance of Performance (as defined below) and if Buyer fails to provide such Adequate Assurance of Performance within five Business Days of receipt of request therefor, Seller may, without waiving any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at Law or in equity, withhold further deliveries until the demanded Adequate Assurance of Performance is received. |
(b) | Buyers duty to provide such Adequate Assurance of Performance, if demanded in accordance herewith, shall be a condition precedent to Sellers obligation to perform under this Agreement. |
(c) | As of the Effective Date, Seller acknowledges that it is satisfied with Buyers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and therefore, as of the Effective Date, no Adequate Assurance of Performance is required from Buyer. |
(d) | Adequate Assurance of Performance shall mean sufficient security or proof of Buyers capability to perform its obligations under this Agreement in the form of any one of or a combination of one or more of the following: (i) a guarantee from a creditworthy entity, (ii) a standby irrevocable letter of credit (in a form and amount and for a term reasonably acceptable to Seller and issued by a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Seller), (iii) a prepayment, or (iv) a cash payment security deposit (to be held by Seller without obligation for payment of interest thereon). |
ARTICLE VII
QUALITY
7.1 | Specifications . All Feedstock sold and delivered to Buyer at each applicable Receipt Point pursuant to this Agreement shall conform to the applicable specifications set forth in Schedule 7.1 (the Specifications ). |
7.2 | Off-Spec Feedstock . |
(a) | The Parties will work together to minimize (i) any deliveries or receipts of Feedstock that does not or will not conform to the Specifications ( Off-Spec Feedstock ), and (ii) the negative consequences that may result if and when Off-Spec Feedstock is delivered at a Receipt Point. |
(b) |
Seller shall be liable for any damages incurred by Buyer to the extent arising out of or resulting from Off-Spec Feedstock delivered by Seller to Buyer in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (including delivery by Buyer to Downstream Buyer of Off-Spec Ethylene (as defined in the Ethylene Sales Agreement), the off-specification nature of which reasonably resulted from such Off-Spec Feedstock); provided, however , that Seller shall not be so liable if (i) |
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Buyer fails to act as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator in (A) accepting, testing, handling, storing, or throughputting the Off-Spec Feedstock or (B) failing to detect the off-specification nature thereof, or (ii) notwithstanding Buyers acting as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator, Buyer accepts Off-Spec Feedstock with actual knowledge of the off-specification nature thereof. |
(c) | Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, Sellers liability in connection with the delivery by Seller to a Receipt Point of any Off-Spec Feedstock, on a per Gallon basis, shall not exceed the amount in $/Gallon calculated as (i) 300% of the amount to be reimbursed to Seller in the applicable Month or Months pursuant to Article V divided by (ii) the total quantity (Gallons) of Feedstock delivered in the applicable Month or Months. |
ARTICLE VIII
MEASUREMENT AND TESTING
Seller or its designee shall own, operate and maintain, at or proximate to each Receipt Point, the metering equipment necessary to measure the quantity of each Feedstock delivered under this Agreement. All measurements and/or tests shall be made in accordance with the latest standards or guidelines published by the ASTM or other applicable industry standard methods. Sellers (or its designees) volume and/or other measurements of Feedstock shall be used for billing purposes, unless proved to be in error. Buyers laboratory analysis and methods shall determine whether Feedstock specifications have been met, unless Seller proves to Buyers reasonable satisfaction that Buyers analysis report is erroneous. No Feedstock quantity claims will be made, including pursuant to Article VII , unless the difference is more than one percent (1%) of the invoiced quantity.
ARTICLE IX
FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 | Performance Excused . Buyer shall not be liable for any delay or failure in performance hereunder if and to the extent such delay or failure is a result of Force Majeure, except for the performance of any payment obligation that has accrued prior to the Force Majeure event. Other than in the event of an extended period of Force Majeure pursuant to Section 9.5 , nothing contained herein, express or implied, shall be construed to permit Seller to withhold, delay, or condition payment of any portion of the Feedstock Shortfall Fee in the event that a Seller Deficiency Quantity accrues as a result of the occurrence or continuance of a Force Majeure; provided, however , that Buyer shall not be entitled to that portion of the Feedstock Shortfall Fee that equals the portion of the then-current All Other Cash Production Costs that Buyer did not actually incur during the continuance of such Force Majeure. |
9.2 |
Force Majeure Defined . The term Force Majeure shall mean any cause, whether of the kind enumerated herein or otherwise, which is not within the reasonable control of Buyer, and which by the exercise of reasonable diligence Buyer is unable to prevent or overcome, and which wholly or partially prevents or delays Buyers performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement (other than any payment obligations hereunder), |
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including any of the following which satisfy the foregoing criteria: acts of God; strikes, lockouts or other industrial disputes or disturbances; acts of the public enemy, sabotage, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots and other civil disturbances; epidemics; landslides, floods, lightning, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, named storms or other weather events that necessitate extraordinary measures and expenses to maintain operations of any of the Plants, and warnings for any of the foregoing which may necessitate the precautionary shut-down of any Plant, any portion thereof, or other related facilities; arrests and restraints of governments (either federal, state, civil or military), including any orders of courts or of a Governmental Authority; explosions, breakage or accidents to equipment, machinery, any Plant or any portion thereof, or lines of pipe, or the making of repairs or alterations to any of the foregoing necessitated as a result of a Force Majeure event; inability to secure, or unavoidable delays in securing, labor or materials that are required for Buyers performance hereunder; electric power shortages or outages; or the necessity for compliance with any applicable Law. |
9.3 | Force Majeure Notice . As soon as reasonably possible after the occurrence of a Force Majeure event, Buyer shall provide written notice to Seller, and in such notice shall give reasonably full particulars concerning the nature, scope and anticipated duration of the Force Majeure. |
9.4 | Settlement of Industrial Disturbances . Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party experiencing such situations, and nothing herein shall require such Party to settle industrial disputes by yielding to demands made on it when it considers such action inadvisable. |
9.5 | Extended Force Majeure . If, after 45 consecutive Days have elapsed since the commencement of a Force Majeure continuously affecting any Plant, and Buyer has been rendered and remains unable, wholly or in part, by such Force Majeure to accept delivery of a quantity of Feedstock during a given Contract Year equal to the Annual Quantity, then (a) the Annual Quantity shall be reduced by a quantity of Feedstock equal to the annualized average of such shortfall, (b) Seller shall be credited such portion of the Feedstock Shortfall Fee(s) paid during the Contract Year (if any) for such deficient quantities, and (c) if (but only if) both Parties are entitled to insurance proceeds from the same insurance carrier, Buyer shall be entitled to any insurance proceeds from such carrier accruing during such extended period of Force Majeure on a first priority basis. Buyer shall notify Seller as soon as reasonably practicable if and when Buyer determines such Force Majeure is no longer continuing. Upon receipt of such notice by Seller, the Parties respective obligations during such Contract Year to sell and tender, and purchase and receive, a quantity of Feedstock equal to the Annual Quantity, less that quantity of Feedstock determined in accordance with clause (a) above, shall be reinstated for all purposes hereunder. |
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ARTICLE X
TERMINATION
10.1 | General . In addition to the further provisions of this Article X , this Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as the case may be, and shall be terminable (a) upon the written agreement of the Parties, (b) by any Party following an uncured breach of this Agreement by the other Party, for a period of 60 Days after receipt by the breaching Party of written notice thereof, (c) by any Party pursuant to Force Majeure in accordance with Section 10.5 , (d) upon the effective date of termination of the Ethylene Sales Agreement, (i) by Seller only, if such termination results from the uncured breach by Buyer thereunder, and (ii) by Buyer only, if such termination does not result from the uncured breach by Buyer thereunder, or (e) by Buyer only, upon the effective date of expiration (if any) of the Ethylene Sales Agreement. |
10.2 | Seller Suspension . Without prejudice to any other rights and remedies available under this Agreement, Seller may suspend delivery of Feedstock upon seven Days advance written notice in any of the following circumstances: (a) Buyer has failed to make payments in full when due; (b) Buyer has failed to comply with its obligations under Section 6.5 ; or (c) at Sellers reasonable discretion, instead of or prior to terminating this Agreement, upon the occurrence of any Buyer Event of Default under Section 10.3(b) below. Upon and for the duration of such suspension, Seller shall be relieved of obligations to supply Feedstock under this Agreement, but Buyer shall not be discharged of any of its obligations under this Agreement. Seller shall resume delivering Feedstock as soon as reasonably practicable following the cure of the events listed above and in any case within two Business Days of such cure. |
10.3 | Events of Default . |
(a) | Seller Event of Default . A Seller Event of Default shall be deemed to exist upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any one or more of the following events: (i) Seller breaches a material term of this Agreement, and such breach is not cured within 60 Days following written notice from Buyer; or (ii) Seller fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement in full within 60 Days of the due date of such payment, subject to Section 17.2 . |
(b) | Buyer Event of Default . A Buyer Event of Default shall be deemed to exist upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any one or more of the following events: (i) Buyer breaches a material term of this Agreement, and such breach is not cured within 60 Days following written notice from Seller; or (ii) Buyer fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement in full within 60 Days of the due date of such payment, subject to Section 17.2 . |
10.4 | Remedies for Events of Default . |
(a) |
Upon the occurrence of any Seller Event of Default or Buyer Event of Default that is not cured within the period of time provided by this Agreement, if any, Buyer (in the case of a Seller Event of Default) or Seller (in the case of a Buyer |
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Event of Default), as applicable, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with 60 Days advance written notice to the defaulting Party and to pursue any other remedy provided under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at Law or in equity. Except in such circumstance or as elsewhere expressly provided in this Agreement, each Party waives any right to terminate this Agreement. If a fact giving rise to a right of termination is wholly or partly overcome during such 60-Day notice period, then any notice of termination furnished under this Article X shall be deemed cancelled and of no effect and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(b) | Other than as expressly provided in this Agreement, Seller will not be entitled to suspend or terminate the delivery of Feedstock to Buyer under this Agreement in any circumstance, including in connection with the exercise of a right of offset or other equitable remedy, and any purported suspension or termination of any delivery of Feedstock to Buyer shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement by Seller under this Article X and permit Buyer to exercise the remedies contemplated in this Section 10.4 . |
10.5 | Termination for Extended Force Majeure . If a Force Majeure continues, or its consequence remains, such that Buyer is unable to substantially comply with its obligations under this Agreement with respect to all Plants continuously for a period in excess of 12 Months, then, provided such Force Majeure is still in effect at the time of notice, Seller may terminate this Agreement upon 30 Days advance notice without any liability upon either of the Parties to the other Party except to the extent that any amount shall have accrued prior to the occurrence of the event of Force Majeure. |
10.6 | Effect of Termination . Except as expressly provided in Section 10.1 , no Party shall have any right to terminate this Agreement. Upon the termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, subject to Section 17.3 , except that such termination shall not affect any rights or obligations that have vested, matured or accrued at any time prior to such termination. |
ARTICLE XI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
11.1 | Title to Feedstock . Seller warrants title to all Feedstock supplied hereunder and covenants that Seller has all necessary right, authority and interest to sell and deliver the Feedstock under this Agreement and that such Feedstock will be free from liens, encumbrances, adverse claims and proprietary rights at the passing of title at each Receipt Point. |
11.2 | Warranty to Specification . Seller warrants to Buyer that Feedstock delivered hereunder meets the applicable Specifications. |
11.3 | Financial Obligations . Buyer warrants to Seller that it is unaware, as of the date hereof, of any fact related to its financial condition that would prevent it from performing its financial obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein. |
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11.4 | Disclaimer of any Other Warranties . EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE PARTIES MAKE NO, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY, REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING ANY PLANT OR PORTION THEREOF, THE FEEDSTOCK OR WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. |
ARTICLE XII
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES
12.1 | Consequential Loss or Damage . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Party shall be liable to the other Party for or in respect of any consequential loss or damage, special or punitive damages or loss of profits or business interruption, suffered or incurred by any other Party arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from, this Agreement, whether any claim for such loss or damage is based on tort (including negligence), strict liability, contract (including breach of or failure to perform this Agreement or the breach of any representation or warranty hereunder, whether express or implied) or otherwise, except as provided in Section 12.2 . |
12.2 | Liquidated Damages Not Penalty . Because of the unique nature of the economic damages and losses that would be sustained under this Agreement where specified damages are used, it is difficult or impossible to determine with precision the amount of damages that would or might be incurred by a non-breaching Party in such circumstances. Therefore, it is acknowledged and agreed by the Parties that in such circumstances: (a) it would be impracticable or extremely difficult to fix the actual damages to a non-breaching Party resulting therefrom; (b) any sums that would be payable under this Agreement in such circumstances are stipulated by the Parties to be in the nature of liquidated damages and not a penalty, and are acknowledged and agreed to be fair, reasonable and appropriate; (c) such payment represents a reasonable estimate of compensation for a portion of the losses that may reasonably be anticipated from such failure and shall, without duplication, be the sole and exclusive measurement of monetary damages of such non-breaching Party with respect to such circumstances; and (d) if the breaching Party challenges the enforceability of such liquidated damages, the non-breaching Party may elect at its option for damages in such circumstances to be based on actual damages instead of liquidated damages and such actual damages shall not be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12.1 . |
12.3 | Exclusive Remedies . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, from and after the Effective Date, this Agreement contains the Parties exclusive remedies against each other with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, including breaches of the representations, warranties, and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement. |
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ARTICLE XIII
INSURANCE
During the Term, each Party shall, for all risks and circumstances that should and may be covered by insurance in accordance with prudent industry practices, purchase and maintain sufficient casualty, environmental, and property insurance in order to satisfy the legal liabilities for bodily injuries and damages to properties (including the properties of such Party) as a result of or in association with the performance of this Agreement and sufficient third party liability insurance and other insurance(s) required by applicable Law and any Governmental Authority.
ARTICLE XIV
CONFIDENTIALITY
14.1 | Information . Each of the Parties agrees that it will utilize any Confidential Information received from the other Party solely in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and the exercise by the recipient Party of its rights and remedies hereunder and under applicable Law, and all such Confidential Information will be subject to and bound by the provisions set forth in this Article XIV . Upon termination of this Agreement, the recipient Party shall return or destroy all such Confidential Information (and cease all further use and disclosure of such Confidential Information) that has been provided to it, together with all reproductions thereof in the recipient Partys possession; provided that the recipient Party shall have the right to retain copies of any such information and records that (a) were created by automatic computer generated backup systems or (b) relate to its performance of any services and the exercise of its rights and remedies hereunder or under the Related Agreements and under applicable Law, and all such copies and the information reflected thereon shall be subject to the first sentence of this Section 14.1 and to Section 14.2 . |
14.2 | Definition . Confidential Information means any and all information (regardless of format or medium of exchange) that is disclosed by any disclosing Party or any Affiliate, employee or agent thereof to the recipient Party or any Affiliate, employee or agent of the recipient Party in connection with the performance of this Agreement or the Related Agreements provided that Confidential Information shall not include any information that is publicly known or independently developed by such recipient Party. It is further understood that each Party may have the opportunity as a result of proximity or close operational ties to observe or obtain Confidential Information of any other Party and agrees not to divulge or use such information other than as set forth in this Article XIV . |
14.3 |
Legal Requirement . If the recipient Party is legally required (by interrogatories, discovery requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil or criminal investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, it is agreed that the recipient Party prior to disclosure will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the disclosing Party with prompt notice of such request(s) so that the disclosing Party may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive the recipient Partys compliance with this Article XIV . If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or the disclosing Party grants a waiver hereunder, the recipient Party required to furnish Confidential Information may furnish that portion (and |
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only that portion) of the Confidential Information which, in the opinion of such Partys counsel, the recipient Party is legally compelled to disclose, and the recipient Party will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded any Confidential Information so furnished. Disclosure of Confidential Information by the recipient Party shall not violate this Article XIV to the extent that the recipient Party (or its ultimate parent) in the exercise of reasonable good faith judgment deems it necessary, pursuant to law, regulation or stock exchange rule, to disclose such information in or in connection with filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange upon which debt or equity securities of such recipient Party or its parent may be listed, to any Governmental Authority or in presentations to lenders or ratings agencies. |
14.4 | Survival . The provisions of this Article XIV shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of three years following such termination. |
ARTICLE XV
ASSIGNMENT; CHANGE OF CONTROL
15.1 | Assignment Generally . Each Party hereunder shall be entitled to assign all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement with the prior written consent of the other Party, in each case which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by the non-assigning Party. No assignment hereunder shall release the assigning Party from any of its obligations under this Agreement except to the extent expressly agreed in writing by each other Party. Any purported assignment of this Agreement in violation of this Section 15.1 is null and void ab initio . |
15.2 | Assignment to Affiliates . Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be assigned by a Party to an Affiliate (other than the other Party) without the consent of the other Party, provided that such Affiliate executes an agreement satisfactory to the other Party, whereby the Affiliate assumes all of the applicable obligations of the assigning Party under this Agreement; provided further that the assigning Party shall not be released of its obligations under this Agreement such that the assigning Party and its Affiliate shall be jointly and severally liable for the performance of the obligations of the assigning Party hereunder. |
ARTICLE XVI
TAXES
During the Term, Seller shall be responsible for the payment of any sales, use, and excise taxes or any other tax, fee or charge due and levied by any federal, state, local or other Governmental Authority on the Feedstock prior to each Receipt Point and for any taxes, fees or charges due as a result of Seller making Feedstock available to Buyer hereunder, except to the extent any such taxes are, by applicable Law, required to be paid directly by Buyer, in which event such taxes shall be paid by Buyer and reimbursed by Seller, and Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer harmless from any liability against such taxes, fees or charges. During the Term, Buyer shall be responsible for the payment of any taxes, fees or charges applicable to the Feedstock at or downstream of each Receipt Point and for taxes, fees and charges applicable to any products
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produced or manufactured from the use of such Feedstock, except to the extent any such taxes are, by applicable Law, required to be paid directly by Seller, in which event such taxes shall be paid by Seller and reimbursed by Buyer, and Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from any liability against such taxes, fees or charges. The above notwithstanding, Seller shall remain liable for and Buyer shall have no obligation to reimburse Seller for (a) any taxes imposed on or calculated based upon net profits, gross or net income, profit margin or gross receipts of Seller, (b) any taxes measured by capital value or net worth of Seller; or (c) any ad valorem or personal property taxes on any Plant or the property of Seller. Any penalties or interest imposed by a taxing authority on either Party due to failure to pass information by the other Party will be paid by the Party failing to pass along necessary tax notices.
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 | Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each of the Parties hereby agrees: (a) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas for the enforcement of any arbitration decision pursuant to Section 17.2 , (b) that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) that such Party will not bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court, and (d) that such Party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding, and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect to any such action or proceeding. |
17.2 | Dispute Resolution . |
(a) | The dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 17.2 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a dispute ) arising under the Agreement, and EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO ANY TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. |
(b) | If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented: |
(i) | Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 17.2 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Parties. |
(ii) | Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 17.2 , the Parties agree and undertake that all payments not in dispute shall continue to be made and that all obligations not in dispute shall continue to be performed. |
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(iii) | Within 30 days after receipt of notice of a dispute under Section 17.2(b)(i) , representatives of the Parties shall engage in non-binding mediation, and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under Section 17.2(b)(iv) . |
(iv) | If, after satisfying the requirement above, the dispute is not resolved, the Parties shall resolve the dispute by a binding arbitration, to be held in the State of Texas pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and in accordance with the then-prevailing Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the AAA ). The AAA shall select one arbitrator. Each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with arbitration and the fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the Parties involved in the dispute and advanced by them from time to time as required. It is the mutual intention and desire of the Parties that the arbitrator be selected as expeditiously as possible following the submission of the dispute to arbitration. Once the arbitrator is selected and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Parties involved in such dispute or as ordered by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown, the hearing for the dispute will be held within 60 days of submission of the dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator shall render his final award within 60 days, subject to extension by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown of extraordinary circumstances, following conclusion of the hearing and any required post hearing briefing or other proceedings ordered by the arbitrator. Any discovery in connection with arbitration hereunder shall be limited to information directly relevant to the controversy or claim in arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator in any such proceeding will be reasoned, final and binding and final judgment may be entered upon such an award in any court of competent jurisdiction, but entry of such judgment will not be required to make such award effective. Any action against any Party ancillary to arbitration (as determined by the arbitrator), including any action for provisional or conservatory measures or action to enforce an arbitration award or any judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Texas, and the Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Texas over any such action. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such action brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such action. Each of the Parties agrees that a judgment in any such action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. |
(c) | The Parties agree that to the extent that there are two or more related disputes arising under (i) this Agreement, (ii) any guarantee issued pursuant to Section 6.5 or (iii) any letter of credit issued pursuant to Section 6.5 (as between these Parties or the parties to such guarantee or letter of credit), then they consent to the consolidation of those disputes in circumstances where: |
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(i) | no arbitration is currently pending under (A) this Agreement, (B) any guarantee issued pursuant to Section 6.5 or (C) any letter of credit issued pursuant to Section 6.5 ; or |
(ii) | the tribunal in the first commenced arbitration (or the AAA where no tribunal has yet been constituted in either case) finds (having invited and allowed opportunity for submissions from all the parties to both arbitrations) that it would be convenient and efficient to do so, having regard to the time and cost impact of consolidating the disputes into one proceeding. Such an application for consolidation must be brought prior to the constitution of a tribunal in the second commenced arbitration in time, and should be resolved within one Month of the application being received by the relevant tribunal/the AAA. |
17.3 | Survival . Cancellation, expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the Parties of any obligations that, by their very nature, must survive said cancellation, expiration or termination, including choice of law ( Section 17.1 ), dispute resolution provisions ( Section 17.2 ), limitations of liability ( Article XII ), confidentiality provisions ( Article XIV ), and defined terms and certain miscellaneous provisions ( Article I and Article XVII ), all of which shall remain in effect until all rights, obligations and remedies have been finally extinguished, and all disputes under Section 17.2 have been finally resolved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the statute of limitations for bringing any action with respect to this Agreement or any Partys performance hereunder is not extended by the provisions of this Section 17.3 . |
17.4 | Notice . All notices, requests or consents provided for by, or permitted to be given pursuant to, this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by depositing same in the United States mail, addressed to the Person to be notified, postpaid, and registered or certified with return receipt requested or by delivering such notice in person or by facsimile or e-mail to such Party. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by facsimile or e-mail shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the recipients normal business hours or at the beginning of the recipients next Business Day after receipt if not received during the recipients normal business hours. All notices to be sent to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth below such Partys signature to this Agreement or at such other address as such Party may stipulate to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 17.4 . |
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If to Seller:
Westlake Petrochemicals LLC
Attention: Todd Root
Director, Planning & Business Developments, Olefins
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
If to Buyer:
Westlake Chemical OpCo LP
Attention: Lawrence Teel
Principal Operating Officer
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
17.5 | Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits or schedules hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein. |
17.6 | Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto and each such written agreement shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Agreement. |
17.7 | Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all signatory parties had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
17.8 | Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
17.9 | Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each signatory party hereto agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions. |
17.10 | No Waiver . Failure of any Party to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect such Partys right to full performance thereof at any time thereafter, and the waiver by any Party of a breach of any provision hereof shall not constitute a waiver of any similar breach in the future or of any other breach or nullify the effectiveness of such provision. |
23
17.11 | Set Off . Each Party has the right to set off against any amounts due to the other Party hereunder any and all amounts that the other Party owes to the first Party under this Agreement or the Related Agreements. |
17.12 | Rights of Third Parties . The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties to this Agreement, and no third party shall have the right, separate and apart from the Parties to this Agreement, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of this Agreement. |
17.13 | Legal Relationship . The Parties do not intend to create any sort of partnership, joint venture or any other legal entity by entering into or performing this Agreement. Each Party will perform its obligations under this Agreement in its own name. Each Party will be solely responsible for its own acts and omissions (and the acts and omissions of its employees, consultants and other agents), and without the express written consent of each other Party, no Party will have the authority nor will purport to act for, or legally bind, any other Party in any transaction. |
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]
24
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first set forth above.
SELLER: | ||
W ESTLAKE P ETROCHEMICALS LLC | ||
By: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.,
its Manager |
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
BUYER : |
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL OpCo LP | ||
By: |
Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC,
its General Partner |
By: |
/s/ Lawrence E. Teel |
|
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer |
Signature Page to Feedstock Supply Agreement
SCHEDULE 7.1
SPECIFICATIONS
Ethane Specifications Lake Charles Plants
Attribute |
Specification |
Test Method
(Latest revision) |
||||||
Ethane |
min. | 95.0% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Methane |
max. | 3.0% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Propane and heavier |
max. | 3.5% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Carbon Dioxide, wt. % |
max. | 1000 | ppm | ASTM D2105 | ||||
Sulfur, wt. % |
max. | 30 | ppm | ASTM D2784 |
Propane Specifications Lake Charles Plants
Attribute |
Specification |
Test Method
(Latest revision) |
||||||
Propane |
min. | 90% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Propylene |
max. | 5.0% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Ethane and lighter |
max. | 5.0% | vol % | ASTM D2163 | ||||
Sulfur |
max. | 123 | wt. % | ASTM D2784 | ||||
Water |
No free water |
Schedule 7.1
Ethane Specifications Calvert City Plant
Attribute |
Specification |
Test Method
(Latest revision) |
||||||
Methane |
max. | 3.0 | Liq. vol % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Ethane |
min. | 95.0 | Liq. vol % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Ethylene |
max. | 1.0 | Liq. vol % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Propane and heavier |
max. | 3.5 | Liq. vol % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Corrosion, Copper Strip |
No. 1 | ASTM D-1838 | ||||||
Total Sulfur |
max. | 30 |
ppm
wt. |
GPA-2199 | ||||
Water Content |
No Free Water at
sixty degrees (60°) Fahrenheit |
VISUAL | ||||||
Carbon Dioxide |
max. | 1,000 |
ppm
wt. in Liquid |
ASTM D-2504 |
Propane Specifications Calvert City Plant
Component/Property |
Specification |
Test Method
(Latest revision) |
||||||
Propane |
min. | 90.0 | vol. % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Propylene |
max. | 5.0 | vol. % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
C 4 s and Heavier |
max. | 2.5 | vol. % | ASTM D-2163 | ||||
Vapor Pressure @ 100°F |
max. | 208 | psig | ASTM D-1267 | ||||
Specific Gravity @ 60/60°F |
min. | 0.500 | ASTM D-1657 | |||||
Specific Gravity @ 60/60°F |
max. | 0.510 | ASTM D-1657 | |||||
Sulfur |
max. | 123 |
ppm by
weight |
ASTM D-2784 | ||||
Free Water |
None | None |
Schedule 7.1
Exhibit 10.4
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ETHYLENE SALES AGREEMENT
between
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL O P C O LP
as Seller
and
WPT LLC
W ESTLAKE V INYLS , I NC .
W ESTLAKE P ETROCHEMICALS LLC
as Buyer
Dated August 4, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I |
|
|||||
DEFINITIONS |
|
|||||
1.1 |
Certain Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.2 |
Interpretation | 7 | ||||
ARTICLE II TERM |
|
|||||
ARTICLE III |
|
|||||
ANNUAL PLANNED PRODUCTION |
|
|||||
3.1 |
Forecast of Annual Planned Production | 8 | ||||
3.2 |
Monthly Output | 8 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
|
|||||
PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OBLIGATIONS |
|
|||||
4.1 |
Minimum Purchase and Take Commitments | 8 | ||||
4.2 |
Buyer Deficiency | 9 | ||||
4.3 |
Uniformity | 11 | ||||
4.4 |
Pro Rata Reduction | 11 | ||||
4.5 |
Title, Transfer and Possession of Ethylene | 11 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
|
|||||
PRICE |
|
|||||
5.1 |
Price | 12 | ||||
5.2 |
All Other Cash Production Costs | 12 | ||||
5.3 |
Prior Year Adjustment | 16 | ||||
5.4 |
Change in Law | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
|
|||||
STATEMENTS AND PAYMENT |
|
|||||
6.1 |
Monthly Statements | 17 | ||||
6.2 |
Payment | 18 | ||||
6.3 |
Payment Method | 18 | ||||
6.4 |
Access to Books and Records | 19 | ||||
6.5 |
Adequate Assurance of Performance | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
|
|||||
QUALITY |
|
|||||
7.1 |
Specifications | 20 | ||||
7.2 |
Off-Spec Ethylene | 20 |
i
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
MEASUREMENT AND TESTING | ||||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
FORCE MAJEURE | ||||||
9.1 |
Performance Excused | 21 | ||||
9.2 |
Force Majeure Defined | 21 | ||||
9.3 |
Force Majeure Notice | 21 | ||||
9.4 |
Settlement of Industrial Disturbances | 21 | ||||
9.5 |
Extended Force Majeure | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
TERMINATION | ||||||
10.1 |
General | 22 | ||||
10.2 |
Seller Suspension | 22 | ||||
10.3 |
Events of Default | 22 | ||||
10.4 |
Remedies for Events of Default | 23 | ||||
10.5 |
Termination for Extended Force Majeure | 23 | ||||
10.6 |
Effect of Termination | 23 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | ||||||
11.1 |
Title to Ethylene | 24 | ||||
11.2 |
Warranty to Specification | 24 | ||||
11.3 |
Financial Obligations | 24 | ||||
11.4 |
Disclaimer of any Other Warranties | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | ||||||
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES | ||||||
12.1 |
Consequential Loss or Damage | 24 | ||||
12.2 |
Liquidated Damages Not Penalty | 24 | ||||
12.3 |
Exclusive Remedies | 25 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII | ||||||
INSURANCE | ||||||
ARTICLE XIV | ||||||
CONFIDENTIALITY | ||||||
14.1 |
Information | 25 | ||||
14.2 |
Definition | 26 | ||||
14.3 |
Legal Requirement | 26 | ||||
14.4 |
Survival | 26 |
ii
ARTICLE XV | ||||||
ASSIGNMENT; CHANGE OF CONTROL | ||||||
15.1 |
Assignment Generally | 26 | ||||
15.2 |
Assignment to Affiliates | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI | ||||||
TAXES | ||||||
ARTICLE XVII | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
17.1 |
Several Liability of Buyer Parties | 28 | ||||
17.2 |
Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction | 28 | ||||
17.3 |
Dispute Resolution | 28 | ||||
17.4 |
Survival | 30 | ||||
17.5 |
Buyers Representative | 30 | ||||
17.6 |
Notices | 31 | ||||
17.7 |
Entire Agreement | 32 | ||||
17.8 |
Amendment or Modification | 32 | ||||
17.9 |
Counterparts | 32 | ||||
17.10 |
Severability | 32 | ||||
17.11 |
Further Assurances | 32 | ||||
17.12 |
No Waiver | 32 | ||||
17.13 |
Set Off | 32 | ||||
17.14 |
Rights of Third Parties | 32 | ||||
17.15 |
Legal Relationship | 32 |
SCHEDULES
Schedule 5.1 Price
Schedule 5.2 First Contract Year All Other Cash Production Costs
Schedule 7.1 Specifications
iii
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
This ETHYLENE SALES AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of August 4, 2014 (the Effective Date ), by and among Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( Seller ), and WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Westlake Vinyls, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (each, a Buyer Party , and collectively, Buyer ). Seller and Buyer hereinafter are referred to each individually as a Party and collectively as the Parties .
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates two ethylene production facilities at Westlakes (as defined herein) Lake Charles, Louisiana complex (collectively referred to as the Lake Charles Plants ), and one ethylene production facility at Westlakes Calvert City, Kentucky complex (the Calvert City Plant , and together with the Lake Charles Plants, the Plants , and each, a Plant ) with a current combined annual production capacity of approximately 3.4 billion pounds of Ethylene (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, Seller desires to produce Ethylene and Associated Co-Product (as defined herein) at the Plants and sell and tender to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase and receive from Seller, certain quantities of such Ethylene, subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and in conformity with the applicable Specifications (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, Buyer desires to utilize certain quantities of Ethylene purchased under this Agreement as feedstock at certain petrochemical plants located in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Geismar, Louisiana; Calvert City, Kentucky; and Longview, Texas (collectively, the Downstream Facilities ), and sell certain quantities of Ethylene purchased under this Agreement to Affiliates (as defined herein) and Third Parties (as defined herein); and
WHEREAS, the Parties are entering into this Agreement with the understanding that Seller will enter into the Feedstock Supply Agreement (as defined herein) with Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( WLK-Petrochemicals ), for the supply of Ethane (as defined herein) and any Other Feedstock (as defined herein) to Seller, in each case as a feedstock for the production of Ethylene.
NOW, THEREFORE, Seller and Buyer, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 | Certain Defined Terms . For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
AAA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.3(b)(iv) .
1
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Adequate Assurance of Performance shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(d) .
Actual Energy shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Actual Yield shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Affiliate means (a) with respect to Westlake, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls or is controlled by Westlake, excluding Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC and any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC; (b) with respect to the Partnership Entities (as defined in the Omnibus Agreement), any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries is controlled by Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC; and (c) with respect to any other Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person; provided that, for purposes of this Agreement, Seller and Buyer shall not be considered Affiliates of each other. As used herein, the term 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 shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
All Other Cash Production Costs or AOCPC shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Annual Minimum Quantity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a)(i) .
Annual Output shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a)(ii) .
Annual Planned Production shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .
Associated Co-Product shall mean the co-products (including propylene, butadiene and hydrogen) derived from the production of Ethylene.
Base Rate shall mean, interest compounded on a Monthly basis, at the rate per annum equal to the one-month term, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR rate) for U.S. dollar deposits, as published by The Wall Street Journal or if not published, then by the Financial Times of London.
Btu or British Thermal Unit shall mean the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of pure water from fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit (59°F) to sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F) at a constant pressure of fourteen and six hundred and ninety-six thousandths (14.696) pounds per square inch absolute.
