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): February 20, 2015

 

 

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36260   61-1721523

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

5727 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 500

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(918) 748-3900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement

On February 20, 2015, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership” or “we”) entered into a Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with Cypress Energy Partners, LLC (“CEP”), Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC (our “General Partner”), Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC (“Cypress Holdings”), Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC (“CEP TIR”), Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field (together with CEP TIR and Mr. Charles C Stephenson, Jr., the “Contributors”). The following transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement occurred at the simultaneous closing:

 

    a series of conveyances, contributions and distributions by each of the Contributors to the Partnership, and ultimately to CEP, of the remaining 49.9% limited liability company interest not previously owned by the Partnership (the “TIR Interests”) in each of Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR”), Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC (“TIR NDE”), and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC (“TIR Holdings” and, together with TIR and TIR NDE, the “TIR Entities”);

 

    payment to the Contributors of an aggregate $52.6 million in cash borrowed under our secured credit agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and BMO Harris Bank; and

 

    amending and restating of the Omnibus Agreement, as described below under “—Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement.”

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Contribution Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement

In connection with the closing of the Contribution Agreement described above in “—Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement,” on February 20, 2015, we entered into the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement (the “Omnibus Amendment”) with CEP, the General Partner, the TIR Entities, Tulsa Inspection Resources Canada ULC, Foley Inspection Resources ULC, Cypress Holdings, CEP TIR and Cypress Energy Management, LLC. The Omnibus Agreement governs several relationships between us and our subsidiaries and Cypress Holdings and its subsidiaries, including:

 

    the Partnership’s payment of an annual administrative fee initially in the amount of $4.0 million to be paid in quarterly installments to Cypress Holdings for providing the Partnership with certain partnership overhead services, including for certain executive management services by certain officers of the General Partner, and compensation expense for all employees required to manage and operate the Partnership’s business. This fee also includes the incremental general and administrative expenses the Partnership will incur as a result of being a publicly traded partnership;

 

    limitations on the amount of indebtedness CEP TIR may incur under the Partnership’s $120 million secured credit agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and BMO Harris Bank;

 

    the Partnership’s right of first offer on Cypress Holdings’ and its subsidiaries’ assets used in, and entities primarily engaged in, providing saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services and pipeline inspection and integrity services; and

 

    indemnification of the Partnership by Cypress Holdings for certain environmental and other liabilities, including events and conditions associated with the Partnership’s operation of assets that occur prior to the closing of our initial public offering and the Partnership’s obligation to indemnify Cypress Holdings for events and conditions associated with the operation of the Partnership’s assets that occur after the closing of our initial public offering and for environmental liabilities related to the Partnership’s assets to the extent Cypress Holdings is not required to indemnify the Partnership.

The Omnibus Amendment amends the original Omnibus Agreement entered into in connection with our initial public offering to, among other things, (1) remove provisions relating to the allocation of certain interest expenses and administrative fee previously attributable to the Contributors through their ownership of the TIR Interests and (2) remove the TIR Interests as one of the assets subject to the Partnership’s right of first offer.


The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Omnibus Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

Relationships

All of the equity interests in our General Partner, CEP TIR and CEM are indirectly owned by Cypress Holdings, which itself is owned by Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., various family trusts and a company controlled by Peter C. Boylan III. Cypress Holdings also indirectly owns (as of the date of this Form 8-K) approximately a 58% limited partner interest, the non-economic general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights in us. As a result, each of the parties to the Contribution Agreement and Omnibus Agreement are affiliates of our General Partner and Cypress Holdings. In addition, Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., who is a director of our General Partner, and Peter C. Boylan III, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President of our General Partner, serve as officers and directors of Cypress Holdings and various of its subsidiaries.

The Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of our General Partner, acting pursuant to delegated authority under our First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, approved the terms of the Contribution Agreement and Omnibus Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder.

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

On February 20, 2015, the Partnership completed the acquisition contemplated by the Contribution Agreement. The information set forth under Item 1.01 is incorporated into this Item 2.01 in its entirety by reference.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On February 23, 2015, the Partnership announced the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement as described in Items 1.01 and 2.01 above. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

The information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, none of such information shall be incorporated by reference in any filing made by the Partnership under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent specifically referenced in any such filings.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
   Description
  2.1    Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated February 20, 2015, by and among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field.*
10.1    Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated February 20, 2015, among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Management, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Foley Inspection Services ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC and Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC.
99.1    Press release of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., dated February 23, 2015.

 

* Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. We undertake to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits upon request by the SEC.


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.

 

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
By: Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, its general partner
Dated: February 23, 2015 By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.
   Description
  2.1    Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated February 20, 2015, by and among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field.*
10.1    Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated February 20, 2015, among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Management, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Foley Inspection Services ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC and Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC.
99.1    Press release of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., dated February 23, 2015.

 

* Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. We undertake to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits upon request by the SEC.

Exhibit 2.1

CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION

AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

CYPRESS ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LLC

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS – TIR, LLC

MR. CHARLES C. STEPHENSON, JR.

AND

MS. CYNTHIA FIELD

Dated as of February 20, 2015


CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2015 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ OLLC ”), Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ General Partner ”), Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CEP-TIR ”), Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field. The above-named entities and individuals are sometimes referred to in this Agreement each as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .” Capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in Article I .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Partnership indirectly owns 50.1% of the limited liability company interest in Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ TIR ”), Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings LLC (“ TIR Holdings ”) and Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination LLC (“ TIR NDE ” and, collectively with TIR and TIR Holdings, the “ TIR Entities ”); and

WHEREAS, CEP-TIR, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field (the “ Contributors ”) collectively own the remaining 49.9% of the limited liability company interest in each of the TIR Entities (the “ Subject Interests ”) and each desires to contribute his, her or its portion of the Subject Interests to the Partnership in exchange for $54,339,202 (the “ Cash Consideration ”).

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual undertakings and agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

The terms set forth below in this Article I shall have the meanings ascribed to them below or in the part of this Agreement referred to below:

Affiliate ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Associated Employee ” means the employees of the Contributors or their Affiliates who provide exclusive or shared services to the TIR Entities or with respect to their assets.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the General Partner.

Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8 .

Cash Consideration ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

 

1


CEP-TIR ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

Closing Date ” means February 9, 2015.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder.

Conflicts Committee ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Contributor Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

Contributors ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

Contributors Aggregate Group ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(f) .

Cypress Credit Agreement ” means the credit agreement dated as of December 24, 2013, by and among the Partnership and CEP-TIR, as co-borrowers, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and Deutsche Bank and BMO acting as arrangers, as amended.

Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

Deductible ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8 .

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

ERISA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(f) .

Financial Statements ” means the audited annual balance sheet of the TIR Entities as of December 31, 2013, and the related statements of income and cash flows for the year then ended and the unaudited and unadjusted balance sheet of the TIR Entities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and the related statements of income and cash flows for the period then ended.

Fraud ” means intentional or willful misrepresentation of material facts regarding the representations and warranties set forth in Article III .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

General Partner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Governmental Authority ” means any executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative agency, body, commission, department, board, court, tribunal, arbitrating body or authority of the United States or any foreign country, or any state, local or other governmental subdivision thereof.

 

2


Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Indemnity Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 .

Knowledge ” means the actual knowledge of that Party’s designated personnel after due inquiry. The designated personnel for the TIR Sponsors are Peter C. Boylan III, G. Les Austin and Richard M. Carson.

Law ” means any statute, law, treaty, rule, code, ordinance, requirement, regulation, permit or certificate of any Governmental Authority, any interpretation of any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority, or any binding judgment, decision, decree, injunction, writ, order or like action of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Authority.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, condition or other circumstance that: (a) materially and adversely affects the business, assets, liabilities, properties, financial condition or results of operations of the TIR Entities or the Subject Interests, individually or in the aggregate, other than any such change, effect, event, occurrence, condition or other circumstance to the extent resulting or arising from (i) any change in the pipeline inspection and integrity service industry generally (including any change in the prices of crude oil or other hydrocarbon products or industry margins), (ii) any change in general market, economic, financial or political conditions, including any engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack, (iii) any regulatory changes or changes in Law or GAAP, (iv) the entry into or announcement of this Agreement, actions contemplated by this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, provided that in the case of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), the impact on the TIR Entities is not disproportionate to the impact on other pipeline inspection and integrity service companies; or (b) hinders, delays or impedes the ability of any Contributors to perform its obligations under the Agreement or ancillary documents or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any ancillary document.

OLLC ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Omnibus Agreement ” means the Omnibus Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2014, among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Management, LLC, the OLLC, the Partnership, the General Partner, CEP-TIR, Foley Inspection Services ULC, TIR, Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada ULC, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field as such agreement may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the parties named therein, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement.

Order ” means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, writ, assessment or arbitration award of a Governmental Authority.

Partnership ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

 

3


Partnership Agreement ” means First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.

Partnership Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2 .

Party ” and “ Parties ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.

Plans ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(f) .

Schedules ” means the disclosure schedules to this Agreement.

SEC Contract ” means each contract and other agreement to which the TIR Entities are a party that has been, or would be required to be, listed in a Form 10-K filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K.