2
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Business Day shall mean every Day other than Saturdays, Sundays, and United States public holidays.
Buyer shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Buyer Deficiency Quantity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) .
Buyer Event of Default shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(b) .
Buyer Party shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Buyers Representative shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.5 .
Calvert City Plant shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Co-Product Credit shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Change in Law shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 .
Confidential Information shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.2 .
Contract Year shall mean a calendar year that commences on January 1 and ends on December 31 of such calendar year, except that (a) the first Contract Year shall commence on the Effective Date and end on December 31, 2014, and (b) the final Contract Year shall commence on January 1 of the calendar year in which the Term expires or is terminated in accordance herewith, and end on the last Day that this Agreement is in effect.
Cost Category shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Cost of Energy shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Cost of Feedstock shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Cost Overrun shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a)(i) .
Day shall mean a 24-hour period commencing immediately upon midnight.
Default Rate shall mean the Base Rate plus two percentage points per annum, applicable on the first Business Day prior to the due date of payment and thereafter on the first Business Day of each succeeding Month; provided, however , that the Default Rate shall never exceed the maximum rate permitted by applicable Law.
Delivery Point shall mean, in respect of each applicable Plant, the exit flange at the battery line, as more fully described and depicted in the applicable Site Lease Agreement, or such other points that may be designated by the Parties from time to time in writing.
3
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
dispute shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.3(a) .
Downstream Facilities shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Energy Efficiency Adjuster shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Ethane shall mean ethane conforming to the applicable specifications set forth in the Feedstock Supply Agreement.
Ethylene shall mean the ethylene product conforming to the applicable Specifications.
Ethylene Shortfall Fee shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c) .
Excess Quantity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d) .
Expansion Capital Expenditures shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(d)(iii) .
Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Feedstock Shortfall Fee shall have the meaning given to such term in the Feedstock Supply Agreement.
Feedstock Supply Agreement shall mean that certain feedstock supply agreement entered into by and between WLK-Petrochemicals and Seller on or about the date hereof.
Fixed Cash Conversion Costs shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Force Majeure shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .
Gallon means a U.S. gallon of 231 cubic inches of liquid at sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F) and equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid.
Governmental Authority shall mean any foreign, federal, state, regional, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal.
Initial Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Lake Charles Plants shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
4
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Law shall mean any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, rule, rule of common law, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization, or other directional requirement of any Governmental Authority.
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital) shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense) shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Metering Point shall mean a point, which shall be downstream of the applicable Delivery Point, at which Ethylene deliveries under this Agreement are measured pursuant to the requirements of Article VIII , and that is,
(a) | with respect to the Calvert City Plant, located at FI-804 and FI-2; |
(b) | with respect to Ethylene delivered at the Lake Charles Plants to any of the Downstream Facilities located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, located at FI-601, FI-302, FI-908 and FI-913; and |
(c) | with respect to Ethylene delivered at the Lake Charles Plants to any of the Downstream Facilities not located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, or otherwise, located at F1Y-850, Mtr #70, FQ16202a and TL1133HMCLB1; |
or such other points that may be designated by the Parties from time to time in writing.
MMBtu shall mean one million Btu on a gross real heating value basis.
Month shall mean a calendar month (according to the Gregorian calendar), (and Monthly shall refer to a frequency of one Month) and also refers to the partial calendar months created by the beginning and end of the Term, as applicable, except that (a) the Month during which the Effective Date occurs shall be deemed the first Month that this Agreement is in effect, and (b) the Month during which the Term expires or is terminated in accordance herewith shall be deemed the final Month that this Agreement is in effect.
Monthly Statement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .
Natural Gas shall mean natural gas conforming to the applicable specifications set forth in the Services Agreement.
Off-Spec Ethylene shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a) .
Omnibus Agreement means the Omnibus Agreement among Seller and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
Other Feedstock shall mean Plant feedstock other than Ethane conforming to the specifications set forth in the Feedstock Supply Agreement.
5
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Party/Parties shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble.
Period shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 5.1 .
Person shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, association, firm, foundation, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof) or any other entity (in each case whether or not incorporated and whether or not having a separate legal identity).
Plant/Plants shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
Poly Purge shall mean the ethylene product recycle stream from certain Plants.
pound or lb shall mean one pound avoirdupois.
Price shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .
Prior Year Adjustment shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a) .
Production Shortfall shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a)(i) .
Propane shall mean propane conforming to the applicable specifications set forth in the Feedstock Supply Agreement.
Reasonable and Prudent Operator shall mean a Person seeking in good faith to perform its contractual obligations, and in so doing, and in the general conduct of its undertaking, acting in a proper and workmanlike manner in accordance with practices customarily used in the operation of ethylene production or similar facilities, and exercising that degree of skill, diligence, prudence, and foresight that would reasonably and ordinarily be expected from a skilled and experienced operator engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same or similar circumstances and conditions.
Related Agreements means this Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement, the Services Agreement, the Site Lease Agreement, and the Omnibus Agreement.
Renewal Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Seller shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble.
Seller Event of Default shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a) .
Services Agreement means the Services Agreement among Seller and certain Affiliates of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
SG&A Expenses shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
6
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Shortfall Amount shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a)(ii) .
Site Lease Agreement means, with respect to each Plant, the Site Lease Agreement between Seller and an Affiliate of Westlake dated on or about the date hereof.
Specifications shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .
Term shall have the meaning set forth in Article II .
Third Party shall mean any Person that is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party.
Turnaround Cost Reserves shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Variable Cash Conversion Costs shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .
Westlake shall mean Westlake Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
WLK-Petrochemicals shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals.
1.2 | Interpretation . Within this Agreement, including the Recitals and attachments, except where expressly provided to the contrary, (a) in the event of a conflict, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall prevail over the provisions contained in any attachment; (b) words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise; (c) words denoting individuals or persons include all types of Persons, unless the context requires otherwise; (d) words denoting any gender include male, female, and neuter genders, unless the context requires otherwise; (e) references to Sections, paragraphs, recitals, Articles, Schedules, and Exhibits shall mean Sections in, paragraphs of, recitals to, Articles of, Schedules to, and Exhibits to this Agreement; (f) references to any document (including this Agreement) or to any Law shall mean the same as amended, modified or restated from time to time; (g) references to any amount of money shall mean a reference to the amount in United States dollars; (h) references to a time and date in connection with the performance of an obligation by a Party shall mean a reference to the time and the date in the location where the relevant Plant(s) is located or the location where the relevant activities are to be performed if such activities will not be performed at the applicable Plant(s); (i) references to a Party or any Person shall include its successors and permitted assigns; (j) the words include and including shall be deemed to be qualified by a reference to without limitation; (k) or when used as a conjunction shall connote any or all of; (l) words, phrases or expressions that are not defined in this Agreement but that have a generally accepted meaning in the practice of measurement and metering in the international businesses of production, transportation, distribution, tolling, purchase, and sale of Ethylene shall have that meaning in this Agreement; and (m) no consideration shall be given to the fact or presumption that one Party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting this Agreement. |
7
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ARTICLE II
TERM
This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article X , shall continue in effect until December 31, 2026 (such period, the Initial Term ). This Agreement will continue in effect thereafter on an annual basis (each period after the end of the Initial Term during which this Agreement remains in effect, a Renewal Term ) unless and until terminated at the end of either the Initial Term or any Renewal Term upon no less than 12 Months prior written notice; provided that the Term of this Agreement shall not be renewed unless and until the Feedstock Supply Agreement is simultaneously renewed. The Initial Term and any Renewal Term are referred to herein collectively as the Term.
ARTICLE III
ANNUAL PLANNED PRODUCTION
3.1 | Forecast of Annual Planned Production . Not later than 30 Days prior to the first Day of each Contract Year, Seller shall furnish to Buyer in writing a non-binding forecast that sets out a reasonable good faith projection of the total quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) that it will produce during such Contract Year, which projection shall be based on Sellers then-current budget for each Plant and take into account Sellers reasonable estimate of planned outages at each Plant during such Contract Year (such amount, the Annual Planned Production ); provided that the Annual Planned Production for the first Contract Year shall equal Sellers forecasted aggregate production of Ethylene (in pounds) for such Contract Year beginning on the Effective Date and ending December 31, 2014. Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to produce its actual annual output during each Contract Year on a ratable Monthly basis. |
3.2 | Monthly Output . Subject to Section 4.1(a)(ii) , prior to the first Day of each Month, Seller shall provide to Buyer in writing a forecast of the quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) that Seller expects to make available at each Delivery Point during the following Month. |
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OBLIGATIONS
4.1 | Minimum Purchase and Take Commitments . |
(a) | Commencing with the Effective Date, and continuing throughout the Term, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller shall produce, make available, and sell, and Buyer shall purchase, take delivery of and accept at the applicable Delivery Points, during each Contract Year: |
(i) | the quantity of the Annual Planned Production notified to Buyer under Section 3.1 in respect of the relevant Contract Year (as adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.1 , the Annual Minimum Quantity ), subject to the exercise of Buyers option pursuant to Section 4.1(d) ; and |
8
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(ii) | subject to purchases by Third Parties of Ethylene under clause (b) below, the offtake of which at the Delivery Points shall be governed by an exchange agreement, the aggregate quantities of Ethylene actually produced at the Plants during such Contract Year (such Ethylene actually produced, regardless of whether purchased by Buyer, the Annual Output ), not to exceed 3.8 billion pounds in a given Contract Year. |
(b) | Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, |
(i) | Seller shall be entitled from time to time during the Term, by prior notice, to adjust the Annual Minimum Quantity upward or downward if it determines, in its reasonable discretion, that any such adjustment is (A) appropriate in order to account for operating conditions or marketing conditions or (B) appropriate in order that the aggregate quantities of Ethylene sold to Third Parties equal approximately 5% of such Annual Output; and |
(ii) | Seller will use reasonable efforts to sell such quantities to Third Parties uniformly over the course of each Contract Year. |
(c) | The Annual Minimum Quantity for the Contract Year in which the Term commences and ends, respectively, shall be proportionately reduced based on the number of Days during such Contract Year that occur during the Term, if applicable. |
(d) | During any Contract Year, Seller shall be entitled (but not obligated) to produce Ethylene in excess of the Annual Planned Production ( Excess Quantity ). If Seller expects to produce Excess Quantity, it shall notify Buyer of such production as soon as reasonably practicable. Buyer will have an option to purchase up to 95% of the notified Excess Quantity for such Contract Year at a price equal to the sum of (i) the Variable Cash Conversion Costs divided by the Annual Planned Production for such Contract Year, plus (ii) $0.10/lb. Buyer shall exercise such option by notice to Seller within 15 Days of receipt of Sellers notice; provided that if Buyer fails to deliver such notification within such period, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived its option with respect to such Excess Quantity. |
4.2 | Buyer Deficiency . |
(a) | If the total quantity of Ethylene purchased and taken by Buyer under this Agreement during any Contract Year (in pounds) is less than |
(i) | the applicable Annual Minimum Quantity, minus |
(ii) | quantities (in pounds) not made available by Seller during such Contract Year due to either |
9
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(A) | Sellers breach of its obligations hereunder (including its failure to act as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator) or |
(B) | Force Majeure affecting the Plants to the extent that any such occurrence exceeds 45 consecutive Days, |
then such deficiency (in pounds) shall be the Buyer Deficiency Quantity.
(b) | For the avoidance of doubt, the Buyer Deficiency Quantity shall not be reduced by any quantity of Ethylene not made available by Seller due to |
(i) | Buyers breach of any of its obligations hereunder, or |
(ii) | Force Majeure affecting the Plants to the extent that any such occurrence does not exceed 45 consecutive Days; or |
(iii) | Force Majeure affecting Buyer. |
(c) | If, in respect of any Contract Year, there is a Buyer Deficiency Quantity, Buyer shall pay Seller a deficiency fee (the Ethylene Shortfall Fee ) equal to: |
(i) | the Buyer Deficiency Quantity (expressed in pounds), multiplied by |
(ii) | the sum of (A) $0.10 per pound of Ethylene, plus (B) the then-current All Other Cash Production Costs ($/lb), plus (C) the then-current Prior Year Adjustment, if any. |
(d) | If Buyer fails to take delivery for purchase under this Agreement of all quantities of Ethylene actually produced at the Plants excluding Ethylene sold by Seller to Third Parties, then, in addition to Buyers obligations under Section 4.2(c) , Buyer shall pay Seller, and indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against, all direct, actual damages incurred by Seller in connection with such failure and all costs and expenses (if any) incurred by Seller in proving the same, but without double recovery for amounts compensated to Seller pursuant to Section 4.2(c) . |
(e) | If Buyer does not purchase and take delivery of the Annual Minimum Quantity in a Contract Year, Seller shall rebate to Buyer the Variable Cash Conversion Costs that are actually avoided by Seller for such Contract Year, if any, as a result of such deficiency, such rebate to be by way of credit in the invoice for the last Month of the Contract Year. |
(f) | Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Buyer shall not be obligated to pay the Ethylene Shortfall Fee if the shortfall giving rise to such payment obligation arises out of the failure by WLK-Petrochemicals to make available, or by Seller to purchase and take delivery of, Ethane or Other Feedstock (if applicable) under the Feedstock Supply Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. |
10
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(g) | Subject to Section 4.2(f) , if at any time the Ethylene Shortfall Fee and the Feedstock Shortfall Fee may be applied to the same volume of Ethylene not produced or purchased, then with respect to only such volume of Ethylene contemplated by this Section 4.2(g) : |
(i) | Buyer shall pay the applicable Ethylene Shortfall Fee in accordance with Section 4.2(c) and |
(ii) | WLK-Petrochemicals shall have no obligation to pay the applicable Feedstock Shortfall Fee under the Feedstock Supply Agreement; |
it being understood and agreed that the Ethylene Shortfall Fee and the Feedstock Shortfall Fee shall not be applied in respect of the same volume of Ethylene not produced or delivered.
4.3 | Uniformity . Seller shall make available and Buyer shall receive and take quantities of Ethylene hereunder at each Delivery Point, as nearly as practicable, at uniform hourly and daily rates of flow for the quantities of Ethylene purchased hereunder. |
4.4 | Pro Rata Reduction . If, during a Month, Seller is unable to deliver all or a portion of the total quantity of Ethylene that Seller is obligated to deliver to all of Sellers term contracts (including this Agreement) during such Month, Seller shall be entitled to allocate to Buyer a quantity of Ethylene no less than Buyers pro rata share of such total quantity during such Month. |
4.5 | Title, Transfer and Possession of Ethylene . Notwithstanding that the Metering Points are located downstream of the Delivery Points: |
(a) | title to the Ethylene purchased and delivered hereunder shall pass from Seller to Buyer at the applicable Delivery Point free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances; |
(b) | title to the Ethylene delivered at the Delivery Points but sold by Seller to Third Parties for delivery in accordance with the terms and conditions of an exchange agreement, shall remain with Seller or transfer to the Third Party purchaser; |
(c) | risk of loss of the Ethylene delivered hereunder, regardless of whether purchased by Buyer, shall pass from Seller to Buyer at the applicable Delivery Point free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances; |
(d) | Seller shall be deemed to be in exclusive control and possession of the Ethylene deliverable to Buyer hereunder prior to the time such Ethylene shall have been delivered to Buyer at the applicable Delivery Point, and Buyer shall be deemed to be in exclusive control and possession thereof after such delivery; and |
11
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(e) | Seller shall bear all costs of any nature concerning the Ethylene sold by Seller to Third Parties for delivery in accordance with the terms and conditions of an exchange agreement, including all applicable taxes payable by Seller in accordance with Article XVI . Buyer shall bear all costs of any nature concerning the Ethylene for which it has title, including all applicable taxes payable by Buyer in accordance with Article XVI . |
ARTICLE V
PRICE
5.1 | Price . Commencing with the Effective Date and continuing for each Month of the Term, Buyer shall pay Seller, for Ethylene received by Buyer hereunder, an amount, in $/lb ( Price ) determined in accordance with the formula set forth below, as more fully described in Schedule 5.1 . |
Price ($/lb) | = | + Cost of Energy | ||
+ Cost of Feedstock | ||||
+ Purge Gas Recovery | ||||
+ All Other Cash Production Costs | ||||
+ $0.10/lb | ||||
+ Prior Year Adjustment | ||||
Co-Product Credit | ||||
Energy Efficiency Adjuster | ||||
Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster |
5.2 | All Other Cash Production Costs . |
(a) | AOCPC Defined . All Other Cash Production Costs or AOCPC (in $/lb) shall mean the sum of the following categories of costs (each, a Cost Category ), divided by (i) in respect of the first Contract Year, Sellers forecasted volume of Ethylene production (in pounds) beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014, and (ii) in respect of each Contract Year during the Term beginning January 1, 2015, the Annual Planned Production (in pounds), as notified in accordance with Section 3.1 : |
12
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Sum of Cost Categories ($) | = | + Fixed Cash Conversion Costs | ||
+ Variable Cash Conversion Costs | ||||
+ Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital) | ||||
+ Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense) | ||||
+ Turnaround Cost Reserves | ||||
+ SG&A Expenses |
where :
Fixed Cash Conversion Costs shall mean an amount (in $) equal to direct, indirect and contract labor; employee benefits; safety and environmental expenses; insurance; ad valorem taxes and fees (excluding all other taxes); shared service allocations; and other fixed costs;
Variable Cash Conversion Costs shall mean an amount (in $) equal to the cost of additive, non-recipe chemicals and other variable materials and supplies; electricity; steam and other utilities, excluding fuel;
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital) shall mean an amount (in $) equal to all capital expenditures categorized as maintenance or Safety and Environmental. These capital items are also categorized as non-discretionary. Maintenance capital is defined as expenditures that replace or extend the life of an existing asset;
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense) shall mean an amount (in $) equal to the expenditures incurred to keep assets operating at their present condition or to bring an asset back to an earlier condition. These expenses include direct and indirect costs including labor and parts;
Turnaround Cost Reserves shall mean an amount (in $) reserved for major maintenance overhauls of any Plant performed approximately every five years; and
SG&A Expenses shall mean an amount (in $) equal to all selling, general and administrative expenditures charged to Seller including direct and indirect (overhead allocations) expenses.
(b) | AOCPC for First Contract Year . The AOCPC for the first Contract Year shall be $***/lb, which is calculated from: |
(i) | with respect to each of Fixed Cash Conversion Costs, Variable Cash Conversion Costs, and SG&A Expenses: |
13
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(A) | Sellers forecasted amounts (in $) for each such Cost Category covering the period of time beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014, as set forth in Schedule 5.2 ; divided by |
(B) | Sellers forecasted volume of Ethylene production (in pounds) beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014, and |
(ii) | with respect to each of Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital), Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense), and Turnaround Cost Reserves: |
(A) | the sum (in $) of: |
(1) | Sellers forecasted amounts (in $) for each such Cost Category covering the period of time beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014, as set forth in Schedule 5.2 , and |
(2) | the sum (in $) of Sellers forecasted amounts for each such Cost Category as estimated for each Contract Year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2018, with the figure obtained from the sum of clause (1 ) above and this clause (2) , as set forth in Schedule 5.2 , divided by |
(B) | the sum (in pounds) of: |
(1) | Sellers forecasted volume of Ethylene production (in pounds) beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014, and |
(2) | Sellers reasonable good faith projection of the total quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) that it will produce for each Contract Year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2018. |
(c) | AOCPC for Subsequent Contract Years . The AOCPC for each Contract Year after the first Contract Year shall be calculated as follows: |
(i) | with respect to Fixed Cash Conversion Costs, Variable Cash Conversion Costs, and SG&A Expenses: |
(A) | Sellers forecasted amounts (in $) for each such Cost Category for such Contract Year, as adjusted for any Contract Year during the Term in accordance with Section 5.2(d)(iv) , divided by |
(B) | the Annual Planned Production (in pounds) for such Contract Year, and |
14
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(ii) | with respect to Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital), Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense), and Turnaround Cost Reserves: |
(A) | Sellers forecasted amounts (in $) for each such Cost Category, which shall be based on Sellers reasonable good faith estimate, for each of the five Contract Years beginning January 1 of such Contract Year, divided by |
(B) | the sum (in pounds) of (1) the Annual Planned Production for such Contract Year plus (2) Sellers reasonable good faith projection of the total quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) that it will produce for each of the four Contract Year after such Contract Year. |
(d) | Rules Applying to Calculation of AOCPC . |
(i) | Increases in Costs . For each Contract Year after the first Contract Year, AOCPC shall not be |
(A) | adjusted for increased expenses that result from the failure of Seller to act as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator, |
(B) | adjusted for extraordinary or catastrophic repair and replacement costs, or |
(C) | adjusted downward in the first three Contract Years or more frequently than three years from any prior downward adjustment. |
(ii) | Cost Floor . All Other Cash Production Costs ($/lb) may not be reduced for any Contract Year below AOCPC determined for the first Contract Year. |
(iii) | Expansion Capital Expenditures Are Outside of AOCPC . Except as may be agreed by the Parties in connection with an expansion of the Plants, Seller shall not be entitled to recover from Buyer any capital expenses related to expansion or operational efficiency incurred after the Effective Date ( Expansion Capital Expenditures ), whether or not such Expansion Capital Expenditures increase the operating efficiency of a Plant. Seller shall be entitled to any benefit that may result from incurring Expansion Capital Expenditures, including the benefits of a reduction in operating costs or an increase in operating efficiency. |
(iv) |
Adjustments to Certain Cost Categories . Cost Categories for each Contract Year shall be based on Sellers then-current budget (which budget shall be based on Sellers reasonable, good faith projections) for each Plant for (A) in the case of each of Fixed Cash Conversion Costs, Variable Cash Conversion Costs, and SG&A Expenses, such Contract |
15
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Year, and (B) in the case of each of Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital), Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense), and Turnaround Cost Reserves, the five Contract Years beginning January 1 of such Contract Year. Prior to the beginning of each Contract Year, Seller shall notify Buyer of the All Other Cash Production Costs, each Cost Category, and such other information as Buyer may reasonably request, for such Contract Year and, upon request, provide documentation setting forth the basis on which the AOCPC was determined. |
(v) | Actuals . Subject to the Parties rights and obligations under Section 6.4 , Seller shall submit to Buyer a Monthly statement setting out actual amounts incurred for each Cost Category, the total quantities of Ethane and Other Feedstock utilized, and the total quantities of Ethylene produced and delivered, for such Contract Year. |
5.3 | Prior Year Adjustment . |
(a) | If, in any Contract Year: |
(i) | due to reasons other than Sellers failure to act as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator (A) Sellers actual Ethylene production during the prior Contract Year is less than the Annual Planned Production for such Contract Year (a Production Shortfall ) or (B) the actual costs of operation of the Plants exceed the sum of the amounts (in $) for each Cost Category for (1) in respect of the Contract Year beginning January 1, 2015, the period of time beginning on the Effective Date and ending December 31, 2014, and (2) in respect of each subsequent Contract Year, the prior Contract Year (a Cost Overrun ), or a combination of the scenarios described in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section 5.3(a)(i) , and, as a result thereof, |
(ii) | the aggregate amount (in $) recovered by Seller as All Other Cash Production Costs from Buyer is less than 95% of the actual costs incurred by Seller in respect of each Cost Category for the prior Contract Year, net of any costs of Seller that have been satisfied pursuant to insurance proceeds actually received by Seller under Section 9.5 or otherwise (such positive difference (in $), the Shortfall Amount ), |
then Seller will be entitled to include in the Price for the succeeding Contract Year an adjustment (in $/lb) (the Prior Year Adjustment ) calculated as the Shortfall Amount divided by the Annual Planned Production for such Contract Year. |
(b) | If the aggregate Shortfall Amount for any Contract Year is not recovered as a Prior Year Adjustment in the next Contract Year, including as a result of a Production Shortfall or a Cost Overrun, the unrecovered portion shall be carried forward and factored into the Prior Year Adjustment applied in respect of the following Contract Year. |
16
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
5.4 | Change in Law . The Parties hereby agree that if (a) compliance with any applicable Law enacted, promulgated, adopted or modified after the Effective Date requires additional costs related to operating or maintaining any Plant or otherwise affects the sale of Ethylene to Buyer hereunder (which additional costs were, as of the Effective Date, not known or foreseen by any Party), and (b) such costs exceed $500,000 for any individual occurrence or in the aggregate in any Contract Year during the Term (a Change in Law ), in each case including ad valorem taxes and fees and excluding all other taxes, then Seller shall act reasonably and in good faith to secure a waiver from, exception to, or extension of the time to comply with such Change in Law for the remainder of the Term, and make any other reasonable efforts to mitigate the effect of such Laws on the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement. If, despite such efforts, Seller would incur incremental, out-of-pocket costs in order to comply with such Change in Law and satisfy its obligations to Buyer under this Agreement, then Seller shall reasonably determine, and shall notify Buyer in writing of, a Monthly surcharge to cover the costs of compliance therewith. The Monthly surcharge shall take into consideration (a) all capital expenditures reasonably incurred in connection with a Change in Law, (b) Buyers portion of the total throughput and the remaining economic life thereof, and (c) the remaining duration of the Term. Seller shall provide Buyer with information reasonably required to verify Sellers incurrence of such additional costs and its determination of the Monthly surcharge. If Buyer wishes to dispute the Monthly surcharge, Buyer shall notify Seller thereof and the Parties shall thereafter negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute. If the Parties cannot agree on the amount of the Monthly surcharge within 30 Days following the receipt by Seller of Buyers dispute notice, then the matter shall be resolved in accordance with Section 17.3 . If Buyer does not notify Seller within 30 Days that it is disputing the Monthly surcharge, then Buyer shall pay Seller an amount equal to the Monthly surcharge. |
ARTICLE VI
STATEMENTS AND PAYMENT
6.1 | Monthly Statements . On or before the 20th Day of each Month, Seller shall provide to each Buyer Party a statement for each of the Delivery Points setting forth Sellers calculation of the total amount payable by such Buyer Party for the prior Month for deliveries made to each Delivery Point (each, a Monthly Statement ). The Parties shall provide for the exchange of all relevant data reasonably necessary in connection with preparing each Monthly Statement, including the aggregate quantities (in pounds) of Ethylene delivered by Seller and taken by such Buyer Party for each Day of such Month at each Delivery Point, information relating to such Buyer Partys share of any Buyer Deficiency Quantity for such Month at each Delivery Point (if applicable), and information relating to any events of Force Majeure. |
17
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
6.2 | Payment . |
(a) | Each Buyer Party shall pay the amount of each Monthly Statement (including any Ethylene Shortfall Fee), other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, no later than the 5th Day following receipt by Buyer of such Monthly Statement. If the due date for payment is not a Business Day, then the due date for payment shall be the immediately succeeding Business Day. Any adjustments necessary to reconcile the resolution of a disputed amount with the amount actually paid shall be paid within five Days following resolution of the disputed amount. Any adjustments, whether for overpayment or underpayment, for disputed amounts shall bear interest at the Base Rate from the date of overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be, until the actual date of payment. |
(b) | In the event that any amount reflected in any statement or invoice is not paid when due, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, such unpaid amount shall bear interest from and including the Day following the due date therefor up to and including the date when payment is made, at the Default Rate. |
(c) | If any Buyer Party fails to make payment of any amount of any Monthly Statement, other than any amount thereof that is disputed in accordance with clause (d) below, on or before the later of (i) the 60th Day after such payment is due and (ii) the 30th Day after notice by Seller of such non-payment, Seller shall have the right to suspend deliveries of Ethylene hereunder to such Buyer Party until such payment is made. |
(d) | Seller and Buyer, as the case may be, may withhold payment of all or any portion of any amount reflected as owing by such Party in any statement or invoice received from the other Party to the extent that the receiving Party disputes payment of such amount or such portion thereof in good faith. For the avoidance of doubt, as to any Monthly Statement, Buyer may withhold payment as to any disputed amount, including to account for any credit Buyer believes it is owed with respect to the purchase, sale or delivery of Ethylene, or the failure thereof. In the event of such a dispute, the disputing Party shall promptly notify the other Party, stating its reason for disputing such amount and, to the extent available, providing reasonable supporting documentation therefor. |
(e) | Buyer may dispute a Monthly Statement or any portion thereof, by notice to Seller, up to one calendar year following receipt of such Monthly Statement; provided that if Buyer fails to deliver such notification within such period, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived the right to dispute the applicable Monthly Statement. |
6.3 | Payment Method . All payments under this Agreement shall be made in United States dollars by wire transfer in immediately available funds by deposit to the bank account designated in writing by the Party receiving the payment. Any wire transfer charges shall be for the account of the Party making the payment. If a Party elects to change the bank or account to which payments are to be made, that Party shall notify the other Party before the effective date of such change. |
18
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
6.4 | Access to Books and Records . To the extent necessary to verify the accuracy of any statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement, each Party shall have the right, at its cost, to interview representatives of the other Party and to examine the books and records of the other Party relating to this Agreement during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice to the other Party; provided that each Party has the right to redact from the records subject to examination any portions thereof as necessary to comply with such Partys confidentiality obligations. Such examination must be commenced within 12 Months of receiving said statement, invoice, charge or computation made under this Agreement and will take place at a location mutually agreeable to the Parties. All records subject to examination hereunder shall be caused to be retained for no less than two calendar years after their creation. If any such examination establishes any inaccuracy in any billing made prior to such examination, the necessary adjustments to such billings will be made promptly without any interest charge. |
6.5 | Adequate Assurance of Performance . |
(a) | If Seller, in its sole judgment, has reasonable grounds for insecurity regarding the ability of Buyer to perform its financial obligations hereunder, or any other material obligation under this Agreement, the Parties shall work together in good faith to resolve Sellers concerns. If the Parties cannot resolve such concerns, Seller may request that Buyer provide Adequate Assurance of Performance (as defined below) and if Buyer fails to provide such Adequate Assurance of Performance within five Business Days of receipt of request therefor, Seller may, without waiving any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at Law or in equity, withhold further deliveries until the demanded Adequate Assurance of Performance is received. |
(b) | Buyers duty to provide such Adequate Assurance of Performance, if demanded in accordance herewith, shall be a condition precedent to Sellers obligation to perform under this Agreement. |
(c) | As of the Effective Date, Seller acknowledges that it is satisfied with Buyers ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and therefore, as of the Effective Date, no Adequate Assurance of Performance is required from Buyer. |
(d) | Adequate Assurance of Performance shall mean sufficient security or proof of Buyers capability to perform its obligations under this Agreement in the form of any one of or a combination of one or more of the following: (i) a guarantee from a creditworthy entity, (ii) a standby irrevocable letter of credit (in a form and amount and for a term reasonably acceptable to Seller and issued by a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Seller), (iii) a prepayment, or (iv) a cash payment security deposit (to be held by Seller without obligation for payment of interest thereon). |
19
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ARTICLE VII
QUALITY
7.1 | Specifications . All Ethylene sold and delivered to Buyer at each applicable Delivery Point pursuant to this Agreement shall conform to the applicable specifications set forth in Schedule 7.1 (with respect to the applicable Plant, the Specifications ). |
7.2 | Off-Spec Ethylene . |
(a) | The Parties will work together to minimize (i) any deliveries or receipts of Ethylene that does not or will not conform to the applicable Specifications ( Off-Spec Ethylene ), and (ii) the negative consequences that may result if and when Off-Spec Ethylene is delivered at a Delivery Point. Buyer shall use reasonable efforts to purchase Off-Spec Ethylene. |
(b) | Seller shall be liable for any damages incurred by Buyer to the extent arising out of or resulting from Off-Spec Ethylene in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement if (but only if) Seller delivers Off-Spec Ethylene to Buyer at a Delivery Point and Seller fails to act as a Reasonable and Prudent Operator in producing, testing, or handling such Off-Spec Ethylene. |
(c) | Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, Sellers liability in connection with the delivery by Seller to a Delivery Point of any Off-Spec Ethylene, on a per pound basis, shall not exceed the Price as determined in accordance herewith. |
ARTICLE VIII
MEASUREMENT AND TESTING
Buyer shall own, operate and maintain at each Metering Point the metering equipment necessary to measure the quantity of Ethylene delivered under this Agreement. All measurements and/or tests shall be made in accordance with the latest standards or guidelines published by the ASTM or other applicable industry standard methods. Sellers weight and/or other measurements of Ethylene shall be used for billing purposes, unless proved to be in error. Sellers laboratory analysis and methods shall determine whether Ethylene specifications have been met, unless Buyer proves to Sellers reasonable satisfaction that Sellers analysis report is erroneous. No Ethylene quantity claims will be made, including pursuant to Article VII , unless the difference is more than one percent (1%) of the invoiced quantity.
20
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ARTICLE IX
FORCE MAJEURE
9.1 | Performance Excused . Seller shall not be liable for any delay or failure in performance hereunder if and to the extent such delay or failure is a result of Force Majeure, except for the performance of any payment obligation that has accrued prior to the Force Majeure event. Other than in the event of an extended period of Force Majeure pursuant to Section 9.5 , nothing contained herein, express or implied, shall be construed to permit Buyer to withhold, delay, or condition payment of any portion of the Ethylene Shortfall Fee in the event that a Buyer Deficiency Quantity accrues as a result of the occurrence or continuance of a Force Majeure; provided, however , that Seller shall not be entitled to that portion of the Ethylene Shortfall Fee that equals the portion of the then-current All Other Cash Production Costs that Seller did not actually incur during the continuance of such Force Majeure. |
9.2 | Force Majeure Defined . The term Force Majeure shall mean any cause, whether of the kind enumerated herein or otherwise, which is not within the reasonable control of Seller, and which by the exercise of reasonable diligence Seller is unable to prevent or overcome, and which wholly or partially prevents or delays Sellers performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement (other than any payment obligations hereunder), including any of the following which satisfy the foregoing criteria: acts of God; strikes, lockouts or other industrial disputes or disturbances; acts of the public enemy, sabotage, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots and other civil disturbances; epidemics; landslides, floods, lightning, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, named storms or other weather events that necessitate extraordinary measures and expenses to maintain operations of any of the Plants, and warnings for any of the foregoing which may necessitate the precautionary shut-down of any Plant, any portion thereof, or other related facilities; arrests and restraints of governments (either federal, state, civil or military), including any orders of courts or of a Governmental Authority; explosions, breakage or accidents to equipment, machinery, any Plant or any portion thereof, or lines of pipe, or the making of repairs or alterations to any of the foregoing necessitated as a result of a Force Majeure event; inability to secure, or unavoidable delays in securing, labor or materials that are required for Sellers performance hereunder; electric power shortages or outages; or the necessity for compliance with any applicable Law. |
9.3 | Force Majeure Notice . As soon as reasonably possible after the occurrence of a Force Majeure event, Seller shall provide written notice to Buyer, and in such notice shall give reasonably full particulars concerning the nature, scope and anticipated duration of the Force Majeure. |
9.4 | Settlement of Industrial Disturbances . Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party experiencing such situations, and nothing herein shall require such Party to settle industrial disputes by yielding to demands made on it when it considers such action inadvisable. |
9.5 |
Extended Force Majeure . If, after 45 consecutive Days have elapsed since the commencement of a Force Majeure continuously affecting any Plant, and Seller has been rendered and remains unable, wholly or in part, by such Force Majeure to produce a quantity of Ethylene during a given Contract Year equal to the Annual Minimum |
21
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Quantity, then (a) the Annual Minimum Quantity shall be reduced by a quantity of Ethylene equal to the annualized average of such shortfall, (b) Buyer shall be credited such portion of the Ethylene Shortfall Fee(s) paid during the Contract Year (if any) for such deficient quantities, and (c) if (but only if) both Parties are entitled to insurance proceeds from the same insurance carrier, Seller shall be entitled to any insurance proceeds from such carrier accruing during such extended period of Force Majeure on a first priority basis. Seller shall notify Buyer as soon as reasonably practicable if and when Seller determines such Force Majeure is no longer continuing. Upon receipt of such notice by Buyer, the Parties respective obligations during such Contract Year to sell and tender, and purchase and receive, a quantity of Ethylene equal to the Annual Minimum Quantity, less that quantity of Ethylene determined in accordance with clause (a) above, shall be reinstated for all purposes hereunder. |
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION
10.1 | General . In addition to the further provisions of this Article X , this Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as the case may be, and shall be terminable (a) upon the written agreement of the Parties, (b) by any Party following an uncured breach of this Agreement by the other Party, for a period of 60 Days after receipt by the breaching Party of written notice thereof, (c) by any Party pursuant to Force Majeure in accordance with Section 10.5 , (d) upon the effective date of termination of the Feedstock Supply Agreement, (i) by Buyer only, if such termination results from uncured breach by Seller thereunder, and (ii) by Seller only, if such termination does not result from uncured breach by Seller thereunder, or (e) by Seller only, upon the effective date of expiration (if any) of the Feedstock Supply Agreement. |
10.2 | Seller Suspension . Without prejudice to any other rights and remedies available under this Agreement, Seller may suspend delivery of Ethylene upon three Days advance written notice in any of the following circumstances: (a) Buyer has failed to make payments in full when due; (b) Buyer has failed to comply with its obligations under Section 6.5 ; or (c) at Sellers reasonable discretion, instead of or prior to terminating this Agreement, upon the occurrence of any Buyer Event of Default under Section 10.3(b) below. Upon and for the duration of such suspension, Seller shall be relieved of obligations to supply Ethylene under this Agreement, but Buyer shall not be discharged of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including Buyers obligations under Article IV to take or pay for Ethylene. Seller shall resume delivering Ethylene as soon as reasonably practicable following the cure of the events listed above and in any case within two Business Days of such cure. |
10.3 | Events of Default . |
(a) | Seller Event of Default . A Seller Event of Default shall be deemed to exist upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any one or more of the following events: (i) Seller breaches a material term of this Agreement, and such breach is not cured within 60 Days following written notice from Buyer; or (ii) Seller fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement in full within 60 Days of the due date of such payment, subject to Section 17.13 . |
22
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(b) | Buyer Event of Default . A Buyer Event of Default shall be deemed to exist upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any one or more of the following events: (i) Buyer breaches a material term of this Agreement, and such breach is not cured within 60 Days following written notice from Seller; or (ii) Buyer fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement in full within 60 Days of the due date of such payment, subject to Section 17.13 . |
10.4 | Remedies for Events of Default . |
(a) | Upon the occurrence of any Seller Event of Default or Buyer Event of Default that is not cured within the period of time provided by this Agreement, if any, Buyer (in the case of a Seller Event of Default) or Seller (in the case of a Buyer Event of Default), as applicable, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with 60 Days advance written notice to the defaulting Party and to pursue any other remedy provided under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at Law or in equity. Except in such circumstance or as elsewhere expressly provided in this Agreement, each Party waives any right to terminate this Agreement. If a fact giving rise to a right of termination is wholly or partly overcome during such 60-Day notice period, then any notice of termination furnished under this Article X shall be deemed cancelled and of no effect and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(b) | Other than as expressly provided in this Agreement, Seller will not be entitled to suspend or terminate the delivery of Ethylene to Buyer under this Agreement in any circumstance, including in connection with the exercise of a right of offset or other equitable remedy, and any purported suspension or termination of any delivery of Ethylene to Buyer shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement by Seller under this Article X and permit Buyer to exercise the remedies contemplated in this Section 10.4 . |
10.5 | Termination for Extended Force Majeure . If a Force Majeure continues, or its consequence remains, such that Seller is unable to substantially comply with its obligations under this Agreement with respect to all Plants continuously for a period in excess of 12 Months, then, provided such Force Majeure is still in effect at the time of notice, Buyer may terminate this Agreement upon 30 Days advance notice without any liability upon either of the Parties to the other Party except to the extent that any amount shall have accrued prior to the occurrence of the event of Force Majeure. |
10.6 | Effect of Termination . Except as expressly provided in Section 10.1 , no Party shall have any right to terminate this Agreement. Upon the termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, subject to Section 17.4 , except that such termination shall not affect any rights or obligations that have vested, matured or accrued at any time prior to such termination. |
23
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ARTICLE XI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
11.1 | Title to Ethylene . Seller warrants title to all Ethylene supplied hereunder and covenants that Seller has all necessary right, authority and interest to produce, sell and deliver the Ethylene under this Agreement and that such Ethylene will be free from liens, encumbrances, adverse claims and proprietary rights at the passing of title at each Delivery Point. |
11.2 | Warranty to Specification . Seller warrants to Buyer that Ethylene delivered hereunder meets the applicable Specifications. |
11.3 | Financial Obligations . Buyer warrants to Seller that it is unaware, as of the date hereof, of any fact related to its financial condition that would prevent it from performing its financial obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein. |
11.4 | Disclaimer of any Other Warranties . EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE PARTIES MAKE NO, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY, REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING ANY PLANT OR PORTION THEREOF, THE ETHYLENE, OR WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. |
ARTICLE XII
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES
12.1 | Consequential Loss or Damage . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Party shall be liable to the other Party for or in respect of any consequential loss or damage, special or punitive damages or loss of profits or business interruption, suffered or incurred by any other Party arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from, this Agreement, whether any claim for such loss or damage is based on tort (including negligence), strict liability, contract (including breach of or failure to perform this Agreement or the breach of any representation or warranty hereunder, whether express or implied) or otherwise, except as provided in Section 12.2 . |
12.2 |
Liquidated Damages Not Penalty . Because of the unique nature of the economic damages and losses that would be sustained under this Agreement where specified damages are used, it is difficult or impossible to determine with precision the amount of damages that would or might be incurred by a non-breaching Party in such circumstances. Therefore, it is acknowledged and agreed by the Parties that in such circumstances: (a) it would be impracticable or extremely difficult to fix the actual damages to a non-breaching Party resulting therefrom; (b) any sums that would be payable under this Agreement in such circumstances are stipulated by the Parties to be in the nature of liquidated damages and not a penalty, and are acknowledged and agreed to |
24
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
be fair, reasonable and appropriate; (c) such payment represents a reasonable estimate of compensation for a portion of the losses that may reasonably be anticipated from such failure and shall, without duplication, be the sole and exclusive measurement of monetary damages of such non-breaching Party with respect to such circumstances; and (d) if the breaching Party challenges the enforceability of such liquidated damages, the non-breaching Party may elect at its option for damages in such circumstances to be based on actual damages instead of liquidated damages and such actual damages shall not be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12.1 . |
12.3 | Exclusive Remedies . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, from and after the Effective Date, this Agreement contains the Parties exclusive remedies against each other with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, including breaches of the representations, warranties, and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement. |
ARTICLE XIII
INSURANCE
During the Term, (a) Seller shall acquire and carry property insurance to cover the loss of Ethylene prior to the delivery thereof to Buyer or any Third Party and Associated Co-Product while in Sellers possession at any Plant, and (b) each Party shall, for all risks and circumstances that should and may be covered by insurance in accordance with prudent industry practices, purchase and maintain sufficient casualty, environmental, and property insurance in order to satisfy the legal liabilities for bodily injuries and damages to properties (including the properties of such Party) as a result of or in association with the performance of this Agreement and sufficient third party liability insurance and other insurance(s) required by applicable Law and any Governmental Authority.
ARTICLE XIV
CONFIDENTIALITY
14.1 | Information . Each of the Parties agrees that it will utilize any Confidential Information received from the other Party solely in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and the exercise by the recipient Party of its rights and remedies hereunder and under applicable Law, and all such Confidential Information will be subject to and bound by the provisions set forth in this Article XIV . Upon termination of this Agreement, the recipient Party shall return or destroy all such Confidential Information (and cease all further use and disclosure of such Confidential Information) that has been provided to it, together with all reproductions thereof in the recipient Partys possession; provided that the recipient Party shall have the right to retain copies of any such information and records that (a) were created by automatic computer generated backup systems or (b) relate to its performance of any services and the exercise of its rights and remedies hereunder or under the Related Agreements and under applicable Law, and all such copies and the information reflected thereon shall be subject to the first sentence of this Section 14.1 and to Section 14.2 . |
25
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
14.2 | Definition . Confidential Information means any and all information (regardless of format or medium of exchange) that is disclosed by any disclosing Party or any Affiliate, employee or agent thereof to the recipient Party or any Affiliate, employee or agent of the recipient Party in connection with the performance of this Agreement or the Related Agreements provided that Confidential Information shall not include any information that is publicly known or independently developed by such recipient Party. It is further understood that each Party may have the opportunity as a result of proximity or close operational ties to observe or obtain Confidential Information of any other Party and agrees not to divulge or use such information other than as set forth in this Article XIV . |
14.3 | Legal Requirement . If the recipient Party is legally required (by interrogatories, discovery requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil or criminal investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, it is agreed that the recipient Party prior to disclosure will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the disclosing Party with prompt notice of such request(s) so that the disclosing Party may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive the recipient Partys compliance with this Article XIV . If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or the disclosing Party grants a waiver hereunder, the recipient Party required to furnish Confidential Information may furnish that portion (and only that portion) of the Confidential Information which, in the opinion of such Partys counsel, the recipient Party is legally compelled to disclose, and the recipient Party will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded any Confidential Information so furnished. Disclosure of Confidential Information by the recipient Party shall not violate this Article XIV to the extent that the recipient Party (or its ultimate parent) in the exercise of reasonable good faith judgment deems it necessary, pursuant to law, regulation or stock exchange rule, to disclose such information in or in connection with filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange upon which debt or equity securities of such recipient Party or its parent may be listed, to any Governmental Authority or in presentations to lenders or ratings agencies. |
14.4 | Survival . The provisions of this Article XIV shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of three years following such termination. |
ARTICLE XV
ASSIGNMENT; CHANGE OF CONTROL
15.1 |
Assignment Generally . Each Party hereunder shall be entitled to assign all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement with the prior written consent of the other Party, in each case which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by the non-assigning Party; provided that any Buyer Party shall not be obligated to seek the consent of Seller to effect an assignment of its rights and interests under this Agreement in connection with a sale by a given Buyer Party or its Affiliates of any Downstream Facilities, so long as the transferee (a) executes a written assumption of such Buyer Partys obligations hereunder with respect to the rights or obligations assigned in a form reasonably satisfactory to |
26
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Seller and delivers such written assumption to Seller promptly after the effective date of such assignment, and (b) is, in Sellers good faith determination, financially and operationally capable of fulfilling such obligations so assigned and assumed. With respect to any such assignment of a Buyer Partys rights and interests under this Agreement, the Parties shall execute and deliver additional documents and instruments and perform additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to give effect to such partial assignment. No assignment hereunder shall release the assigning Party from any of its obligations under this Agreement except to the extent expressly agreed in writing by each other Party. Any purported assignment of this Agreement in violation of this Section 15.1 is null and void ab initio. |
15.2 | Assignment to Affiliates . Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be assigned by a Party to an Affiliate (other than any other Party) without the consent of any other Party, provided that such Affiliate executes an agreement satisfactory to each other Party, whereby the Affiliate assumes all of the applicable obligations of the assigning Party under this Agreement; provided further that the assigning Party shall not be released of its obligations under this Agreement such that the assigning Party and its Affiliate shall be jointly and severally liable for the performance of the obligations of the assigning Party hereunder. |
ARTICLE XVI
TAXES
During the Term, Seller shall be responsible for the payment of any sales, use, and excise taxes or any other tax, fee or charge due and levied by any federal, state, local or other Governmental Authority on the Ethylene prior to each Delivery Point and for any taxes, fees or charges due as a result of Seller making Ethylene available to Buyer hereunder, except to the extent any such taxes are, by applicable Law, required to be paid directly by Buyer, in which event such taxes shall be paid by Buyer and reimbursed by Seller, and Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer harmless from any liability against such taxes, fees or charges. During the Term, Buyer shall be responsible for the payment of any taxes, fees or charges applicable to the Ethylene at or downstream of each Delivery Point and for taxes, fees and charges applicable to any products produced or manufactured from the use of such Ethylene, except to the extent any such taxes are, by applicable Law, required to be paid directly by Seller, in which event such taxes shall be paid by Seller and reimbursed by Buyer, and Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from any liability against such taxes, fees or charges. The above notwithstanding, Seller shall remain liable for and Buyer shall have no obligation to reimburse Seller for (a) any taxes imposed on or calculated based upon net profits, gross or net income, profit margin or gross receipts of Seller, (b) any taxes measured by capital value or net worth of Seller; or (c) any ad valorem or personal property taxes on any Plant or the property of Seller. Any penalties or interest imposed by a taxing authority on either Party due to failure to pass information by the other Party will be paid by the Party failing to pass along necessary tax notices.
27
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 | Several Liability of Buyer Parties . |
(a) | The liability of each Buyer Party as among all Buyer Parties shall be several and not joint, and equal to one-third on the part of each Buyer Party (or such other fractions totaling 100% as may be notified in writing from time to time by Buyers Representative); and |
(b) | Any amounts that a Buyer Party fails to pay pursuant to Article IV shall remain the liability solely of such Buyer Party. Unless notified otherwise in writing by Buyers Representative, payments owing hereunder by Buyer shall be made to Seller by each individual Buyer Party in accordance with such Buyer Partys respective share of Buyers liability hereunder. |
17.2 | Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each of the Parties hereby agrees: (a) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas for the enforcement of any arbitration decision pursuant to Section 17.3 , (b) that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) that such Party will not bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court, and (d) that such Party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding, and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect to any such action or proceeding. |
17.3 | Dispute Resolution . |
(a) | The dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 17.3 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a dispute ) arising under the Agreement, and EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO ANY TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. |
(b) | If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented: |
(i) | Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 17.3 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Parties. |
(ii) | Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 17.3 , the Parties agree and undertake that all payments not in dispute shall continue to be made and that all obligations not in dispute shall continue to be performed. |
28
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(iii) | Within 30 days after receipt of notice of a dispute under Section 17.3(b)(i) , representatives of the Parties shall engage in non-binding mediation, and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under Section 17.3(b)(iv) . |
(iv) | If, after satisfying the requirement above, the dispute is not resolved, the Parties shall resolve the dispute by a binding arbitration, to be held in the State of Texas pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and in accordance with the then-prevailing Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the AAA ). The AAA shall select one arbitrator. Each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with arbitration and the fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the Parties involved in the dispute and advanced by them from time to time as required. It is the mutual intention and desire of the Parties that the arbitrator be selected as expeditiously as possible following the submission of the dispute to arbitration. Once the arbitrator is selected and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Parties involved in such dispute or as ordered by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown, the hearing for the dispute will be held within 60 days of submission of the dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator shall render his final award within 60 days, subject to extension by the arbitrator upon substantial justification shown of extraordinary circumstances, following conclusion of the hearing and any required post hearing briefing or other proceedings ordered by the arbitrator. Any discovery in connection with arbitration hereunder shall be limited to information directly relevant to the controversy or claim in arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator in any such proceeding will be reasoned, final and binding and final judgment may be entered upon such an award in any court of competent jurisdiction, but entry of such judgment will not be required to make such award effective. Any action against any Party ancillary to arbitration (as determined by the arbitrator), including any action for provisional or conservatory measures or action to enforce an arbitration award or any judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Texas, and the Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Texas over any such action. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such action brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such action. Each of the Parties agrees that a judgment in any such action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. |
29
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
(c) | The Parties agree that to the extent that there are two or more related disputes arising under (i) this Agreement, (ii) any guarantee issued pursuant to Section 6.5 or (iii) any letter of credit issued pursuant to Section 6.5 (as between these Parties or the parties to such guarantee or letter of credit), then they consent to the consolidation of those disputes in circumstances where: |
(i) | no arbitration is currently pending under (A) this Agreement, (B) any guarantee issued pursuant to Section 6.5 or (C) any letter of credit issued pursuant to Section 6.5 ; or |
(ii) | the tribunal in the first commenced arbitration (or the AAA where no tribunal has yet been constituted in either case) finds (having invited and allowed opportunity for submissions from all the parties to both arbitrations) that it would be convenient and efficient to do so, having regard to the time and cost impact of consolidating the disputes into one proceeding. Such an application for consolidation must be brought prior to the constitution of a tribunal in the second commenced arbitration in time, and should be resolved within one Month of the application being received by the relevant tribunal/the AAA. |
17.4 | Survival . Cancellation, expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the Parties of any obligations that, by their very nature, must survive said cancellation, expiration or termination, including choice of law ( Section 17.2 ), dispute resolution provisions ( Section 17.3 ), limitations of liability ( Article XII ), confidentiality provisions ( Article XIV ), and defined terms and certain miscellaneous provisions ( Article I and Article XVII ), all of which shall remain in effect until all rights, obligations and remedies have been finally extinguished, and all disputes under Section 17.3 have been finally resolved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the statute of limitations for bringing any action with respect to this Agreement or any Partys performance hereunder is not extended by the provisions of this Section 17.4 . |
17.5 | Buyers Representative . Buyer hereby appoints WPT LLC as Buyers representative (in such capacity, Buyers Representative ) for purposes of giving and receiving all notices, statements, and invoices under this Agreement by or to Buyer and serving as the primary contact with respect to certain operational matters as specified herein. Any notice, statement, or invoice required or permitted to be delivered by Seller under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been delivered to Buyer upon delivery thereof to Buyers Representative. Any notice, election, or other action required or permitted of Buyer under this Agreement shall be binding upon Buyer when provided, made or taken by Buyers Representative. No change in the identity of Buyers Representative shall be effective until Seller receives written notice from Buyers Representative of the change and the effective date thereof, which must be prospective. |
30
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
17.6 | Notices . All notices, requests or consents provided for by, or permitted to be given pursuant to, this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by depositing same in the United States mail, addressed to the Person to be notified, postpaid, and registered or certified with return receipt requested or by delivering such notice in person or by facsimile or e-mail to such Party. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by facsimile or e-mail shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the recipients normal business hours or at the beginning of the recipients next Business Day after receipt if not received during the recipients normal business hours. All notices to be sent to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth below such Partys signature to this Agreement or at such other address as such Party may stipulate to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 17.6 . |
If to Seller:
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL O P C O LP
Attention: Lawrence Teel
Principal Operating Officer
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
If to Buyer: (in its capacity as Buyers Representative)
WPT LLC
Attention: Amy Moore
Manager, Olefins
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
With copies provided to each Buyer Party at the following addresses:
W ESTLAKE V INYLS , I NC .
Attention: Robert Buesinger
Senior Vice President, Vinyls
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
W ESTLAKE P ETROCHEMICALS LLC
Attention: Todd Root
Director, Planning & Business Developments, Olefins
2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
Fax: 713-960-8761
31
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
17.7 | Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits or schedules hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein. |
17.8 | Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto and each such written agreement shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Agreement. |
17.9 | Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all signatory parties had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
17.10 | Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
17.11 | Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each signatory party hereto agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions. |
17.12 | No Waiver . Failure of any Party to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect such Partys right to full performance thereof at any time thereafter, and the waiver by any Party of a breach of any provision hereof shall not constitute a waiver of any similar breach in the future or of any other breach or nullify the effectiveness of such provision. |
17.13 | Set Off . Each Party has the right to set off against any amounts due to the other Party hereunder any and all amounts that the other Party owes to the first Party under this Agreement or the Related Agreements. |
17.14 | Rights of Third Parties . The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties to this Agreement, and no third party shall have the right, separate and apart from the Parties to this Agreement, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of this Agreement. |
17.15 |
Legal Relationship . The Parties do not intend to create any sort of partnership, joint venture or any other legal entity by entering into or performing this Agreement. Each Party will perform its obligations under this Agreement in its own name. Each Party will |
32
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
be solely responsible for its own acts and omissions (and the acts and omissions of its employees, consultants and other agents), and without the express written consent of each other Party, no Party will have the authority nor will purport to act for, or legally bind, any other Party in any transaction. |
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]
33
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first set forth above.
SELLER: | ||
W ESTLAKE C HEMICAL O P C O LP | ||
By: Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, its general partner |
||
By: |
/s/ Lawrence E. Teel |
|
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer | |
BUYER: | ||
WPT LLC | ||
By: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager |
||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
Westlake Vinyls, Inc. | ||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
W ESTLAKE P ETROCHEMICALS LLC | ||
By: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager |
||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
Signature Page to Ethylene Sales Agreement
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
SCHEDULE 5.1
PRICE
Cost of Energy ($/lb) |
= | (i) the total cost ($) incurred by Seller during such Month (or such other period of time as the Parties may agree) (the Period ) under the Services Agreement in connection with, as applicable, the purchase, receipt, handling, storage, transportation, and delivery of Natural Gas, and similar costs (such costs as a function of the quantity (MMBtu) of Natural Gas used at the Plants during such Period ($/MMBtu)), divided by (ii) total actual Ethylene produced at the Plants (lb) during such Period; | ||
Cost of Feedstock ($/lb) |
= | (i) the total cost ($) incurred by Seller during such Period under the Feedstock Supply Agreement in connection with, as applicable, the purchase, receipt, handling, storage, transportation, and delivery of Ethane and Other Feedstock (if any), and similar costs (such costs as a function of the quantity (lb) of Ethane and Other Feedstock (if any) used at the Plants during such Period ($/lb)), divided by (ii) total actual Ethylene produced at the Plants (lb) during such Period; | ||
Purge Gas Recovery ($/lb) |
(i) the quantity (lb) of Poly Purge during such Period, multiplied by (ii) the Price ($/lb) for the immediately preceding Month, divided by (iii) the total actual Ethylene (lb) produced at the Plants during such Period; | |||
All Other Cash Production Costs ($/lb) |
= | an amount determined in accordance with Section 5.2 of the Agreement; | ||
Prior Year Adjustment ($/lb) | = | an amount determined in accordance with Section 5.3 of the Agreement; | ||
Co-Product Credit ($/lb) |
= | (i) the net proceeds realized by Seller from the sale of Associated Co-Product (after deducting transportation and related sales costs) during such Period, multiplied by (ii) the percentage of Sellers total output of Ethylene at the Plants actually purchased by Buyer during such Period calculated, in each case, on a weighted average basis for each Plant, divided by (iii) the quantity of Ethylene (in pounds) actually delivered to Buyer during such Period; |
Schedule 5.1
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Energy Efficiency Adjuster ( EEA ) ($/lb) (see notes below) |
= |
an amount determined in accordance with the following formulas:
|
||
|
||||
If Actual Energy is 90% or more of Benchmark Energy but less than 110% of Benchmark Energy, then EEA ($/lb) equals zero (i.e., no adjustment);
If Actual Energy is 110% or more of Benchmark Energy, then EEA ($/lb) equals:
If Actual Energy is less than 90% of Benchmark Energy, then EEA ($/lb) equals:
|
Schedule 5.1
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster ( FEA ) ($/lb) (see notes below) |
: |
FEA is determined in accordance with the following formulas:
If Actual Yield is equal to or greater than 95% of Benchmark Yield and less than 105% of Benchmark Yield, then FEA equals zero (i.e., no adjustment);
If Actual Yield is equal to or greater than 105% of Benchmark Yield, then FEA equals:
If Actual Yield is less than 95% of Benchmark Yield, then FEA equals:
|
||
Natural Gas (MMBtu) |
= | the total quantity (MMBtu) of Natural Gas consumed at the Plants in the production of Ethylene during such Period; | ||
Ethane (lb) |
= | the total quantity (lb) of Ethane consumed at the Plants in the production of Ethylene during such Period; | ||
Propane (lb) |
= | the total quantity (lb) of Propane consumed at the Plants in the production of Ethylene during such Period; | ||
Poly Purge (lb) |
= | the total quantity (lb) of Poly Purge consumed at the Plants in the production of Ethylene during such Period; | ||
Ethylene Produced (lb) |
= | the total quantity (lb) of Ethylene produced at the Plants during such Period as measured at the Metering Points; |
Schedule 5.1
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
Energy Consumed (MMBtu) | = | the total quantity (MMBtu) of Natural Gas delivered to the Plants during such Period, plus the total quantity (MMBtu) of internally generated fuel consumed at the Plants during such Period; and | ||
Feedstock Consumed (lb) | = | the total quantity (lb) of Ethane, Propane, Poly Purge and any Other Feedstock delivered to the Plants during such Period. |
Notes
| If a Plant is undergoing shut-down or start-up activities in connection with a scheduled turnaround or expansion, EEA and FEA shall be zero with respect to such Plant for each Day such Plant is affected by such activities. |
| Seller shall keep reasonably detailed records setting forth the Cost of Feedstock and the Cost in Energy for each Day during startup or shutdown at any Plant. |
| The Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster and the methodology used to determine the Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster shall be subject to change upon the agreement of the Parties. |
| The types of feedstock shall be subject to change at any time or from time to time upon the agreement of the Parties. In the event that a change in the type(s) of feedstock occurs, the Parties shall work together in good faith to establish a mutually acceptable ratio for each such type of feedstock in a manner that is consistent with the Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster set forth herein. |
| Subject to Section 5.2(d)(iii) , if there is a capital project that merits changing the Feedstock Efficiency Adjuster, then each Party shall consider in good faith any such changes as may be requested by the other Party. |
Schedule 5.1
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER GRANTING CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CORPORATE FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILED ON AUGUST 1, 2014. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).
SCHEDULE 5.2
FIRST CONTRACT YEAR
ALL OTHER CASH PRODUCTION COSTS
Cost Category | Cost ($)* | Cost ($/lb)* | ||
Fixed Cash Conversion Costs |
*** | *** | ||
Variable Cash Conversion Costs |
*** | *** | ||
SG&A Expenses |
*** | *** | ||
Cost Category | Cost ($)** | Cost ($/lb)** | ||
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Capital) |
*** | *** | ||
Maintenance Cost Reserves (Expense) |
*** | *** | ||
Turnaround Cost Reserves |
*** | *** |
* | Period covering July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. |
** | Period covering July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the Contract Years beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2018. |
Schedule 5.1
SCHEDULE 7.1
SPECIFICATIONS
Ethylene Specifications Lake Charles Plants
Attribute |
||||||
Ethylene |
min. | 99.90% | vol % | |||
Methane / Ethane |
max. | 962 | ppm | |||
Acetylene |
max. | 2.0 | ppm | |||
C3 and Heavier |
max. | 10 | ppm | |||
Oxygen (1) |
max. | 2.0 | ppm | |||
Carbon Monoxide (CO) |
max. | 1.0 | ppm | |||
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
max. | 3.0 | ppm | |||
Hydrogen (1) |
max. | 5 | ppm | |||
Sulfur (as H2S) (2) |
max. | 1 | ppm wt | |||
Water (1) |
max. | 1 | ppm wt | |||
Methanol |
max. | 1 | ppm | |||
Total Carbonyls (3) |
max. | 1 | (4)(a) ppm | |||
Ammonia (3) |
max. | 0.5 | ppm wt | |||
Dienes (2) |
max. | 5 | ppm | |||
Total Alcohols |
max. | 1 | (4)(b) ppm | |||
C3 through C6s (3) |
max. | 6.7 | ppm | |||
C7s and Heavier (3) |
max. | 15.2 | ppm |
* | All specification on mol/vol% basis unless noted (mol% and vol% are identical for these purposes (gas analyses)) |
All analyses taken daily as a minimum except as noted below:
(1) | Online Analyzer (continuous) |
(2) | Verified minimum of annually |
(3) | Upon request |
(4) | To be analyzed quarterly or upon request by customer |
(a) | includes, as a minimum, acetone |
(b) | includes, as a minimum, methanol and propanol |
Schedule 7.1
Ethylene Specifications Calvert City Plant
Attribute |
||||||
Ethylene |
min. | 98.6% | mol % | |||
Methane |
max. | 300 | ppmw | |||
Ethane |
max. | 10,000 | ppmw | |||
Acetylene |
max. | 100 | ppmw |
* | All analyses taken continually by online analyzer |
Schedule 7.1
Exhibit 10.5
SITE LEASE AGREEMENT
(CALVERT CITY)
BETWEEN
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC.,
AS LESSOR,
AND
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP,
AS LESSEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION | ||||||
1.1 |
Certain Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.2 |
References | 6 | ||||
1.3 |
Headings | 6 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
DEMISE OF PREMISES AND TERM | ||||||
2.1 |
Demise of Leased Premises and Term | 6 | ||||
2.2 |
Shared Access Facilities | 6 | ||||
2.3 |
Rent | 8 | ||||
2.4 |
Net Lease | 8 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS | ||||||
3.1 |
Use of Leased Premises | 8 | ||||
3.2 |
Waste | 8 | ||||
3.3 |
Governmental Regulations | 8 | ||||
3.4 |
Utilities | 8 | ||||
3.5 |
Site-Wide Permits | 9 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS | ||||||
4.1 |
Additional Improvements | 9 | ||||
4.2 |
No Liens | 9 | ||||
4.3 |
Removal of Improvements | 9 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES | ||||||
5.1 |
Maintenance | 10 | ||||
5.2 |
Operation of the Leased Premises | 10 | ||||
5.3 |
Surrender of the Leased Premises | 10 | ||||
5.4 |
Release of Hazardous Substances | 10 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
TAXES, ASSESSMENTS | ||||||
6.1 |
Lessees Obligation to Pay | 11 | ||||
6.2 |
Manner of Payment | 11 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
EMINENT DOMAIN; CASUALTY; INSURANCE | ||||||
7.1 |
Condemnation of Leased Premises | 12 | ||||
7.2 |
Condemnation Awards | 12 | ||||
7.3 |
Casualty | 12 | ||||
7.4 |
Insurance | 13 |
i
ARTICLE VIII | ||||
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING | ||||
8.1 | Assignment and Subletting | 14 | ||
ARTICLE IX | ||||
DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION | ||||
9.1 | Default by Lessee | 14 | ||
9.2 | Lessors Remedies | 14 | ||
9.3 | Default by Lessor | 15 | ||
9.4 | Lessees Remedies | 15 | ||
ARTICLE X | ||||
INDEMNITY | ||||
10.1 | Indemnification by Lessor | 16 | ||
10.2 | Indemnification by Lessee | 16 | ||
10.3 | Matters Involving a Third Party | 17 | ||
10.4 | Survival | 17 | ||
10.5 | Related Agreements | 17 | ||
ARTICLE XI | ||||
GENERAL PROVISIONS | ||||
11.1 | Estoppel Certificates | 17 | ||
11.2 | Severability | 17 | ||
11.3 | Time of Essence | 17 | ||
11.4 | Captions | 17 | ||
11.5 | Entire Agreement | 18 | ||
11.6 | Amendment or Modification | 18 | ||
11.7 | Exhibits | 18 | ||
11.8 | Notices | 18 | ||
11.9 | Waivers | 18 | ||
11.10 | No Partnership | 19 | ||
11.11 | No Third Party Beneficiaries | 19 | ||
11.12 | Waiver of Landlords Lien | 19 | ||
11.13 | Mutual Cooperation; Further Assurances | 19 | ||
11.14 | No Recording | 19 | ||
11.15 | Binding Effect | 19 | ||
11.16 | Choice of Law | 19 | ||
11.17 | Quiet Possession | 20 | ||
11.18 | Force Majeure | 20 | ||
11.19 | Survival | 20 | ||
11.20 | Brokerage Commissions | 20 | ||
11.21 | Condition of the Leased Premises | 20 | ||
11.22 | Relocation | 21 | ||
11.23 | Dispute Resolution | 21 |
ii
EXHIBITS | ||
Exhibit A | Description of Leased Premises | |
Exhibit B | Depiction of Leased Premises |
iii
SITE LEASE AGREEMENT
(CALVERT CITY)
THIS SITE LEASE AGREEMENT (CALVERT CITY) (this Lease ) is made and entered into to be effective as of August 4, 2014 (the Effective Date ), by and between WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC. , a Delaware corporation ( Lessor ), and WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP , a Delaware limited partnership ( Lessee ).