Subject Interests ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

Tax ” means all taxes, however denominated, including any interest, penalties or other additions to tax that may become payable in respect thereof, imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign government or any agency or political subdivision of any such government, which taxes shall include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all income or profits taxes (including, but not limited to, federal income taxes and state income taxes), gross receipts taxes, net proceeds taxes, alternative or add-on minimum, sales taxes, use taxes, real property gains or transfer taxes, ad valorem taxes, property taxes, value-added taxes, franchise taxes, production taxes, severance taxes, windfall profit taxes, withholding taxes, payroll taxes, employment taxes, excise taxes and other obligations of the same or similar nature to any of the foregoing.

Tax Indemnity Period ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.1 .

Tax Return ” means all reports, estimates, declarations of estimated Tax, information statements and returns relating to, or required to be filed in connection with, any Taxes, including information returns or reports with respect to backup withholding and other payments to third parties.

TIR ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

TIR Entities ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

TIR Holdings ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

TIR NDE ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

TIR Sponsors ” means Holdings and CEP TIR.

Transactions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 .

 

4


ARTICLE II

CONTRIBUTION, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 2.1 Transactions. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, each of the following transactions (collectively, the “ Transactions ”) will occur:

(a) The Partnership will borrow $52,587,614 under the Cypress Credit Agreement;

(b) CEP-TIR will grant, contribute, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to the Partnership, its successors and its assigns, for its and their own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to a 36.2% limited liability company interest in each of the TIR Entities in exchange for $38,149,732;

(c) Cynthia Field will grant, contribute, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to the Partnership, its successors and its assigns, for its and their own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to a 3.1% limited liability company interest in each of TIR Entities in exchange for $3,266,966;

(d) Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. will grant, contribute, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to the Partnership, its successors and its assigns, for its and their own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to a 10.6% limited liability company interest in each of the TIR Entities in exchange for $11,170,916;

(e) The Partnership will grant, contribute, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to the OLLC, its successors and its assigns, for its and their own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to the Partnership’s 49.9% limited liability company interest in each of the TIR Entities, as a capital contribution, and the OLLC will accept such contribution; and

(f) The Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement will be executed and delivered by the parties thereto.

Section 2.2 Characterization of the Transaction. The Parties recognize that Contributor’s contribution of the Subject Interests to the Partnership in exchange for the Cash Consideration will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as (a) a sale by each Contributor of his, her or its portion of the Subject Interests and (ii) a purchase by the Partnership of the assets of the TIR Entities attributable to the Subject Interests, pursuant to Revenue Ruling 99-6, 1999-1 C.B. 432. None of the Contributors or the Partnership shall take any position for income tax purposes that is inconsistent with such treatment.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 3.1 General Representations and Warranties. Each of the Parties hereby represents and warrants that:

(a) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement have been authorized by all necessary limited liability

 

5


company or limited partnership action on the part of such Party, as applicable, and this Agreement constitutes, and the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement when executed and delivered will constitute, valid and legally binding obligations of such Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy or similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or (ii) the availability of equitable remedies generally;

(b) the execution, delivery and performance by such Party of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement will not conflict with or result in any violation of or constitute a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or result in the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default under any provision of (i) such Party’s organizational documents, if applicable, (ii) any lien, encumbrance, security interest, pledge, mortgage, charge, other claim, bond, indenture, agreement, contract, permit or other instrument or obligation to which such Party is a party or is subject or by which such Party’s assets or properties are bound or (iii) any Laws applicable to such Party; and

(c) no consent, approval, filing, notification or authorization of any Governmental Authority or third party is required for the consummation by such Party of the Transactions.

Section 3.2 Representations and Warranties of the Contributors. Each of the Contributors jointly and severally represents and warrants to the Partnership that:

(a) on the date of this Agreement, CEP-TIR, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Ms. Cynthia Field own 36.2%, 10.6% and 3.1%, respectively, of the limited liability company interest in each of the TIR Entities, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, securities interests, charges, encumbrances or claims of any kind;

(b) on the Closing Date, upon the receipt of the Cash Consideration by the Contributors in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, title to the Subject Interests will vest in the OLLC, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, securities interests, charges, encumbrances or claims of any kind;

(c) there is no outstanding agreement, contract, option, commitment or other right in favor of, or held by, any person or entity to acquire the Subject Interests that has not been waived;

(d) none of the Contributors has entered, directly or indirectly, into any agreement with any person, firm or corporation that would obligate the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates (other than CEP-TIR) to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee” or other fee in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions; and

(e) such Contributor has made its own analysis of the fairness of the transactions contemplated hereby and have had sufficient opportunity and time to investigate and review the proposed transaction and consult with all advisers such

 

6


Contributor deems appropriate or necessary to consult with in connection with this Agreement and any action arising hereunder, including tax and accounting advisers. Such Contributor acknowledges that, in connection with the entry into this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, such Contributor has not relied on any representations or warranties of the Partnership, or any partner, director, officer, affiliate or representative of the Partnership, except for the representations or warranties of the Partnership set forth in this Article III.

Section 3.3 Representations and Warranties of the Partnership. The Partnership represents and warrants to the Contributors that:

(a) it is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, with all requisite limited partnership power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct its business as presently conducted;

(b) neither it nor the General Partner has entered, directly or indirectly, into any agreement with any person, firm or corporation that would obligate the Contributors to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee” or other fee in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions;

(c) the Partnership is acquiring the Subject Interests for its own account with the present intention of holding the Subject Interests for investment purposes and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any public distribution of the Subject Interests in violation of any federal or state securities Laws. The Partnership acknowledges that the Subject Interests have not been registered under federal and state securities Laws and that the Subject Interests may not be sold, transferred, offered for sale, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of unless such transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition is registered under federal and state securities Laws or pursuant to an exemption from registration under any federal or state securities Laws; and

(d) the Partnership has made its own analysis of the fairness of the transactions contemplated hereby and have had sufficient opportunity and time to investigate and review the proposed transaction and consult with all advisers the Partnership deems appropriate or necessary to consult with in connection with this Agreement and any action arising hereunder, including tax and accounting advisers. The Partnership acknowledges that, in connection with the entry into this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the Partnership has not relied on any representations or warranties of any of the Contributors, or any partner, director, officer, affiliate or representative of any of the Contributors, except for the representations or warranties of the Contributors set forth in this Article III.

 

7


Section 3.4 Representations and Warranties Regarding the TIR Entities. Each of the TIR Sponsors jointly and severally represents and warrants to the Partnership that:

(a) Financial Statements . To the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, the Financial Statements (including any notes thereto) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby and present fairly the financial condition of the TIR Entities as of such dates and the results of operations of TIR Entities for such periods (other than for changes in accounting principles disclosed therein and, with respect to the unaudited financial statements, for normal and recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of financial footnotes).

(b) Undisclosed Liabilities . To the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, there are no liabilities or obligations of the TIR Entities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) and there are no facts or circumstances that would result in any such liabilities or obligations, other than (i) liabilities or obligations reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements or described in the footnotes thereto, (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices since September 30, 2014, (iii) liabilities or obligations arising under executory contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (iv) liabilities or obligations under this Agreement, and (vi) other liabilities or obligations which, in the aggregate, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have (or be reasonably expected to have) a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Litigation . Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.4(c), there are no civil, criminal or administrative actions, suits, claims, hearings, arbitrations, investigations or proceedings pending or, to the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, threatened or judgments, orders, decrees or injunctions of any Governmental Authority, whether at law or in equity (i) against or affecting the Subject Interests, the TIR Entities or their assets or businesses or (ii) that (A) alleges the invalidity or unenforceability of any of the Contributors’ obligations under this Agreement or any of the ancillary documents hereto or (B) seeks to prevent or delay the consummation by the Contributors of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the ancillary documents hereto, except for those items that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have (or be reasonably expected to have) a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Taxes . To the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, with respect to the Subject Interests during the Tax Indemnity Period, (i) all Tax Returns required to be filed by the TIR Entities or with respect to their businesses or assets have been filed on a timely basis (taking into account all legal extensions of due dates); (ii) all such Tax Returns were complete and correct; (iii) all Taxes owed by the TIR Entities or with respect to their businesses or assets which are or have become due have been timely paid in full; (iv) there are no liens, securities interests, charges, encumbrances or claims of any kind on the Subject Interests or the assets of the TIR Entities that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax on such assets, other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable; and (v) there is no pending action, proceeding or investigation for assessment or collection of Taxes and no Tax assessment, deficiency or adjustment has been asserted or proposed with respect to the TIR Entities, their assets or the Subject Interests. To the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, for the period that includes the most recent four calendar quarters ending before the Closing Date and the portion of the calendar quarter up to and including the Closing Date, more than 90% of the gross income with respect to the assets of the TIR Entities will be items of income that are “qualifying income” within the meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Code.

 

8


(e) Employees . None of the TIR Entities has any employees. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.4(c), there are no facts or circumstances that have resulted or would result in a claim against the TIR Entities on behalf of an individual or a class in excess of $500,000 for unlawful discrimination, unpaid overtime or any other violation of state or federal Laws relating to employment of the Associated Employees or any claims relating to any liability under ERISA.