RECITALS :
A. Pursuant to that certain Conveyance Excluding Land dated as of the Effective Date (the Conveyance ), Lessor contributed and conveyed the Lessee Assets to Lessee.
B. The Lessee Assets are situated upon the Leased Premises, which Leased Premises are located within, and are a part of, Lessors Calvert City Complex.
C. Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor own, directly and/or indirectly, ownership interests in Lessee; additionally, Lessor and/or certain Affiliates of Lessor are parties to the Related Agreements. As a result of the foregoing, Lessor anticipates receiving substantial direct and/or indirect economic and other benefits from Lessees operations at, on and from the Leased Premises.
D. Lessor and Lessee now desire to enter into this Lease to set forth the terms and conditions under which Lessee will be permitted to lease the Leased Premises and access and use certain other portions of the Calvert City Complex.
AGREEMENTS :
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Related Agreements and the mutual agreements set forth in this Lease, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Certain Defined Terms . Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth in this Section 1.1 :
Additional Improvements shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.1 .
Affiliates means, with respect to any Person, any other Person, that at the time such consideration is being made, directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or under common Control with, such Person; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Lease, (a) neither MLP GP nor any direct or indirect subsidiary of MLP GP (including Lessee) shall be considered Affiliates of Lessor, and (b) neither Westlake Chemical Corporation
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nor any direct or indirect subsidiary of Westlake Chemical Corporation (including Lessor), other than MLP GP and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, shall be considered Affiliates of Lessee. As used in the aforesaid context, Control (and derivations thereof) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of another, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Bankruptcy Event means with respect to a Party or entity, such Party or entity (a) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (b) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (c) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors; (d) institutes a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights; (e) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights, or a petition is presented for its winding up or liquidation, and any such proceeding or petition is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (f) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (g) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets; (h) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced, or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (i) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in clauses (a) to (i) (inclusive); or (j) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.
Calvert City Complex shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(d) . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements are expressly excluded from the definition of, and do not constitute a part of, the Calvert City Complex.
Casualty Event shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(a) .
Casualty Purchase Option shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(c) .
Claims shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.1 .
Conveyance shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Recitals.
Cure Period shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(b)(i) .
Default Rate shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.2 .
dispute shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(a) .
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Dispute Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(b)(i) .
Effective Date shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Environmental Law or Environmental Laws means all federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders and ordinances now or hereafter in effect, relating to protection of the environment including, without limitation, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and other environmental conservation and protection laws, each as amended from time to time.
Ethylene Sales Agreement means the Ethylene Sales Agreement between Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Fair Market Value shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Feedstock Supply Agreement means the Feedstock Supply Agreement between Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, an Affiliate of Lessor, and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Force Majeure means acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances, acts of the public enemy, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, storms, floods, washouts, arrests, the order of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction while the same is in force and effect, civil disturbances, explosions, breakage, accident to machinery, storage tanks or lines of pipe, inability to obtain or unavoidable delay in obtaining material or equipment, and any other causes whether of the kind herein enumerated or otherwise not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension and which by the exercise of due diligence such Party is unable to prevent or overcome.
Governmental Authority means any federal, state, local or foreign government or any provincial, departmental or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity, body or authority exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other governmental functions or any court, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or administrative body of any of the foregoing.
Hazardous Substances means (1) any substance that is designated, defined, or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant, or toxic or hazardous substance, or that is otherwise regulated under any Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any hazardous substance as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and (2) petroleum, crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, motor oil, waste oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum hydrocarbons.
Indemnified Party means the Party seeking indemnification under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 .
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Indemnifying Party means the Party required to provide indemnification under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 .
Laws means any applicable statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, judgment, rule of law, order, decree, permit, approval, concession, grant, franchise, license, agreement, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or any provision or condition of any permit, license or other operating authorization issued under any of the foregoing by, or any determination of, any Governmental Authority having or asserting jurisdiction over the matter or matters in question, whether now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended (including, without limitation, all of the terms and provisions of the common law of such Governmental Authority), as interpreted and enforced at the time in question .
Lease means this Site Lease Agreement.
Leased Premises shall mean the tracts or parcels of land within the Calvert City Complex upon which the Lessee Assets are situated, as more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto (and shown as the shaded areas in the depiction attached hereto, for reference purposes only, as Exhibit B ). Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements are expressly excluded from the definition of, and do not constitute a part of, the Leased Premises.
Lessee shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Lessee Assets means the units, facilities, equipment, properties and other assets (whether real, personal or mixed) contributed and conveyed to Lessee pursuant to the Conveyance.
Lessee Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.1 .
Lessee Release shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.14 .
Lessees Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .
Lessor shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Lessor Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.2 .
Lessors Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(b) .
MLP means Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
MLP GP means Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the general partner of the MLP.
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MLP Partnership Agreement means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP dated as of August 4, 2014, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Omnibus Agreement means the Omnibus Agreement among Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee and certain Affiliates of Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Option Closing Date shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Option Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Parties means, collectively, Lessor and Lessee, and Party shall mean either Lessor or Lessee individually.
Permits means all permits, licenses, franchises, authorities, consents and approvals required under applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws, in connection with the use and operation of the Lessee Assets and/or the Additional Improvements.
Person means any individual or entity, including any partnership, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or Governmental Authority (or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof).
Purchase Price shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Related Agreements means, collectively, the Omnibus Agreement, the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement, the Services Agreement, and any other agreement executed by the Parties and/or their respective Affiliates relating to Lessees ownership, use or operation of the Lessee Assets or the conduct of Lessees business on, at or within the Calvert City Complex.
Rent shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.3 .
Services Agreement means the Services and Secondment Agreement between Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Shared Access Facilities shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .
Taxes shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 6.1 .
Term shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1 .
Third Party shall mean a Person which is not (a) Lessor or an Affiliate of Lessor, (b) Lessee or an Affiliate of Lessee or (c) a Person that, after the signing of this Lease becomes a successor entity of Lessor, Lessee or any of their respective Affiliates. An employee of Lessor or Lessee shall not be deemed an Affiliate.
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Third-Party Claim shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.3 .
1.2 References . As used in this Lease, unless a clear contrary intention appears: (a) the singular includes the plural and vice versa; (b) reference to any Person includes such Persons successors and assigns but, in the case of a Party, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Lease, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity; (c) reference to any gender includes each other gender; (d) reference to any agreement (including this Lease), document or instrument means such agreement, document, or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms of this Lease; (e) reference to any Section means such Section of this Lease, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition; (f) hereunder, hereof, hereto and words of similar import will be deemed references to this Lease as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision hereof or thereof; (g) including (and with correlative meaning include) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term; and (h) relative to the determination of any period of time, from means from and including, to means to but excluding and through means through and including.
1.3 Headings . The headings of the Sections of this Lease and the Exhibits hereto are included for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Lease or to affect the construction or interpretation hereof or thereof.
ARTICLE II
DEMISE OF PREMISES AND TERM
2.1 Demise of Leased Premises and Term . For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Parties, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Leased Premises for a 50-year term commencing on the Effective Date and expiring on August 3, 2064, subject to renewal or early termination in accordance with the express provisions of this Lease (the Term ). Upon expiration of the Term, the Parties may (but shall have no obligation to) renew the Term for such period or periods, and on such terms, as are mutually-acceptable to the Parties.
2.2 Shared Access Facilities .
(a) Lessor hereby grants to Lessee and its Affiliates, agents, employees and contractors (collectively, Lessees Parties ), free of charge, the non-exclusive right to access and use such portions of the Calvert City Complex as may be reasonably necessary for access to the Leased Premises and/or use and operation of the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements. Any such access, use and operation by Lessees Parties shall not unreasonably interfere with Lessors operations of the Calvert City Complex and shall comply with Lessors rules, regulations and procedures governing safety and security for the Calvert City Complex. The portions of the Calvert City Complex that are subject to the access and use rights provided
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under this Section 2.2 are referred to herein as the Shared Access Facilities . Lessees Parties non-exclusive rights to use and access the Shared Access Facilities shall automatically expire and terminate concurrently with the expiration of the Term or earlier termination of this Lease. Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, but subject to Lessors covenant and warranty set forth in Section 11.17 , any access or use by Lessees Parties of any portion of the Calvert City Complex (including, if applicable, any Shared Access Facilities) that is not owned by Lessor shall be conditioned upon such access or use being permitted by, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the lease or other agreement pursuant to which Lessors rights with respect to such portion of the Calvert City Complex derives.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Lessor hereby retains for itself and its Affiliates, agents, employees and contractors (collectively, Lessors Parties ), the right to access, use and operate the Calvert City Complex and all portions thereof, including without limitation the Shared Access Facilities. Lessor further hereby retains for itself and any of the other Lessors Parties, the right of access to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements (i) to determine whether the conditions and covenants contained in this Lease are being kept and performed, (ii) to comply with Environmental Laws, (iii) to inspect, maintain, repair, improve and operate any assets of Lessor located on the Leased Premises (including, if applicable, any Shared Access Facilities), (iv) to install or construct any structures or equipment necessary for the maintenance, operation or improvement of the Calvert City Complex or any portion thereof, and (v) to address any emergency situation affecting the Calvert City Complex in each instance so long as such access by Lessors Parties does not unreasonably interfere with Lessees operations of the Lessee Assets or any Additional Improvements and complies with Lessees rules, regulations and procedures governing safety and security for the Lessee Assets.
(c) During the Term, Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for Lessees reasonable share (allocated on an equitable basis mutually acceptable to Lessor and Lessee) of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in maintaining and operating the Shared Access Facilities. Such reimbursement payments, plus an administrative fee equal to five percent (5%) of the amount being reimbursed, shall be made by Lessee within 30 days after Lessors written demand therefor.
(d) The Parties acknowledge that the composition of the Calvert City Complex may change from time to time as Lessor acquires or disposes of properties or other assets. As used in this Lease, the term Calvert City Complex means the land, including the Leased Premises, and the equipment, facilities, properties and other assets comprising Lessors petrochemical production facilities located in Calvert City, Kentucky, as the same may be constituted from time to time. Any land, equipment, facility, property or other asset that is acquired by Lessor for use as a part of, or exclusively in connection with, the Calvert City Complex after the Effective Date shall, automatically upon such acquisition, be added to and become a part of the Calvert City Complex; subject to Lessors covenant and warranty set forth in Section 11.17 , any land, equipment, facility, property or other asset that previously constituted a portion of the Calvert City Complex shall, automatically upon disposition thereof by Lessor, be removed from, and shall no longer constitute a portion of, the Calvert City Complex.
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2.3 Rent . Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor, in advance, annual rental in the amount of One and 00/100 Dollars ($1.00) ( Rent ) on or before each anniversary of the Effective Date during the Term. Lessees initial payment of Rent shall be paid concurrently with Lessees execution and delivery of this Lease. All Rent shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at Lessors address set forth in Section 11.8 . Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease, Rent shall be paid without any claim on the part of Lessee for diminution, setoff or abatement, and nothing shall suspend, abate or reduce any Rent to be paid hereunder except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.
2.4 Net Lease . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or in any Related Agreements, this is a net lease and Lessor shall not at any time be required to pay any costs or expenses associated with the ownership, operation, use, maintenance, repair, alteration or improvement of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or in any Related Agreements, Lessor shall not be required to provide, maintain or incur costs or expenses with respect to taxes, insurance or utilities related to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements.
ARTICLE III
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
3.1 Use of Leased Premises . Lessee shall have the right to use the Leased Premises for the purpose of owning, operating, maintaining, repairing, replacing and improving the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and for any other lawful purpose associated with Lessees ownership and operation of the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements.
3.2 Waste . Lessee shall not commit, or suffer to be committed, any physical waste to the Leased Premises, ordinary wear and tear, casualty and condemnation excepted.
3.3 Governmental Regulations . Subject to any obligations of Lessor and/or its Affiliates under the Related Agreements, Lessee shall, at Lessees sole cost and expense, cause the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements to comply all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws). Lessee shall promptly notify Lessor of Lessees receipt of any notice of material non-compliance relating to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements. If Lessor reasonably believes at any time that Lessee is not materially complying with all applicable Laws with respect to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, Lessor may provide written notice to Lessee of such non-compliance and, if Lessee thereafter fails to take appropriate action to remedy or correct the applicable non-compliance within 30 days after receipt of such written notice, Lessor may, without further notice to Lessee, take such actions for Lessees account. Within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of payment for any actions taken by Lessor in accordance with this Section 3.3 , Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf.
3.4 Utilities . Unless otherwise set forth in the Services Agreement or any other Related Agreements, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the provision of all utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, steam, etc.) necessary for Lessees use of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements.
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3.5 Site-Wide Permits . Lessor and Lessee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any applicable Governmental Authorities to allow Lessee to use and operate the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements under any existing Permits applicable to the Calvert City Complex as a whole, or other Permits held directly by Lessor, and Lessor agrees, to the extent allowed by such applicable Governmental Authorities and to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, to allow the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements to continue to be covered by any such existing Permits. To the extent applicable Governmental Authorities or applicable Laws will not or do not allow Lessee to use and operate the Lessee Assets and/or the Additional Improvements under any particular existing Permit, Lessee shall be responsible for securing a separate Permit to be held directly by Lessee with respect to the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements. Lessor will reasonably cooperate with Lessee, at Lessees cost, in connection with Lessees efforts to secure such separate Permit.
ARTICLE IV
ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
4.1 Additional Improvements . Subject to the provisions of this Article IV , Lessee may make any alterations, additions, improvements or other changes to the Leased Premises and the Lessee Assets as may be necessary or useful in connection with the operation of its business (collectively, the Additional Improvements ). If such Additional Improvements require alterations, additions or improvements to the Leased Premises or any of the Shared Access Facilities, Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing in advance and the parties shall negotiate in good faith to provide for reimbursement of any increase in cost to Lessor that results from any such alterations, additions or improvements. Any Additional Improvements or other alterations, additions, improvements or changes by Lessee to the Leased Premises, Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements or Shared Access Facilities shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with all applicable Laws.
4.2 No Liens . Lessee shall not have the right or power to create or permit any lien of any kind or character to attach to or be binding against the Leased Premises by reason of repair or construction or other work. In the event any such lien is filed against the Leased Premises, Lessee shall cause such lien to be discharged or bonded within thirty (30) days of the date of filing thereof.
4.3 Removal of Improvements . The Lessee Assets and all Additional Improvements shall be, and at all times during the Term shall remain, the property of Lessee. Within one year after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee may (but shall not be obligated to) remove any or all Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements from the Leased Premises, at Lessees sole cost and expense; provided that (a) Lessee shall only be permitted to remove any of the Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements if such removal can be undertaken without unreasonable damage or harm to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Calvert City Complex and without material interruption to Lessors operations at the Calvert City Complex, (b) Lessee shall repair and restore any damage to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Calvert City Complex caused by any such removal, and (c) Lessees removal rights under this
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Section 4.3 shall not arise if Lessor elects to exercise the Casualty Purchase Option pursuant to Section 7.3(c) . Any Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements, or other property of Lessee that are not timely removed from the Leased Premises in accordance with this Section 4.3 shall be deemed to have been surrendered to, and shall thereafter be the property of, Lessor.
ARTICLE V
MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES
5.1 Maintenance . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article V or otherwise in this Lease, and subject to any obligations of Lessor or its Affiliates under any Related Agreements, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and alteration of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and for the removal and disposal of all materials, debris and waste generated thereby or therefrom. All such maintenance, repairs, replacements and alterations by Lessee shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner, and in accordance with applicable Laws. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, and subject to any obligations of Lessee or its Affiliates under any Related Agreements, Lessor shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and alteration of the Shared Access Facilities, and for the removal and disposal of all materials, debris and waste generated thereby or therefrom. All such maintenance, repairs, replacements and alterations by Lessor shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner, and in accordance with applicable Laws.
5.2 Operation of the Leased Premises . Subject to the obligations of Lessor or its Affiliates under the Related Agreements, Lessee covenants and agrees to operate the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry and in accordance with all applicable Laws.
5.3 Surrender of the Leased Premises . Subject to Lessees rights to remove the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements pursuant to Section 4.3 above, upon expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee shall surrender the Leased Premises in substantially the same condition as it was delivered to Lessee on the Effective Date, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
5.4 Release of Hazardous Substances . Lessee shall give prompt notice to Lessor of any release of Hazardous Substances on, at or from the Leased Premises that occur during the Term. Lessee shall promptly take all necessary or required steps to contain or remediate (or both) any such release and provide any notifications required by applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws). If Lessor reasonably believes at any time that Lessee is failing to contain or remediate, in compliance with all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws), any release arising from Lessees operations on, at or from the Leased Premises, Lessor may provide written notice to Lessee of such non-compliance and, if Lessee thereafter fails to take appropriate action to remedy or correct such non-compliance within 30 days after receipt of such written notice, Lessor may, without further notice to Lessee, take such actions for Lessees account. Within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of payment for any actions taken by Lessor in accordance with this Section 5.4 , Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf.
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ARTICLE VI
TAXES, ASSESSMENTS
6.1 Lessees Obligation to Pay . Lessee shall pay during the Term, all federal, state and local real and personal property ad valorem taxes, assessments, and other governmental charges, general and special, ordinary and extraordinary, including assessments for public improvements or benefits assessed against the Leased Premises, or improvements situated thereon, including the Lessee Assets and all Additional Improvements, including any federal, state or local income, gross receipts, withholding, franchise, excise, sales, use, value added, recording, transfer or stamp tax, levy, duty, charge or withholding of any kind imposed or assessed by any federal, state or local government, agency or authority, together with any addition to tax, penalty, fine or interest thereon, other than state or U.S. federal income tax imposed upon the taxable income of Lessor and any franchise taxes imposed upon Lessor (such taxes and assessments being hereinafter called Taxes ). In the event that Lessee fails to pay its share of such Taxes in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.1 prior to the time the same become delinquent, Lessor may pay the same and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of such payment.
6.2 Manner of Payment . Lessee shall pay directly to the applicable taxing authority, prior to delinquency, all Taxes that are separately assessed against the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and, if requested by Lessor, shall promptly thereafter provide Lessor with evidence of such payment. Lessor shall be responsible for the payment of all Taxes that are jointly assessed against the Calvert City Complex and the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for Lessees reasonable share (allocated on an equitable basis mutually acceptable to Lessor and Lessee) of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in paying such Taxes. Such reimbursement payments shall be made by Lessee within 30 days after Lessors delivery to Lessee of the applicable tax bill or bills and a calculation of Lessees share of the tax reimbursement payments. Lessee may contest, at Lessees sole cost and expense, by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted in good faith in accordance with applicable Laws, the validity or amount of any Taxes or the valuation of the Leased Premises and/or the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, but only to the extent the foregoing are separately assessed, and Lessor shall reasonably cooperate with Lessee, at Lessees cost, in any such contest. Additionally, Lessee shall have the right to request that Lessor contest any Taxes that are jointly assessed against the Calvert City Complex and the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements, and, if Lessor agrees in its reasonable discretion that such contest is necessary or desirable, Lessor shall contest the validity or amount of such Taxes or the valuation of the Calvert City Complex; the cost of any such contest by Lessor shall be allocated between Lessor and Lessee on a mutually acceptable, equitable basis. Taxes for the first and last years of the Term shall be prorated between the Parties based on the portions of such years that are coincident with the applicable tax years and for which each applicable Party is responsible.
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ARTICLE VII
EMINENT DOMAIN; CASUALTY; INSURANCE
7.1 Condemnation of Leased Premises . If the whole of the Leased Premises are taken or condemned under power of eminent domain, then this Lease shall automatically terminate as of the effective date of such taking or condemnation. If a portion (but less than all) of the Leased Premises are taken or condemned under power of eminent domain, and if, in the reasonable opinion of Lessee, such taking or condemnation materially and adversely affects Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets, then Lessee shall have the right, within 60 days after the effective date of such taking or condemnation, to terminate this Lease by written notice to Lessor.
7.2 Condemnation Awards . Lessor shall be entitled to any award and all damages payable as a result of any condemnation or taking of the fee title of the Leased Premises. Lessee shall have the right to claim and recover from the condemning authority, but not from Lessor, such compensation as may be separately awarded or recoverable by Lessee with respect to Lessees leasehold interests in the Leased Premises or otherwise on account of any damage to the Lessee Assets, the Additional Improvements and/or Lessees business.
7.3 Casualty .
(a) If the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements are destroyed or damaged (each, a Casualty Event ), and if, in the reasonable opinion of Lessee, such Casualty Event materially and adversely affects Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets, then Lessee shall have the right, within 180 days after the occurrence of such Casualty Event, to terminate this Lease by written notice to Lessor. In the event this Lease is terminated pursuant to this Section 7.3, (i) all charges paid or owing hereunder shall be prorated as of the effective date of such termination, (ii) Lessee shall be entitled to any insurance proceeds applicable to the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and (iii) Lessee shall, in good faith and with due diligence, remove all Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements from the Leased Premises, and repair and restore any damage to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Calvert City Complex caused by such removal, at Lessees sole cost and expense.
(b) In the event Lessee does not timely elect to terminate this Lease following the occurrence of a Casualty Event in accordance with Section 7.3(a) , Lessee shall repair and restore any damaged or destroyed Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements to substantially the condition in which such Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements existed immediately prior to the applicable Casualty Event. Such repair and restoration by Lessee shall be performed in good faith and with due diligence, subject to Lessees receipt of any required building or construction permits.
(c) If, notwithstanding Section 7.3(b) , Lessee fails to act in good faith or to use due diligence to repair and restore the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements to the required condition within a reasonable time, then (i) Lessor shall have the right to take such actions as are necessary or reasonable to effect such repair and restoration (and Lessee shall take all actions reasonably necessary to facilitate Lessors actions), and insurance proceeds with respect to any remaining repair or restoration work shall be payable to Lessor, (ii) Lessor shall
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have the right to immediately terminate this Lease upon written notice to Lessee, (iii) Lessee shall be obligated to use any insurance proceeds actually received by Lessee to reasonably clean up the Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements and Leased Premises and (iv) Lessor shall have the option to purchase the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements for the Purchase Price (the Casualty Purchase Option ), as determined in accordance with Section 7.3(d) .
(d) If Lessor elects to exercise the Casualty Purchase Option, Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing (the Option Notice ). Promptly thereafter, Lessor and Lessee shall engage a mutually-acceptable independent appraiser with experience in valuing petrochemical production assets to determine the fair market value of the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements (the Fair Market Value ), which is the price at which a willing buyer would be willing to buy, and a willing seller would be willing to sell, each under no compulsion, the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements in their then-current condition. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvement shall occur on the closing date set forth in the Option Notice (the Option Closing Date ), which date shall not be more than 90 days after Lessors delivery of the Option Notice. At such closing, (i) Lessee shall deliver such duly executed and, if applicable, acknowledged, conveyances, deeds, assignments, bills of sale and other documents and instruments as are required to convey and transfer the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements to Lessor, each of which shall include a special warranty of title or similar warranty of claims and encumbrances created or existing by, through or under Lessee and its Affiliates, but otherwise without warranty and (ii) Lessor shall deliver to Lessee, by wire transfer or other immediately available funds, the Purchase Price. As used herein, the Purchase Price means the Fair Market Value, less any costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with the restoration and repair of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements prior to the Option Closing Date (excluding costs and expenses for which Lessor has actually received insurance proceeds).
7.4 Insurance . Except as otherwise agreed by Lessor and Lessee, Lessee shall, at all times during the Term, maintain or cause to be maintained property and casualty insurance (including pollution insurance) with respect to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry. All such insurance shall be issued by reputable insurance providers licensed to do business in the state in which the Leased Premises is located. Except as otherwise agreed by Lessor and Lessee, Lessor shall, at all times during the term, maintain or cause to be maintained property and casualty insurance (including pollution insurance) with respect to the Shared Access Facilities in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry. All such insurance shall be issued by insurance providers which are licensed or authorized to do business in the State of Texas and are rated by A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide as A-, Financial Size VIII, or better. Lessor and Lessee each waives any claim it might have against the other for any damage to or theft, destruction, loss, or loss of use of any property, to the extent the same is insured against under any insurance policy of the types described in this Section 7.4 that covers the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets, the Additional Improvements or the Shared Access Facilities, regardless of whether the negligence of the other Party caused such loss . Each Party shall cause its insurance carrier to endorse all applicable policies waiving the carriers rights of recovery under subrogation or otherwise against the other Party.
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ARTICLE VIII
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
8.1 Assignment and Subletting . Except as permitted pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, neither Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Lease without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any purported assignment or transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void. Additionally, Lessee may not sublease or otherwise permit any person or entity to occupy any portion of the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Lessor, and any purported sublease or other occupancy agreement shall be null and void.
ARTICLE IX
DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION
9.1 Default by Lessee . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Lessee:
(a) the failure by Lessee to make any payment required to be made by Lessee hereunder as and when the same becomes due and payable, if such failure continues for a period of 15 days following written notice from Lessor;
(b) the failure by Lessee to observe or perform any of the other covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee, if such failure continues for a period of 30 days following written notice from Lessor; provided, however, if a reasonable time to cure such default would exceed 30 days, Lessee shall not be in default so long as Lessee begins to cure such default within 30 days of receiving written notice from Lessor and thereafter completes the curing of such default within reasonable period of time (under the circumstances) following the receipt of such written notice from Lessor;
(c) the occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event with respect to Lessee;
(d) the termination of the Ethylene Sales Agreement by Lessor or Lessors Affiliates, in accordance with the provisions thereof, due to a breach or default by Lessee thereunder, or due to the occurrence of a Force Majeure (as defined in the Ethylene Sales Agreement); or
(e) the failure by Lessee to operate the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements for any period of six consecutive months (subject to extension for Force Majeure in accordance with Section 11.18 ), other than during periods of reconstruction due to the occurrence of a Casualty Event or condemnation, so long as such reconstruction is being performed in compliance with this Lease.
9.2 Lessors Remedies .
(a) Lessor shall have the right, at Lessors option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.1(a) or 9.1(b) remains uncured, to invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 11.23 . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 9.2 , Lessors right to invoke the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Section 11.23 shall be Lessors sole and exclusive remedy under this Lease with respect to a default or breach under Section 9.1(a) or 9.1(b) .
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(b) Lessor shall have the right, at Lessors option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.1(c) , 9.1(d) or 9.1(e) remains uncured, to terminate this Lease and Lessees right to possession of the Leased Premises, without further notice or demand, and to forthwith repossess the Leased Premises by any lawful means in which event Lessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Leased Premises to Lessor; and any such action on the part of Lessor shall be in addition to any other remedy that may be available to Lessor for breach of contract, or otherwise, including the right of setoff.
(c) If, by the terms of this Lease, Lessee is required to do or perform any act or to pay any sum to a third party, and fails or refuses to do so, Lessor, after 30 days written notice to Lessee, without waiving any other right or remedy hereunder for such default, may do or perform such act, at Lessees expense, or pay such sum for and on behalf of Lessee, and the amounts so expended by Lessor shall be repayable on demand, and bear interest from the date expended by Lessor until paid at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) an interest rate equal to the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal , Southwest Edition, in its listing of Money Rates plus five percent (5%) or (ii) the maximum non-usurious rate of interest permitted under applicable Law (the Default Rate ).
9.3 Default by Lessor . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Lessor:
(a) The failure by Lessor to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessor, if such failure continues for a period of 30 days following written notice from Lessee; provided, however, if a reasonable time to cure such default would exceed 30 days, Lessor shall not be in default so long as Lessor begins to cure such default within 30 days of receiving written notice from Lessee and thereafter completes the curing of such default within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of such written notice from Lessee; or
(b) The occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to Lessor.
9.4 Lessees Remedies .
(a) Lessee shall have the right, at Lessees option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.3(a) or 9.3(b) remains uncured, to invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 11.23 . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 9.4 , Lessees right to invoke the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Section 11.23 shall be Lessees sole and exclusive remedy under this Lease with respect to a default or breach under Section 9.3(a) or 9.3(b) .
(b) If, by the terms of this Lease, Lessor is required to do or perform any act or to pay any sum to a third party, and fails or refuses to do so, Lessee, after 30 days written notice to Lessor, without waiving any other right or remedy hereunder for such default, may do or perform such act, at Lessors expense, or pay such sum for and on behalf of Lessor, and the amounts so expended by Lessee shall be repayable on demand, and bear interest from the date expended by Lessee until paid at the Default Rate.
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ARTICLE X
INDEMNITY
10.1 Indemnification by Lessor . Lessor agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, save and keep harmless Lessee and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, unitholders, members, partners, managers, agents, employees, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the Lessee Indemnified Parties ) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, demands, claims (including claims involving strict or absolute liability in tort), actions, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) of any kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, Claims ) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of the Lessee Indemnified Parties, in any way relating to or arising out of (a) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by Lessor in this Lease, or (b) the exercise of Lessors Parties rights and obligations under Section 2.2(b) ; provided, however, Lessor shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Lessee Indemnified Parties for any such Claim under clauses (a) or (b) to the extent resulting from or arising out of the willful misconduct or negligence of any of the Lessee Indemnified Parties. To the extent that the Lessee Indemnified Parties in fact receive full indemnification payments from Lessor under the indemnification provisions of this Section 10.1 , Lessor shall be subrogated to the Lessee Indemnified Parties rights with respect to the transaction or event requiring or giving rise to such indemnity. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSOR BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF THIS LEASE, EXCEPT THOSE PAYABLE TO THIRD PARTIES FOR WHICH LESSOR WOULD BE LIABLE UNDER THIS SECTION .
10.2 Indemnification by Lessee . Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, save and keep harmless Lessor and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, unitholders, members, partners, managers, agents, employees, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the Lessor Indemnified Parties ) from and against any and all Claims which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Lessor Indemnified Parties, in any way and to the extent relating to or arising out of (a) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by Lessee in this Lease, or (b) the exercise of Lessees Parties rights under Section 2.2(a); provided, however, Lessee shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Lessor Indemnified Parties for any such Claim under clauses (a) or (b) to the extent resulting from or arising out of the willful misconduct or negligence of any of the Lessor Indemnified Parties. To the extent that the Lessor Indemnified Parties in fact receive full indemnification payments from Lessee under the indemnification provisions of this Section 10.2 , Lessee shall be subrogated to the Lessor Indemnified Parties rights with respect to the transaction or event requiring or giving rise to such indemnity. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSEE BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER
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BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF THIS LEASE, EXCEPT THOSE PAYABLE TO THIRD PARTIES FOR WHICH LESSEE WOULD BE LIABLE UNDER THIS SECTION .
10.3 Matters Involving a Third Party . If any Third Party shall notify either Lessor or Lessee with respect to any action or claim by a Third Party (a Third-Party Claim ) that may give rise to a right to claim for indemnification against the other Party under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 , then the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party thereof in writing; provided, however, that failure to give timely notice shall not affect the right to indemnification to the extent such failure to give timely notice is not prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party.
10.4 Survival . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, the provisions of this Article X shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
10.5 Related Agreements . The Related Agreements may contain additional indemnity provisions. The indemnities contained in this Article X are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any such indemnity provisions contained in the Related Agreements.
ARTICLE XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1 Estoppel Certificates . Lessee and Lessor shall, at any time and from time to time upon not less than 20 days prior written request from the other party, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other a statement in writing (a) certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if modified, stating the nature of such modification and certifying that this Lease, as so modified, is in full force and effect) and the date to which Rent and other charges are paid, (b) acknowledging that there are not, to the executing partys knowledge, any uncured defaults on the part of the other party hereunder (or specifying such defaults, if any are claimed), and (c) making such other factual statements as the executing Party may reasonably agree to make. Any such statement may be conclusively relied upon by any prospective purchaser of the Leased Premises or the leasehold evidenced by this Lease or any lender with respect to the Leased Premises or the leasehold evidenced by this Lease. Nothing in this Section 11.1 shall be construed to waive the conditions elsewhere contained in this Lease applicable to assignment or subletting of the Leased Premises by Lessee.
11.2 Severability . If any provision of this Lease shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
11.3 Time of Essence . Time is of the essence in the performance of all obligations falling due hereunder.
11.4 Captions . The headings to Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of this Lease are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Lease.
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11.5 Entire Agreement . This Lease and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein.
11.6 Amendment or Modification . This Lease may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto; provided, that Lessee may not, without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee (as defined in the MLP Partnership Agreement), agree to any amendment or modification of this Agreement that, in the reasonable judgment of MLP GP, will adversely affect the holders of Common Units (as defined in the MLP Partnership Agreement). Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Lease.
11.7 Exhibits . All exhibits attached to this Lease are hereby made a part hereof and incorporated herein by this reference.
11.8 Notices . Any notice or other communication given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by documented overnight delivery service, (c) sent by electronic mail transmission, or (d) sent by first class mail, postage prepaid (certified or registered mail, return receipt requested). Such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of the delivery. Notices or other communications shall be directed to the following addresses:
Notices to Lessor: | Westlake Vinyls, Inc. | |
c/o Westlake Chemical Corporation | ||
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 | ||
Houston, Texas 77056 | ||
Attention: Robert Buesinger, | ||
Senior Vice President, Vinyls |
||
E-mail: rbuesinger@westlake.com | ||
Notices to Lessee: | Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
c/o Westlake Chemical Partners LP | ||
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 | ||
Houston, Texas 77056 | ||
Attention: Lawrence Teel, | ||
Principal Operating Officer |
||
E-mail: steel@westlake.com |
Either Party may at any time change its address for service from time to time by giving notice to the other Party in accordance with this Section 11.8 .
11.9 Waivers . No waiver or waivers of any breach or default or any breaches or defaults by either Party of any term, condition or liability of or performance by the other party of any duty or obligation hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a waiver or waivers of subsequent breaches or defaults of any kind, character or description under any circumstance.
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11.10 No Partnership . The relationship between Lessor and Lessee at all times shall remain solely that of landlord and tenant and shall not be deemed a partnership or joint venture.
11.11 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Subject to the provisions of Article X and Section 11.15 hereof, this Lease inures to the sole and exclusive benefit of Lessor and Lessee, their respective Affiliates, successors, legal representatives, sublessees and assigns, and confers no benefit on any third party.
11.12 Waiver of Landlords Lien . To the extent permitted by Law, Lessor hereby expressly waives any and all liens (constitutional, statutory, contractual or otherwise) upon Lessees personal property now or hereafter installed or placed in or on the Leased Premises, which otherwise might exist to secure payment of the sums herein provided to be paid by Lessee to Lessor.
11.13 Mutual Cooperation; Further Assurances . Upon request by either Party from time to time during the Term, each Party hereto agrees to execute and deliver all such other and additional instruments, notices and other documents and do all such other acts and things as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this Lease and to more fully assure the Parties rights and interests provided for hereunder. Lessor and Lessee each agree to reasonably cooperate with the other on all matters relating to required Permits and regulatory compliance by either Lessee or Lessor in respect of the Leased Premises so as to ensure continued full operation of the Leased Premises by Lessee pursuant to the terms of this Lease.
11.14 No Recording . Unless otherwise mutually-agreed by the Parties, neither this Lease nor any memorandum of lease, short-form lease or other evidence of this Lease shall be filed in the real property records of the county in which the Leased Premises are located. In the event the Parties mutually elect to record this Lease or evidence of this Lease, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor an instrument, in recordable form, evidencing the termination and release of this Lease and any memorandum of lease, short-form lease or other evidence of this Lease (the Lessee Release ), promptly after Lessors request therefor at any time after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. If Lessee fails to deliver the executed Lessee Release within ten days after Lessors request therefor, Lessor shall have the right to execute the Lessee Release on behalf of and in the name of Lessee, and Lessee hereby grants to Lessor an irrevocable power of attorney coupled with an interest for such purpose. Lessor shall have the right to record the Lessee Release at any time after the expiration or termination of this Lease. This Section 11.14 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.
11.15 Binding Effect . Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, this Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors, sublessees and assigns. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to waive the conditions elsewhere contained in this Lease applicable to assignment or subletting of the Leased Premises by the Parties.
11.16 Choice of Law . The provisions of this Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might require the application of laws of another jurisdiction.
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11.17 Quiet Possession . Lessor covenants and warrants that Lessee, upon observing and performing all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessees part to be observed and performed hereunder, may peaceably and quietly have, hold, occupy, use and enjoy, and, subject to the terms of this Lease, shall have the full, exclusive, and unrestricted use and enjoyment of, the Leased Premises during the Term for the purposes permitted herein.
11.18 Force Majeure . In the event of Lessor or Lessee being rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Lease, other than to make payments due hereunder and the obligations under Section 11.17 , it is agreed that on such Partys giving notice and full particulars of such Force Majeure to the other Party as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the cause relied on, then the obligations of the Parties, so far as they are affected by such Force Majeure, shall be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused but for no longer period, and such cause shall, as far as possible, be remedied with all reasonable dispatch. It is understood and agreed that the settlement of strikes or lockouts shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party having the difficulty, and that the above requirements that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes or lockouts by acceding to the demands of the opposing party when such course is inadvisable in the discretion of the Party having the difficulty. Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, inability of a Party to make payments when due, be profitable or secure funds, arrange bank loans or other financing, obtain credit or have adequate capacity or production (other than for reasons of Force Majeure) shall not be regarded as events of Force Majeure.
11.19 Survival . All obligations of Lessor and Lessee that shall have accrued under this Lease prior to the expiration or earlier termination hereof shall survive such expiration or termination to the extent the same remain unsatisfied as of the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. Lessor and Lessee further expressly agree that all provisions of this Lease which contemplate performance after the expiration or earlier termination hereof shall survive such expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
11.20 Brokerage Commissions . Each Party represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker or agent in connection with this Lease. Each Party hereby indemnifies the other for all costs, attorneys fees, and other liabilities for commissions or other compensation claimed by any broker or agent claiming the same by, through, or under the indemnifying party.
11.21 Condition of the Leased Premises . LESSEE HEREBY ACCEPTS THE LEASED PREMISES AS IS, WHERE IS, AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND LESSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, UNDER THIS LEASE AS TO THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE LEASED PREMISES, INCLUDING THE PREMISES MERCHANTABILITY, HABITABILITY, CONDITION, FITNESS, OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.
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11.22 Relocation . If Lessor determines that Lessors use or operations of the Calvert City Complex require the relocation of any Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements, Lessee shall cause the applicable Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements to be relocated within the Calvert City Complex, but only so long as (a) the applicable Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements can be relocated within material diminution in the use or value thereof, and (b) during any such relocation, Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements, taken as a whole, is not materially diminished or otherwise materially and adversely affected. Any relocation of the Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements shall be undertaken by Lessee at Lessors sole cost and expense. Upon completion of any applicable relocation pursuant to this Section 11.22 , the Parties shall execute an amendment to this Lease reflecting the new location(s) of the Lessee Assets.
11.23 Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 9.2 or 9.4 , the dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 11.23 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a dispute ) arising under this Lease, and each Party irrevocably waives any right to any trial by jury with respect to any dispute arising under this Lease; provided, this Section 11.23 shall not limit either Partys recourse to courts of competent jurisdiction for injunctive or equitable relief that may be necessary to protect the rights and property of such Party or maintain the status quo before or during the pendency of the process set forth in this Section 11.23 .
(b) If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented:
(i) Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 11.23 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Party (a Dispute Notice ). The Parties shall thereafter schedule a meeting between the Parties to be held in Houston, Texas on a mutually-acceptable date no later than ten business days after the applicable Dispute Notice is delivered. The meeting shall be attended by representatives of each Party having decision-making authority regarding the dispute as well as the dispute resolution process. The meeting shall also be attended by upper management level personnel of each of the Parties, which persons have not previously been directly engaged in asserting or responding to the dispute. Such persons shall attempt in a commercially reasonable manner to negotiate a resolution of the dispute, which negotiations may entail the involvement of and meetings attended by additional upper management level personnel senior to such persons. If such upper management level personnel have not negotiated a resolution to the dispute within 45 days the date on which the applicable Dispute Notice was delivered, then a meeting attended by the chief executive officer of each Party (or their ultimate parent entities) having full decision-making authority with respect to the applicable Party shall occur and such persons shall attempt in a commercially reasonable manner to negotiate a resolution of the dispute before these procedures may be deemed to have been exhausted. If such persons succeed in negotiating a resolution of the dispute, the Parties shall be directed (in as comprehensive detail as reasonably practicable) to take the actions necessary to carry out such resolution. Each Party shall have a commercially reasonable time in which to take the actions required of it, and such period shall automatically be extended if such Party has in good faith and diligently commenced and continued with its actions (a Cure Period ).
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(ii) Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 11.23 , the Parties agree and undertake that all payments under this Lease, and all obligations under this Lease, that are not in dispute shall continue to be paid and performed.
(iii) If a dispute is not resolved pursuant to Section 11.23(b)(i) within 90 days after delivery of the Dispute Notice, or if, following the Cure Period, a Party believes in good faith that a dispute still exists, the representatives of the Parties shall engage in mediation (or such other technique of alternative dispute resolution as the Parties may then agree upon), and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under Section 11.23(b)(iv) below.
(iv) If, after satisfying the requirements above, the dispute is not resolved, then such dispute shall be resolved by any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Lease is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this Lease. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that it understands and has considered the implications of such waiver, that it makes such waiver voluntarily and that it has been induced to enter into this Lease by, among other things, the mutual waivers in this Section 11.23 .
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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The Parties hereto have executed this Lease to be effective as of the Effective Date.
LESSOR: | ||||
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|||
Name: Albert Chao | ||||
Title: President and Secretary | ||||
LESSEE: | ||||
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP, a Delaware limited partnership | ||||
By: | Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its general partner | |||
By: |
/s/ Lawrence E. Teel |
|||
Name: Lawrence E. Teel | ||||
Title: Principal Operating Officer |
Signature Page to
Site Lease Agreement
(Calvert City)
EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF LEASED PREMISES
Ethylene Plant Tract
A certain tract of land as surveyed by Kyrun Jett Wood, P.L.S.#3445 and being generally located north side of Kentucky Highway 1523, Calvert City, Marshall County, Kentucky, more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point, said point being the 230.01 ft. west of the west railroad spur centerline and on the north edge of Second Street;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 148.01 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000E a distance of 173.89 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 5.00 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000W a distance of 285.33 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 109.27 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000E a distance of 27.40 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 22.26 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000E a distance of 114.88 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 124.84 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000W a distance of 114.57 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 25.25 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000W a distance of 40.61 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0000E a distance of 398.20 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000W a distance of 449.71 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0413W a distance of 215.00 ft. to a point;
Thence N89º2221W a distance of 28.77 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0145E a distance of 287.64 ft. to a point;
Thence N00º0627E a distance of 334.62 ft. to a point;
A-1
Thence N42º4255W a distance of 19.07 ft. to a point;
Thence S54º2657W a distance of 24.27 ft. to a point;
Thence N34º5957W a distance of 129.05 ft. to a point;
Thence N55º3555E a distance of 56.90 ft. to a point;
Thence N35º1526W a distance of 25.35 ft. to a point;
Thence S55º3555W a distance of 119.44 ft. to a point;
Thence S35º1526E a distance of 25.35 ft. to a point;
Thence N55º3555E a distance of 56.55 ft. to a point;
Thence S34º5957E a distance of 134.17 ft. to a point;
Thence N54º2657E a distance of 25.91 ft. to a point;
Thence S42º4255E a distance of 12.70 ft. to a point;
Thence S00º0627W a distance of 332.66 ft. to a point;
Thence S00º0145W a distance of 292.60 ft. to a point;
Thence S89º2221E a distance of 28.78 ft. to a point;
Thence S00º0413E a distance of 310.66 ft. to a point;
Thence S58º2616W a distance of 284.46 ft. to a point;
Thence S00º0233E a distance of 126.02 ft. to a point;
Thence N89º5755E a distance of 114.82 ft. to a point;
Thence S00º0059W a distance of 358.18 ft. to a point;
Thence N90º0000E a distance of 706.43 ft. to the Point of Beginning .
The above described Tract contains 12.576 acres.
Being a part of the Westlake CA & O Corporation, North Tract property (recorded in Deed Book 297, Page 96).
[LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONTINUES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.]
A-2
Ethylene Control Room Tract
A certain tract of land as surveyed by Kyrun Jett Wood, P.L.S.#3445 and being generally located north side of Kentucky Highway 1523, Calvert City, Marshall County, Kentucky, more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point, said point being the northwest corner of the Ethylene Control Room building;
Thence with the west edge of the above said building S00º0500W a distance of 177.90 ft. to a point;
Thence with the south edge of the above said building S89º5218E a distance of 55.00 ft. to a point;
Thence with the east edge of the above said building N00º0051W a distance of 178.04 ft. to a point;
Thence with north edge of the above S89º5918W a distance of 54.69 ft. to the Point of Beginning .
The above described Tract contains 0.224 acres.
Being a part of the Westlake CA & O Corporation, North Tract property (recorded in Deed Book 297, Page 96).
A-3
EXHIBIT B
DEPICTION OF LEASED PREMISES
B-1
Exhibit 10.6
SITE LEASE AGREEMENT
(LAKE CHARLES)
BETWEEN
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC,
AS LESSOR,
AND
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP,
AS LESSEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION | ||||||
1.1 |
Certain Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.2 |
References | 6 | ||||
1.3 |
Headings | 6 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
DEMISE OF PREMISES AND TERM | ||||||
2.1 |
Demise of Leased Premises and Term | 6 | ||||
2.2 |
Shared Access Facilities | 6 | ||||
2.3 |
Rent | 8 | ||||
2.4 |
Net Lease | 8 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS | ||||||
3.1 |
Use of Leased Premises | 8 | ||||
3.2 |
Waste | 8 | ||||
3.3 |
Governmental Regulations | 8 | ||||
3.4 |
Utilities | 9 | ||||
3.5 |
Site-Wide Permits | 9 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS | ||||||
4.1 |
Additional Improvements | 9 | ||||
4.2 |
No Liens | 9 | ||||
4.3 |
Removal of Improvements | 9 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES | ||||||
5.1 |
Maintenance | 10 | ||||
5.2 |
Operation of the Leased Premises | 10 | ||||
5.3 |
Surrender of the Leased Premises | 10 | ||||
5.4 |
Release of Hazardous Substances | 10 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
TAXES, ASSESSMENTS | ||||||
6.1 |
Lessees Obligation to Pay | 11 | ||||
6.2 |
Manner of Payment | 11 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
EMINENT DOMAIN; CASUALTY; INSURANCE | ||||||
7.1 |
Condemnation of Leased Premises | 12 | ||||
7.2 |
Condemnation Awards | 12 | ||||
7.3 |
Casualty | 12 | ||||
7.4 |
Insurance | 13 |
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ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING | ||||||
8.1 |
Assignment and Subletting | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION | ||||||
9.1 |
Default by Lessee | 14 | ||||
9.2 |
Lessors Remedies | 14 | ||||
9.3 |
Default by Lessor | 15 | ||||
9.4 |
Lessees Remedies | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
INDEMNITY | ||||||
10.1 |
Indemnification by Lessor | 16 | ||||
10.2 |
Indemnification by Lessee | 16 | ||||
10.3 |
Matters Involving a Third Party | 17 | ||||
10.4 |
Survival | 17 | ||||
10.5 |
Related Agreements | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
GENERAL PROVISIONS | ||||||
11.1 |
Estoppel Certificates | 17 | ||||
11.2 |
Severability | 17 | ||||
11.3 |
Time of Essence | 17 | ||||
11.4 |
Captions | 17 | ||||
11.5 |
Entire Agreement | 18 | ||||
11.6 |
Amendment or Modification | 18 | ||||
11.7 |
Exhibits | 18 | ||||
11.8 |
Notices | 18 | ||||
11.9 |
Waivers | 18 | ||||
11.10 |
No Partnership | 19 | ||||
11.11 |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 19 | ||||
11.12 |
Waiver of Landlords Lien | 19 | ||||
11.13 |
Mutual Cooperation; Further Assurances | 19 | ||||
11.14 |
No Recording | 19 | ||||
11.15 |
Binding Effect | 19 | ||||
11.16 |
Choice of Law | 20 | ||||
11.17 |
Quiet Possession | 20 | ||||
11.18 |
Force Majeure | 20 | ||||
11.19 |
Survival | 20 | ||||
11.20 |
Brokerage Commissions | 20 | ||||
11.21 |
Condition of the Leased Premises | 20 | ||||
11.22 |
Relocation | 21 | ||||
11.23 |
Dispute Resolution | 21 |
ii
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A | Description of Leased Premises | |
Exhibit B | Depiction of Leased Premises |
iii
SITE LEASE AGREEMENT
(LAKE CHARLES)
THIS SITE LEASE AGREEMENT (LAKE CHARLES) (this Lease ) is made and entered into to be effective as of August 4, 2014 (the Effective Date ), by and between WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company ( Lessor ), and WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP , a Delaware limited partnership ( Lessee ).
RECITALS :
A. Pursuant to that certain Conveyance Excluding Land dated as of the Effective Date (the Lessor Conveyance ), Lessor contributed and conveyed certain of the Lessee Assets to Lessee.
B. Pursuant to that certain Conveyance Excluding Land dated as of the Effective Date (the WPT Conveyance ), WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an Affiliate of Lessor, contributed and conveyed certain of the Lessee Assets to Lessee.
C. The Lessee Assets are situated upon the Leased Premises, which Leased Premises are located within, and are a part of, Lessors Lake Charles Complex.
D. Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor own, directly and/or indirectly, ownership interests in Lessee; additionally, Lessor and/or certain Affiliates of Lessor are parties to the Related Agreements. As a result of the foregoing, Lessor anticipates receiving substantial direct and/or indirect economic and other benefits from Lessees operations at, on and from the Leased Premises.
E. Lessor and Lessee now desire to enter into this Lease to set forth the terms and conditions under which Lessee will be permitted to lease the Leased Premises and access and use certain other portions of the Lake Charles Complex.
AGREEMENTS :
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Related Agreements and the mutual agreements set forth in this Lease, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Certain Defined Terms . Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth in this Section 1.1 :
Additional Improvements shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.1 .
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Affiliates means, with respect to any Person, any other Person, that at the time such consideration is being made, directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or under common Control with, such Person; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Lease, (a) neither MLP GP nor any direct or indirect subsidiary of MLP GP (including Lessee) shall be considered Affiliates of Lessor, and (b) neither Westlake Chemical Corporation nor any direct or indirect subsidiary of Westlake Chemical Corporation (including Lessor), other than MLP GP and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, shall be considered Affiliates of Lessee. As used in the aforesaid context, Control (and derivations thereof) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of another, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Bankruptcy Event means with respect to a Party or entity, such Party or entity (a) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (b) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (c) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors; (d) institutes a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights; (e) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights, or a petition is presented for its winding up or liquidation, and any such proceeding or petition is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (f) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (g) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets; (h) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced, or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (i) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in clauses (a) to (i) (inclusive); or (j) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.
Casualty Event shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(a) .
Casualty Purchase Option shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(c) .
Claims shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.1 .
Conveyance means, collectively, the Lessor Conveyance and the WPT Conveyance.
Cure Period shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(b)(i) .
Default Rate shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.2 .
dispute shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(a) .
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Dispute Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.23(b)(i) .
Effective Date shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Environmental Law or Environmental Laws means all federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders and ordinances now or hereafter in effect, relating to protection of the environment including, without limitation, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and other environmental conservation and protection laws, each as amended from time to time.
Ethylene Sales Agreement means the Ethylene Sales Agreement between Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Fair Market Value shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Feedstock Supply Agreement means the Feedstock Supply Agreement between Lessor and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Force Majeure means acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances, acts of the public enemy, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, storms, floods, washouts, arrests, the order of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction while the same is in force and effect, civil disturbances, explosions, breakage, accident to machinery, storage tanks or lines of pipe, inability to obtain or unavoidable delay in obtaining material or equipment, and any other causes whether of the kind herein enumerated or otherwise not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension and which by the exercise of due diligence such Party is unable to prevent or overcome.
Governmental Authority means any federal, state, local or foreign government or any provincial, departmental or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity, body or authority exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other governmental functions or any court, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or administrative body of any of the foregoing.
Hazardous Substances means (1) any substance that is designated, defined, or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant, or toxic or hazardous substance, or that is otherwise regulated under any Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any hazardous substance as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and (2) petroleum, crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, motor oil, waste oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum hydrocarbons.
Indemnified Party means the Party seeking indemnification under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 .
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Indemnifying Party means the Party required to provide indemnification under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 .
Lake Charles Complex shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(d) . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements are expressly excluded from the definition of, and do not constitute a part of, the Lake Charles Complex.
Laws means any applicable statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, judgment, rule of law, order, decree, permit, approval, concession, grant, franchise, license, agreement, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or any provision or condition of any permit, license or other operating authorization issued under any of the foregoing by, or any determination of, any Governmental Authority having or asserting jurisdiction over the matter or matters in question, whether now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended (including, without limitation, all of the terms and provisions of the common law of such Governmental Authority), as interpreted and enforced at the time in question .
Lease means this Site Lease Agreement.
Leased Premises shall mean the tracts or parcels of land within the Lake Charles Complex upon which the Lessee Assets are situated, as more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto (and identified as Petro 1 Unit, Petro 1.1 Unit, Petro 2 Unit and Co-Products in the depictions attached hereto, for reference purposes only, as Exhibit B ). Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements are expressly excluded from the definition of, and do not constitute a part of, the Leased Premises.
Lessee shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Lessee Assets means the units, facilities, equipment, properties and other assets (whether real, personal or mixed) contributed and conveyed to Lessee pursuant to the Conveyance.
Lessee Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.1 .
Lessee Release shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.14 .
Lessees Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .
Lessor shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preface to this Lease.
Lessor Conveyance shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Recitals.
Lessor Indemnified Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.2 .
Lessors Parties shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(b) .
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MLP means Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
MLP GP means Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the general partner of the MLP.
MLP Partnership Agreement means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical Partners LP dated as of August 4, 2014, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Omnibus Agreement means the Omnibus Agreement among Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee and certain Affiliates of Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Option Closing Date shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Option Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Parties means, collectively, Lessor and Lessee, and Party shall mean either Lessor or Lessee individually.
Permits means all permits, licenses, franchises, authorities, consents and approvals required under applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws, in connection with the use and operation of the Lessee Assets and/or the Additional Improvements.
Person means any individual or entity, including any partnership, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or Governmental Authority (or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof).
Purchase Price shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3(d) .
Related Agreements means, collectively, the Omnibus Agreement, the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement, the Services Agreement, and any other agreement executed by the Parties and/or their respective Affiliates relating to Lessees ownership, use or operation of the Lessee Assets or the conduct of Lessees business on, at or within the Lake Charles Complex.
Rent shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.3 .
Services Agreement means the Services and Secondment Agreement between Lessor and certain Affiliates of Lessor and Lessee, dated on or about the Effective Date, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified.
Shared Access Facilities shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .
Taxes shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 6.1 .
5
Term shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1 .
Third Party shall mean a Person which is not (a) Lessor or an Affiliate of Lessor, (b) Lessee or an Affiliate of Lessee or (c) a Person that, after the signing of this Lease becomes a successor entity of Lessor, Lessee or any of their respective Affiliates. An employee of Lessor or Lessee shall not be deemed an Affiliate.
Third-Party Claim shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.3 .
WPT Conveyance shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Recitals.
1.2 References . As used in this Lease, unless a clear contrary intention appears: (a) the singular includes the plural and vice versa; (b) reference to any Person includes such Persons successors and assigns but, in the case of a Party, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Lease, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity; (c) reference to any gender includes each other gender; (d) reference to any agreement (including this Lease), document or instrument means such agreement, document, or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms of this Lease; (e) reference to any Section means such Section of this Lease, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition; (f) hereunder, hereof, hereto and words of similar import will be deemed references to this Lease as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision hereof or thereof; (g) including (and with correlative meaning include) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term; and (h) relative to the determination of any period of time, from means from and including, to means to but excluding and through means through and including.
1.3 Headings . The headings of the Sections of this Lease and the Exhibits hereto are included for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Lease or to affect the construction or interpretation hereof or thereof.
ARTICLE II
DEMISE OF PREMISES AND TERM
2.1 Demise of Leased Premises and Term . For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Parties, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Leased Premises for a 50-year term commencing on the Effective Date and expiring on August 3, 2064, subject to renewal or early termination in accordance with the express provisions of this Lease (the Term ). Upon expiration of the Term, the Parties may (but shall have no obligation to) renew the Term for such period or periods, and on such terms, as are mutually-acceptable to the Parties.
2.2 Shared Access Facilities .
(a) Lessor hereby grants to Lessee and its Affiliates, agents, employees and contractors (collectively, Lessees Parties ), free of charge, the non-exclusive right to access and use such portions of the Lake Charles Complex as may be reasonably necessary for access to
6
the Leased Premises and/or use and operation of the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements. Any such access, use and operation by Lessees Parties shall not unreasonably interfere with Lessors operations of the Lake Charles Complex and shall comply with Lessors rules, regulations and procedures governing safety and security for the Lake Charles Complex. The portions of the Lake Charles Complex that are subject to the access and use rights provided under this Section 2.2 are referred to herein as the Shared Access Facilities . Lessees Parties non-exclusive rights to use and access the Shared Access Facilities shall automatically expire and terminate concurrently with the expiration of the Term or earlier termination of this Lease. Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, but subject to Lessors covenant and warranty set forth in Section 11.17 , any access or use by Lessees Parties of any portion of the Lake Charles Complex (including, if applicable, any Shared Access Facilities) that is not owned by Lessor shall be conditioned upon such access or use being permitted by, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the lease or other agreement pursuant to which Lessors rights with respect to such portion of the Lake Charles Complex derives.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Lessor hereby retains for itself and its Affiliates, agents, employees and contractors (collectively, Lessors Parties ), the right to access, use and operate the Lake Charles Complex and all portions thereof, including without limitation the Shared Access Facilities. Lessor further hereby retains for itself and any of the other Lessors Parties, the right of access to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements (i) to determine whether the conditions and covenants contained in this Lease are being kept and performed, (ii) to comply with Environmental Laws, (iii) to inspect, maintain, repair, improve and operate any assets of Lessor located on the Leased Premises (including, if applicable, any Shared Access Facilities), (iv) to install or construct any structures or equipment necessary for the maintenance, operation or improvement of the Lake Charles Complex or any portion thereof, and (v) to address any emergency situation affecting the Lake Charles Complex in each instance so long as such access by Lessors Parties does not unreasonably interfere with Lessees operations of the Lessee Assets or any Additional Improvements and complies with Lessees rules, regulations and procedures governing safety and security for the Lessee Assets.
(c) During the Term, Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for Lessees reasonable share (allocated on an equitable basis mutually acceptable to Lessor and Lessee) of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in maintaining and operating the Shared Access Facilities. Such reimbursement payments, plus an administrative fee equal to five percent (5%) of the amount being reimbursed, shall be made by Lessee within 30 days after Lessors written demand therefor.
(d) The Parties acknowledge that the composition of the Lake Charles Complex may change from time to time as Lessor acquires or disposes of properties or other assets. As used in this Lease, the term Lake Charles Complex means the land, including the Leased Premises, and the equipment, facilities, properties and other assets comprising Lessors petrochemical production facilities located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as the same may be constituted from time to time. Any land, equipment, facility, property or other asset that is acquired by Lessor for use as a part of, or exclusively in connection with, the Lake Charles Complex after the Effective Date shall, automatically upon such acquisition, be added to and become a part of the Lake Charles Complex; subject to Lessors covenant and warranty set forth
7
in Section 11.17 , any land, equipment, facility, property or other asset that previously constituted a portion of the Lake Charles Complex shall, automatically upon disposition thereof by Lessor, be removed from, and shall no longer constitute a portion of, the Lake Charles Complex.
2.3 Rent . Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor, in advance, annual rental in the amount of One and 00/100 Dollars ($1.00) ( Rent ) on or before each anniversary of the Effective Date during the Term. Lessees initial payment of Rent shall be paid concurrently with Lessees execution and delivery of this Lease. All Rent shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at Lessors address set forth in Section 11.8 . Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease, Rent shall be paid without any claim on the part of Lessee for diminution, setoff or abatement, and nothing shall suspend, abate or reduce any Rent to be paid hereunder except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.
2.4 Net Lease . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or in any Related Agreements, this is a net lease and Lessor shall not at any time be required to pay any costs or expenses associated with the ownership, operation, use, maintenance, repair, alteration or improvement of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or in any Related Agreements, Lessor shall not be required to provide, maintain or incur costs or expenses with respect to taxes, insurance or utilities related to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements.
ARTICLE III
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
3.1 Use of Leased Premises . Lessee shall have the right to use the Leased Premises for the purpose of owning, operating, maintaining, repairing, replacing and improving the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and for any other lawful purpose associated with Lessees ownership and operation of the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements.
3.2 Waste . Lessee shall not commit, or suffer to be committed, any physical waste to the Leased Premises, ordinary wear and tear, casualty and condemnation excepted.
3.3 Governmental Regulations . Subject to any obligations of Lessor and/or its Affiliates under the Related Agreements, Lessee shall, at Lessees sole cost and expense, cause the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements to comply all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws). Lessee shall promptly notify Lessor of Lessees receipt of any notice of material non-compliance relating to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets or the Additional Improvements. If Lessor reasonably believes at any time that Lessee is not materially complying with all applicable Laws with respect to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, Lessor may provide written notice to Lessee of such non-compliance and, if Lessee thereafter fails to take appropriate action to remedy or correct the applicable non-compliance within 30 days after receipt of such written notice, Lessor may, without further notice to Lessee, take such actions for Lessees account. Within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of payment for any actions taken by Lessor in accordance with this Section 3.3 , Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf.
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3.4 Utilities . Unless otherwise set forth in the Services Agreement or any other Related Agreements, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the provision of all utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, steam, etc.) necessary for Lessees use of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements.
3.5 Site-Wide Permits . Lessor and Lessee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any applicable Governmental Authorities to allow Lessee to use and operate the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements under any existing Permits applicable to the Lake Charles Complex as a whole, or other Permits held directly by Lessor, and Lessor agrees, to the extent allowed by such applicable Governmental Authorities and to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, to allow the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements to continue to be covered by any such existing Permits. To the extent applicable Governmental Authorities or applicable Laws will not or do not allow Lessee to use and operate the Lessee Assets and/or the Additional Improvements under any particular existing Permit, Lessee shall be responsible for securing a separate Permit to be held directly by Lessee with respect to the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements. Lessor will reasonably cooperate with Lessee, at Lessees cost, in connection with Lessees efforts to secure such separate Permit.
ARTICLE IV
ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
4.1 Additional Improvements . Subject to the provisions of this Article IV , Lessee may make any alterations, additions, improvements or other changes to the Leased Premises and the Lessee Assets as may be necessary or useful in connection with the operation of its business (collectively, the Additional Improvements ). If such Additional Improvements require alterations, additions or improvements to the Leased Premises or any of the Shared Access Facilities, Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing in advance and the parties shall negotiate in good faith to provide for reimbursement of any increase in cost to Lessor that results from any such alterations, additions or improvements. Any Additional Improvements or other alterations, additions, improvements or changes by Lessee to the Leased Premises, Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements or Shared Access Facilities shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with all applicable Laws.
4.2 No Liens . Lessee shall not have the right or power to create or permit any lien of any kind or character to attach to or be binding against the Leased Premises by reason of repair or construction or other work. In the event any such lien is filed against the Leased Premises, Lessee shall cause such lien to be discharged or bonded within thirty (30) days of the date of filing thereof.
4.3 Removal of Improvements . The Lessee Assets and all Additional Improvements shall be, and at all times during the Term shall remain, the property of Lessee. Within one year after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee may (but shall not be obligated to) remove any or all Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements from the Leased Premises, at Lessees sole cost and expense; provided that (a) Lessee shall only be permitted to remove any of the Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements if such removal can be undertaken without unreasonable damage or harm to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Lake Charles Complex and without material interruption to Lessors operations at the Lake Charles Complex,
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(b) Lessee shall repair and restore any damage to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Lake Charles Complex caused by any such removal, and (c) Lessees removal rights under this Section 4.3 shall not arise if Lessor elects to exercise the Casualty Purchase Option pursuant to Section 7.3(c) . Any Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements, or other property of Lessee that are not timely removed from the Leased Premises in accordance with this Section 4.3 shall be deemed to have been surrendered to, and shall thereafter be the property of, Lessor.
ARTICLE V
MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES
5.1 Maintenance . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article V or otherwise in this Lease, and subject to any obligations of Lessor or its Affiliates under any Related Agreements, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and alteration of the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and for the removal and disposal of all materials, debris and waste generated thereby or therefrom. All such maintenance, repairs, replacements and alterations by Lessee shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner, and in accordance with applicable Laws. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, and subject to any obligations of Lessee or its Affiliates under any Related Agreements, Lessor shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and alteration of the Shared Access Facilities, and for the removal and disposal of all materials, debris and waste generated thereby or therefrom. All such maintenance, repairs, replacements and alterations by Lessor shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner, and in accordance with applicable Laws.
5.2 Operation of the Leased Premises . Subject to the obligations of Lessor or its Affiliates under the Related Agreements, Lessee covenants and agrees to operate the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry and in accordance with all applicable Laws.
5.3 Surrender of the Leased Premises . Subject to Lessees rights to remove the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements pursuant to Section 4.3 above, upon expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee shall surrender the Leased Premises in substantially the same condition as it was delivered to Lessee on the Effective Date, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
5.4 Release of Hazardous Substances . Lessee shall give prompt notice to Lessor of any release of Hazardous Substances on, at or from the Leased Premises that occur during the Term. Lessee shall promptly take all necessary or required steps to contain or remediate (or both) any such release and provide any notifications required by applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws). If Lessor reasonably believes at any time that Lessee is failing to contain or remediate, in compliance with all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws), any release arising from Lessees operations on, at or from the Leased Premises, Lessor may provide written notice to Lessee of such non-compliance and, if Lessee thereafter fails to take appropriate action to remedy or correct such non-compliance within 30 days after receipt of such written notice, Lessor may, without further notice to Lessee, take such actions for Lessees account. Within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of payment for any actions taken by Lessor in accordance with this Section 5.4 , Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf.
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ARTICLE VI
TAXES, ASSESSMENTS
6.1 Lessees Obligation to Pay . Lessee shall pay during the Term, all federal, state and local real and personal property ad valorem taxes, assessments, and other governmental charges, general and special, ordinary and extraordinary, including assessments for public improvements or benefits assessed against the Leased Premises, or improvements situated thereon, including the Lessee Assets and all Additional Improvements, including any federal, state or local income, gross receipts, withholding, franchise, excise, sales, use, value added, recording, transfer or stamp tax, levy, duty, charge or withholding of any kind imposed or assessed by any federal, state or local government, agency or authority, together with any addition to tax, penalty, fine or interest thereon, other than state or U.S. federal income tax imposed upon the taxable income of Lessor and any franchise taxes imposed upon Lessor (such taxes and assessments being hereinafter called Taxes ). In the event that Lessee fails to pay its share of such Taxes in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.1 prior to the time the same become delinquent, Lessor may pay the same and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor all amounts paid by Lessor on Lessees behalf within 30 days following the date Lessor delivers to Lessee evidence of such payment.