(f) Employee Benefits . All compensation or benefit plan, agreement, program or policy (whether written or oral, formal or informal) for the benefit of any present or former directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants or other similar representatives, including, but not limited to, any “employee benefit plan” as defined in section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”) (the foregoing are hereinafter collectively referred to as “ Plans ”) in which Associated Employees participate are sponsored or maintained by a Contributor or an Affiliate of a Contributor. Each Plan in which Associated Employees participate and which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be so qualified or relies on an opinion letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to a base prototype plan document and, has been maintained in material compliance with its terms and the provisions of all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code. Neither a Contributor nor any entity treated as a single employer with a Contributor for purposes of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code (the “ Contributors Aggregated Group ”) has incurred any material liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than for the payment of benefits or Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation insurance premiums, in either case in the ordinary course). Other than any liabilities for which the TIR Entities have no responsibility or obligation, (i) neither a Contributor nor any member of the Contributors Aggregated Group is obligated to contribute to any “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) in respect of which a Contributor or any member of the Contributors Aggregated Group has or may reasonably be expected to incur any withdrawal liability (as defined in Section 4201 of ERISA) that would result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (either alone or upon the occurrence of any subsequent employment-related event) result in any payment becoming due, result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefits, result in the incurrence or acceleration of any other obligation related to the Plans or to any employee or former employee of Contributors or any of their Affiliates or a nonexempt “prohibited transaction” within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. No member of the Contributors Aggregated Group or any organization to which such member is a successor or parent corporation, within the meaning of Section 4069(b) of ERISA, has engaged in any transaction described in Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

(g) Transactions with Affiliates . Except as disclosed in the SEC Contracts or in the footnotes to the Financial Statements, none of the TIR Entities is party to any agreement, contract or arrangement between a TIR Entity, on the one hand, and any of

 

9


the Contributors or any of their Affiliates, on the other hand, other than those entered into with such TIR Entities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices on commercially reasonable terms.

(h) Investment Company Act . To the TIR Sponsors’ Knowledge, none of the TIR Entities is subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(i) Conflicts Committee Matters . The projections and budgets provided to the Conflicts Committee as part of the Conflicts Committee’s review in connection with this Agreement have a reasonable basis and are consistent with the TIR Sponsors’ management’s current expectations. The other financial and operational information provided to the Conflict Committee as part of its review of the proposed transaction is derived from and is consistent with the TIR Sponsors’ books and records.

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS AND CLOSING CONDITIONS

Section 4.1 Covenants of the Parties. Each of the Parties agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law or otherwise to consummate and make effective the Transactions on the Closing Date, including using their reasonable best efforts to satisfy the conditions to Closing set forth in this Article IV . Each of the Parties will furnish to the other Parties such necessary information and reasonable assistance as such other Parties may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing obligations.

Section 4.2 Closing Conditions of the Partnership. The obligation of the Partnership to consummate the Transactions is subject, at the option of the Partnership, to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions:

(a) Contributors’ Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Contributors made in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date);

(b) No Action . No action, proceeding or litigation (excluding any action, proceeding or litigation initiated by the Partnership or its Affiliates) shall be pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority seeking to enjoin or restrain the Closing or recover damages from the Partnership or any of its Affiliates resulting therefrom;

(c) No Existing Order . No Order shall have been entered and be in effect, and no Law shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that restrains, enjoins or invalidates this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions;

(d) Consents . All consents, licenses and approvals from all third parties or Governmental Authorities that are necessary or appropriate for the Contributors or the Partnership to consummate the Transactions shall have been obtained; and

(e) Conflicts Committee Approval . The Conflicts Committee shall not have withdrawn or qualified its recommendation to the Board with respect to the Transactions.

 

10


Section 4.3 Closing Conditions of the Contributors. The obligation of the Contributors to consummate the Transactions is subject, at the option of the Contributors, to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions:

(a) Partnership’s Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Partnership made in this Agreement shall be true and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date);

(b) No Action . No action, proceeding or litigation (excluding any action, proceeding or litigation initiated by the Contributors or any of their respective Affiliates) shall be pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority seeking to enjoin or restrain the Closing or recover damages from any of the Contributors or any Affiliate of the Contributors resulting therefrom;

(c) No Existing Order . No Order shall have been entered and be in effect, and no Law shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that restrains, enjoins or invalidates this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions;

(d) Consents . All consents, licenses and approvals from all third parties or Governmental Authorities that are necessary or appropriate for the Contributors or the Partnership to consummate the Transactions shall have been obtained; and

(e) Conflicts Committee Approval . The Conflicts Committee shall not have withdrawn or qualified its recommendation to the Board with respect to the Transactions.

ARTICLE V

CLOSING

Section 5.1 Closing. The consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall occur on the date hereof (the “ Closing Date ”) at such location as the Parties may agree upon. The Closing shall be effective for all purposes hereunder as of 12:01 a.m. on February 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Time ”).

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.1 Indemnification of the Contributors and other Parties. Solely for the purpose of indemnification in this Section 6.1 , the representations and warranties of the Partnership in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made without regard to any materiality qualifiers. From and after the Closing Date, and notwithstanding any provision in the Omnibus Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold the Contributors and their respective Affiliates (other than the Partnership and the General Partner and their

 

11


respective subsidiaries), equity holders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and insurers (together with the Contributors, the “ Contributor Parties ”) harmless from and against any and all damages (including exemplary damages and penalties), losses, deficiencies, costs, expenses, obligations, fines, expenditures, claims and liabilities, including reasonable counsel fees and reasonable expenses of investigation, defending and prosecuting litigation (collectively, the “ Damages ”), suffered by the Contributor Parties as a result of, caused by, arising out of, or in any way relating to (a) any breach of a representation or warranty of the Partnership in this Agreement or (b) any breach of any agreement or covenant under this Agreement on the part of the Partnership.

Section 6.2 Indemnification of the Partnership and other Parties. Solely for the purpose of indemnification in this Section 6.2 , the representations and warranties of the Contributors in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made without regard to any materiality qualifiers. From and after the Closing Date, and notwithstanding any provision in the Omnibus Agreement to the contrary, the Contributors shall indemnify and hold the Partnership and the General Partner and their respective Affiliates (other than CEP-TIR), equity holders (other than any of the Contributor Parties), directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and insurers (together with the Partnership, the “ Partnership Parties ”) harmless from and against any and all Damages suffered by the Partnership Parties as a result of, caused by, arising out of, or in any way relating to (a) any breach of a representation or warranty of any Contributor in this Agreement or (b) any breach of any agreement or covenant under this Agreement on the part of any Contributor.

Section 6.3 Demands. Each indemnified party agrees that promptly upon its discovery of facts giving rise to a claim for indemnity under the provisions of this Agreement, including receipt by it of notice of any demand, assertion, claim, action or proceeding, judicial or otherwise, by any third party (such third party actions being collectively referred to herein as the “ Indemnity Claim ”), with respect to any matter as to which it claims to be entitled to indemnity under the provisions of this Agreement, it will give prompt notice thereof in writing to the indemnifying party, together with a statement of such information respecting any of the foregoing as it shall have. Such notice shall include a formal demand for indemnification under this Agreement. The indemnifying party shall not be obligated to indemnify the indemnified party with respect to any Indemnity Claim if the indemnified party knowingly failed to notify the indemnifying party thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement to the extent that knowing failure to notify actually results in material prejudice or damage to the indemnifying party.

Section 6.4 Right to Contest and Defend. The indemnifying party shall be entitled at its cost and expense to contest and defend by all appropriate legal proceedings any Indemnity Claim with respect to which it is called upon to indemnify the indemnified party under the provisions of this Agreement; provided , that notice of the intention to so contest shall be delivered by the indemnifying party to the indemnified party within 20 days from the date of receipt by the indemnifying party of notice by the indemnified party of the assertion of the Indemnity Claim. Any such contest may be conducted in the name and on behalf of the indemnifying party or the indemnified party as may be appropriate. Such contest shall be conducted and prosecuted diligently to a final conclusion or settled in accordance with this Section 6.4 by reputable counsel employed by the indemnifying party and not reasonably

 

12


objected to by the indemnified party, but the indemnified party shall have the right but not the obligation to participate in such proceedings and to be represented by counsel of its own choosing at its sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall have full authority to determine all action to be taken with respect thereto; provided , however, that the indemnifying party will not have the authority to subject the indemnified party to any obligation whatsoever, other than the performance of purely ministerial tasks or obligations not involving material expense. If the indemnifying party does not elect to contest any such Indemnity Claim or elects to contest such Indemnity Claim but fails diligently and promptly to prosecute or settle such claim, the indemnifying party shall be bound by the result obtained with respect thereto by the indemnified party. If the indemnifying party shall have assumed the defense of an Indemnity Claim, the indemnified party shall agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of an Indemnity Claim that the indemnifying party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the indemnifying party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Indemnity Claim, which releases the indemnified party completely in connection with such Indemnity Claim and which would not otherwise adversely affect the indemnified party.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Indemnity Claim (and shall be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the indemnified party in defending such Indemnity Claim) if the Indemnity Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the indemnified party which the indemnified party reasonably determines, after conferring with its outside counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Indemnity Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

Section 6.5 Cooperation. If requested by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party agrees to cooperate with the indemnifying party and its counsel in contesting any Indemnity Claim that the indemnifying party elects to contest or, if appropriate, in making any counterclaim against the person asserting the Indemnity Claim, or any cross-complaint against any person, and the indemnifying party will reimburse the indemnified party for any expenses incurred by it in so cooperating. At no cost or expense to the indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall cooperate with the indemnified party and its counsel in contesting any Indemnity Claim.