6.2 Manner of Payment . Lessee shall pay directly to the applicable taxing authority, prior to delinquency, all Taxes that are separately assessed against the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and, if requested by Lessor, shall promptly thereafter provide Lessor with evidence of such payment. Lessor shall be responsible for the payment of all Taxes that are jointly assessed against the Lake Charles Complex and the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for Lessees reasonable share (allocated on an equitable basis mutually acceptable to Lessor and Lessee) of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in paying such Taxes. Such reimbursement payments shall be made by Lessee within 30 days after Lessors delivery to Lessee of the applicable tax bill or bills and a calculation of Lessees share of the tax reimbursement payments. Lessee may contest, at Lessees sole cost and expense, by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted in good faith in accordance with applicable Laws, the validity or amount of any Taxes or the valuation of the Leased Premises and/or the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, but only to the extent the foregoing are separately assessed, and Lessor shall reasonably cooperate with Lessee, at Lessees cost, in any such contest. Additionally, Lessee shall have the right to request that Lessor contest any Taxes that are jointly assessed against the Lake Charles Complex and the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and any Additional Improvements, and, if Lessor agrees in its reasonable discretion that such contest is necessary or desirable, Lessor shall contest the validity or amount of such Taxes or the valuation of the Lake Charles Complex; the cost of any such contest by Lessor shall be allocated between Lessor and Lessee on a mutually acceptable, equitable basis. Taxes for the first and last years of the Term shall be prorated between the Parties based on the portions of such years that are coincident with the applicable tax years and for which each applicable Party is responsible.
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ARTICLE VII
EMINENT DOMAIN; CASUALTY; INSURANCE
7.1 Condemnation of Leased Premises . If the whole of the Leased Premises are taken or condemned under power of eminent domain, then this Lease shall automatically terminate as of the effective date of such taking or condemnation. If a portion (but less than all) of the Leased Premises are taken or condemned under power of eminent domain, and if, in the reasonable opinion of Lessee, such taking or condemnation materially and adversely affects Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets, then Lessee shall have the right, within 60 days after the effective date of such taking or condemnation, to terminate this Lease by written notice to Lessor.
7.2 Condemnation Awards . Lessor shall be entitled to any award and all damages payable as a result of any condemnation or taking of the fee title of the Leased Premises. Lessee shall have the right to claim and recover from the condemning authority, but not from Lessor, such compensation as may be separately awarded or recoverable by Lessee with respect to Lessees leasehold interests in the Leased Premises or otherwise on account of any damage to the Lessee Assets, the Additional Improvements and/or Lessees business.
7.3 Casualty .
(a) If the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements are destroyed or damaged (each, a Casualty Event ), and if, in the reasonable opinion of Lessee, such Casualty Event materially and adversely affects Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets, then Lessee shall have the right, within 180 days after the occurrence of such Casualty Event, to terminate this Lease by written notice to Lessor. In the event this Lease is terminated pursuant to this Section 7.3, (i) all charges paid or owing hereunder shall be prorated as of the effective date of such termination, (ii) Lessee shall be entitled to any insurance proceeds applicable to the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements, and (iii) Lessee shall, in good faith and with due diligence, remove all Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements from the Leased Premises, and repair and restore any damage to the Leased Premises or the remainder of the Lake Charles Complex caused by such removal, at Lessees sole cost and expense.
(b) In the event Lessee does not timely elect to terminate this Lease following the occurrence of a Casualty Event in accordance with Section 7.3(a) , Lessee shall repair and restore any damaged or destroyed Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements to substantially the condition in which such Lessee Assets and/or Additional Improvements existed immediately prior to the applicable Casualty Event. Such repair and restoration by Lessee shall be performed in good faith and with due diligence, subject to Lessees receipt of any required building or construction permits.
(c) If, notwithstanding Section 7.3(b) , Lessee fails to act in good faith or to use due diligence to repair and restore the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements to the required condition within a reasonable time, then (i) Lessor shall have the right to take such actions as are necessary or reasonable to effect such repair and restoration (and Lessee shall take all actions reasonably necessary to facilitate Lessors actions), and insurance proceeds with respect to any remaining repair or restoration work shall be payable to Lessor, (ii) Lessor shall
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have the right to immediately terminate this Lease upon written notice to Lessee, (iii) Lessee shall be obligated to use any insurance proceeds actually received by Lessee to reasonably clean up the Lessee Assets, Additional Improvements and Leased Premises and (iv) Lessor shall have the option to purchase the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements for the Purchase Price (the Casualty Purchase Option ), as determined in accordance with Section 7.3(d) .
(d) If Lessor elects to exercise the Casualty Purchase Option, Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing (the Option Notice ). Promptly thereafter, Lessor and Lessee shall engage a mutually-acceptable independent appraiser with experience in valuing petrochemical production assets to determine the fair market value of the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements (the Fair Market Value ), which is the price at which a willing buyer would be willing to buy, and a willing seller would be willing to sell, each under no compulsion, the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements in their then-current condition. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvement shall occur on the closing date set forth in the Option Notice (the Option Closing Date ), which date shall not be more than 90 days after Lessors delivery of the Option Notice. At such closing, (i) Lessee shall deliver such duly executed and, if applicable, acknowledged, conveyances, deeds, assignments, bills of sale and other documents and instruments as are required to convey and transfer the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements to Lessor, each of which shall include a special warranty of title or similar warranty of claims and encumbrances created or existing by, through or under Lessee and its Affiliates, but otherwise without warranty and (ii) Lessor shall deliver to Lessee, by wire transfer or other immediately available funds, the Purchase Price. As used herein, the Purchase Price means the Fair Market Value, less any costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with the restoration and repair of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements prior to the Option Closing Date (excluding costs and expenses for which Lessor has actually received insurance proceeds).
7.4 Insurance . Except as otherwise agreed by Lessor and Lessee, Lessee shall, at all times during the Term, maintain or cause to be maintained property and casualty insurance (including pollution insurance) with respect to the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets and the Additional Improvements in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry. All such insurance shall be issued by reputable insurance providers licensed to do business in the state in which the Leased Premises is located. Except as otherwise agreed by Lessor and Lessee, Lessor shall, at all times during the term, maintain or cause to be maintained property and casualty insurance (including pollution insurance) with respect to the Shared Access Facilities in accordance with normal and customary practices in the industry. All such insurance shall be issued by insurance providers which are licensed or authorized to do business in the State of Texas and are rated by A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide as A-, Financial Size VIII, or better. Lessor and Lessee each waives any claim it might have against the other for any damage to or theft, destruction, loss, or loss of use of any property, to the extent the same is insured against under any insurance policy of the types described in this Section 7.4 that covers the Leased Premises, the Lessee Assets, the Additional Improvements or the Shared Access Facilities, regardless of whether the negligence of the other Party caused such loss . Each Party shall cause its insurance carrier to endorse all applicable policies waiving the carriers rights of recovery under subrogation or otherwise against the other Party.
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ARTICLE VIII
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
8.1 Assignment and Subletting . Except as permitted pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, neither Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Lease without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any purported assignment or transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void. Additionally, Lessee may not sublease or otherwise permit any person or entity to occupy any portion of the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Lessor, and any purported sublease or other occupancy agreement shall be null and void.
ARTICLE IX
DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION
9.1 Default by Lessee . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Lessee:
(a) the failure by Lessee to make any payment required to be made by Lessee hereunder as and when the same becomes due and payable, if such failure continues for a period of 15 days following written notice from Lessor;
(b) the failure by Lessee to observe or perform any of the other covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee, if such failure continues for a period of 30 days following written notice from Lessor; provided, however, if a reasonable time to cure such default would exceed 30 days, Lessee shall not be in default so long as Lessee begins to cure such default within 30 days of receiving written notice from Lessor and thereafter completes the curing of such default within reasonable period of time (under the circumstances) following the receipt of such written notice from Lessor;
(c) the occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event with respect to Lessee;
(d) the termination of the Ethylene Sales Agreement by Lessor or Lessors Affiliates, in accordance with the provisions thereof, due to a breach or default by Lessee thereunder, or due to the occurrence of a Force Majeure (as defined in the Ethylene Sales Agreement); or
(e) the failure by Lessee to operate the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements for any period of six consecutive months (subject to extension for Force Majeure in accordance with Section 11.18 ), other than during periods of reconstruction due to the occurrence of a Casualty Event or condemnation, so long as such reconstruction is being performed in compliance with this Lease.
9.2 Lessors Remedies .
(a) Lessor shall have the right, at Lessors option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.1(a) or 9.1(b) remains uncured, to invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 11.23 . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 9.2 , Lessors right to invoke the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Section 11.23 shall be Lessors sole and exclusive remedy under this Lease with respect to a default or breach under Section 9.1(a) or 9.1(b) .
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(b) Lessor shall have the right, at Lessors option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.1(c) , 9.1(d) or 9.1(e) remains uncured, to terminate this Lease and Lessees right to possession of the Leased Premises, without further notice or demand, and to forthwith repossess the Leased Premises by any lawful means in which event Lessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Leased Premises to Lessor; and any such action on the part of Lessor shall be in addition to any other remedy that may be available to Lessor for breach of contract, or otherwise, including the right of setoff.
(c) If, by the terms of this Lease, Lessee is required to do or perform any act or to pay any sum to a third party, and fails or refuses to do so, Lessor, after 30 days written notice to Lessee, without waiving any other right or remedy hereunder for such default, may do or perform such act, at Lessees expense, or pay such sum for and on behalf of Lessee, and the amounts so expended by Lessor shall be repayable on demand, and bear interest from the date expended by Lessor until paid at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) an interest rate equal to the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal , Southwest Edition, in its listing of Money Rates plus five percent (5%) or (ii) the maximum non-usurious rate of interest permitted under applicable Law (the Default Rate ).
9.3 Default by Lessor . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Lessor:
(a) The failure by Lessor to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessor, if such failure continues for a period of 30 days following written notice from Lessee; provided, however, if a reasonable time to cure such default would exceed 30 days, Lessor shall not be in default so long as Lessor begins to cure such default within 30 days of receiving written notice from Lessee and thereafter completes the curing of such default within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of such written notice from Lessee; or
(b) The occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to Lessor.
9.4 Lessees Remedies .
(a) Lessee shall have the right, at Lessees option at any time that a default or breach under Section 9.3(a) or 9.3(b) remains uncured, to invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 11.23 . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 9.4 , Lessees right to invoke the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Section 11.23 shall be Lessees sole and exclusive remedy under this Lease with respect to a default or breach under Section 9.3(a) or 9.3(b) .
(b) If, by the terms of this Lease, Lessor is required to do or perform any act or to pay any sum to a third party, and fails or refuses to do so, Lessee, after 30 days written notice to Lessor, without waiving any other right or remedy hereunder for such default, may do or perform such act, at Lessors expense, or pay such sum for and on behalf of Lessor, and the amounts so expended by Lessee shall be repayable on demand, and bear interest from the date expended by Lessee until paid at the Default Rate.
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ARTICLE X
INDEMNITY
10.1 Indemnification by Lessor . Lessor agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, save and keep harmless Lessee and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, unitholders, members, partners, managers, agents, employees, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the Lessee Indemnified Parties ) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, demands, claims (including claims involving strict or absolute liability in tort), actions, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) of any kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, Claims ) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of the Lessee Indemnified Parties, in any way relating to or arising out of (a) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by Lessor in this Lease, or (b) the exercise of Lessors Parties rights and obligations under Section 2.2(b) ; provided, however, Lessor shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Lessee Indemnified Parties for any such Claim under clauses (a) or (b) to the extent resulting from or arising out of the willful misconduct or negligence of any of the Lessee Indemnified Parties. To the extent that the Lessee Indemnified Parties in fact receive full indemnification payments from Lessor under the indemnification provisions of this Section 10.1 , Lessor shall be subrogated to the Lessee Indemnified Parties rights with respect to the transaction or event requiring or giving rise to such indemnity. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSOR BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF THIS LEASE, EXCEPT THOSE PAYABLE TO THIRD PARTIES FOR WHICH LESSOR WOULD BE LIABLE UNDER THIS SECTION .
10.2 Indemnification by Lessee . Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, save and keep harmless Lessor and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, unitholders, members, partners, managers, agents, employees, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the Lessor Indemnified Parties ) from and against any and all Claims which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Lessor Indemnified Parties, in any way and to the extent relating to or arising out of (a) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by Lessee in this Lease, or (b) the exercise of Lessees Parties rights under Section 2.2(a); provided, however, Lessee shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Lessor Indemnified Parties for any such Claim under clauses (a) or (b) to the extent resulting from or arising out of the willful misconduct or negligence of any of the Lessor Indemnified Parties. To the extent that the Lessor Indemnified Parties in fact receive full indemnification payments from Lessee under the indemnification provisions of this Section 10.2 , Lessee shall be subrogated to the Lessor Indemnified Parties rights with respect to the transaction or event requiring or giving rise to such indemnity. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSEE BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER
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BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF THIS LEASE, EXCEPT THOSE PAYABLE TO THIRD PARTIES FOR WHICH LESSEE WOULD BE LIABLE UNDER THIS SECTION .
10.3 Matters Involving a Third Party . If any Third Party shall notify either Lessor or Lessee with respect to any action or claim by a Third Party (a Third-Party Claim ) that may give rise to a right to claim for indemnification against the other Party under Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 , then the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party thereof in writing; provided, however, that failure to give timely notice shall not affect the right to indemnification to the extent such failure to give timely notice is not prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party.
10.4 Survival . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, the provisions of this Article X shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
10.5 Related Agreements . The Related Agreements may contain additional indemnity provisions. The indemnities contained in this Article X are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any such indemnity provisions contained in the Related Agreements.
ARTICLE XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1 Estoppel Certificates . Lessee and Lessor shall, at any time and from time to time upon not less than 20 days prior written request from the other party, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other a statement in writing (a) certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if modified, stating the nature of such modification and certifying that this Lease, as so modified, is in full force and effect) and the date to which Rent and other charges are paid, (b) acknowledging that there are not, to the executing partys knowledge, any uncured defaults on the part of the other party hereunder (or specifying such defaults, if any are claimed), and (c) making such other factual statements as the executing Party may reasonably agree to make. Any such statement may be conclusively relied upon by any prospective purchaser of the Leased Premises or the leasehold evidenced by this Lease or any lender with respect to the Leased Premises or the leasehold evidenced by this Lease. Nothing in this Section 11.1 shall be construed to waive the conditions elsewhere contained in this Lease applicable to assignment or subletting of the Leased Premises by Lessee.
11.2 Severability . If any provision of this Lease shall be finally determined to be unenforceable, illegal or unlawful, such provision shall, so long as the economic and legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any materially adverse manner as to any Party, be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
11.3 Time of Essence . Time is of the essence in the performance of all obligations falling due hereunder.
11.4 Captions . The headings to Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of this Lease are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Lease.
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11.5 Entire Agreement . This Lease and the Related Agreements (including any exhibits hereto or thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein and therein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein and therein.
11.6 Amendment or Modification . This Lease may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto; provided, that Lessee may not, without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee (as defined in the MLP Partnership Agreement), agree to any amendment or modification of this Agreement that, in the reasonable judgment of MLP GP, will adversely affect the holders of Common Units (as defined in the MLP Partnership Agreement). Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an Amendment or an Addendum to this Lease.
11.7 Exhibits . All exhibits attached to this Lease are hereby made a part hereof and incorporated herein by this reference.
11.8 Notices . Any notice or other communication given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by documented overnight delivery service, (c) sent by electronic mail transmission, or (d) sent by first class mail, postage prepaid (certified or registered mail, return receipt requested). Such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of the delivery. Notices or other communications shall be directed to the following addresses:
Notices to Lessor: |
Westlake Petrochemicals LLC | |
c/o Westlake Chemical Corporation | ||
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 | ||
Houston, Texas 77056 | ||
Attention: Todd Root, | ||
Director, Planning & Business | ||
Developments, Olefins | ||
E-mail: troot@westlake.com | ||
Notices to Lessee: |
Westlake Chemical OpCo LP | |
c/o Westlake Chemical Partners LP | ||
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 | ||
Houston, Texas 77056 | ||
Attention: Lawrence Teel, | ||
Principal Operating Officer | ||
E-mail: steel@westlake.com |
Either Party may at any time change its address for service from time to time by giving notice to the other Party in accordance with this Section 11.8 .
11.9 Waivers . No waiver or waivers of any breach or default or any breaches or defaults by either Party of any term, condition or liability of or performance by the other party of any duty or obligation hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a waiver or waivers of subsequent breaches or defaults of any kind, character or description under any circumstance.
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11.10 No Partnership . The relationship between Lessor and Lessee at all times shall remain solely that of landlord and tenant and shall not be deemed a partnership or joint venture.
11.11 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Subject to the provisions of Article X and Section 11.15 hereof, this Lease inures to the sole and exclusive benefit of Lessor and Lessee, their respective Affiliates, successors, legal representatives, sublessees and assigns, and confers no benefit on any third party.
11.12 Waiver of Landlords Lien . To the extent permitted by Law, Lessor hereby expressly waives any and all liens (constitutional, statutory, contractual or otherwise) upon Lessees personal property now or hereafter installed or placed in or on the Leased Premises, which otherwise might exist to secure payment of the sums herein provided to be paid by Lessee to Lessor.
11.13 Mutual Cooperation; Further Assurances . Upon request by either Party from time to time during the Term, each Party hereto agrees to execute and deliver all such other and additional instruments, notices and other documents and do all such other acts and things as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this Lease and to more fully assure the Parties rights and interests provided for hereunder. Lessor and Lessee each agree to reasonably cooperate with the other on all matters relating to required Permits and regulatory compliance by either Lessee or Lessor in respect of the Leased Premises so as to ensure continued full operation of the Leased Premises by Lessee pursuant to the terms of this Lease.
11.14 No Recording . Unless otherwise mutually-agreed by the Parties, neither this Lease nor any memorandum of lease, short-form lease or other evidence of this Lease shall be filed in the real property records of the county in which the Leased Premises are located. In the event the Parties mutually elect to record this Lease or evidence of this Lease, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor an instrument, in recordable form, evidencing the termination and release of this Lease and any memorandum of lease, short-form lease or other evidence of this Lease (the Lessee Release ), promptly after Lessors request therefor at any time after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. If Lessee fails to deliver the executed Lessee Release within ten days after Lessors request therefor, Lessor shall have the right to execute the Lessee Release on behalf of and in the name of Lessee, and Lessee hereby grants to Lessor an irrevocable power of attorney coupled with an interest for such purpose. Lessor shall have the right to record the Lessee Release at any time after the expiration or termination of this Lease. This Section 11.14 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.
11.15 Binding Effect . Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, this Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors, sublessees and assigns. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to waive the conditions elsewhere contained in this Lease applicable to assignment or subletting of the Leased Premises by the Parties.
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11.16 Choice of Law . The provisions of this Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might require the application of laws of another jurisdiction.
11.17 Quiet Possession . Lessor covenants and warrants that Lessee, upon observing and performing all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessees part to be observed and performed hereunder, may peaceably and quietly have, hold, occupy, use and enjoy, and, subject to the terms of this Lease, shall have the full, exclusive, and unrestricted use and enjoyment of, the Leased Premises during the Term for the purposes permitted herein.
11.18 Force Majeure . In the event of Lessor or Lessee being rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Lease, other than to make payments due hereunder and the obligations under Section 11.17 , it is agreed that on such Partys giving notice and full particulars of such Force Majeure to the other Party as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the cause relied on, then the obligations of the Parties, so far as they are affected by such Force Majeure, shall be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused but for no longer period, and such cause shall, as far as possible, be remedied with all reasonable dispatch. It is understood and agreed that the settlement of strikes or lockouts shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party having the difficulty, and that the above requirements that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes or lockouts by acceding to the demands of the opposing party when such course is inadvisable in the discretion of the Party having the difficulty. Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, inability of a Party to make payments when due, be profitable or secure funds, arrange bank loans or other financing, obtain credit or have adequate capacity or production (other than for reasons of Force Majeure) shall not be regarded as events of Force Majeure.
11.19 Survival . All obligations of Lessor and Lessee that shall have accrued under this Lease prior to the expiration or earlier termination hereof shall survive such expiration or termination to the extent the same remain unsatisfied as of the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. Lessor and Lessee further expressly agree that all provisions of this Lease which contemplate performance after the expiration or earlier termination hereof shall survive such expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
11.20 Brokerage Commissions . Each Party represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker or agent in connection with this Lease. Each Party hereby indemnifies the other for all costs, attorneys fees, and other liabilities for commissions or other compensation claimed by any broker or agent claiming the same by, through, or under the indemnifying party.
11.21 Condition of the Leased Premises . LESSEE HEREBY ACCEPTS THE LEASED PREMISES AS IS, WHERE IS, AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND LESSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, UNDER THIS LEASE AS TO THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE LEASED PREMISES, INCLUDING THE PREMISES MERCHANTABILITY, HABITABILITY, CONDITION, FITNESS, OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.
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11.22 Relocation . If Lessor determines that Lessors use or operations of the Lake Charles Complex require the relocation of any Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements, Lessee shall cause the applicable Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements to be relocated within the Lake Charles Complex, but only so long as (a) the applicable Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements can be relocated within material diminution in the use or value thereof, and (b) during any such relocation, Lessees use and operation of the Lessee Assets and Additional Improvements, taken as a whole, is not materially diminished or otherwise materially and adversely affected. Any relocation of the Lessee Assets or Additional Improvements shall be undertaken by Lessee at Lessors sole cost and expense. Upon completion of any applicable relocation pursuant to this Section 11.22 , the Parties shall execute an amendment to this Lease reflecting the new location(s) of the Lessee Assets.
11.23 Dispute Resolution .
(a) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 9.2 or 9.4 , the dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 11.23 shall be the final, binding and exclusive means to resolve all disputes, controversies or claims (each, a dispute ) arising under this Lease, and each Party irrevocably waives any right to any trial by jury with respect to any dispute arising under this Lease; provided, this Section 11.23 shall not limit either Partys recourse to courts of competent jurisdiction for injunctive or equitable relief that may be necessary to protect the rights and property of such Party or maintain the status quo before or during the pendency of the process set forth in this Section 11.23 .
(b) If a dispute arises, the following procedures shall be implemented:
(i) Any Party may at any time invoke the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 11.23 as to any dispute by providing written notice of such action to the other Party (a Dispute Notice ). The Parties shall thereafter schedule a meeting between the Parties to be held in Houston, Texas on a mutually-acceptable date no later than ten business days after the applicable Dispute Notice is delivered. The meeting shall be attended by representatives of each Party having decision-making authority regarding the dispute as well as the dispute resolution process. The meeting shall also be attended by upper management level personnel of each of the Parties, which persons have not previously been directly engaged in asserting or responding to the dispute. Such persons shall attempt in a commercially reasonable manner to negotiate a resolution of the dispute, which negotiations may entail the involvement of and meetings attended by additional upper management level personnel senior to such persons. If such upper management level personnel have not negotiated a resolution to the dispute within 45 days the date on which the applicable Dispute Notice was delivered, then a meeting attended by the chief executive officer of each Party (or their ultimate parent entities) having full decision-making authority with respect to the applicable Party shall occur and such persons shall attempt in a commercially reasonable manner to negotiate a resolution of the dispute before these procedures may be deemed to have been exhausted. If such persons succeed in negotiating a resolution of the dispute, the Parties shall be directed (in as comprehensive detail as reasonably practicable) to take the actions necessary to carry out such resolution. Each Party shall have a commercially reasonable time in which to take the actions required of it, and such period shall automatically be extended if such Party has in good faith and diligently commenced and continued with its actions (a Cure Period ).
21
(ii) Notwithstanding the existence of any dispute or the pendency of any procedures pursuant to this Section 11.23 , the Parties agree and undertake that all payments under this Lease, and all obligations under this Lease, that are not in dispute shall continue to be paid and performed.
(iii) If a dispute is not resolved pursuant to Section 11.23(b)(i) within 90 days after delivery of the Dispute Notice, or if, following the Cure Period, a Party believes in good faith that a dispute still exists, the representatives of the Parties shall engage in mediation (or such other technique of alternative dispute resolution as the Parties may then agree upon), and a specific timetable and completion date for its implementation shall also be agreed upon. If the completion date therefor shall occur without the Parties having resolved the dispute, then the Parties shall proceed under Section 11.23(b)(iv) below.
(iv) If, after satisfying the requirements above, the dispute is not resolved, then such dispute shall be resolved by any state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Lease is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this Lease. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that it understands and has considered the implications of such waiver, that it makes such waiver voluntarily and that it has been induced to enter into this Lease by, among other things, the mutual waivers in this Section 11.23 .
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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The Parties hereto have executed this Lease to be effective as of the Effective Date.
LESSOR:
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||
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company | ||
By: |
Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, its manager |
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By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
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Name: Albert Chao | ||
Title: President and Secretary | ||
LESSEE: | ||
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP , a Delaware limited partnership |
||
By: |
Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its general partner |
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By: /s/Lawrence E. Teel | ||
Name: Lawrence E. Teel | ||
Title: Principal Operating Officer |
Signature Page to
Site Lease Agreement
(Lake Charles)
EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF LEASED PREMISES
Petro 1 Unit Tract
THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF LAND KNOWN AS THE PETRO 1 UNIT, SITUATED PRIMARILY IN THE W1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF SECTION 23, T10S R10W, CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWES:
COMMENCING AT A PK NAIL FOUND IN THE CENTER OF DAVE DUGAS ROAD, HAVING STATE PLANE COORDINATES OF N:612614.14, E:2639362.74;
THENCE S89°1311E, ALONG THE APPARENT CENTERLINE OF DAVE DUGAS ROAD A DISTANCE OF 2661.07 TO A CALCULATED POINT, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=612577.91, E=2642023.39;
THENCE N00°5123EA DISTANCE OF 3413.13 TO A CALCULATED POINT, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=615990.43, E=2642074.40;
THENCE N00°890829W A DISTANCE OF 137.69 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID PETRO UNIT 1 TRACT, HAVING STATE PLANE COORDINATES OF N:=615992.50, E=2641936.74;
THENCE, N89° 08 29W A DISTANCE OF 1147.23 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER
THENCE, N00° 51 53E A DISTANCE OF 221.34 TO A TO A 5/8 IR.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, S89° 07 45E A DISTANCE OF 236.49 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N00° 52 01E A DISTANCE OF 354.83 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N89° 08 03W A DISTANCE OF 85.89 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N00° 51 48E A DISTANCE OF 121.74 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R. S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N89° 0715W A DISTANCE OF 86.90 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S EQR CORNER;
THENCE, N00° 50 45E A DISTANCE OF 91.86 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, S89° 08 18E A DISTANCE OF 50.29 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N00° 52 11E A DISTANCE OF 155.40 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE S89° 11 32E A DISTANCE OF 36.57 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER:
THENCE, N00° 51 56E A DISTANCE OF 218.09 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, S 89° 08 31 E A DISTANCE OF 996.65 TO A TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER. THENCE, S 00° 5147 W FOR A DISTANCE OF 1163.30 TO A TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 26.99 ACRES OR 1175894 SQUARE FEET.
[LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
A-1
Petro 1.1 Unit Tract
THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF LAND KNOWN AS THE PETRO 1.1 UNIT, SITUATED PRIMARILY IN THE W1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF SECTION 23, T10S R10W, CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWES:
COMMENCING AT A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR A SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PETRO 1 26.99 ACRE TRACT;
THENCE N06°2406E A DISTANCE OF 96.38 TO A CALCULATED POINT FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=616326.77, E=2640803.80, FROM WHICH A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR AN OFFSET CORNER BEARS N89°0150W A DISTANCE OF 6.00;
THENCE N00°5035E A DISTANCE OF 62.20 TO A CALCULATED POINT FOR CORNER, FROM WHICH A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR AN OFFSET CORNER BEARS N89°0936W A DISTANCE OF 6.00;
THENCE S89°0936E A DISTANCE OF 47.56 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE S00°4804W A DISTANCE OF 62 30 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE N89°0150W A DISTANCE OF 47.61 TO THE POINT OF BEING CONTAINING 0.07 ACRES OR 3049 SQUARE FEET.
Petro 2 Unit Tract
THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF LAND KNOWN AS THE PETRO 2 UNIT, PRIMARILY SITUATED IN THE E1/2 OF THE NW1/4 OF SECTION 23, T10S R10W, CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWES:
COMMENCING AT A PK NAIL FOUND IN THE CENTER OF DAVE DUGAS ROAD, HAVING STATE PLANE COORDINATES OF N:612614.14,E:2639362.74;
THENCE,N00°5256E A DISTANCE OF 3,320.76 TO A CALCULATED POINT, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=615934.28,E=2639413.86;
THENCE, S89°0704E A DISTANCE OF 487.93 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID PETRO UNIT 2, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N= 615926.77, E=2639901.69.
THENCE, N00°5131E A DISTANCE OF 1201.33 TO A 5/8 I.R.S FOR CORNER;
THENCE,S89°0826E A DISTANCE OF 849.64 TO A 5/8I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, S00°5139W A DISTANCE OF 1201.31 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE, N89°0832W A DISTANCE OF 849.60 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 23.43 ACRES OR 1,020,662 SQUARE FEET.
[LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.]
A-2
Co-Products Tract
THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF LAND KNOWN AS CO-PRODUCTS, SITUATED IN THE E1/2 OF THE NW1/4 OF THE SE1/4 OF SECTION 23, T10S R10W, CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWES:
COMMENCING AT A PK NAIL FOUND IN THE CENTER OF DAVE DUGAS ROAD, HAVING STATE PLANE COORDINATES OF N:612614.14,E:2639362.74;
THENCE N89°1311E, ALONG THE APPARENT CENTERLINE OF DAVE DUGAS ROAD A DISTANCE OF 2661.07 TO A CALCULATED POINT, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=612577.91, E=2642023.39;
THENCE N00°5123E A DISTANCE OF 1449.71 TO A CALCULATED POINT, HAVING STATE PLANE VALUES OF N=614027.36, E=2642045.06;
THENCE N89°0757W A DISTANCE OF 144.00 TO 5/8 I.R.S. FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID CO-PRODUCTS TRACT, HAVING STATE PLANE COORDINATES OF N:=614029.19, E=2641901.07.
THENCE N89°0757W A DISTANCE OF 177.72 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE N48°1708W A DISTANCE OF 339.29 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE N00°5141E A DISTANCE OF 620.78 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE S89°0834E A DISTANCE OF 434.29 TO A 5/8 I.R.S. FOR CORNER;
THENCE S00°5123W A DISTANCE OF 842.77 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 7.75 ACRES OF OR 337540 SQUARE FEET.
A-3
EXHIBIT B
DEPICTION OF LEASED PREMISES
Petro 1 Unit and Petro 1.1 Unit
B-1
Petro 2 Unit
B-2
Co-Products
B-3
Exhibit 10.7
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP
DATED AS OF AUGUST 4, 2014
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP, dated as of August 4, 2014, is entered into and executed by WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the General Partner, and WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC., a Delaware corporation, and WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP, a Delaware limited partnership, as Limited Partners.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Partnership (as defined below) was formed on May 6, 2014 pursuant to the Act (as defined below), subject to an Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of May 6, 2014 (the Agreement of Limited Partnership) entered into by WPT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as limited partner, and the General Partner (as defined below), as general partner;
WHEREAS, the Partnership, through various transactions, issued additional limited partner interests in the Partnership to WPT LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and Westlake Longview Corporation;
WHEREAS, WPT LLC contributed a portion of its limited partner interest in the Partnership to Westlake Chemical Partners LP;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Limited Partners now desire to amend and restate the Agreement of Limited Partnership in its entirety upon the terms and conditions stated below; and
WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the General Partner is a disregarded entity and the general partner interest owned by the General Partner is treated as owned by Westlake Chemical Partners LP.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement of Limited Partnership is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, apply to the terms used in this Agreement.
Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as amended from time to time, and any successor to such act.
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Adjusted Capital Account means the Capital Account maintained for each Partner (a) increased by any amounts that the Partner is deemed obligated to contribute or restore to the Partnership pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), and (b) decreased by any amounts described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), or (6) with respect to such Partner.
Adjusted Capital Account Deficit means a deficit balance in the Adjusted Capital Account of a Partner.
Affiliate means, with respect 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, the Person in question. As used herein, the term control means the possession, direct or indirect, 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 means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time. This Agreement shall constitute a partnership agreement as such term is defined in the Act.
Agreement of Limited Partnership has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Bad Faith means with respect to any determination, action or omission, of any Person, board or committee, that such Person, board or committee reached such determination, or engaged in or failed to engage in such act or omission, with the belief that such determination, action or omission was adverse to the interest of the Partnership.
Capital Account means, with respect to any Partner, the capital account maintained for such Member in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1 .
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of cash and the initial Gross Asset Value of any property other than cash contributed to the Partnership by such Partner. Any reference in this Agreement to a Capital Contribution of a Partner shall include a Capital Contribution contributed by its predecessors in interest.
Certificate of Limited Partnership means the Certificate of Limited Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to which the Partnership was formed as a Delaware limited partnership and as described in the first sentence of Section 2.5 , as amended or restated from time to time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and in effect 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 any successor law.
Depreciation means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction allowable for federal income tax purposes with respect to an asset for the Fiscal Year as determined by the General Partner; provided that if the Gross Asset Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at
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the beginning of the Fiscal Year or other period, Depreciation for the Fiscal Year or other period shall equal to the amount of book basis recovered for the Fiscal Year or other period under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d)(2) and provided , further , that if the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for the Fiscal Year or other period is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with reference to the beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the General Partner.
Fiscal Year has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 of this Agreement.
General Partner means Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, and any successor to Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, as the general partner of the Partnership.
Gross Asset Value means, with respect to any asset, such assets adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:
(a) the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Partner to the Partnership shall be the gross fair market value of such asset, as agreed to by the Partners;
(b) the Gross Asset Value of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values, as determined by the Partners, in connection with: (i) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Partnership by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (ii) the distribution by the Partnership to a Partner of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets as consideration for an interest in the Partnership; (iii) the liquidation of the Partnership within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) (other than pursuant to Section 708(b)(1)(B) of the Code); (iv) the issuance of a Noncompensatory Option; or (v) any other event to the extent determined by the Partners to be necessary to properly reflect the Gross Asset Values in accordance with the standards set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q); provided , however , that in the event of the issuance of an interest in the Partnership pursuant to the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option where the right to share in Partnership capital represented by the Partnership interest differs from the consideration paid to acquire and exercise the Noncompensatory Option, the Gross Asset Value of each Partnership asset immediately after the issuance of the Partnership interest shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable to the Partnership asset and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be adjusted in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); and provided further , however, that adjustments pursuant to clause (i) and clause (ii) of this sentence (or clause (iv) of this sentence in the event of the issuance of a Noncompensatory Option to acquire a de minimis Interest in the Partnership) shall be made only if the General Partner reasonably determines that the adjustments are necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners in the Partnership. If any Noncompensatory Options are outstanding upon the occurrence of an event described in this paragraph (b)(i) through (b)(v), the Partnership shall adjust the Gross Asset Values of its properties in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2).
3
(c) the Gross Asset Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be the gross fair market value of such asset on the date of distribution, as determined by the distributee Partner and the other Partners; and
(d) the Gross Asset Values of Partnership assets shall be adjusted to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) (including Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m); provided, however, that Gross Asset Value shall not be adjusted pursuant to this paragraph (d) to the extent that an adjustment pursuant to paragraph (b) above is made in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this paragraph (d).
If the Gross Asset Value of an asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to paragraph (a), paragraph (b) or paragraph (d) above, such Gross Asset Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset for purposes of computing Profits and Losses.
Gross Liability Value means, with respect to any liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i), the amount of cash that a willing assignor would pay to a willing assignee to assume the liability in an arms-length transaction.
Indemnitee means (a) the General Partner, (b) any former General Partner, (c) any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any former General Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a member, partner, director, officer, fiduciary or trustee of any Person which any of the preceding clauses of this definition describes, (e) any Person who is or was serving at the request of the General Partner or any former General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner or any former General Partner as an officer, director, member, partner, fiduciary or trustee of another Person, ( provided , however , that that Person shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services), and (f) any other Person the General Partner designates as an Indemnitee for purposes of this Agreement.
Law means any applicable statute, law (including any obligation arising under the common law), rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.
Limited Partner means the Persons listed as Limited Partners on Schedule I , as it may be updated, amended, supplemented or restated from time to time by the General Partner, and any other limited partner admitted to the Partnership from time to time following the date of this Agreement.
Noncompensatory Option has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.721-2(f).
Nonrecourse Deductions shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b).
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Partner means the General Partner or any Limited Partner.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).
Partnership means Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Minimum Gain shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).
Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the percentage set forth on Schedule I next to such Partners name under the heading Percentage Interest. The Percentage Interest with respect to the General Partner shall at all times be zero.
Person or person means an individual or a corporation, firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, governmental agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
Profits or Losses means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the Partnerships taxable income or loss for such Fiscal Year, determined in accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (but including in taxable income or loss, for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Section 703(a)(1) of the Code), with the following adjustments:
(a) any income of the Partnership exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition shall be added to such taxable income or loss;
(b) any expenditures of the Partnership described in Section 705(a)(2)(b) of the Code (or treated as expenditures described in Section 705(a)(2)(b) of the Code pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i)) and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;
(c) in the event the Gross Asset Value of any Partnership asset is adjusted in accordance with paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the Partnership asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the Partnership asset) from the disposition of such asset for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;
5
(d) gain or loss resulting from any disposition of any Partnership asset with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the asset disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such asset differs from its Gross Asset Value;
(e) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such Fiscal Year or other period, computed in accordance with the definition of Depreciation;
(f) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) (including Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Account balances as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Partners interest in the Partnership, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;
(g) the Gross Liability Value of each liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i) will be adjusted at such times as are provided in this Agreement for an adjustment to the Gross Asset Values of the Partnerships assets. The amount of any adjustment will be treated as an item of loss (if the adjustment increases the Gross Liability Value of the liability) or an item of gain (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Liability Value of the liability); and
(h) notwithstanding any other provisions of this definition, any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 7.2 , Section 7.3 , or Section 10.2(b) shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses.
Treasury Regulation means the applicable Income Tax Regulations, including Temporary Regulations, promulgated under the Code. Any and all references herein to a specific provision of a Treasury Regulation shall be deemed to refer to any corresponding successor provision.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.1 Formation . The General Partner and WPT LLC, as the initial limited partner, formed the Partnership as a limited partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Act. The General Partner and the Limited Partners hereby enter into this Agreement to set forth the rights and obligations of the Partners and certain matters related thereto. Except as otherwise provided herein, the rights and obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Act.
Section 2.2 Name . The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Westlake Chemical OpCo LP.
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Section 2.3 Principal Office; Registered Office .
(a) The principal office of the Partnership shall be at 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other places as the General Partner deems advisable.
(b) The registered office of the Partnership required by the Act to be maintained in the State of Delaware shall be the office of the initial registered agent named in the Certificate of Limited Partnership, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate in the manner provided by law. The registered agent for service of process at such address shall be the initial registered agent named in the Certificate of Limited Partnership, or such other person as the General Partner may designate in the manner provided by law.
Section 2.4 Term . The Partnership commenced on the date the Certificate of Limited Partnership was filed pursuant to Section 2.5 and shall continue in existence until an election by the General Partner to dissolve the Partnership.
Section 2.5 Organizational Certificate . A Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Act. The General Partner shall file or cause to be filed such other certificates or documents as may be required for the formation, operation and qualification of a limited partnership in the State of Delaware and any jurisdiction in which the Partnership may elect to do business. The General Partner shall file or cause to be filed any necessary amendments to the Certificate of Limited Partnership and any such other certificates and documents and do all things requisite to the maintenance of the Partnership as a limited partnership (or as a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware and any jurisdiction in which the Partnership may elect to do business.
Section 2.6 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be January 1 to December 31.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose and business of the Partnership shall be to engage in any lawful activity for which limited partnerships may be organized under the Act.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; PERCENTAGE INTERESTS
No Partner shall have the obligation to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership. The Percentage Interests of the Partners are set forth on Schedule I, as such schedule may be updated, amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS ALLOCATIONS
Section 5.1 Capital Accounts .
(a) A separate Capital Account shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) to such Partners Capital Account there shall be credited such Partners Capital Contributions, such Partners distributive share of Profits, special allocations of income and gain, and the net amount of any Partnership liabilities that are assumed by such Partner or that are secured by any Partnership assets distributed to such Partner;
(ii) to such Partners Capital Account there shall be debited the amount of cash and the Gross Asset Value of any Partnership assets distributed to such Partner pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, such Partners distributive share of Losses, special allocations of loss and deduction, and the net amount of any liabilities of such Partner that are assumed by the Partnership or that are secured by any property contributed by such Partner to the Partnership;
(iii) In the event an interest is transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee will succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest
(iv) in determining the amount of any liability for purposes of this Section 5.1 (a), there shall be taken into account Section 752(c) of the Code and any other applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b), and will be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with those Treasury Regulations. In the event the General Partner determines in good faith and on a commercially reasonable basis that it is prudent to modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits or credits thereto are computed in order to comply with those Treasury Regulations, the General Partner may make the modification. The General Partner also shall, in good faith and on a commercially reasonable basis, (a) make any adjustments to the Capital Accounts that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the aggregate Capital Accounts of the Partners and the amount of capital reflected on the Partnerships balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q) and (b) make any appropriate modifications to the Capital Accounts in the event unanticipated events might otherwise cause this Agreement not to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b).
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ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 6.1 Reserves and Distributions . From time to time, but not less often than quarterly, the General Partner shall review the Partnerships accounts and determine the amount of the Partnerships available cash and appropriate reserves (including cash reserves for future maintenance capital expenditures, working capital, turnaround reserves and other matters), and the Partnership shall make a distribution to the Partners of the available cash, subject to the reserves. The General Partners determination of the amount of distributions and reserves shall be made on its behalf by its sole member, Westlake Chemical Partners LP. The General Partner may make such cash distributions as it may determine and without being limited to current or accumulated income or gains from any Partnership funds, including, without limitation, Partnership revenues, capital contributions or borrowed funds; provided , that no such distribution shall be made if, after giving effect thereto, the liabilities of the Partnership exceed the fair market value of the assets of the Partnership. The General Partner may, subject to the foregoing proviso, also cause the Partnership to distribute to the Partners other Partnership property or other securities of the Partnership or other entities. Except as provided in Section 10.2, all distributions shall be made to the Partners in accordance with their Percentage Interests.
ARTICLE VII
ALLOCATIONS
Section 7.1 Profits . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 7.3 and Section 7.4, and except as provided in Section 7.2 and Section 11.2(b), all Profits from operations for each Fiscal Year (or part thereof) shall be allocated to the Partners in the following order and priority:
(a) First, to the General Partner until the General Partner has been allocated an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the absolute value of cumulative Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section 7.2(b) for all prior Fiscal Years, over (ii) the cumulative amount of Profits allocated to the General Partner pursuant this Section 7.1(a) for all prior Fiscal Years;
(b) Second, to the Limited Partners in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the absolute value of cumulative Losses allocated to each such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.2(a) for all prior Fiscal Years, over (ii) the cumulative Profits allocated to such Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 7.1(b) for all prior Fiscal Years; and
(c) Third, to the Limited Partners accordance with their Percentage Interests.
Section 7.2 Losses . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 7.3, and Section 7.4, and except as provided in Section 10.2(b), all Losses from operations for each Fiscal Year (or part thereof) shall be allocated to the Partners in the following order and priority:
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(a) First, to the Limited Partners in accordance with their Percentage Interests; provided, no Losses shall be allocated to any Limited Partner to the extent that such allocation would result in a Limited Partner having an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit; and
(b) Second, to the General Partner.
To the extent Losses allocated to a Limited Partner would cause such Limited Partner to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year, the Losses will be reallocated to the other Limited Partners to the extent such reallocation will not cause any such Limited Partner to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. If any Limited Partner receives an allocation of Losses otherwise allocable to another Limited Partner pursuant to this provision, such Limited Partner shall be allocated Profits in subsequent Fiscal Years necessary to reverse the effect of such reallocation of Losses and such allocation of Profits (if any) shall be made before any other Profit allocations under Section 7.1.
Section 7.3 Special Allocations . The following special allocations shall be made in the following order:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 7, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year, each Partner will be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for the Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to the Partners share of the net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence will be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 7.3(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and will be interpreted consistently therewith.
(b) Partner Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 7, if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt during any Fiscal Year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to that Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(5), will be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for the Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to the Partners share of the net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence will be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated will be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 7.3(b) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and will be interpreted consistently therewith.
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(c) Qualified Income Offset . In the event that any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Sections 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 Partnership income and gain will be allocated to the Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Partner as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 7.2(c) will be made only if and to the extent that the Partner would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article 7 have been tentatively made as if this Section 7.3(c) were not in this Agreement.
(d) Gross Income Allocation . In the event that any Partner has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year, each such Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of the deficit as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 7.3(d) will be made only if and to the extent that the Partner would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article 7 have been tentatively made as if Section 7.3(c) and this Section 7.3(d) were not in this Agreement.
(e) Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance each Partners Percentage Interest.
(f) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Any Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year will be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which the Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1).
(g) Section 754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset, pursuant to Code Section 734(b) (including pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a distribution to a Partner in complete liquidation of the Partners interest in the Partnership, the amount of the adjustment to Capital Accounts will be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis) and the gain or loss will be allocated to the Partners in proportion to their interests in the Partnership in the event Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) applies, or to the Partner to whom the distribution was made in the event Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.
Section 7.4 Regulatory Allocations . The allocations set forth in Section 7.3 (the Regulatory Allocations ) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Treasury Regulations. It is the intent of the Partners that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to this Section 7.4. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 7 (other than the Regulatory Allocations), but subject to the Code and the Treasury Regulations, the General Partner shall make such offsetting special allocations of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Partners Capital
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Account balance is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Partner would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of this Agreement. In making such determination, the General Partner shall take into account future Regulatory Allocations that, although not yet made, are likely to offset other Regulatory Allocations previously made.
Section 7.5 Income Tax Allocations .
(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.5, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership for federal income tax purposes shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as such items are allocated for book purposes under Section 7.1 , Section 7.2 , Section 7.3 , Section 7.4 , and Section 10.2(b) .
(b) In accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the Partnership shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Partners so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Partnership for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value at the time of its contribution to the Partnership. If the Gross Asset Value of any Partnership property is adjusted in accordance with clause (b) or (d) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, then subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction shall take into account any variation between the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value as provided in Code Section 704(c) and the related Treasury Regulations. For purposes of such allocations, the Partnership shall elect the remedial allocation method described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d).
(c) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit allocated to the Partners in accordance with the provisions hereof and basis allocations recognized by the Partnership for federal income tax purposes shall be determined without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the Partnership.
(d) If any deductions for depreciation or cost recovery are recaptured as ordinary income upon the Transfer of Partnership properties, the ordinary income character of the gain from such Transfer shall be allocated among the Partners in the same ratio as the deductions giving rise to such ordinary character were allocated.
Section 7.6 Allocation and Other Rules .
(a) Profits, Losses, and any other items of income, gain, loss, or deduction will be allocated to the Partners pursuant to this Article 7 as of the last day of each Fiscal Year, provided that Profits, Losses, and the other items will also be allocated at any time the Gross Asset Values of the Partnerships assets are adjusted pursuant to paragraph (b) of the definition of Gross Asset Value .
(b) In the event Partners are admitted to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement on different dates, the Profits (or Losses) allocated to the Partners for each Fiscal Year during which Partners are so admitted shall be allocated among the Partners in proportion to their Percentage Interests during such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 706 of the Code, using any convention permitted by Law and selected by the General Partner that takes into account the varying interests of the Partners during such Fiscal Year.
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(c) For purposes of determining the Profits, Losses or any other items allocable to any period, Profits, Losses and any such other items shall be determined on a daily, monthly or other basis, as determined by the General Partner using any method that is permissible under Section 706 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(d) The Partners are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Article 7 and hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this Article 7 in reporting their shares of Partnership income and loss for tax purposes.
ARTICLE VIII
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BUSINESS
Section 8.1 General Partners Authority; Reimbursement . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all powers to control and manage the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner; and the Limited Partners shall not have any power to control or manage the Partnership. The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a basis as the General Partner may determine for (a) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any Person, including Affiliates of the General Partner, to perform services for the Partnership or for the General Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership) and (b) all other direct and indirect expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the Partnerships business (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 8.1 shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the General Partner as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section 8.3 . The General Partner may be removed or replaced only with the written consent of the General Partner and Limited Partners having at least 95% of the Percentage Interests.
Section 8.2 Approval Required for Certain Action . In addition to matters set forth in Section 6.1 , the General Partner shall not cause the Partnership to, and the Partnership shall not, take any of the following actions without the approval or consent of the Limited Partners (which consent may be made categorically or by policy):
(a) effecting any merger or consolidation involving the Partnership;
(b) effecting any sale or exchange of all or substantially all of Partnerships assets;
(c) dissolving or liquidating the Partnership;
(d) creating or causing to exist any consensual restriction on the ability of the Partnership or its subsidiaries to make distributions, pay any indebtedness, make loans or advances or transfer assets to its Limited Partners or their subsidiaries;
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(e) settling or compromising any claim, dispute or litigation directly against, or otherwise relating to indemnification by the Partnership of, any of the directors or officers of the General Partner; or
(f) issuing additional interests in the Partnership.
Section 8.3 Indemnification .
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, all Indemnitees shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all threatened, pending or completed claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal and including appeals, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee and acting (or refraining to act) in such capacity; provided , that the Indemnitee shall not be indemnified and held harmless if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Section 8.3 , the Indemnitee acted in Bad Faith or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the Indemnitees conduct was unlawful. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 8.3 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being agreed that the Partners shall not be personally liable for such indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to Section 8.3(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Section 8.3 , that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified upon receipt by the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized by this Section 8.3 .
(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 8.3 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any agreement, as a matter of law, in equity or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitees capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other capacity, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the Indemnitee.
(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse any Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of any Partner, its Affiliates, the Indemnitees and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against, or expense that may be incurred by, such Person in connection with the Partnerships activities or such Persons activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
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(e) For purposes of this Section 8.3 , the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines within the meaning of Section 8.3(a) ; and action taken or omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the best interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose that is in the best interests of the Partnership.
(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject any of the Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.
(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 8.3 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(h) The provisions of this Section 8.3 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees and their heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.
(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 8.3 or any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.3 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 8.4 Limitation of Liability of Indemnitees .
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement or under the Act or any other law, rule or regulation at equity, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages or otherwise to the Partnership, to another Partner, to any other Person who acquires an interest in the Partnership or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, for losses sustained or liabilities incurred, of any kind or character, as a result of its or any other Indemnitees determinations, act(s) or omission(s) in their capacities as Indemnitees; provided however, that an Indemnitee shall be liable for losses or liabilities sustained or incurred by the Partnership, any Partners, any other Persons who acquire an interest in the Partnership or any other Person bound by this Agreement, if it is determined by a final non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that such losses or liabilities were the result of the conduct engaged by such Indemnitee being in in Bad Faith or with respect to any criminal conduct, with the knowledge that such Indemnitees conduct was unlawful.
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(b) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership, any Partners, any other Persons who acquire an interest in the Partnership or any other Person bound by this Agreement, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in connection with the Partnerships business or affairs shall not be liable to the Partnership, to any Partner, to any person who acquires an interest in the Partnership or to any other Person bound by this Agreement for its reliance on the provisions of this Agreement.
(c) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 8.4 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the liability of the Indemnitees under this Section 8.4 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 8.5 Loans or Contributions from the Partnership . The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Affiliate or Limited Partner, and any Affiliate or Limited Partner may borrow from the Partnership, funds on terms and conditions determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE IX
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
The Limited Partners shall have no liability under this Agreement except as otherwise provided by Law.
ARTICLE X
TAX MATTERS
Section 10.1 Tax Matters Partner . The tax matters partner of the Partnership for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code shall be the General Partner, and shall have the power to manage and control, on behalf of the Partnership, any administrative proceeding at the Partnership level with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the determination of any item of Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or credit for federal income tax purposes.
Section 10.2 Section 754 Election . The tax matters partner shall make, on behalf of the Partnership, an election in accordance with Section 754 of the Code, so as to adjust the basis of Partnership property in the case of a distribution of property within the meaning of Section 734 of the Code, and in the case of a transfer of interests within the meaning of Section 743 of the Code.
ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 11.1 Events Causing Dissolution . The Partnership shall be dissolved, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon the expiration of its term as provided in Section 2.4 . Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partner shall promptly notify the Partners of such dissolution.
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Section 11.2 Liquidation .
(a) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partner shall carry out the winding up of the Partnership and shall immediately commence to wind up the Partnerships affairs; provided, a reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the satisfaction of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Partners to minimize the normal losses attendant upon a liquidation. The proceeds of liquidation shall be applied first to payment of all expenses and debts of the Partnership and setting up of such reserves as the General Partner reasonably deems necessary to wind up the Partnerships affairs and to provide for any contingent liabilities or obligations of the Partnership; provided, the unpaid principal of and interest on any loans made to the Partnership by Partners (and their Affiliates) shall be distributed pro rata to the Partners (and their Affiliates) who made such loans, in proportion to the total amount of principal and interest payable on such loans, such distributions being treated first as a payment of accrued interest on such loans and next as a payment of principal on such loans. Any remaining proceeds shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with their positive Capital Account balances after giving effect to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all periods.
(b) In the event of any liquidation and winding up of the Partnership under this Section 10.2 or a sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, either voluntary or involuntary, Profits and Losses and each item of gross income, gain, loss and deduction for such period shall be allocated to the Partners so that, to the maximum extent possible, the Partners Capital Account balances are in proportion to their Percentage Interests, and no other allocation of Profit or Loss pursuant to this Agreement shall reverse the effect of such allocation. If in the year of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Partners Capital Accounts are not in proportion to their Percentage Interests after the application of the preceding sentence, then to the extent permitted by Law and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, items of gross income and gain for any preceding taxable period(s) with respect to which IRS Form 1065 Schedules K-1 have not been filed by the Partnership shall be reallocated among the Partners until the Partners Capital Accounts are in proportion to their Percentage Interests, and no other allocation of Profit or Loss pursuant to this Agreement shall reverse the effect of such allocation.
Section 11.3 Termination . The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the Partners in the manner provided for in this Article 11 and the Certificate shall have been canceled, or such other documents required under the Act to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware have been so executed and filed, in the manner required by the Act.
Section 11.4 Claims of the Partners or Third Parties . The Partners and former Partners shall look first to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners
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shall look to the General Partner for a return of their Capital Contributions; provided, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the rights of a Partner under applicable Law. In the event any Partner other than the General Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account at the time of the Partnerships dissolution, it shall not be required to restore such account to a positive balance or otherwise make any payments to the Partnership or its creditors or other third parties in respect of such deficiency.
Section 11.5 Distributions In-Kind . If any assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in kind, such assets shall be distributed to the Partner(s) entitled thereto as tenants-in-common in the same proportions as such Partner(s) would have been entitled to cash distributions if (i) such assets had been sold for cash by the Partnership at the fair market value of such property (taking the Gross Asset Value definition herein and Code Section 7701(g) into account) on the date of distribution; (ii) any unrealized income, gain, loss and deduction inherent in such property (that has not been reflected in the Capital Accounts previously) that would be realized by the Partnership from such sale were allocated among the Partner(s) as Profits or Losses in accordance with this Agreement; and (iii) the cash proceeds were distributed to the Partner(s) in accordance with this Article 11. The Capital Accounts of the Partner(s) shall be increased by the amount of any unrealized income or gain inherent in such property or decreased by the amount of any loss or deduction inherent in such property that would be allocable to them, and shall be reduced by the fair market value of the assets distributed to them under the preceding sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partners shall have the right to assign their interest to such in-kind distribution to any Person.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Subject to Section 8.3, the General Partner may amend any provision of this Agreement with the consent of the Limited Partners having at least 75% of the Percentage Interests, and may execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith.
ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 13.1 Addresses and Notices . Any notice to the Partnership shall be deemed given if received by it in writing at the principal office of the Partnership designated pursuant to Section 2.3(a) . Any notice to the General Partner or a Limited Partner shall be deemed given if received by it in writing at the address designated in Schedule I , or such other place as the General Partner or Limited Partner may from time to time designate.
Section 13.2 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns.
Section 13.3 Integration . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
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Section 13.4 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof, or of such provision in other respects, shall not be affected thereby.
Section 13.5 Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 13.6 No Third Party Beneficiary . This Agreement is made solely and specifically for the benefit of the Partners and their successors and assigns and no other Persons shall have any rights, interest or claims hereunder or be entitled to any benefits under or on account of this Agreement as a third party beneficiary or otherwise. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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WHEREFORE , this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership has been duly executed by the General Partner and the Limited Partners as of the date first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO GP LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Lawrence E. Teel | |
Name: | Lawrence E. Teel | |
Title: | Principal Operating Officer | |
LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
WPT LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., its manager | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary |
S IGNATURE P AGE TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED A GREEMENT OF L IMITED P ARTNERSHIP
WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President | |
WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Secretary | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP | ||
By: | Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, its general partner | |
By: | /s/ Albert Chao | |
Name: | Albert Chao | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
S IGNATURE P AGE TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED A GREEMENT OF L IMITED P ARTNERSHIP
SCHEDULE I
Limited Partner Name and Address |
Percentage Interest |
|
WPT LLC 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
39.260% | |
Westlake Petrochemicals LLC 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
34.340% | |
Westlake Longview Corporation 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
2.090% | |
Westlake Vinyls, Inc. 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
13.733% | |
Westlake Chemical Partners LP 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
10.577% | |
General Partner Name and Address | ||
Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77056 |
0.000% |
Exhibit 10.8
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. Purpose of the Plan . The Westlake Chemical Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan ) has been adopted by Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner ), the general partner of Westlake Chemical Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership ). The Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Partnership and its Affiliates by providing to Employees, Consultants and Directors incentive compensation awards denominated in or based on Units to encourage superior performance. The Plan is also intended to enhance the ability of the General Partner, the Partnership and their respective Affiliates to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for the growth and profitability of the Partnership and to encourage such individuals to devote their best efforts to advancing the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
Section 2. Definitions . As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) Affiliate means, with respect 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, the Person in question. As used herein, the term control means the possession, direct or indirect, 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.
(b) ASC Topic 718 means Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation , or any successor accounting standard.
(c) Award means an Option, Restricted Unit, Phantom Unit, DER, Unit Appreciation Right, Other Unit-Based Award or Unit Award granted under the Plan.
(d) Award Agreement means the written or electronic agreement by which an Award shall be evidenced.
(e) Board means the board of directors of the General Partner.
(f) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(g) Committee means the Board or such committee of, and appointed by, the Board to administer the Plan; provided , however , that in the absence of the Boards appointment of a committee to administer the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall serve as the Committee.
(h) Consultant means an individual, other than a Director or Employee, who renders bona fide consulting or advisory services to the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their respective Affiliates.
(i) DER means a distribution equivalent right representing a contingent right to receive an amount in cash, Units, Restricted Units and/or Phantom Units, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, equal in value to the distributions made by the Partnership with respect to a Unit during the period such Award is outstanding.
(j) Director means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.
(k) Employee means an employee of the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their respective Affiliates.
(l) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(m) Fair Market Value means, as of any given date, (i) if the Units are traded on a national securities exchange on such date, the closing sales price of a Unit on such date during normal trading hours (or, if there are no reported sales on such date, on the last date prior to such date on which there were reported sales) on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Units are not then-listed on such exchange, on any other national securities exchange on which the Units are listed or on an inter-dealer quotation system, in any case, as reported in such source as the Committee shall select or (ii) if there is no regular public trading market for the Units at the time a determination of fair market value is required to be made hereunder, the amount determined in good faith by the Committee and, to the extent applicable, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, to be the fair market value of a Unit as of such date.
(n) Option means an option to purchase Units granted pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan.
(o) Other Unit-Based Award means an Award granted pursuant to Section 6(e) of the Plan.
(p) Participant means an Employee, Consultant or Director granted an Award under the Plan.
(q) Person means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, governmental agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
(r) Phantom Unit means a notional interest granted under the Plan that, to the extent vested, entitles the Participant to receive a Unit (or such greater or lesser number of Units as may be provided pursuant to the applicable Award Agreement), an amount of cash equal to the Fair Market Value of a Unit (or such greater or lesser number of Units as may be provided pursuant to the applicable Award Agreement) or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as provided in the applicable Award Agreement.
(s) Qualified Member means a member of the Committee who is a nonemployee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.
(t) Restricted Period means the period established by the Committee with respect to an Award during which the Award or Unit remains subject to restrictions established by the Committee, including, without limitation, a period during which an Award or Unit is subject to forfeiture or restrictions on transfer, or is not yet exercisable by or payable to the Participant, as the case may be. As the context requires, the word vest and its derivatives refers to the lapse of some or all, as the case may be, of the restrictions imposed during such Restricted Period.
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(u) Restricted Unit means a Unit granted pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Plan that is subject to a Restricted Period.
(v) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act or any successor rule or regulation thereto as in effect from time to time.
(w) SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor thereto.
(x) Section 409A means Section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including, without limitation, any such regulations or guidance that may be amended or issued after the effective date of the Plan.
(y) UDR means a distribution made by the Partnership with respect to a Restricted Unit.
(z) Unit means a common unit of the Partnership.
(aa) Unit Appreciation Right or UAR means an Award that, upon exercise, entitles the holder to receive the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the exercise date of the UAR over the exercise price established for such UAR. Such excess may be paid in cash and/or in Units as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as provided in the applicable Award Agreement.
(bb) Unit Award means an Award granted pursuant to Section 6(d) of the Plan.
Section 3. Administration .
(a) Authority of the Committee . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, subject to Section 3(b); provided, however , that in the event that the Board is not also serving as the Committee, the Board, in its sole discretion, may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan. The governance of the Committee shall be subject to the charter, if any, of the Committee as approved by the Board. Subject to the following and applicable law, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may delegate any or all of its powers and duties under the Plan, including the power to grant Awards under the Plan, to the Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner, subject to such limitations on such delegated powers and duties as the Committee may impose, if any. Upon any such delegation all references in the Plan to the Committee, other than in Section 7, shall be deemed to include the Chief Executive Officer; provided, however , that such delegation shall not limit the Chief Executive Officers right to receive Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer may not grant Awards to, or take any action with respect to any Award previously granted to, a person who is then an officer subject to Rule 16b-3 or a member of the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of Units to be covered by Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award, consistent with the terms of the Plan,
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which terms may include any provision regarding the acceleration of vesting or waiver of forfeiture restrictions or any other condition or limitation regarding an Award, based on such factors as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be vested, settled, exercised, canceled, or forfeited; (vi) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an Award made under the Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (viii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in any Award or in any Award Agreement in such manner and to such extent as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the General Partner, the Partnership, any of their respective Affiliates, any Participant, and any beneficiary of any Award.
(b) Authority of a Subcommittee of the Committee . At any time that a member of the Committee is not a Qualified Member, any action of the Committee relating to an Award granted or to be granted to a Participant who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Partnership may be taken either (i) by a subcommittee, designated by the Committee, composed solely of two or more Qualified Members, (ii) by the Committee but with each such member who is not a Qualified Member abstaining or recusing himself or herself from such action; provided, however , that upon such abstention or recusal the Committee remains composed solely of two or more Qualified Members, or (iii) by the full Board. Such action, authorized by such a subcommittee, by the Committee upon the abstention or recusal of such non-Qualified Member(s) or by the full Board, shall be the action of the Committee for all purposes of the Plan.
(c) Limitation of Liability . The Committee and each member thereof shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him or her by any officer or employee of the General Partner, the Partnership or their respective Affiliates, the General Partners or the Partnerships legal counsel, independent auditors, consultants or any other agents assisting in the administration of the Plan. Members of the Committee and any officer or employee of the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their respective Affiliates acting at the direction or on behalf of the Committee shall not be personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be indemnified and held harmless by the General Partner with respect to any such action or determination.
Section 4. Units .
(a) Limits on Units Deliverable . Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) and Section 7, the number of Units that may be delivered with respect to Awards under the Plan is 1,270,000. If any Award is forfeited, cancelled, exercised, settled in cash or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of Units pursuant to such Award (the grant of Restricted Units is not a delivery of Units for this purpose unless and until the Restricted Period for such Restricted Units lapses), or if any Units under an Award are held back to cover the
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exercise price or tax withholding (including the withholding of Units with respect to an Award of Restricted Units), then, in either such case, the Units underlying such Awards that are so forfeited, cancelled, exercised, settled in cash or that otherwise terminate or expire without the actual delivery of Units and Units so held back shall be available to satisfy future Awards under the Plan. There shall not be any limitation on the number of Awards that may be paid in cash.
(b) Sources of Units Deliverable under Awards . Any Units delivered pursuant to an Award shall consist, in whole or in part, of (i) Units acquired in the open market, (ii) Units acquired from the Partnership (including newly issued Units), any Affiliate of the Partnership or any other Person or (iii) any combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
(c) Adjustments .
(i) Certain Restructurings . Upon the occurrence of any equity restructuring event that could result in an additional compensation expense to the General Partner or the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718 if adjustments to Awards with respect to such event were discretionary, the Committee shall equitably adjust the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) covered by each outstanding Award and the terms and conditions, including the exercise price and performance criteria (if any), of such Award to equitably reflect such event and shall adjust the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan after such event. Upon the occurrence of any other similar event that would not result in an accounting charge under ASC Topic 718 if the adjustment to Awards with respect to such event were subject to discretionary action, the Committee shall have complete discretion to adjust Awards and the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan in such manner as it deems appropriate with respect to such other event. In the event the Committee makes any adjustment pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 4(c), the Committee shall make a corresponding and proportionate adjustment with respect to the maximum number of Units that may be delivered with respect to Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 4(a) and the kind of Units or other securities available for grant under the Plan.
(ii) Other Adjustments . Subject to, and without limiting the scope of, the provisions of Section 4(c)(i), in the event that the Committee determines that any distribution (whether in the form of cash, Units, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, change of control, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Units or other securities of the Partnership, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Units or other securities of the Partnership, or other similar transaction or event affects the Units such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (A) the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted, (B) the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and (C) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award; provided , that the number of Units subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. Further, upon the occurrence of any event
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described in the preceding sentence, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any holder, may effect one or more of the following alternatives, which may vary among individual holders and which may vary among Awards: (I) remove any applicable forfeiture restrictions on any Award; (II) accelerate the time of exercisability or the time at which the Restricted Period shall lapse to a specific date specified by the Committee; (III) require the mandatory surrender to the General Partner or the Partnership by selected holders of some or all of the outstanding Awards held by such holders (irrespective of whether such Awards are then subject to a Restricted Period or other restrictions pursuant to the Plan) as of a date specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Awards and cause the General Partner, the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof to pay to each holder an amount of cash per Unit equal to the per Unit value as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Awards less the exercise price, if any, applicable to such Awards; provided, however , that to the extent the exercise price of an Option or UAR exceeds such per Unit value as determined by the Committee, no consideration will be paid with respect to that Award; (IV) cancel Awards that remain subject to a Restricted Period as of a date specified by the Committee without payment of any consideration to the Participant for such Awards; or (V) make such adjustments to Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such event (including, without limitation, the substitution of new awards for Awards); provided, however , that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to Awards then outstanding.