Section 6.6 Right to Participate. The indemnified party agrees to afford the indemnifying party and its counsel the opportunity to be present at, and to participate in, conferences with all persons, including Governmental Authorities, asserting any Indemnity Claim against the indemnified party or conferences with representatives of or counsel for such persons.

Section 6.7 Payment of Damages. The indemnification required hereunder shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, within 10 days as and when reasonably specific bills are received or loss, liability, claim, damage or expense is incurred and reasonable evidence thereof is delivered. In calculating any amount to be paid by an indemnifying party by reason of the provisions of this Agreement, the amount shall be reduced by all tax benefits and other reimbursements (including, without limitation, insurance proceeds) credited to or received by the other party related to the Damages.

 

13


Section 6.8 Limitations on Indemnification.

(a) To the extent the Partnership Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant to Section 6.2(a) due to a breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.4 , the Contributors shall not be liable for those Damages unless the aggregate amount of Damages exceeds 0.5% of the Cash Consideration (the “ Deductible ”), and then only to the extent of any such excess; provided , that the Contributors shall not be liable for Damages that exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the Cash Consideration (the “ Cap ”) less the Deductible.

(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, to the extent the Partnership Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages for claims arising from Fraud, the Contributors shall be fully liable for such Damages without respect to the Deductible or the limitations in Section 6.8(a) .

(c) To the extent the Contributor Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant to Section 6.1(a) , the Partnership shall not be liable for those Damages unless the aggregate amount of Damages exceeds, in the aggregate, the Deductible, and then only to the extent of any such excess; provided , that the Partnership shall not be liable for Damages that exceed, in the aggregate, the Cap less the Deductible.

(d) Notwithstanding clause (c) above, to the extent the Contributor Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages for claims arising from Fraud, the Partnership shall be fully liable for such Damages without respect to the Deductible and the limitations in Section 6.8(c) .

(e) To the extent the Partnership Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant to Section 6.2(a) due to a breach of the representations and warranties set for in Section 3.4 and the Damages related to such breach are calculated with respect to 100% of the equity interest or assets of the TIR Entities, as applicable, the Partnership Parties shall only be entitled to be indemnified for 49.9% of such Damages.

Section 6.9 Survival. The representations and warranties of the Contributors set forth in Sections 3.1(a) , 3.1(b) , 3.2(a) , 3.2(b) , 3.2(d) and 3.2(e) shall survive indefinitely, and the representations and warranties of the Contributors set forth in Sections 3.4(d) and 3.4(f) shall survive for the applicable statute of limitations plus 30 days. The representations and warranties of the Contributors set forth in Article III other than those set forth in the immediately previous sentence shall survive for a period of one year after the Closing Date. The representations and warranties of the Partnership set forth in Sections 3.1(a) , 3.1(b) , 3.3(a) and 3.3(b) shall survive indefinitely. The representations and warranties of the Partnership set forth in Article III other than those set forth in the immediately previous sentence shall survive for a period of one year after the Closing Date.

Section 6.10 Sole Remedy. After the Closing, no Party shall have liability under this Agreement or the Transactions except as provided in this Article VI and as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

 

14


Section 6.11 Express Negligence Rule. THE INDEMNIFICATION AND ASSUMPTION PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSLY NEGOTIATED IN EVERY DETAIL, ARE INTENDED TO BE GIVEN FULL AND LITERAL EFFECT, AND SHALL BE APPLICABLE WHETHER OR NOT THE LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS, LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES OR DAMAGES IN QUESTION ARISE OR AROSE SOLELY OR IN PART FROM THE GROSS, ACTIVE, PASSIVE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. THE PARTNERSHIP AND THE CONTRIBUTORS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS STATEMENT COMPLIES WITH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE AND CONSTITUTES CONSPICUOUS NOTICE. NOTICE IN THIS CONSPICUOUS NOTICE IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE OR ALTER THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES, ALL OF WHICH ARE SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT .

ARTICLE VII

TAX MATTERS

Section 7.1 Liability for Taxes. The Parties agree that from and after the Closing and with respect to the period beginning on 12:01 am on January 23, 2014 and ending at the Effective Time (the “ Tax Indemnity Period ”), the income derived from the Subject Interests for the Tax Indemnity Period will be reflected on the Tax Returns of the Contributors and that the Contributors shall bear the liability for any Taxes associated with such income.

Section 7.2 Tax Returns. With respect to any Tax Return covering any taxable period that is required to be filed by the TIR Entities or their businesses or assets, the TIR Entities shall be responsible for the timely remittance of payment (and deposit of any refund) of Taxes due with respect to the period covered by such Tax Return. The Parties shall bear liability for payment of Tax to the extent of their ownership percentage in each respective entity during the period to which the Tax relates.

Section 7.3 Survival. Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to any Tax matter covered by this Agreement shall survive the Closing and shall not terminate until 30 days after the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations (including all periods of extension and tolling) applicable to such Tax matter.

Section 7.4 Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Article VII and any other provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Article VII shall control.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1 Headings; References; Interpretation . All Article and Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole, including, without limitation, all Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto,

 

15


and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All references herein to Articles, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits shall, unless the context requires a different construction, be deemed to be references to the Articles and Sections of this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto, and all such Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes. All personal pronouns used in this Agreement, whether used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include all other genders, and the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. The use herein of the word “including” following any general statement, term or matter shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not non-limiting language (such as “without limitation”, “but not limited to”, or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto, but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter. All references herein to a time shall be to Central Standard Time.

Section 8.2 Expenses . Except as otherwise set forth herein, each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incident to this Agreement and all action taken in preparation for effecting the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 8.3 Form of Payment. All payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars and, unless the parties making and receiving such payments shall agree otherwise or the provisions hereof provide otherwise, shall be made by wire or interbank transfer of immediately available funds on the date such payment is due to such account as the party receiving payment may designate at least three business days prior to the proposed date of payment.

Section 8.4 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

Section 8.5 No Third Party Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are intended to bind the Parties as to each other and are not intended to and do not create rights in any other person or confer upon any other person any benefits, rights or remedies, and no person is or is intended to be a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 8.6 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 8.7 Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the state of Delaware. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT INVOLVES AT LEAST U.S. $100,000 AND THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ENTERED INTO IN EXPRESS RELIANCE UPON 6 Del. C. § 2708. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES (i) TO BE SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND OF THE FEDERAL COURTS SITTING IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND (ii) TO THE EXTENT SUCH PARTY IS NOT OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, TO APPOINT AND MAINTAIN AN AGENT IN THE

 

16


STATE OF DELAWARE AS SUCH PARTY’S AGENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF LEGAL PROCESS AND TO NOTIFY THE OTHER PARTIES OF THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUCH AGENT.

Section 8.8 Severability . If any of the provisions of this Agreement are held by any court of competent jurisdiction to contravene, or to be invalid under, the laws of any political body having jurisdiction over the subject matter hereof, such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire Agreement. Instead, this Agreement shall be construed as if it did not contain the particular provisions or provisions held to be invalid and an equitable adjustment shall be made and necessary provision added so as to give effect to the intention of the Parties as expressed in this Agreement at the time of execution of this Agreement.

Section 8.9 Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face as an amendment to this Agreement.

Section 8.10 Integration . This Agreement and the instruments referenced herein supersede all previous understandings or agreements among the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and such instruments. This Agreement and such instruments contain the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties. No understanding, representation, promise or agreement, whether oral or written, is intended to be or shall be included in or form part of this Agreement unless it is contained in a written amendment hereto executed by the parties hereto after the date of this Agreement.

Section 8.11 Deed; Bill of Sale; Assignment . To the extent required and permitted by applicable law, this Agreement shall also constitute a “deed,” “bill of sale” or “assignment” of the assets and interests referenced herein.

Section 8.12 Schedules . Inclusion of a matter on a Schedule in relation to a representation or warranty that addresses matters that are material or matters having a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed an indication that such matter is material or does, or may, have a Material Adverse Effect. Likewise, the inclusion of a matter on a Schedule to this Agreement in relation to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an indication that such matter necessarily would, or may, breach such representation or warranty absent its inclusion on such Schedule. Matters may be disclosed on a Schedule for information purposes only.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

17


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

 

CYPRESS ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: VP & CFO
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: VP & CFO
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: VP & CFO
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: VP & CFO
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS – TIR, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: VP & CFO
MR. CHARLES C. STEPHENSON, JR.

/s/ Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.

 

Signature Pages to Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement


MS. CYNTHIA FIELD

/s/ Cynthia Field

 

Signature Pages to Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS AGREEMENT

among

CYPRESS ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC,

CYPRESS ENERGY MANAGEMENT, LLC,

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.,

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LLC

CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS – TIR, LLC

FOLEY INSPECTION SERVICES ULC

TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES, LLC

TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES – CANADA ULC

TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES HOLDINGS, LLC

AND

TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES – NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION, LLC

February 20, 2015

 

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS AGREEMENT is entered into on, and effective as of, the Effective Date (as defined herein) among Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Cypress Holdings ”), Cypress Energy Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CEM ”), Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ OLLC ”), Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ General Partner ”), Foley Inspection Services ULC, an Alberta, Canada unlimited liability corporation (“ Foley ”), Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ TIR ”), Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada ULC, an Alberta, Canada unlimited liability corporation (“ TIR Canada ”), Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ TIR Holdings ”), and Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ NDE ”). The above-named entities are sometimes referred to in this Agreement (as defined herein) each as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

R E C I T A L S :

1. The Parties previously entered into that certain Omnibus Agreement (the “ Original Agreement ”) effective as of the IPO Closing Date (as defined herein), and the Parties now desire to amend and restate the Original IPO Agreement as provided herein.

2. Certain of the Parties desire to enter into that certain Contribution Agreement dated as of the date hereof to effect the contribution of the minority interests in TIR, TIR Holdings and NDE to the Partnership.

3. The Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding, as more fully set forth in Article II , with respect to certain indemnification obligations of the Parties to each other.

4. The Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding, as more fully set forth in Article III , with respect to the amount to be paid by the Partnership for the centralized overhead services to be performed by the General Partner and its Affiliates (as defined herein) for and on behalf of the Partnership Group (as defined herein).

5. The Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding, as more fully set forth in Article IV , with respect to the Partnership Group’s right of first offer with respect to the ROFO Assets (as defined herein).

6. The Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding, as more fully set forth in Article V , with respect to the granting of certain licenses between the Parties.

 

1


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 hereto hereby agree to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

Administrative Fee ” is defined in Section 3.2(a) .

Affiliate ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Agreement ” means this Agreement, as it may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

CEI ” is defined in Section 3.4 .

CEM ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

CEP TIR ” means Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Common Unit ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Conflicts Committee ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

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.

Covered Environmental Losses ” is defined in Section 2.1(a) .

Credit Agreement ” means the $120 million secured credit agreement, dated December 24, 2013, by and among the Partnership, the OLLC, CEP TIR, TIR, Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, the other lenders party thereto and BMO Harris Bank N.A.

Cypress Entities ” means Cypress Holdings and any Person controlled, directly or indirectly, by Cypress Holdings other than the General Partner or a member of the Partnership Group; and “Cypress Entity” means any of the Cypress Entities in their individual capacity.

Cypress Holdings ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

Effective Date ” means February 20, 2015.

Environmental Deductible ” is defined in Section 2.1(a)(iii) .

Environmental Laws ” means all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, judgments, ordinances, codes, injunctions, decrees, Environmental Permits and other legally enforceable requirements and rules of common law now or hereafter in effect, relating to (a) pollution or protection of human health, natural resources, wildlife and the environment including, without limitation, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,

 

2


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 and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and any state or local counterparts, each as amended from time to time, and (b) the generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, transport, or handling of any Hazardous Substances.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, approval, identification number, license, registration, certification, consent, exemption, variance or other authorization required under or issued pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law, including applications for renewal of such permits in which the application allows for continued operation under the terms of an expired permit.

Foley ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

General Partner ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

Governmental Authority ” means the United States, any foreign country, state, county, city or other incorporated or unincorporated political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof.

Governmental Requirement ” means any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, determination, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization or other directive or requirement, whether now or hereinafter in effect, including environmental laws, energy regulations and occupational, safety and health standards or controls, of any Governmental Authority.

Hazardous Substance ” means (a) any substance, whether solid, liquid, gaseous, semi-solid or any combination thereof, that is designated, defined or classified as a hazardous waste, solid waste, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic or hazardous substance, or terms of similar meaning, 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, as amended, and including asbestos and lead-containing paints or coatings, radioactive materials, and polychlorinated biphenyls, and (b) petroleum, oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, motor oil, waste oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum hydrocarbons, solely to the extent regulated under applicable Environmental Laws.

Indemnified Party ” means the Partnership Group or the Cypress Entities, as the case may be, in its capacity as the party entitled to indemnification in accordance with Article II .

Indemnifying Party ” means either the Partnership Group or Cypress Holdings, as the case may be, in its capacity as the party from whom indemnification may be sought in accordance with Article II .

IPO Assets ” means all disposal wells and related facilities and equipment, inspection equipment, storage tanks, offices and related equipment, real estate and other assets,

 

3


or portions thereof, conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred or intended to be conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred pursuant to the IPO Contribution Agreement to any member of the Partnership Group, or owned by, leased by or necessary for the operation of the business, properties or assets of any member of the Partnership Group, prior to or as of the IPO Closing Date.

IPO Closing Date ” means January 21, 2014, the date of the closing of the initial public offering of Common Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.

IPO Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of the IPO Closing Date, among the General Partner, the Partnership, Cypress Holdings, Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, OLLC, Cypress Energy Partners – SBG, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CEP TIR, TIR, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., Ms. Cynthia Field, Mr. G. Les Austin and Mr. Richard Carson.

License ” is defined in Section 5.1 .

Limited Partner ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Loan Origination Fee ” means the $2.05 million loan origination fee paid in connection with the Fee Letter, dated December 24, 2013 between Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and the Partnership.

Losses ” means any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable attorney’s and expert’s fees) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent.

Marks ” is defined in Section 5.1 .

Mediation Notice ” is defined in Section 6.3 .

NDE ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

OLLC ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

Partnership ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., dated as of January 21, 2014, as such agreement is in effect on the IPO Closing Date, to which reference is hereby made for all purposes of this Agreement.

Partnership Change of Control ” means Cypress Holdings ceases to directly or indirectly control the general partner of the Partnership.

 

4


Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and any of its Subsidiaries, treated as a single consolidated entity.

Partnership Group Member ” means any member of the Partnership Group.

Partnership Securities ” means any equity or debt instrument of the Partnership.

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, government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.

Producer Price Index ” means the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods, as provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Proposed Transaction ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

Registration Statement ” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Partnership with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-192328), as amended.

Retained Assets ” means all disposal wells and related facilities and equipment, inspection equipment, storage tanks, offices and related equipment, real estate and other assets, or portions thereof, owned by any of the Cypress Entities that were not directly or indirectly conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred to the Partnership Group pursuant to the IPO Contribution Agreement or the other documents referred to in the IPO Contribution Agreement.

ROFO Assets ” means the assets listed on Schedule IV to this Agreement.

ROFO Notice ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

ROFO Period ” is defined in Section 4.1(a) .

ROFO Response ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

ROFO Response Deadline ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

Subsidiary ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

TIR ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

TIR Canada ” is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.

TIR Parent ” means Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation.

TIR Reorganization ” means the purchase of shares of common stock of TIR Parent by CEP TIR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and through a series of acquisitions, the merger of TIR Parent with and into TIR, the distribution by TIR of its interest in

 

5


NDE, TIR Canada and Tulsa Inspection Resources-Acquisition Corp., which directly owned Foley prior to its amalgamation with Foley, to its members, and all other transactions, disputes, claims and expenses related thereto.

Transfer ” means to, directly or indirectly, sell, assign, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of, whether in one or a series of transactions.

ARTICLE II

Indemnification

2.1 Environmental Indemnification .

(a) Subject to Section 2.4 , Cypress Holdings shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Partnership Group from and against any of the following Losses suffered or incurred by the Partnership Group, directly or indirectly, or as a result of any claim by a third party, by reason of or arising out of the operation or ownership of the IPO Assets prior to the IPO Closing Date:

(i) any violation or correction of violation of Environmental Laws occurring or arising, in whole or in part, prior to the IPO Closing Date;

(ii) any currently existing environmental event, action, omission, condition or matter or currently pending legal action against the Partnership Group, a true and correct summary of which is described on Schedule I attached hereto; and

(iii) any event, condition, action, omission or matter that has an adverse impact on the environment and is associated with or arising, in whole or in part, from the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets prior to the IPO Closing Date (including, without limitation, the presence of Hazardous Substances on, under, about or migrating to or from the IPO Assets or the disposal or release of Hazardous Substances generated by operation of the IPO Assets at non-IPO Asset locations) including, without limitation, (A) the cost and expense of any required investigation, assessment, evaluation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, repair, restoration, remediation or other corrective action under Environmental Laws, (B) the cost and expense of the preparation and implementation of any closure, remedial, corrective action, or other plans required or necessary under Environmental Laws, and (C) the cost and expense of any environmental or toxic tort pre-trial, trial, or appellate legal or litigation support work; provided, however , Cypress Holdings shall not be obligated to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Partnership Group for a Loss under this Section 2.1(a)(iii) until such time as the aggregate amount of all Losses under this Section 2.1(a)(iii) exceeds $350,000 (the “ Environmental Deductible ”), at which time Cypress Holdings shall be obligated to indemnify the Partnership Group for the total amount of such Losses in excess of the Environmental Deductible;

provided, however, that with respect to any event, condition or matter under Sections 2.1(a)(iii) , Cypress Holdings will be obligated to indemnify the Partnership Group only to the extent that Cypress Holdings is notified in writing of such violation, event, condition or environmental matter on or before the third anniversary of the IPO Closing Date ( clauses (i)  through (iii)  collectively, “ Covered Environmental Losses ”).

 

6


(b) The Partnership Group, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Cypress Entities from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by the Cypress Entities, directly or indirectly, or as a result of any claim by a third party, by reason of or arising out of:

(i) any violation or correction of violation of Environmental Laws associated with or arising, in whole or in part, from the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets occurring on or after the IPO Closing Date; and

(ii) any event, condition or matter associated with or arising, in whole or in part, from the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets on or after the IPO Closing Date (including, but not limited to, the presence of Hazardous Substances on, under, about or migrating to or from the IPO Assets or the disposal or release of Hazardous Substances generated by operation of the IPO Assets at non-IPO Asset locations) that requires investigation, assessment, evaluation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, repair, restoration, remediation or other corrective action under Environmental Laws, including, without limitation, (A) the cost and expense of any such activity, (B) the cost or expense of the preparation and implementation of any closure, remedial, corrective action, or other plans required or necessary under Environmental Laws, and (C) the cost and expense for any environmental or toxic tort pre-trial, trial, or appellate legal or litigation support work, to the extent that any of the foregoing matters under (i) and (ii) are not Covered Environmental Losses for which the Partnership Group is entitled to indemnification from Cypress Holdings under this Article II without giving effect to the Environmental Deductible.

2.2 Additional Indemnification .

(a) In addition to and not in limitation of the indemnification provided under Sections 2.1(a) , Cypress Holdings shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Partnership Group from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by the Partnership Group and relating to or arising out of:

(i) (A) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the IPO Contribution Agreement or (B) events, actions, omissions and conditions associated with the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets and occurring prior to the IPO Closing Date (other than Covered Environmental Losses, which are provided for under Section 2.1); provided, however , that such obligation to indemnify will terminate five (5) years after the IPO Closing Date;

(ii) any litigation matters attributable to the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets prior to the IPO Closing Date, including the currently pending legal actions against Cypress Holdings set forth on Schedule II attached hereto; provided, however that no indemnification claims may be made against Cypress Holdings for legal matters not identified on Schedule II or otherwise known to Cypress Holdings as of the IPO Closing Date unless the aggregate dollar amount of such Losses suffered or incurred by the Partnership Group exceeds $250,000, after such time Cypress Holdings shall be liable for the full amount of such Losses in excess of $250,000;

 

7


(iii) any claims associated with or arising from the Retained Assets following the closing, regardless of whether the events or conditions underlying such claims occurred prior to or following the IPO Closing Date;

(iv) all federal, state and local income tax liabilities attributable to the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets prior to the IPO Closing Date, including under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state or local law), and any such income tax liabilities of Cypress Holdings that may result from the consummation of the formation transactions for the Partnership Group and the General Partner occurring on or prior to the IPO Closing Date; provided, however , that such obligation to indemnify will terminate 60 days after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations;

(v) the failure of any Partnership Group Member to have on the IPO Closing Date any title, right of way, consent, license, permit or approval necessary to allow such Partnership Group Member to own or operate the IPO Assets in substantially the same manner that the contributed assets were owned or operated immediately prior to the IPO Closing Date and as described in the Registration Statement; provided, however , that such obligation to indemnify will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the IPO Closing Date; provided, further , no claims may be made against Cypress Holdings for indemnification pursuant this Section 2.2(a)(v) unless the aggregate dollar amount of the Losses suffered or incurred under this Section 2.2(a)(v) by the Partnership Group exceeds $500,000, after such time Cypress Holdings shall be liable for the full amount of such Losses in excess of $500,000; and

(vi) any losses suffered or incurred by the Partnership Group and related to, associated with or arising, in whole or part, from the TIR Reorganization.

(b) In addition to and not in limitation of the indemnification provided under Section 2.1(b) or the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership Group, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Cypress Entities from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by the Cypress Entities by reason of or arising out of events, actions, omissions and conditions associated with the ownership or operation of the IPO Assets and occurring after the IPO Closing Date (other than Covered Environmental Losses which are provided for under Section 2.1 ), unless such indemnification would not be permitted under the Partnership Agreement by reason of one of the provisos contained in Section 7.7(a) of the Partnership Agreement.

2.3 Indemnification Procedures .

(a) The Indemnified Party agrees that within a reasonable period of time 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.

(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control all aspects of the 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, without limitation, the selection of counsel, determination of whether to appeal any decision of any court and the

 

8


settling of any such claim or any matter or any issues relating thereto; provided, however , that no such settlement shall be entered into without the consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless it includes a full release of the Indemnified Party from such claim or any matter or any issues relating thereto, as the case may be.

(c) The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate in good faith with the Indemnifying Party, with respect to all aspects of the defense of and pursuit of any counterclaims with respect to any claims covered by the indemnification under this Article II , including, without limitation, 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 and counterclaims, 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 counterclaims, the making available to the Indemnifying Party of any employees of the Indemnified Party and the granting to the Indemnifying Party of reasonable access rights to the properties and facilities 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 2.3 . 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 or pursuit of any counterclaims 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 and counterclaims. The Indemnifying Party agrees to keep any such counsel hired by the Indemnified Party reasonably informed as to the status of any such defense or counterclaim, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to retain sole control over such defense and counterclaim so long as the Indemnified Party is still seeking indemnification hereunder.

(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 premium that becomes 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.

2.4 Limitations Regarding Indemnification . NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATION HEREUNDER COVER OR INCLUDE CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS (INCLUDING ANY DIMINUTION IN VALUE OF ANY PARTY’S RESPECTIVE INVESTMENT IN THE PARTNERSHIP) SUFFERED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY ANY OTHER PARTY ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

 

9


ARTICLE III

Services; Indebtedness

3.1 Provision of General and Administrative Services . Cypress Holdings agrees to provide, and agrees to cause its Affiliates to provide, on behalf of the General Partner for the Partnership Group’s benefit, all required centralized overhead services, including, without limitation, the general and administrative services listed on Schedule III to this Agreement, and shall pay on behalf of the Partnership:

(a) salaries of employees of the General Partner and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership or its Subsidiaries), to the extent such employees perform the foregoing services for the Partnership Group;

(b) the cost of employee benefits relating to employees of the General Partner and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership or its Subsidiaries), including 401(k), pension, bonuses and health insurance benefits (whether through insurance policies provided by third parties or self-insurance), to the extent such employees perform the foregoing services for the Partnership Group;

(c) all expenses incurred or payments made by the General Partner or its Affiliates for insurance coverage or deductibles with respect to the Partnership’s assets or the business of the Partnership Group as well as any claims received with respect to the Partnership’s assets or the business of the Partnership Group; and

(d) all expenses incurred as a result of the Partnership becoming and continuing as a publicly traded entity, including costs associated with filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, independent auditor fees, partnership governance and compliance, registrar and transfer agent fees, tax return and Schedule K-1 preparation and distribution, legal fees and director compensation.

3.2 Administrative Fee .

(a) As consideration for the provision of such services described in Section 3.1 by Cypress Holdings and CEM, the Partnership Group shall pay to Cypress Holdings an annual fee (the “ Administrative Fee ”) of $4,000,000 payable in arrears in equal quarterly installments on or before the tenth business day of each subsequent quarter.

(b) The Administrative Fee shall be increased annually by the percentage equal to the increase, if any, in the Producer Price Index plus one (1) percent. In the event that (i) the Partnership Group makes any material contribution, acquisition or disposition of assets or businesses, (ii) a change occurs in the scope of services provided to the Partnership Group and the fees related thereto (iii) a change occurs in an applicable Governmental Requirement or (iv) Cypress Holdings and the General Partner (including, if applicable, its Board of Directors or the Conflicts Committee) so agree, then the Administrative Fee shall be appropriately adjusted, after approval by the Conflicts Committee, in order to account for changes in the nature and extent of the general and administrative services provided by Cypress Holdings to the Partnership Group.

 

10


3.3 Reimbursement and Allocation .

(a) The Partnership Group shall reimburse Cypress Holdings for all tax costs and expenses incurred or payments made by Cypress Holdings and its Affiliates (other than Partnership Group Members) on behalf of the Partnership Group including all sales, use, excise, value added, margin, franchise or similar taxes, if any, that may be applicable from time to time associated with the ownership and operation of the Partnership’s assets or with respect to the services provided by the Partnership Group.

(b) Such reimbursements shall be made by the Partnership Group on or before the tenth business day of each quarter following the quarter such costs and expenses are incurred. For the avoidance of doubt, the costs and expenses set forth in this Section 3.3 shall be paid by the Partnership Group in addition to, and not as a part of or included in, the Administrative Fee. As long as the General Partner is an Affiliate of Cypress Holdings, the Partnership and Cypress Holdings may settle the Partnership Group’s financial obligations to Cypress Holdings through Cypress Holdings’ normal inter-affiliate settlement processes.

3.4 Limitation on Indebtedness of CEP TIR . Holdings shall not, and shall cause Cypress Energy Investment, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and sole member of CEP TIR (“ CEI ”) not to, borrow, or cause to be borrowed or receive distributions or cause to be distributed any proceeds from borrowings under any indebtedness incurred by any Partnership Group Member, in each case, without first obtaining Special Approval (as defined in the Partnership Agreement).

ARTICLE IV

Right of First Offer

4.1 Right of First Offer to Purchase Certain IPO Assets .

(a) For the period beginning on the IPO Closing Date and ending on the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the IPO Closing Date and a Partnership Change of Control (the “ ROFO Period ”), the Cypress Entities hereby grant to the Partnership Group a right of first offer on any ROFO Asset to the extent that any Cypress Entity proposes to Transfer any ROFO Asset (other than to an Affiliate who agrees in writing that such ROFO Asset remains subject to the provisions of this Article IV and such Affiliate assumes the obligations under this Article IV with respect to such ROFO Asset) or enters into any agreement relating to such Transfer or proposed Transfer of any ROFO Asset during the ROFO Period; provided, however , that Cypress Entities may transfer all or any part of a ROFO Asset to an Affiliate of Cypress Holdings that agrees in writing that such ROFO Asset remains subject to the provisions of this Article IV and such Affiliate assumes in writing the obligations of the Cypress Entities under this Article IV with respect to such ROFO Asset, and such Transfer shall not be subject to the Partnership Group’s right of first offer under this Article IV .

 

11


(b) The Parties acknowledge that any Transfer of ROFO Assets pursuant to the Partnership Group’s right of first offer is subject to the terms of all existing agreements with respect to the ROFO Assets and shall be subject to and conditioned on the obtaining of any and all necessary consents of security holders, governmental authorities, lenders or other third parties.

4.2 Procedures.

(a) In the event a Cypress Entity proposes to Transfer any applicable ROFO Asset (other than to an Affiliate, in accordance with Section 4.1(a) ) during the ROFO Period (a “ Proposed Transaction ”), Cypress Holdings shall, prior to any Cypress Entity entering into any such Proposed Transaction, first give notice in writing to the Partnership Group (the “ ROFO Notice ”) of the intention to enter into such Proposed Transaction. The ROFO Notice shall include: (i) a description of the ROFO Assets subject to the Proposed Transaction, and (ii) any material terms, conditions and details as would be necessary for a Partnership Group Member to make a responsive offer to enter into the Proposed Transaction with the Cypress Entity, which terms, conditions and details shall at a minimum include any terms, condition or details that Cypress Holdings would propose to provide to non-Affiliates in connection with the Proposed Transaction. If the Partnership Group decides to purchase the ROFO Assets, the Partnership Group shall have 45 days following receipt of the ROFO Notice (the “ ROFO Response Deadline ”) to propose an offer to enter into the Proposed Transaction with the Cypress Entity (the “ ROFO Response ”). The ROFO Response shall set forth the terms and conditions (including, without limitation, the purchase price the applicable Partnership Group Member proposes to pay for the ROFO Asset and the other terms of the purchase including, if requested by a Cypress Entity, the terms on which the Partnership Group Member will provide services to the Cypress Entity to enable the Cypress Entity to utilize the applicable ROFO Asset) pursuant to which the Partnership Group would be willing to enter into a binding agreement for the Proposed Transaction. If no ROFO Response is delivered by the Partnership Group by the ROFO Response Deadline, then the Partnership Group shall be deemed to have decided not to purchase the applicable ROFO Assets, and the Partnership Group shall be deemed to have waived its right of first offer with respect to such ROFO Asset, subject to Section 4.2(c) .

(b) If Cypress Holdings rejects the ROFO Response or fails to respond to such ROFO Response within 45 days of the receipt thereof, such ROFO Response shall be deemed to have been rejected by Cypress Holdings, and Cypress Holdings shall not be required to enter into an agreement with the applicable Partnership Group Member regarding the Proposed Transaction. If Cypress Holdings accepts the ROFO Response, it will confirm such acceptance in a written notice to the applicable Partnership Group Member upon the terms set forth in the ROFO Response, and, if applicable, the Partnership Group Member shall enter into an agreement with the Cypress Entity setting forth the terms on which the Partnership Group Member will provide services to the Cypress Entity to enable the Cypress Entity to utilize the ROFO Asset. Unless otherwise agreed between Cypress Holdings and the applicable Partnership Group Member, the terms of the purchase and sale agreement will include the following:

(i) the Partnership Group Member will deliver the agreed purchase price (in cash, Partnership Securities, an interest-bearing promissory note, or any combination thereof);

 

12


(ii) Cypress Holdings will represent that it has title to the ROFO Assets that is sufficient to own and operate the ROFO Assets in accordance with their intended and historical use, subject to all recorded matters and all physical conditions in existence on the closing date for the purchase of the applicable ROFO Asset, plus any other such matters as the Partnership Group Member may approve. If the Partnership Group Member desires to obtain any title insurance with respect to the ROFO Asset, the full cost and expense of obtaining the same (including but not limited to the cost of title examination, document duplication and policy premium) shall be borne by the Partnership Group Member;

(iii) Cypress Holdings will grant to the Partnership Group Member the right, exercisable at the Partnership Group Member’s risk and expense prior to the delivery of the ROFO Response, to make such surveys, tests and inspections of the ROFO Asset as the Partnership Group Member may deem desirable, so long as such surveys, tests or inspections do not damage the ROFO Asset or interfere with the activities of Cypress Holdings;

(iv) Cypress Holdings and the applicable Partnership Group Member shall use commercially reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effectuate the consummation of any transactions contemplated by this Section 4.2(b) , including causing its respective Affiliates to execute, deliver and perform all documents, notices, amendments, certificates, instruments and consents required in connection therewith; and

(v) neither Cypress Holdings nor the applicable Partnership Group Member shall have any obligation to sell or buy the applicable ROFO Asset if any of the consents referred to in Section 4.1(b) has not been obtained.

(c) If the Partnership Group has not timely delivered a ROFO Response as specified above with respect to a Proposed Transaction that is subject to a ROFO Notice, or if Cypress Holdings has rejected or is deemed to have rejected a ROFO Response, Cypress Holdings shall be free to enter into a Proposed Transaction with any third party (i) on terms and conditions (excluding those relating to price) that are not more favorable in the aggregate to such third party than those proposed in respect of the Partnership Group in the ROFO Response and (ii) at a price equal to no less than 100% of the price offered by the applicable Partnership Group Member in the ROFO Response to Cypress Holdings; provided, if such Proposed Transaction with a third party shall not have been consummated within the later of (A) 180 days after the ROFO Response Deadline, and (B) 10 days after the satisfaction of all consent, governmental approval or filing requirements, if any, then the ROFO Notice shall be deemed to have lapsed, and Cypress Holdings shall not Transfer any of the ROFO Assets described in the ROFO Notice without complying again with the provisions of this Article IV if and to the extent then applicable.

(d) If requested by the Partnership Group, the Cypress Entities shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any financial statements with respect to any ROFO Assets Transferred pursuant to this Article IV to the extent required under Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor statute.

 

13


ARTICLE V

Licenses of Marks

5.1 Grant of License . On the IPO Closing Date, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Article V, Cypress Holdings granted and conveyed to the Partnership and each of the entities currently or hereafter comprising a part of the Partnership Group a nontransferable, nonexclusive, royalty-free right and license (the “ License ”) to use the name “Cypress” and “Tulsa Inspection Resources” and any other associated or related service marks, trademarks, graphics and tradenames owned by Cypress Holdings (collectively, the “ Marks ”).

5.2 Ownership and Quality of Marks . The Partnership, on behalf of itself and the other Partnership Group Members, agrees that ownership of the Marks and the goodwill relating thereto shall remain vested in Cypress Holdings during the term of the License and thereafter. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership agrees, and agrees to cause the other Partnership Group Members, never to challenge, contest or question the validity of Cypress Holdings’ ownership of the Marks or any registration thereof by Cypress Holdings. In connection with the use of the Marks, the Partnership and any other Partnership Group Member shall not in any manner represent that they have any ownership in the Marks or registration thereof. The Partnership, on behalf of itself and the other Partnership Group Members, acknowledges that the use of the Marks shall not create any right, title or interest in or to the Marks, and all use of the Marks by the Partnership or any other Partnership Group Member shall inure to the benefit of Cypress Holdings. The Partnership agrees, and agrees to cause the other Partnership Group Members, to use the Marks in accordance with such quality standards established by Cypress Holdings and communicated to the Partnership Group from time to time, it being understood that the products and services offered by the Partnership Group Members as of the IPO Closing Date are of a quality that is acceptable to Cypress Holdings.

5.3 Termination . The License shall terminate upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.6 .

ARTICLE VI

Miscellaneous

6.1 Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, 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 HERETO AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT INVOLVES AT LEAST U.S. $100,000 AND THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ENTERED INTO IN EXPRESS RELIANCE UPON 6 Del. C. § 2708. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES (i) TO BE SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND OF THE FEDERAL COURTS SITTING IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND (ii) TO THE EXTENT SUCH PARTY IS NOT OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, TO APPOINT AND MAINTAIN AN AGENT IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AS SUCH PARTY’S AGENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF LEGAL PROCESS AND TO NOTIFY THE OTHER PARTIES OF THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUCH AGENT.

 

14


6.2 Non-Binding Mediation . If the Parties cannot resolve any dispute or claim arising under this Agreement, then no earlier than 10 days nor more than 60 days following written notice to the other Parties, any Party may initiate mandatory, non-binding mediation hereunder by giving a notice of mediation (a “ Mediation Notice ”) to the other Parties to the dispute or claim. In connection with any mediation pursuant to this Section 6.3 , the mediator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties to the dispute or claim and the mediation shall be conducted in Tulsa, Oklahoma unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the dispute or claim. All costs and expenses of the mediator appointed pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall be shared equally by the Parties to the dispute or claim. The then-current Model ADR Procedures for Mediation of Business Disputes of the Center for Public Resources, Inc., either as written or as modified by mutual agreement of the Parties to the dispute or claim, shall govern any mediation pursuant to this Section 6.3 . In the mediation, each Party to the dispute or claim shall be represented by one or more senior representatives who shall have authority to resolve any disputes. If a dispute or claim has not been resolved within 30 days after the receipt of the Mediation Notice by a Party, then any Party to the dispute or claim may refer the resolution of the dispute or claim to litigation.

6.3 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 to such Party. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by facsimile shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the recipient’s normal business hours or at the beginning of the recipient’s next business day after receipt if not received during the recipient’s 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 Party’s 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 6.4 .

If to the Cypress Entities:

Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC

5727 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 500

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105

Attn: General Counsel and Secretary

Facsimile: (918) 748-3905

If to the Partnership Group:

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.

c/o Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, its General Partner

5727 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 500

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105

Attn: Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Facsimile: (918) 748-3905

 

15


6.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein.

6.5 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement, other than the provisions set forth in Article II hereof, may be terminated by (a) the written agreement of all of the Parties or (b) Cypress Holdings or the Partnership upon a Partnership Change of Control by written notice given to the other Parties to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties’ indemnification obligations under Article II shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, survive the termination of this Agreement in accordance with their respective terms.

6.6 Amendment or Modification . This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto. Any amendment hereto that the General Partner determines would materially adversely affect the holders of Common Units must be approved by the Conflicts Committee. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an “Amendment” or an “Addendum” to this Agreement.

6.7 Assignment . No Party shall have the right to assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the other Parties hereto.

6.8 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. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or in portable document format (.pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

6.9 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court or regulatory body of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

6.10 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.

6.11 Rights of Limited Partners . The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties to this Agreement, and no Limited Partner of the Partnership shall have the right, separate and apart from the Partnership, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of this Agreement.

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have executed this Agreement on, and effective as of, the Effective Date.

 

CYPRESS ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: Chief Financial Officer
CYPRESS ENERGY MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC
By:

/s/ Richard M. Carson

Name: Richard M. Carson
Title: Vice President & General Counsel
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

1


CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LLC
By:

/s/ G. Les Austin

Name: G. Les Austin
Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
FOLEY INSPECTION SERVICES ULC
By:

/s/ Randall Lorett

Name: Randall Lorett
Title: Chief Executive Officer
TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES, LLC
By:

/s/ Randall Lorett

Name: Randall Lorett
Title: President & Chief Executive Officer
TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES – CANADA ULC
By:

/s/ Randall Lorett

Name: Randall Lorett
Title: Chief Executive Officer
TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES – HOLDINGS, LLC
By:

/s/ Richard M. Carson

Name: Richard M. Carson
Title: Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary


TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES –NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION, LLC
By:

/s/ Randall Lorett

Name: Randall Lorett
Title: Chief Executive Officer


Schedule I

Pending Environmental Issues

None


Schedule II

Pending Litigation

None


Schedule III

General and Administrative Services

 

(1) Executive services

 

(2) Financial and administrative services (including, but not limited to, treasury and accounting)

 

(3) Information technology services

 

(4) Legal services

 

(5) Corporate Health, safety and environmental services

 

(6) Human resources services

 

(7) Procurement services

 

(8) Corporate engineering services

 

(9) Business development services

 

(10) Investor relations

 

(11) Tax matters

 

(12) Insurance coverage


Schedule IV

ROFO Assets

 

(1) Any assets used in, or entities engaged primarily in, providing saltwater disposal and other water environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies in the U.S.

 

(2) Any assets or entities currently owned by or acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC

 

(3) Any assets used in, or entities engaged primarily in, providing pipeline inspection and integrity services

Exhibit 99.1

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. Announces Acquisition of Remaining 49.9% Interest in Tulsa Inspection Resources

TULSA, Oklahoma.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—February 23rd, 2015

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: CELP ) today reported that it has acquired in an accretive all cash transaction the remaining 49.9% interest in Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR LLC”), Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC (“TIR NDE”), and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC (“TIR Holdings” and, together with TIR LLC and TIR NDE, “TIR”), that it did not previously own, from an affiliate of Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC (“CEH”) and certain other beneficial owners of CEH. The enterprise was valued at approximately 7x Adjusted EBITDA with customary debt and working capital adjustments that resulted in a cash payment of approximately $52.6 million, which was funded under CELP’s credit facilities. CELP now owns 100.0% of TIR.

Peter C. Boylan III, CELP’s chairman, president and chief executive officer stated, “We are pleased to announce the completion of the TIR drop down. This will further enhance CELP’s earnings and distributable cash flow potential and should allow us to more than offset the declines anticipated in the water & environmental services division as a result of lower prices, volumes, and drilling activity. This transaction also provides us with additional flexibility in 2015 with regard to our coverage ratio and distributions. TIR had a solid 2014 and early indications look promising for 2015, given the regulatory requirements and long lead time nature of new projects. Although the current energy market environment continues to be volatile, we continue to evaluate a number of interesting acquisition opportunities while remaining very disciplined. We believe our methodical and thoughtful approach to potential acquisition opportunities served us well relative to others. We remain focused on building a great company that will create long term value and distributable cash flow growth for our unit holders. We believe that the market disruption as a result of lower commodity prices will create some attractive opportunities for us in 2015 and beyond,” said Boylan.

This potential purchase by CELP of the remaining 49.9% of TIR has been discussed for the last year and was recently approved by CELP’s conflicts committee and board of directors. The conflicts committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, retained independent legal advisers to assist it in evaluating and negotiating the transaction. CELP already controlled and consolidated TIR as required under US GAAP accounting standards and CELP’s credit facility also supported 100% of TIR’s operations. The acquisition will contribute approximately 42% of TIR’s consolidated distributable cash flow. As previously disclosed in CELP’s SEC filings and the prospectus used in its initial public offering, the 49.9% interest holders in TIR were charged various fees, that effectively gave CELP the benefit of approximately 58% of TIR’s consolidated distributable cash flow. The post TIR drop-down pro-forma leverage ratio is approximately 2.7x pursuant to the terms of CELP’s credit facilities. CELP has approximately $70 million available and an additional $125 million in the current accordion feature under such facilities.

This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical facts included or incorporated herein may constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary significantly from those expressed or implied in such statements and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. While CELP believes its expectations as reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, CELP can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.


The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that affect operations, financial performance, and other factors as discussed in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other factors that could impact any forward-looking statements are those risks described in CELP’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K and other public filings. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, specifically those under the heading “Risk Factors.” CELP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

About Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. is a growth-oriented master limited partnership that provides independent pipeline inspection and integrity services to producers and pipeline companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Cypress also provides saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies. In both of these business segments, Cypress works closely with its customers to help them comply with increasingly complex and strict environmental and safety rules and regulations and reduce their operating costs. Cypress was founded by Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, an entity controlled by the family of Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and by Peter C. Boylan III, the Chairman, President and CEO of Cypress. Cypress is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

CELP defines distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA excluding cash interest paid, cash income taxes paid and maintenance capital expenditures. CELP defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income, plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization expenses, income tax expenses and offering costs; less gain on reversal of contingent consideration. Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP as those items are used to measure operating performance, liquidity or the ability to service debt obligations. CELP uses distributable cash flow as a supplemental financial measure to assess the cash flows generated by our assets (prior to the establishment of any retained cash reserves by the general partner) to fund the cash distributions we expect to pay to unitholders, to evaluate our success in providing a cash return on investment and whether or not the Partnership is generating cash flow at a level that can sustain or support an increase in its quarterly distribution rates and to determine the yield of our units, which is a quantitative standard used through the investment community with respect to publicly-traded partnerships as the value of a unit is generally determined by a unit’s yield (which in turn is based on the amount of cash distributions the entity pays to a unitholder). Because Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry our definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.

Contact:

Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.

Les Austin, Chief Financial Officer 918-748-3907 or les@cypressenergy.com