Section 5. Eligibility . Any Employee, Consultant or Director shall be eligible to be designated a Participant and receive an Award under the Plan.
Section 6. Awards .
(a) Options and UARs . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and Directors to whom Options and/or UARs shall be granted, the number of Units to be covered by each Option or UAR, the exercise price therefor, the Restricted Period and other conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the Option or UAR, including the following terms and conditions and such additional terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine, that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.
(i) Exercise Price . The exercise price per Unit purchasable under an Option or subject to a UAR shall be determined by the Committee at the time the Option or UAR is granted but, except with respect to substitute Awards pursuant to Section 6(f)(viii), may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Unit as of the date of grant of such Option or UAR.
(ii) Time and Method of Exercise . The Committee shall determine the exercise terms and the Restricted Period, if any, with respect to an Option or UAR, which may include, without limitation, a provision for accelerated vesting upon the achievement of specified performance goals and/or other events, and the method or methods by which payment of the exercise price with respect to an Option or UAR may be made or deemed to have been made, which may include, without limitation, cash, check acceptable to the General Partner, withholding Units having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the relevant exercise price from the Award, a cashless-broker exercise through procedures approved by the General Partner, other securities or other property, a note (in a form acceptable to the General Partner), or any combination of the foregoing methods.
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(iii) Forfeitures . Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the Award Agreement, upon termination of a Participants employment with (or service to) the General Partner and its Affiliates or membership on the Board, whichever is applicable, for any reason during the applicable Restricted Period, all outstanding Options and UARs awarded to the Participant shall be automatically forfeited on such termination.
(b) Restricted Units and Phantom Units . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and Directors to whom Restricted Units or Phantom Units shall be granted, the number of Restricted Units or Phantom Units to be granted to each such Participant, the applicable Restricted Period, the conditions under which the Restricted Units or Phantom Units may become vested or forfeited and such other terms and conditions as the Committee may establish with respect to such Awards, including whether DERs are granted with respect to the Phantom Units.
(i) UDRs . To the extent determined by the Committee, in its discretion, the Award Agreement for a grant of Restricted Units may provide that distributions made by the Partnership with respect to the Restricted Units shall be subject to the same forfeiture and other restrictions as the Restricted Unit and, if restricted, such distributions shall be held, without interest, until the Restricted Unit vests or is forfeited with the UDR being paid or forfeited at the same time, as the case may be. Absent such a restriction on the UDRs in the Award Agreement, UDRs shall be paid to the holder of the Restricted Unit without restriction at the same time as cash distributions are paid by the Partnership to its unitholders.
(ii) Forfeitures . Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the applicable Award Agreement, upon termination of a Participants employment with (or service to) the General Partner and its Affiliates or membership on the Board, whichever is applicable, for any reason during the applicable Restricted Period, all outstanding, unvested Restricted Units and Phantom Units awarded to the Participant shall be automatically forfeited on such termination.
(iii) Lapse of Restrictions .
(A) Phantom Units . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon or as soon as reasonably practical following the vesting of each Phantom Unit, subject to Section 8(b), the Participant shall be entitled to settlement of such Phantom Unit and shall receive one Unit (or such greater or lesser number of Units as may be provided pursuant to the applicable Award Agreement) or an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value (for purposes of this Section 6(b)(iii), as calculated on the last day of the Restricted Period) of a Unit (or such greater or lesser number of Units as may be provided pursuant to the applicable Award Agreement) or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its discretion and as provided in the applicable Award Agreement.
(B) Restricted Units . Upon or as soon as reasonably practicable following the vesting of each Restricted Unit, subject to Section 8(b), the Participant shall be entitled to have the restrictions removed from his or her Unit certificate (or book entry account, as applicable).
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(c) DERs . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and/or Directors to whom DERs are granted, whether such DERs are tandem or separate Awards, whether such DERs shall be paid directly to the Participant, be credited to a bookkeeping account (with or without interest), any vesting restrictions and payment provisions applicable to the DERs, and such other provisions or restrictions as determined by the Committee in its discretion, all of which shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreements. Distributions in respect of DERs shall be credited as of the distribution dates during the period between the date an Award is granted to a Participant and the date such Award vests, is exercised, is distributed or expires, as determined by the Committee. Such DERs shall be converted to cash, Units, Restricted Units and/or Phantom Units by such formula and at such time(s) and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee. Tandem DERs may be subject to the same or different vesting restrictions as the underlying Award, or be subject to such other provisions or restrictions as determined by the Committee in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, DERs shall only be paid in a manner that is either exempt from or in compliance with Section 409A.
(d) Unit Awards . Unit Awards may be granted under the Plan (i) to such Employees, Consultants and/or Directors and in such amounts as the Committee, in its discretion, may select and (ii) subject to such other terms and conditions, including, without limitation, restrictions on transferability, as the Committee may establish with respect to such Awards.
(e) Other Unit-Based Awards . Other Unit-Based Awards may be granted under the Plan to such Employees, Consultants and/or Directors as the Committee, in its discretion, may select. An Other Unit-Based Award shall be an award denominated or payable in, valued in or otherwise based on or related to Units, in whole or in part. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any Other Unit-Based Award. An Other Unit-Based Award may be paid in cash, Units (including Restricted Units) or any combination thereof as provided in the applicable Award Agreement.
(f) Certain Provisions Applicable to Awards .
(i) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together . Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any other Award granted under the Plan or any award granted under any other plan of the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or awards granted under any other plan of the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their respective Affiliates may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.
(ii) Limits on Transfer of Awards .
(A) Except as provided in Section 6(f)(ii)(C), each Option and UAR shall be exercisable only by the Participant during the Participants lifetime, or by the Person to whom the Participants rights shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
(B) Except as provided in Section 6(f)(ii)(C), no Award and no right under any such Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their respective Affiliates.
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(C) The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement or in its discretion that an Award may, on such terms and conditions as the Committee may from time to time establish, be transferred by a Participant without consideration to any family member of the Participant, as defined in the instructions to use of the Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any related family trust, limited partnership or other transferee specifically approved by the Committee.
(iii) Term of Awards . The term of each Award shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee.
(iv) Issuance of Units . The Units or other securities of the Partnership delivered pursuant to an Award may be evidenced in any manner deemed appropriate by the Committee in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, in the form of a certificate issued in the name of the Participant or by book entry, electronic or otherwise and shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the SEC, any securities exchange upon which such Units or other securities are then listed, and any applicable laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be inscribed on any certificates, if applicable, to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
(v) Consideration for Grants . To the extent permitted by applicable law, Awards may be granted for such consideration, including services, as the Committee shall determine.
(vi) Delivery of Units or other Securities and Payment by Participant of Consideration . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, subject to compliance with Section 409A, the Partnership shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates or make any book entries evidencing Units pursuant to the exercise or vesting of any Award unless and until the Board or the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance of such Units is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Units are listed or traded, and the Units are covered by an effective registration statement or applicable exemption from registration. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Board or the Committee may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Board or the Committee, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the delivery of Units pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award may be deferred for any period during which, in the good faith determination of the Committee, the Partnership is not reasonably able to obtain or deliver Units pursuant to such Award without violating applicable law or the applicable rules or regulations of any governmental agency or authority or securities exchange. No Units or other securities shall be delivered pursuant to any Award until payment in full of any amount required to be paid pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement (including, without limitation, any exercise price or tax withholding) is received by the General Partner. Such payment may be
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made by such method or methods and in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, other Awards, withholding of Units, cashless broker exercises with simultaneous sale, or any combination thereof; provided that the combined value, as determined by the Committee, of all cash and cash equivalents and the Fair Market Value of any such Units or other property so tendered to the General Partner, as of the date of such tender, is at least equal to the full amount required to be paid to the General Partner pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.
(vii) Change of Control . If specifically provided in an Award Agreement, upon a change of control (as defined in the Award Agreement) the Award may automatically vest and be payable or become exercisable in full, as the case may be.
(viii) Substitute Awards . Awards may be granted under the Plan in substitution of similar awards held by individuals who are or who become Employees, Consultants or Directors in connection with a merger, consolidation or acquisition by the Partnership or one of its Affiliates of another entity or the securities or assets of another entity (including in connection with the acquisition by the Partnership or one of its Affiliates of additional securities of an entity that is an existing Affiliate of the Partnership). To the extent permitted by Section 409A, such substitute Awards that are Options or UARs may have exercise prices less than the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the date of the substitution.
(ix) Prohibition on Repricing of Options and UARs . Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c) and Section 7(c), the terms of outstanding Award Agreements may not be amended without the approval of the Partnerships unitholders so as to (A) reduce the Unit exercise price of any outstanding Options or UARs, (B) grant a new Option, UAR or other Award in substitution for, or upon the cancellation of, any previously granted Option or UAR that has the effect of reducing the exercise price thereof, (C) exchange any Option or UAR for Units, cash or other consideration when the exercise price per Unit under such Option or UAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Units, or (iv) take any other action that would be considered a repricing of an Option or UAR under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Units are not then-listed on such exchange, to the extent applicable, on any other national securities exchange on which the Units are listed. Subject to Section 4(c), Section 7(c) and Section 8(n), the Committee shall have the authority, without the approval of the Partnerships unitholders, to amend any outstanding Award to increase the per Unit exercise price of any outstanding Options or UARs or to cancel and replace any outstanding Options or UARs with the grant of Options or UARs having a per Unit exercise price that is equal to or greater than the per Unit exercise price of the original Options or UARs.
Section 7. Amendment and Termination . Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law:
(a) Amendments to the Plan . Except as required by applicable law or the rules of the principal securities exchange on which the Units are traded and subject to Section 7(b) below, the Board or the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan in any manner, including increasing the number of Units available for Awards under the Plan, without the consent of any partner, Participant, other holder or beneficiary of an Award, or other Person.
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(b) Amendments to Awards . Subject to Section 7(a), the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter any Award theretofore granted (including, without limitation, requiring or allowing for an election to settle an Award in cash), provided no change, other than pursuant to Section 4(c) or Section 7(c), in any Award shall (i) materially reduce the benefit to a Participant without the consent of such Participant or (ii) cause such Award to fail to comply with the requirements of Section 409A (to the extent applicable).
(c) Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events . The Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4(c)) affecting the Partnership or the financial statements of the Partnership, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or such Award; provided, however , that no such adjustment may be made that would cause the Plan or such Award to fail to comply with the requirements of Section 409A (to the extent applicable).
Section 8. General Provisions .
(a) No Rights to Award . No Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.
(b) Tax Withholding . Unless other arrangements have been made that are acceptable to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner is authorized to deduct, withhold, or cause to be deducted or withheld, from any Award, from any payment due or transfer made under any Award or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, Units, including Units that would otherwise be issued pursuant to such Award, or other property) of any applicable taxes payable in respect of the grant or settlement of an Award, its exercise, the lapse of restrictions thereon, or any other payment or transfer under an Award or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner to satisfy its withholding obligations for the payment of such taxes. In the event that Units that would otherwise be issued pursuant to an Award are used to satisfy such withholding obligations, the number of Units that may be withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Units that have a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income.
(c) No Right to Employment or Service Relationship . The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, to continue providing consulting services, or to remain on the Board, as applicable. Furthermore, the General Partner or an Affiliate of the General Partner may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or his or her service relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, any Award Agreement or other written agreement between any such entity and a Participant.
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(d) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
(e) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable law or, if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(f) Other Laws . The Committee may refuse to issue or transfer any Units or other consideration under an Award if, in its sole discretion, it determines that the issuance or transfer of such Units or such other consideration might violate any applicable law or regulation, the rules of the principal securities exchange on which the Units are then traded, or entitle the Partnership or an Affiliate of the Partnership to recover the same under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and any payment tendered to the General Partner by a Participant, other holder or beneficiary in connection with the exercise of such Award shall be promptly refunded to the relevant Participant, holder or beneficiary.
(g) No Trust or Fund Created . Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any general unsecured creditor of the General Partner or such Affiliate.
(h) No Fractional Units . No fractional Units shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Units or whether such fractional Units or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated with or without consideration.
(i) Headings . Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision hereof.
(j) Facility Payment . Any amounts payable hereunder to any individual under legal disability or who, in the judgment of the Committee, is unable to properly manage his financial affairs, may be paid to the legal representative of such individual, or may be applied for the benefit of such individual in any manner that the Committee may select, and the General Partner, the Partnership and their respective Affiliates shall be relieved of any further liability for payment of such amounts.
(k) Participation by Affiliates . In making Awards to Employees employed by, or Consultants providing services to, an Affiliate of the General Partner, the Committee shall be acting on behalf of the Affiliate of the General Partner, and to the extent the Partnership has an
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obligation to reimburse the General Partner for compensation paid to Employees or Consultants for services rendered for the benefit of the Partnership, such reimbursement payments may be made by the Partnership directly to the Affiliate of the General Partner, and, if made to the General Partner, shall be received by the General Partner as agent for the Affiliate of the General Partner.
(l) Allocation of Costs . Nothing herein shall be deemed to override, amend, or modify any cost sharing arrangement, omnibus agreement, or other arrangement between the General Partner, the Partnership, and any of their respective Affiliates regarding the sharing of costs between such entities.
(m) Gender and Number . Words in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.
(n) Compliance with Section 409A . Nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall operate or be construed to cause the Plan or an Award that is subject to Section 409A to fail to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The applicable provisions of Section 409A are hereby incorporated by reference and shall control over any Plan or Award Agreement provision in conflict therewith or that would cause a failure of compliance thereunder, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict or obviate such failure. Subject to any other restrictions or limitations contained herein, in the event that a specified employee (as defined under Section 409A) becomes entitled to a payment under an Award that constitutes a deferral of compensation (as defined under Section 409A) on account of a separation from service (as defined under Section 409A), to the extent required by the Code, such payment shall not occur until the date that is six months plus one day from the date of such separation from service. Any amount that is otherwise payable within the six-month period described herein will be aggregated and paid in a lump sum without interest.
(o) No Guarantee of Tax Consequences . None of the Board, the Committee, the Partnership nor the General Partner (i) provides or has provided any tax advice to any Participant or any other Person or makes or has made any assurance, commitment or guarantee that any federal, state, local or other tax treatment will (or will not) apply or be available to any Participant or other Person or (ii) assumes any liability with respect to any tax or associated liabilities to which any Participant or other Person may be subject.
(p) Clawback . To the extent required by applicable law or any applicable securities exchange listing standards, or as otherwise determined by the Committee, Awards and amounts paid or payable pursuant to or with respect to Awards shall be subject to the provisions of any applicable clawback policies or procedures adopted by the General Partner or the Partnership, which clawback policies or procedures may provide for forfeiture, repurchase and/or recoupment of Awards and amounts paid or payable pursuant to or with respect to Awards. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner and the Partnership reserve the right, without the consent of any Participant or beneficiary of any Award, to adopt any such clawback policies and procedures, including such policies and procedures applicable to the Plan or any Award Agreement with retroactive effect.
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Section 9. Term of the Plan . The Plan shall be effective on the date on which it is adopted by the Board and shall continue until the earliest of (i) the date terminated by the Board or the Committee, (ii) the date that all Units available under the Plan have been delivered to Participants, or (iii) the 10th anniversary of the date on which the Plan is adopted by the Board. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted prior to such termination, and the authority of the Board or the Committee under the Plan or an Award Agreement to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under such Award, shall extend beyond such termination date.
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Exhibit 10.9
SENIOR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of August 4, 2014
between
Westlake Chemical OpCo LP
as Borrower
and
Westlake Development Corporation
as Lender
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION |
1 | |||
Section 1.1 Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2 Other Definitional Provisions |
4 | |||
Section 1.3 Accounting Terms and Principles |
4 | |||
ARTICLE II AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOANS |
4 | |||
Section 2.1 Loan Commitment |
4 | |||
Section 2.2 Borrowing Procedure |
4 | |||
Section 2.3 Optional Reduction and Termination of Loan Commitment |
5 | |||
Section 2.4 Repayment of Loans |
5 | |||
Section 2.5 Prepayment |
5 | |||
Section 2.6 Interest on Loans |
5 | |||
Section 2.7 Computation of Interest |
5 | |||
Section 2.8 Evidence of Debt |
5 | |||
Section 2.9 Payments Generally |
6 | |||
Section 2.10 Taxes |
6 | |||
Section 2.11 Illegality |
6 | |||
ARTICLE III CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOANS |
6 | |||
Section 3.1 Conditions to Effectiveness |
6 | |||
Section 3.2 Conditions to Making of each Loan |
6 | |||
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
7 | |||
Section 4.1 Corporate Existence |
7 | |||
Section 4.2 Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations |
7 | |||
Section 4.3 No Legal Bar |
8 | |||
Section 4.4 No Default |
8 | |||
Section 4.5 Use of Proceeds |
8 | |||
ARTICLE V COVENANTS |
8 | |||
Section 5.1 Delivery of Financial Information |
8 | |||
Section 5.2 Notice of Default |
8 | |||
Section 5.3 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc |
8 |
ARTICLE VI EVENTS OF DEFAULT |
8 | |||||
Section 6.1 Events of Default |
8 | |||||
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS |
10 | |||||
Section 7.1 Notices |
10 | |||||
Section 7.2 Waiver; Amendments |
10 | |||||
Section 7.3 Expenses; Indemnification |
10 | |||||
Section 7.4 Successors and Assigns |
11 | |||||
Section 7.5 Governing Law |
12 | |||||
Section 7.6 Proceedings |
12 | |||||
Section 7.7 Waiver of Jury Trial |
12 | |||||
Section 7.8 Counterparts; Integration |
12 | |||||
Section 7.9 Survival |
12 | |||||
Section 7.10 Severability |
12 | |||||
Section 7.11 No Waiver |
13 |
SENIOR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS SENIOR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of August 4, 2014 by and among Westlake Development Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Lender ) and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Borrower ).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Borrower has requested that the Lender make loans to the Borrower from time to time in an aggregate principal amount of up to $600,000,000; and
WHEREAS , subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lender is willing to make the requested loans to the Borrower.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Borrower and the Lender agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1 Definitions . The following terms used herein shall have the meanings herein specified (to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
Affiliate means, with respect 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, the Person in question.
Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
Applicable Margin shall mean 3.0% per annum.
Availability Period shall mean the period from and including the date hereof to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Loan Commitment.
Borrower shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
Business Day shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York, New York or Houston, Texas are authorized or obligated to close.
Code shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
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Control means the possession, direct or indirect, 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.
Default means any of the events specified in Article VI , whether or not any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been satisfied.
Default Interest shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c) .
Default Interest Rate shall mean the Loan Interest Rate plus an additional 2% per annum.
Dollars and $ shall mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.
Event of Default shall mean any of the events specified in Article VI , provided that any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been satisfied.
Excluded Taxes shall mean, with respect to the Lender, taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income, franchise taxes, and any branch profits or similar tax imposed on it by any jurisdiction.
GAAP shall mean United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
Governmental Authority shall mean any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative authority or functions of or pertaining to government.
Interest Period shall mean each period commencing on a Quarterly Payment Date and ending on the date preceding the next Quarterly Payment Date; provided that the first Interest Period shall begin on the date hereof.
Lender shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
Lender Indemnitee shall mean the Lender and each of the directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, representatives, attorneys, consultants and advisors of or to the Lender.
LIBOR shall mean, with respect to any Loan, the three (3) month LIBOR rate as reported by Bloomberg.com, The Wall Street Journal or such other reputable source as the Lender may select, in each case as of the date that is two (2) Business Days before the first day of each Interest Period.
Loan shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .
Loan Commitment shall mean the obligation of the Lender to make Loans hereunder in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding $600,000,000.
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Loan Documents shall mean, collectively, this Agreement and each Notice of Borrowing.
Loan Interest Rate shall mean, with respect to any Loan, LIBOR in effect from time to time (as the same may vary from Interest Period to Interest Period) plus the Applicable Margin.
Material Adverse Effect shall mean a material adverse effect on any of the following: (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance or properties of the Borrower; (b) the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder; or (c) the ability of the Lender to enforce its rights and remedies hereunder.
Maturity Date shall mean August 4, 2019.
Notice of Borrowing shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .
Obligations shall mean, with respect to the Borrower, the unpaid principal of and interest on (including, without limitation, interest accruing after the maturity of the Loans and interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Borrower, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) the Loans and all other obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, or now existing or hereafter incurred, which may arise under, out of, or in connection with, any Loan Document.
Outstanding Amount shall mean with respect to Loans on any date, the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding on such date after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Loans occurring on such date.
Payment Office shall mean the office of the Lender located at 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056, or such other location as to which the Lender shall have given written notice to the Borrower.
Person shall mean an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Authority or other entity of whatever nature.
Quarterly Payment Date means the first Business Day of each January, April, July and October.
Taxes shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto, provided that Taxes shall not include Excluded Taxes.
Tranche A Loan shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .
Tranche B Loan shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .
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Section 1.2 Other Definitional Provisions .
(a) Unless otherwise specified therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in the other Loan Documents or any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.
(b) 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, and Section, Schedule and Exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
(c) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.
(d) The term Lender shall include, without limitation, its successors.
Section 1.3 Accounting Terms and Principles . Except as set forth below, all accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in conformity with GAAP and all accounting determinations required to be made pursuant hereto shall, unless expressly otherwise provided herein, be made in conformity with GAAP.
ARTICLE II
AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOANS
Section 2.1 Loan Commitment .
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lender agrees to make Tranche A revolving loans ( Tranche A Loans ) and Tranche B revolving loans ( Tranche B Loans and, together with the Tranche A Loans, each a Loan and, collectively, the Loans ) to the Borrower during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the Loan Commitment. The Tranche A Loans and the Tranche B Loans shall be used for the respective purposes set forth in Section 4.5 .
(b) During the Availability Period, the Borrower shall be entitled to borrow, prepay or repay, and reborrow the Loans in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Section 2.2 Borrowing Procedure . The Borrower shall give the Lender written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each borrowing to be made by the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit A (a Notice of Borrowing ), each such Notice of Borrowing to be delivered on or prior to the requested date of each borrowing.
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Section 2.3 Optional Reduction and Termination of Loan Commitment .
(a) Upon three (3) Business Days written notice to the Lender signed by the Borrower, the Borrower may terminate the Loan Commitment, or permanently reduce the Loan Commitment to an amount not less than the then Outstanding Amount of all Loans, provided that each partial reduction of the Loan Commitment shall be in integral multiples of $1,000,000 or more (or such lesser amount as agreed by the Lender).
Section 2.4 Repayment of Loans . On the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall repay in full all Obligations.
Section 2.5 Prepayment . At any time, the Borrower may voluntarily prepay in whole or in part the Loans (together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon) without premium or penalty.
Section 2.6 Interest on Loans .
(a) The Loans shall accrue interest at the Loan Interest Rate.
(b) The Borrower shall pay interest due and payable on the Loans in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date for the Interest Period most recently ended; provided that the Borrower may pay all or a portion of such interest by adding such amount to the principal amount hereunder (a PIK Payment ), with the remaining interest (if any) to be paid fully in cash (a Cash Payment ). A PIK Payment shall be deemed to be made with respect to the portion (if any) of the interest due and payable hereunder for which a Cash Payment is not received by the Lender on the applicable Quarterly Payment Date. For all purposes hereof, references to principal amount of the Loans includes any increase in the principal amount as a result of a PIK Payment.
(c) While an Event of Default exists or after acceleration of the Loans in accordance with Article VI , at the option of the Lender, interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Loans (and any unpaid interest with respect thereto) will accrue at the Default Interest Rate (the Default Interest ). All Default Interest will be payable by the Borrower upon demand by the Lender.
Section 2.7 Computation of Interest . All computations of interest shall be made by the Lender on the basis of a year of 360 days. Each determination by the Lender of an interest amount hereunder shall, except for manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes.
Section 2.8 Evidence of Debt . The Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by the Lender. The accounts or records maintained by the Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure so to record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Loans.
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Section 2.9 Payments Generally . (a) All payments by the Borrower to the Lender hereunder shall be made to the Lender at the Payment Office in immediately available funds without setoff or counterclaim. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of the payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be made payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.
(b) If on the Maturity Date insufficient funds are received by and available to the Lender to pay fully all amounts of principal and interest due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal due hereunder.
Section 2.10 Taxes . (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower under each Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future Taxes. If any Taxes shall be required by law to be deducted from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to the Lender, then the Borrower shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings of Taxes applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.
(b) The Borrower and the Lender agree that the Loans shall be (and they expect the Loans to be) treated as debt for tax purposes, and neither the Borrower nor the Lender shall take a position contrary to this position on any tax return or through any other action, unless required by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction (as reasonably determined by the Borrower and the Lender in good faith).
Section 2.11 Illegality . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the Lender determines that it is unlawful for the Lender to make Loans or to continue to fund or maintain Loans, then, on notice thereof and demand therefor by the Lender to the Borrower, (i) the obligation of the Lender to make or to continue Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if Loans are then outstanding, the Borrower shall prepay such Loans within three (3) Business Days.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOANS
Section 3.1 Conditions to Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Borrower and the Lender.
Section 3.2 Conditions to Making of each Loan . The obligations hereunder of the Lender to make each Loan are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver in accordance with Section 7.2 ) of the following conditions as of the date each Loan is made:
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(a) The Lender shall have received a signed Notice of Borrowing from the Borrower requesting the making of a Loan on the date specified therein (which shall be no later than the last day of the Availability Period).
(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to the making of the requested Loan, the aggregate Outstanding Amount shall not be in excess of the Loan Commitment.
(c) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to the making of the requested Loan, no Default or Event of Default shall exist.
(d) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to the making of the requested Loan, all representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
To induce the Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make each Loan, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender for itself that:
Section 4.1 Corporate Existence . The Borrower is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.
Section 4.2 Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations .
(a) The Borrower has the power and authority, and the legal right, to make, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to borrow hereunder. The Borrower has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to authorize the borrowings on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) No consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to or other act by or in respect of any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required to be obtained by the Borrower in connection with (i) the borrowings hereunder, (ii) the execution, delivery, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or (iii) the performance of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except, in each case, for routine consents, authorizations, filings and notices required to be made in the ordinary course of business.
(c) This Agreement has been, and, upon execution, each Loan Document shall have been, duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower.
(d) This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document upon execution will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).
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Section 4.3 No Legal Bar . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder and the use of the proceeds thereof will not violate any applicable law, the Borrowers organizational documents or any material agreement of the Borrower.
Section 4.4 No Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
Section 4.5 Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of each Tranche A Loan shall be used solely to fund working capital and for general corporate purposes. The proceeds of each Tranche B Loan shall be used solely to fund growth capital expenditures.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.1 Delivery of Financial Information . The Borrower shall deliver to the Lender such financial or other information in respect of its business and financial status as the Lender may reasonably require including, but not limited to, copies of its unaudited quarterly and annual financial statements.
Section 5.2 Notice of Default . The Borrower shall give notice to the Lender of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default as soon as reasonably practicable after obtaining knowledge of the occurrence thereof.
Section 5.3 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc . The Borrower will (a) (i) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its corporate or other existence and (ii) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, in each case to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (b) comply with all agreements and requirements of applicable law, except to the extent (1) the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (2) that failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Section 6.1 Events of Default . If any of the following events shall occur and be continuing:
(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay the principal of the Loans on the date when due (including the Maturity Date) in accordance with the terms hereof; or the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on the Loans, or any other amount payable hereunder, within three (3) Business Days after any such interest or other amount becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof; or
8
(b) Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower herein or in any other Loan Document shall prove to have been inaccurate in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed made or furnished; or
(c) The Borrower shall default in the observance or performance of any agreement contained in this Agreement to be performed by it (other than as provided in clause (a) of this Section 6.1 ), and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Lender; or
(d) (i) The Borrower shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (A) under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts, or (B) seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or the Borrower shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (ii) there shall be commenced against the Borrower any case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in clause (i) above that (A) results in the entry of an order for relief or any such adjudication or appointment or (B) remains undismissed, undischarged or unbonded for a period of sixty (60) days; or (iii) there shall be commenced against the Borrower any case, proceeding or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint or similar process against all or any substantial part of its assets that results in the entry of an order for any such relief that shall not have been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within sixty (60) days from the entry thereof; or (iv) the Borrower shall take any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts set forth in clause (i) , (ii) or (iii) above; or (v) the Borrower shall generally not, or shall be unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due;
then, and in any such event, (A) if such event is an Event of Default specified in clause (d) above, the Loan Commitment shall terminate immediately and all Obligations shall immediately become due and payable, and (B) if such event is any other Event of Default, the Lender may, by notice to the Borrower, terminate the Loan Commitment, whereupon the Loan Commitment shall terminate immediately, and declare all Obligations to be due and payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable.
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ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1 Notices .
(a) Addresses for Notices . All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be given in writing, and addressed to the party to be notified as follows:
To the Borrower: |
Westlake Chemical OpCo LP Attention: Lawrence Teel Principal Operating Officer 2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77056 Fax: 713-960-8761 |
|
To the Lender: |
Westlake Development Corporation Attention: Albert Chao President 2801 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77056 Fax: 713-960-8761 |
Any party hereto may change its address, telephone number or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All such notices and other communications shall, when transmitted by overnight delivery, or faxed, be effective when delivered for overnight (next-day) delivery, or transmitted in legible form by facsimile machine, respectively, or if mailed, upon the third Business Day after the date deposited into the mail or if delivered, upon delivery.
(b) Effectiveness of Notices . All notices, demands, requests, consents and other communications described in Section 7.1(a) shall be effective (i) if delivered by hand, including any overnight courier service, upon personal delivery and (ii) if delivered by mail, when deposited in the mails.
Section 7.2 Waiver; Amendments . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and (x) in the case of any such waiver or consent, signed by the Lender and (y) in the case of any other amendment, by the Lender and the Borrower, and then any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.
Section 7.3 Expenses; Indemnification .
(a) The Borrower shall be obligated to pay all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of outside counsel for the Lender) incurred by the Lender in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement, including its rights under this Section 7.3 , including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Loans.
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(b) The Borrower shall be obligated to indemnify each Lender Indemnitee against, and hold each Lender Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Lender Indemnitee) incurred by any Lender Indemnitee or asserted against any Lender Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or (ii) 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 the Borrower, and regardless of whether any Lender Indemnitee is a party thereto, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Lender Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Lender Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower against any Lender Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Lender Indemnitees obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower has obtained a final judgment in their favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) The Borrower shall be obligated to pay, and hold the Lender harmless from and against, any and all Taxes with respect to this Agreement and any other Loan Documents or any payments due thereunder, and save the Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay or omission to pay such Taxes.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, each party shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Lender Indemnitee or the other party, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual or direct damages) arising out of, in connection with or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated therein, the Loans or the use of proceeds thereof.
(e) All amounts due under this Section 7.3 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.
Section 7.4 Successors and Assigns . 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. The parties hereto may not transfer or assign any of their respective rights or obligations hereunder without the consent of the non-assigning party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld); provided that the Lender may transfer and assign this Agreement to any of its Affiliates without the consent of the Borrower. Any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any
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Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, each Lender Indemnitee) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 7.5 Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
Section 7.6 Proceedings . All judicial proceedings brought against any party hereto or arising out of or relating hereto or to any of such partys obligations hereunder, may be brought in any state or Federal court of competent jurisdiction in the State, County and City of New York. Each party hereto, for itself and in connection with its properties, irrevocably: (a) accepts generally and unconditionally the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts; (b) waives any defense of forum non conveniens ; (c) agrees that service of all process in any such proceeding in any such court may be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address provided in Section 7.1 ; (d) agrees that service as provided in clause (c) above is sufficient to confer personal jurisdiction over such Party in any such proceeding in any such court, and otherwise constitutes effective and binding service in every respect; and (e) agrees that each party hereto retains the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring proceedings against the other party in the courts of any other jurisdiction
Section 7.7 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY.
Section 7.8 Counterparts; Integration . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by electronic means (including pdf) and by different parties 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.
Section 7.9 Survival . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lender and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans. The provisions of Section 7.3 shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Section 7.10 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
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Section 7.11 No Waiver . The non-exercise by the Lender of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP | ||
By: Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC, its general
partner |
||
as Borrower | ||
By: |
/s/ Lawrence E. Teel |
|
Name: Lawrence E. Teel | ||
Title: Principal Operating Officer |
WESTLAKE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | ||
as Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Albert Chao |
|
Name: Albert Chao | ||
Title: President |
Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING
[DATE]
Westlake Development Corporation
[Address]
Dear Sirs:
Reference is made to that certain Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2014 (the Credit Agreement ), by and among Westlake Development Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Lender ) and Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the Borrower ).
The Borrower hereby requests the following Loan under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection the Borrower specifies the following information with respect to such Loan:
(a) Tranche: Tranche [A][B] Loan
(b) Principal amount of Loan: $[ ]
(c) Date of Loan: [ ]
The Borrower hereby certifies that, at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the making of the requested Loan:
(d) The aggregate Outstanding Amount is not in excess of the Loan Commitment.
(e) No Default or Event of Default exists.
(f) All representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned has caused this Notice of Borrowing to be executed on the date first written above.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL OPCO LP | ||
as Borrower | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |