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): July 7, 2015

 

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-37456   47-3445032

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1000 CONSOL ENERGY DRIVE

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(724) 485-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On July 7, 2015, CNX Coal Resources LP (the “ Partnership ,” “ we ,” “ us ,” “ our ” and similar terms) completed its initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) of 5,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“ Common Units ”) at a price to the public of $15.00 per Common Unit ($14.10 per Common Unit, net of the underwriting discount) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-203165), initially filed by the Partnership with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) on April 1, 2015 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). The material provisions of the Offering are described in the prospectus, dated June 30, 2015, filed by the Partnership with the Commission on July 1, 2015 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act (the “ Prospectus ”). The Partnership granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 Common Units from the Partnership at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount.

Concurrently with the completion of the Offering, the Partnership completed a private placement (the “ Private Placement ”) of 5,000,000 Common Units at a price of $15.00 per Common Unit (for an aggregate offering price of $75.0 million) pursuant to a Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 25, 2015 (the “ Original Private Placement Purchase Agreement ” and, as amended by the Amendment to the Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2015 (the “ Private Placement Amendment ”), the “ Private Placement Purchase Agreement ”), with certain funds (each a “ Purchaser ” and, collectively, the “ Purchasers ”) managed by Greenlight Capital, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“ Greenlight Capital ”). The Private Placement Amendment amended the Original Private Placement Purchase Agreement by adding three additional funds managed by Greenlight Capital that were Purchasers under the Private Placement Purchase Agreement. The material terms of the Private Placement are described in the Prospectus. The Common Units were issued to the Purchasers in the Private Placement pursuant to the Private Placement Purchase Agreement in a transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement

The description of the Contribution Agreement (as defined below) provided under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference. A copy of the Contribution Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Omnibus Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into an Omnibus Agreement (the “ Omnibus Agreement ”) by and between the Partnership, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership (the “ General Partner ”), CONSOL Energy Inc. (“ CONSOL ”), and the parties listed on Exhibit A thereto. The Omnibus Agreement addresses certain aspects of the Partnership’s relationship with CONSOL and certain of its subsidiaries, including:

 

    our payment of an annual administrative support fee, initially in the amount of $9.4 million (prorated for the first year of service), for the provision of certain administrative support services by CONSOL and its affiliates;

 

    our payment of an annual executive support fee, initially in the amount of $0.7 million (prorated for the first year of service), for the provision of certain executive support services by CONSOL and its affiliates;

 

    our obligation to reimburse CONSOL for the provision of certain management, operating and investor relation services by CONSOL and its affiliates;

 

    our obligation to reimburse CONSOL for all other direct or allocated costs and expenses incurred by CONSOL in providing general and administrative services (which reimbursement is in addition to certain expenses of the General Partner and its affiliates that are reimbursed under our partnership agreement);

 

    our right of first offer to acquire CONSOL’s retained 80% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania mining complex;

 

    our right of first offer to acquire CONSOL’s Baltimore Marine Terminal, Buchanan mine and Cardinal Gathering System; and


    certain indemnities, as described in below, from CONSOL and us.

So long as CONSOL controls the General Partner, the Omnibus Agreement will remain in full force and effect. If CONSOL ceases to control the General Partner, either party may terminate the Omnibus Agreement, provided that the indemnification obligations will survive any such termination in accordance with their terms.

Under the Omnibus Agreement, CONSOL will indemnify the Partnership for certain liabilities, including those relating to:

 

    the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement;

 

    all tax liabilities attributable to the assets contributed to us arising prior to the closing of the Offering or otherwise related to CONSOL’s contribution of those assets to us in connection with the Offering;

 

    certain operational and title matters, including the failure to have (i) the ability to operate under any governmental license, permit or approval or (ii) such valid title to the contributed assets, in each case, that is necessary for us to own or operate the contributed assets in substantially the same manner as owned or operated by CONSOL prior to the Offering;

 

    except to the extent resulting from our breach of the operating standard in the Operating Agreement (as defined below), CONSOL’s ownership of its retained 80% interest in and to the Pennsylvania mining complex;

 

    certain liabilities retained by CONSOL;

 

    CONSOL’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the provision of general and administrative services or management services under the Omnibus Agreement; and

 

    a breach by CONSOL of the Employee Services Agreement (as defined below), the Contract Agency Agreement (as defined below), the Water Supply and Services Agreement (as defined below), the Terminal and Throughput Agreement (as defined below) and/or the Cooperation and Safety Agreement (as defined below).

The Partnership will indemnify CONSOL for certain liabilities, including those relating to:

 

    the use, ownership or operation of our assets, including certain environmental liabilities;

 

    any liabilities incurred by CONSOL (i) under the Employee Services Agreement or the Contract Agency Agreement, (ii) in connection with CONSOL’s performance of services under the Water Supply and Services Agreement or the Terminal and Throughput Agreement (as defined below) or (iii) by our breach of the Cooperation and Safety Agreement; and

 

    our operation of the Pennsylvania mining complex under permits and/or bonds, letters of credit, guarantees, deposits and other pre-payments held by CONSOL.

Under the Omnibus Agreement, certain indemnification by CONSOL will be limited to liabilities identified prior to the third anniversary of the closing of the Offering. Certain of our and CONSOL’s indemnification obligations will be subject to a deductible of $1.0 million per claim. For purposes of calculating the deductible, a “claim” will include all liabilities that arise from a discrete act or event. There is no limit on the amount for which CONSOL or we will indemnify under the Omnibus Agreement once the deductible is met.

The foregoing description of the Omnibus Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Omnibus Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.


Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (“ CNX Thermal ”), our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement (the “ Operating Agreement ”) by and among Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (“ CPCC ”), Conrhein Coal Company (“ CCC ” and, together with CPCC, the “ CONSOL Operating Agreement Parties ”) and CNX Thermal. Under the Operating Agreement, CNX Thermal was named as operator and assumed management and control over the day-to-day operations of the Pennsylvania mining complex for the life of the mines. As operator under the Operating Agreement, CNX Thermal will be responsible for managing and conducting all operations with respect to the Pennsylvania mining complex, including providing the following services, which we refer to as the “operational services”:

 

    mining the Pennsylvania mining complex;

 

    handling coal production and delivery thereof to purchasers and/or facilities;

 

    operating the beltlines transporting raw coal into the Pennsylvania mining complex’s preparation plant and loading facility;

 

    storing, preparing, treating, managing and loading coal at the preparation plant and, if applicable, blending coal;

 

    disposing, stockpiling, handling, treating and/or storing all coal refuse; and

 

    planning and coordinating of anticipated mining operations.

CNX Thermal will have the right to enter into contracts relating to the operation and management of the Pennsylvania mining complex and to file any reports required to be filed with governmental authorities, in each case, relating to the operation of the Pennsylvania mining complex on behalf of itself and the CONSOL Operating Agreement Parties.

Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, CNX Thermal and the CONSOL Operating Agreement Parties will each appoint one representative to a two-member operating committee. The operating committee will meet quarterly to review the annual budget for the Pennsylvania mining complex and the reports provided by CNX Thermal and to discuss the management and development of the Pennsylvania mining complex. While CNX Thermal will be delegated the authority and responsibility to manage and further develop the Pennsylvania mining complex, certain material actions, including the approval of the annual plan and budget and any permanent or extended temporary decommissioning of any of the mines at the Pennsylvania mining complex, will require the unanimous consent of the operating committee.

Any liabilities arising from the operation of the Pennsylvania mining complex that are not a result of CNX Thermal’s gross negligence or willful misconduct will be borne by CNX Thermal and the CONSOL Operating Agreement Parties pro rata in relation to such person’s ownership percentage of the Pennsylvania mining complex. CNX Thermal will invoice the CONSOL Operating Agreement Parties on a monthly basis for its pro rata share of costs associated with the operation of the Pennsylvania mining complex.

Under the Operating Agreement, CNX Thermal may be removed as operator of the Pennsylvania mining complex only in the event of CNX Thermal’s bankruptcy or gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the operational services.

The foregoing description of the Operating Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Operating Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Employee Services Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal entered into an Employee Services Agreement (the “ Employee Services Agreement ”) by and between CPCC and CNX Thermal. Under the Employee Services Agreement, CPCC, subject to our management, direction and control, will provide personnel to mine and process coal from the Pennsylvania mining complex and to perform the operational services that we are charged with providing under the Operating Agreement. The employees of CPCC are not our employees, and CPCC has the sole and exclusive responsibility to pay and provide benefits for such employees.


Pursuant to the Employee Services Agreement, we will reimburse CPCC monthly for (i) all direct third-party costs and expenses actually incurred by CPCC in providing operational services, including royalties required to be paid on the coal mined, certain taxes applicable to the coal and coal workers, per-ton reclamation fees or taxes and penalties imposed by any governmental authority for violation of any law or regulation arising out of CPCC’s performance of the operational services, except to the extent such penalties were as a result of CPCC’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) salary, benefits and other compensation costs of CPCC’s employees performing the operational services to the extent such employees are performing the operational services; and (iii) market rate rental fees for use of CPCC’s assets in performing the operational services.

The Employee Services Agreement will have an initial term of 20 years and will continue in full force and effect thereafter unless terminated by either party at the end of the initial term or any time thereafter by giving not less than 180 days’ prior notice. CPCC may terminate the Employee Services Agreement sooner if (i) we become insolvent, declare bankruptcy or take any action in furtherance of, or indicating our consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, a similar proceeding or (ii) CPCC provides notice not less than 180 days prior to the date of such proposed termination. We may terminate the Employee Services Agreement sooner (i) if CPCC becomes insolvent, declares bankruptcy or takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, a similar proceeding or (ii) upon a finding of CPCC’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

We will reimburse CPCC for the costs of providing such compensation and benefits to those employees under the Employee Services Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Employee Services Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employee Services Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Contract Agency Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal entered into a Contract Agency Agreement (the “ Contract Agency Agreement ”) by and between CONSOL Energy Sales Company (“ CES ”) and CNX Thermal. Under the Contract Agency Agreement, CES, at our direction and subject to our control, will act as agent to market and sell the coal produced from the Pennsylvania mining complex and will administer our existing coal purchase and sale contracts, including any extensions or renewals thereof, and any new coal purchase and sale contracts for the sale of coal produced from the Pennsylvania mining complex.

The administration of these coal purchase and sale contracts, which we refer to as our contracts, will include CES’ making elections, enforcing rights, executing coal sale confirmations and invoicing, in each case at our direction and with respect to the coal reserves attributable to our interests and CES’ interest in the Pennsylvania mining complex. CES will cause all revenues under these coal purchase and sale contracts to be deposited directly into our account.

The foregoing description of the Contract Agency Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Contract Agency Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Terminal and Throughput Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal entered into a Terminal and Throughput Agreement (the “ Terminal and Throughput Agreement ”) by and between CNX Marine Terminals, Inc. (“ CNX Marine ”) and CNX Thermal. Under the Terminal and Throughput Agreement, we will have the option, but not the obligation, to transport or to cause to be transported through CONSOL’s Baltimore Marine Terminal up to 5 million tons of coal each calendar year (prorated for 2015) for a terminal fee of $4 per ton of coal transported through the Baltimore Marine Terminal, plus certain standard fees for long-term or excess storage of coal at the Baltimore Marine Terminal, re-handling services at the Baltimore Marine Terminal (if we elect such services) and certain fees related to the docking and undocking of vessels at the Baltimore Marine Terminal. The per ton terminal fee and other fees may be reasonably escalated by the owner of the Baltimore Marine Terminal on a quarterly basis based on changes in the volume of coal shipped through the Baltimore Marine Terminal and increases in operating costs at the terminal. The Terminal and Throughput Agreement will have an initial term of seven years.


The foregoing description of the Terminal and Throughput Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Terminal and Throughput Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.6 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Cooperation and Safety Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal entered into the Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement (the “ Cooperation and Safety Agreement ”) by and among CNX Thermal, CPCC, CCC, CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL and the CONSOL subsidiaries party thereto. Under the Cooperation and Safety Agreement, CNX Thermal, on behalf of itself, CCC and CPCC, will coordinate mining activities relating to the Pennsylvania mining complex with the drilling and development activities of those subsidiaries of CONSOL that own oil and natural gas interests in and around the Pennsylvania mining complex.

The Cooperation and Safety Agreement contains provisions related to the safe and efficient operation of our coal business and CONSOL’s natural gas business where joint interests exist, including with respect to surface rights and use and subsidence issues.

The foregoing description of the Cooperation and Safety Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Cooperation and Safety Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.7 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Water Supply and Services Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, CNX Thermal entered into Water Supply and Services Agreement (the “ Water Supply and Services Agreement ”) by and between CNX Water Assets LLC (“ CNX Water ”) and CNX Thermal. Under the Water Supply and Services Agreement, CNX Thermal will have the option, but not the obligation, to (i) acquire water from CNX Water for a fee of $3.50 per thousand gallons of water, which we refer to as the “supply fee,” in an amount up to 600 gallons per minute and (ii) cause CNX Water to treat and dispose of water produced from the Pennsylvania mining complex for a fee of $1.91 per thousand gallons of water, which we refer to as the “treatment fee.” The supply fee is subject to a renegotiation based on market conditions at the end of the initial term, and the disposal fee is subject to annual renegotiation based on market conditions and operating costs of the water treatment facility. The Water Supply and Services Agreement has an initial term of five years and automatically renews for additional one-year terms unless terminated by either party on not less than 30 days’ prior notice.

The foregoing description of the Water Supply and Services Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Water Supply and Services Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.8 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Registration Rights Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Private Placement, the Partnership entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) with the Purchasers relating to the Common Units issued to the Purchasers in the Private Placement (the “registrable securities”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to file up to three shelf registration statements for the resale of the registrable securities as soon as practicable following receipt of written notice from the Purchasers and no later than 30 days after such notice; provided, that we will not be required to file a shelf registration statement for 90 days after the closing of the Offering. In addition, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each shelf registration statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable after its filing and no later than 90 days after its filing. The Registration Rights Agreement also provides the Purchasers with rights that allow the Purchasers to include their registrable securities in certain registered offerings for the Partnership’s own account. The Registration Rights Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities that are customary for private placements by public companies.


The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

Waiver of 20% Voting Limitation Agreement

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Private Placement, the General Partner entered into a Waiver of 20% Voting Limitation Agreement (the “ Waiver Agreement ”) with the Purchasers relating to a voting limitation contained in the Partnership Agreement (as defined below). Pursuant to the definition of “Outstanding” in the Partnership Agreement, if at any time any person or group beneficially owns 20% or more of the Outstanding partnership interests of any class, all partnership interests owned by or for the benefit of such person or group shall not be entitled to be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the limited partners (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the Partnership Agreement (the “ 20% Voting Limitation ”) subject to certain limitations.

Pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, the General Partner irrevocably agreed that, for so long as the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own not less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units, each Common Unit and any other partnership interest owned by or for the benefit of any Purchaser (regardless of whether such Common Unit or other partnership interest was acquired before, on or after July 7, 2015) will be entitled to be voted on any matter on which holders of Common Units or such other partnership interests, as applicable, vote (without giving effect to the 20% Voting Limitation) and will be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the limited partners, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the Partnership Agreement (including, without limitation, the exercise of any rights of limited partners under the Partnership Agreement) notwithstanding the 20% Voting Limitation. The Waiver Agreement will automatically terminate at such time that the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units unless the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units as a result of any action by the General Partner and/or the Partnership with the purpose of terminating the Waiver Agreement (including, without limitation, effecting any dividend or distribution paid or made by the Partnership on the Outstanding Common Units in Common Units or any repurchase, split, subdivision, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to the Outstanding Common Units resulting in the termination of the Waiver Agreement).

The foregoing description of the Waiver Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Waiver Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 4.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The description of the LTIP (as defined below) provided under Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference. A copy of the LTIP is filed as Exhibit 10.9 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Relationships

Each of the General Partner, the Partnership, CNX Operating LLC (the “ Operating Company ”) and CNX Thermal is a direct or indirect subsidiary, as applicable, of CONSOL. As a result, certain individuals, including directors of the General Partner, serve as officers and/or directors of CONSOL. The General Partner, as the general partner of the Partnership, owns a 2% general partner interest in the Partnership and all of the Partnership’s incentive distribution rights. As of the closing of the Offering, CONSOL owns 861,067 Common Units and 11,611,067 subordinated units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“ Subordinated Units ”), which represents an approximate 52.6% aggregate limited partner interest in the Partnership, assuming the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional Common Units. If the underwriters of the Offering do not exercise their option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 Common Units, in whole or in part, any remaining Common Units not purchased by the underwriters pursuant to the option will be issued to CONSOL at the expiration of the option period for no additional consideration.

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.


On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into a Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement (the “ Contribution Agreement ”) with CONSOL, the General Partner and the Operating Company. The Operating Company wholly owns CNX Thermal. Immediately prior to the closing of the Offering, CONSOL contributed to the Partnership all of its interest in the Operating Company in exchange for 861,067 Common Units and 11,611,067 Subordinated Units and the right to receive (i) any remaining Common Units not purchased by the underwriters pursuant to their option at the expiration of the option period, (ii) a cash distribution of approximately $66.0 million from the net proceeds of the Offering, (iii) a cash distribution of approximately $68.0 million from the proceeds of the Private Placement and (iv) a cash distribution of approximately $197.0 million from the Partnership’s net borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). These transactions, among others, were made in a series of steps outlined in the Contribution Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Contribution Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Contribution Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.

 

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

As described in the Prospectus, on July 7, 2015, the Partnership, as borrower, and certain subsidiaries of the Partnership, as guarantors, entered into a credit agreement for a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (the “ Revolving Credit Facility ”) with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and other lender parties thereto. The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Partnership’s subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries pursuant to the security agreement and various mortgages. The Revolving Credit Facility is available to fund a cash distribution to CONSOL, pay fees and expenses related to the Revolving Credit Facility and for general partnership purposes. In connection with the completion of the Offering and our entry into the Revolving Credit Facility, we made an initial draw of $200 million, the net proceeds of which were distributed to CONSOL.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants and conditions that, among other things, limit the Partnership’s ability to incur or guarantee additional debt, make cash distributions (though there is an exception for distributions permitted under the Partnership Agreement, subject to certain customary conditions), incur certain liens or permit them to exist, make particular investments and loans, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with another company, and transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of assets. The Partnership is also subject to covenants that require the Partnership to maintain certain financial ratios. For example, the Partnership is obligated to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter (x) a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0 and (y) a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.0 (or 4.0 to 1.0 for two fiscal quarters after consummation of a material acquisition).

The foregoing description of the Revolving Credit Facility is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Revolving Credit Facility, which is filed as Exhibit 10.10 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 2.03 by reference.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The description in Item 2.01 above of the issuance of Common Units and Subordinated Units by the Partnership to CONSOL on July 7, 2015 in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference. The description in Item 1.01 above of the issuance of Common Units by the Partnership to the Purchasers on July 7, 2015 in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Private Placement Purchase Agreement is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.

The foregoing transactions were undertaken in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The Partnership believes that exemptions other than the foregoing exemption may exist for these transactions.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The descriptions of the Registration Rights Agreement and the Waiver Agreement contained in Item 1.01 are incorporated into this Item 3.03 by reference.


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

CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan

In connection with the Offering, the board of directors of the General Partner adopted the CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “ LTIP ”). The LTIP provides for the grant, from time to time at the discretion of the board of directors of the general partner or any committee thereof that may be established for such purpose or by any delegate of the board of directors or such committee, subject to applicable law (the “ plan administrator ”), of unit awards, restricted units, phantom units, unit options, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, profits interest units and other unit-based awards. The purpose of awards under the LTIP is to provide additional incentive compensation to individuals providing services to the Partnership, and to align the economic interests of such individuals with the interests of unitholders of the Partnership. The LTIP will limit the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to vested awards to 2,300,000 Common Units, subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of unit splits and similar events. Common Units subject to awards that are cancelled, forfeited, withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations or otherwise terminated without delivery of Common Units will be available for delivery pursuant to other awards.

The plan administrator of the LTIP, at its discretion, may terminate the LTIP at any time with respect to the Common Units for which a grant has not previously been made. The plan administrator of the LTIP also has the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of it from time to time or to amend any outstanding award made under the LTIP, provided that no change in any outstanding award may be made that would materially impair the vested rights of the participant without the consent of the affected participant or result in taxation to the participant under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The foregoing description of the LTIP is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the LTIP, which is filed as Exhibit 10.9 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 5.02 by reference.

 

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

First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP

On July 7, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the General Partner and CONSOL, as organizational limited partner, amended and restated the Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and entered into the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (as amended and restated, the “ Partnership Agreement ”). A description of the Partnership Agreement is contained in the Prospectus in the section entitled “The Partnership Agreement” and is incorporated into this Item 5.03 by reference.

The foregoing description of the Partnership Agreement and the description of the Partnership Agreement contained in the Prospectus are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Partnership Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 5.03 by reference.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

    Exhibit No.    

  

Description

  3.1      First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP, dated as of July 7, 2015
  4.1      Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among, CNX Coal Resources LP and the purchaser parties thereto
  4.2      Waiver of 20% Voting Limitation Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources GP LLC and the purchaser parties thereto
10.1      Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and CNX Operating LLC
10.2      Omnibus Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and the other parties listed on Exhibit A thereto
10.3      Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.4      Employee Services Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.5      Contract Agency Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CONSOL Energy Sales Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.6      Terminal and Throughput Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Marine Terminals, Inc. and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.7      Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and the CONSOL Energy Inc. subsidiaries party thereto
10.8      Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Water Assets LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.9*    CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.10    Credit Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower as Guarantors, PNC Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent,, and other lender parties thereto

 

* Compensatory plan or arrangement


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.

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By: CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
Dated: July 13, 2015 By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Martha A. Wiegand
General Counsel and Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

    Exhibit No.    

  

Description

  3.1      First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP, dated as of July 7, 2015
  4.1      Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among, CNX Coal Resources LP and the purchaser parties thereto
  4.2      Waiver of 20% Voting Limitation Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources GP LLC and the purchaser parties thereto
10.1      Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and CNX Operating LLC
10.2      Omnibus Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and the other parties listed on Exhibit A thereto
10.3      Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.4      Employee Services Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.5      Contract Agency Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CONSOL Energy Sales Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.6      Terminal and Throughput Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Marine Terminals, Inc. and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.7      Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and the CONSOL Energy Inc. subsidiaries party thereto
10.8      Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Water Assets LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.9*    CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.10    Credit Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower as Guarantors, PNC Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent,, and other lender parties thereto

 

* Compensatory plan or arrangement

Exhibit 3.1

Execution Version

FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

A Delaware Limited Partnership

Dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Article I DEFINITIONS

     1   

Section 1.1

 

Definitions

     1   

Section 1.2

 

Construction

     26   

Article II ORGANIZATION

     27   

Section 2.1

 

Formation

     27   

Section 2.2

 

Name

     27   

Section 2.3

 

Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices

     27   

Section 2.4

 

Purpose and Business

     27   

Section 2.5

 

Powers

     28   

Section 2.6

 

Term

     28   

Section 2.7

 

Title to Partnership Assets

     28   

Article III RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

     29   

Section 3.1

 

Limitation of Liability

     29   

Section 3.2

 

Management of Business

     29   

Section 3.3

 

Rights of Limited Partners

     29   

Article IV CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

     30   

Section 4.1

 

Certificates

     30   

Section 4.2

 

Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates

     31   

Section 4.3

 

Record Holders

     32   

Section 4.4

 

Transfer Generally

     32   

Section 4.5

 

Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests

     33   

Section 4.6

 

Transfer of the General Partner’s General Partner Interest

     34   


Section 4.7

Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights

  34   

Section 4.8

Restrictions on Transfers

  34   

Section 4.9

Eligibility Certificates; Ineligible Holders

  36   

Article V CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

  38   

Section 5.1

Organizational Contributions

  38   

Section 5.2

Contributions by the General Partner

  38   

Section 5.3

Contributions by Limited Partners

  39   

Section 5.4

Interest and Withdrawal

  39   

Section 5.5

Capital Accounts

  40   

Section 5.6

Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests

  44   

Section 5.7

Conversion of Subordinated Units

  45   

Section 5.8

Limited Preemptive Right

  45   

Section 5.9

Splits and Combinations

  45   

Section 5.10

Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests

  46   

Section 5.11

Issuance of Common Units in Connection with Reset of Incentive Distribution Rights

  46   

Article VI ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

  49   

Section 6.1

Allocations for Capital Account Purposes

  49   

Section 6.2

Allocations for Tax Purposes

  59   

Section 6.3

Requirement and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders

  61   

Section 6.4

Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus

  62   

Section 6.5

Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus

  64   

Section 6.6

Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels

  64   

 

ii


Section 6.7

Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Subordinated Units

  64   

Section 6.8

Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights

  65   

Section 6.9

Entity-Level Taxation

  66   

Article VII MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS

  66   

Section 7.1

Management

  66   

Section 7.2

Certificate of Limited Partnership

  69   

Section 7.3

Restrictions on the General Partner’s Authority to Sell Assets of the Partnership Group

  69   

Section 7.4

Reimbursement of and Other Payments to the General Partner

  69   

Section 7.5

Outside Activities

  70   

Section 7.6

Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the Partnership or Group Members

  72   

Section 7.7

Indemnification

  72   

Section 7.8

Liability of Indemnitees

  74   

Section 7.9

Standards of Conduct; Resolution of Conflicts of Interest and Elimination of Duties

  75   

Section 7.10

Other Matters Concerning the General Partner and Other Indemnitees

  78   

Section 7.11

Purchase or Sale of Partnership Interests

  78   

Section 7.12

Registration Rights of the General Partner and Its Affiliates

  78   

Section 7.13

Reliance by Third Parties

  83   

Section 7.14

Replacement of Fiduciary Duties

  83   

Article VIII BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS

  84   

Section 8.1

Records and Accounting

  84   

Section 8.2

Fiscal Year

  84   

Section 8.3

Reports

  84   

 

iii


Article IX TAX MATTERS

  85   

Section 9.1

Tax Returns and Information

  85   

Section 9.2

Tax Elections

  85   

Section 9.3

Tax Controversies

  85   

Section 9.4

Withholding

  85   

Article X ADMISSION OF PARTNERS

  86   

Section 10.1

Admission of Limited Partners

  86   

Section 10.2

Admission of Successor General Partner

  87   

Section 10.3

Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership

  87   

Article XI WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS

  87   

Section 11.1

Withdrawal of the General Partner

  87   

Section 11.2

Removal of the General Partner

  89   

Section 11.3

Interest of Departing General Partner and Successor General Partner

  89   

Section 11.4

Withdrawal of Limited Partners

  91   

Article XII DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

  91   

Section 12.1

Dissolution

  91   

Section 12.2

Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution

  92   

Section 12.3

Liquidator

  92   

Section 12.4

Liquidation

  93   

Section 12.5

Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership

  94   

Section 12.6

Return of Contributions

  94   

Section 12.7

Waiver of Partition

  94   

Section 12.8

Capital Account Restoration

  94   

 

iv


Article XIII AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE

  94   

Section 13.1

Amendments to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner

  94   

Section 13.2

Amendment Procedures

  96   

Section 13.3

Amendment Requirements

  96   

Section 13.4

Special Meetings

  97   

Section 13.5

Notice of a Meeting

  97   

Section 13.6

Record Date

  97   

Section 13.7

Postponement and Adjournment

  98   

Section 13.8

Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting

  98   

Section 13.9

Quorum and Voting

  98   

Section 13.10

Conduct of a Meeting

  99   

Section 13.11

Action Without a Meeting

  99   

Section 13.12

Right to Vote and Related Matters

  100   

Article XIV MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION

  101   

Section 14.1

Authority

  101   

Section 14.2

Procedure for Merger, Consolidation or Conversion

  101   

Section 14.3

Approval by Limited Partners

  103   

Section 14.4

Certificate of Merger or Certificate of Conversion

  104   

Section 14.5

Effect of Merger, Consolidation or Conversion

  104   

Article XV RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

  105   

Section 15.1

Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests

  105   

Article XVI GENERAL PROVISIONS

  107   

Section 16.1

Addresses and Notices; Written Communications

  107   

Section 16.2

Further Action

  108   

 

v


Section 16.3

Binding Effect

  108   

Section 16.4

Integration

  108   

Section 16.5

Creditors

  108   

Section 16.6

Waiver

  108   

Section 16.7

Third-Party Beneficiaries

  108   

Section 16.8

Counterparts

  108   

Section 16.9

Applicable Law; Forum; Venue and Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury

  108   

Section 16.10

Invalidity of Provisions

  109   

Section 16.11

Consent of Partners

  110   

Section 16.12

Facsimile and Email Signatures

  110   

Section 16.13

Interpretation

  110   

Exhibit A: Form of Certificate Evidencing Common Units

  A-1   

 

vi


FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP, dated as of July 7, 2015, is entered into by and between CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the General Partner, and CONSOL ENERGY INC., a Delaware corporation, as the Organizational Limited Partner, together with any other Persons who become Partners in the Partnership or parties hereto as provided herein. In consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions . The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.

Additional Book Basis ” means, with respect to any Adjusted Property, the portion of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to positive adjustments made to such Carrying Value as determined in accordance with the provisions set forth below in this definition of Additional Book Basis. For purposes of determining the extent to which Carrying Value constitutes Additional Book Basis:

(a) Any negative adjustment made to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property as a result of either a Book-Down Event or a Book-Up Event shall first be deemed to offset or decrease that portion of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to any prior positive adjustments made thereto pursuant to a Book-Up Event or Book-Down Event; and

(b) If Carrying Value that constitutes Additional Book Basis is reduced as a result of a Book-Down Event and the Carrying Value of other property is increased as a result of such Book-Down Event, an allocable portion of any such increase in Carrying Value shall be treated as Additional Book Basis; provided , that the amount treated as Additional Book Basis pursuant hereto as a result of such Book-Down Event shall not exceed the amount by which the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments after such Book-Down Event exceeds the remaining Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnership’s Adjusted Property after such Book-Down Event (determined without regard to the application of this clause (b) to such Book-Down Event).

Additional Book Basis Derivative Items ” means any Book Basis Derivative Items that are computed with reference to Additional Book Basis. To the extent that the Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnership’s Adjusted Property as of the beginning of any taxable period exceeds the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the beginning of such period (the “ Excess Additional Book Basis ”), the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for such period shall be reduced by the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items determined without regard to this sentence as the Excess Additional Book Basis bears to the Additional Book Basis as of the beginning of such period. With respect


to a Disposed of Adjusted Property, the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items shall be the amount of Additional Book Basis taken into account in computing gain or loss from the disposition of such Disposed of Adjusted Property; provided that the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to the determination of the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items attributable to Disposed of Adjusted Property.

Adjusted Capital Account ” means, with respect to any Partner, the balance in such Partner’s Capital Account at the end of each taxable period of the Partnership after giving effect to the following adjustments: (a) credit to such Capital Account any amount which such Partner is (i) obligated to restore under the standards set by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) or (ii) deemed obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) and (b) debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The “Adjusted Capital Account” of a Partner in respect of any Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such Adjusted Capital Account would be if such Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date on which such Partnership Interest was first issued.

Adjusted Operating Surplus ” means, with respect to any period, (a) Operating Surplus generated with respect to such period less (b) (i) the amount of any net increase in Working Capital Borrowings (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of any net increase in Working Capital Borrowings in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) with respect to such period, (ii) the amount of any expenditures or payments during such period using the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the IPO Registration Statement that would otherwise constitute Operating Expenditures in the absence of clause (c)(vi) of the definition of “Operating Expenditures” and (iii) the amount of any net decrease in cash reserves (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of any net decrease in cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for Operating Expenditures with respect to such period not relating to an Operating Expenditure made with respect to such period, and plus (c) (i) the amount of any net decrease in Working Capital Borrowings (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of any net decrease in Working Capital Borrowings in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) with respect to such period, (ii) the amount of any net decrease made in subsequent periods in cash reserves for Operating Expenditures initially established with respect to such period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in Adjusted Operating Surplus in subsequent periods pursuant to clause (b)(iii) above and (iii) the amount of any net increase in cash reserves (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of any net increase in cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for Operating Expenditures with respect to such period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium. Adjusted Operating Surplus does not include that portion of Operating Surplus included in clause (a)(i) of the definition of “Operating Surplus.”

Adjusted Property ” means any property the Carrying Value of which has been adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or Section 5.5(d)(ii) .

 

2


Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.11(a) .

Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments ” means, as of the end of any taxable period, the sum of the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of all the Partners.

Agreed Allocation ” means any allocation, other than a Required Allocation, of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1 , including a Curative Allocation (if appropriate in the context in which the term “Agreed Allocation” is used).

Agreed Value ” of (a) a Contributed Property means the fair market value of such property or asset at the time of contribution and (b) an Adjusted Property means the fair market value of such Adjusted Property on the date of the Revaluation Event, in each case as determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall use such method as it determines to be appropriate to allocate the aggregate Agreed Value of Contributed Properties contributed to the Partnership in a single or integrated transaction among each separate property on a basis proportional to the fair market value of each Contributed Property.

Agreement ” means this First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Associate ” means, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, (a) any corporation or organization of which such Person is a director, officer, manager, general partner or managing member or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting stock or other voting interest, (b) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity and (c) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same principal residence as such Person.

Available Cash ” means, with respect to any Quarter ending prior to the Liquidation Date:

(a) the sum of:

(i) all cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash and cash equivalents in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) on hand at the end of such Quarter; and

(ii) if the General Partner so determines, all or any portion of additional cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash and cash equivalents in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) (i) on hand on the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter resulting from

 

3


Working Capital Borrowings made subsequent to the end of such Quarter or (ii) available to be borrowed as Working Capital Borrowings as of the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter; less

(b) the amount of any cash reserves established by the General Partner (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) to:

(i) provide for the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership Group (including cash reserves for future capital expenditures, future acquisitions and anticipated future debt service requirements of the Partnership Group) subsequent to such Quarter;

(ii) comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which any Group Member is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject; or

(iii) provide funds for distributions under Section 6.4 or Section 6.5 in respect of any one or more of the next four Quarters;

provided, however , that the General Partner may not establish cash reserves pursuant to subclause (iii) above if the effect of such reserves would be that the Partnership is unable to distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Common Units, plus any Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage on all Common Units, with respect to such Quarter; provided, further , that disbursements made by a Group Member or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such Quarter but on or before the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Available Cash within such Quarter if the General Partner so determines.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “ Available Cash ” with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.

Board of Directors ” means, with respect to the General Partner, its board of directors or board of managers if the General Partner is a corporation or limited liability company, or the board of directors or board of managers of the general partner of the General Partner if the General Partner is a limited partnership, as applicable.

Book Basis Derivative Items ” means any item of income, deduction, gain or loss that is computed with reference to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property ( e.g., depreciation, depletion, or gain or loss with respect to an Adjusted Property).

Book-Down Event ” means a Revaluation Event that gives rise to a Net Termination Loss.

Book-Tax Disparity ” means with respect to any item of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and the adjusted basis thereof for

 

4


federal income tax purposes as of such date. A Partner’s share of the Partnership’s Book-Tax Disparities in all of its Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference between such Partner’s Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Section 5.5 and the hypothetical balance of such Partner’s Capital Account computed as if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles.

Book-Up Event means a Revaluation Event that gives rise to a Net Termination Gain.

Business Day ” means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the government of the United States of America or the State of Pennsylvania shall not be regarded as a Business Day.

Capital Account ” means the capital account maintained for a Partner pursuant to Section 5.5 . The “Capital Account” of a Partner in respect of any Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such Capital Account would be if such Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date on which such Partnership Interest was first issued.

Capital Acquisition ” means any transaction in which any Group Member acquires (through an asset acquisition, stock acquisition, merger or other form of investment) control over all or a portion of the assets, properties or business of another Person for the purpose of increasing, over the long term, the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group from the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group existing immediately prior to such transaction. For purposes of this definition, “long term” generally refers to a period of time greater than twelve months.

Capital Contribution ” means (a) any cash, cash equivalents or the Net Agreed Value of Contributed Property that a Partner contributes to the Partnership or that is contributed or deemed contributed to the Partnership on behalf of a Partner (including, in the case of an underwritten offering of Units, the amount of any underwriting discounts or commissions) or (b) current distributions that a Partner is entitled to receive but otherwise waives.

Capital Improvement ” means (a) the construction of new capital assets by a Group Member, (b) the replacement, improvement or expansion of existing capital assets by a Group Member or (c) a capital contribution by a Group Member to a Person that is not a Subsidiary in which a Group Member has, or after such capital contribution will have, directly or indirectly, an equity interest, to fund such Group Member’s pro rata share of the cost of the construction of new, or the replacement, improvement or expansion of existing, capital assets by such Person, in each case if and to the extent such construction, replacement, improvement or expansion is made to increase, over the long term, the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group, in the case of clause (a) and clause (b) , or such Person, in the case of clause (c) , from the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group or such Person, as the case may be, existing immediately prior to such construction, replacement, improvement, expansion or capital contribution. For purposes of this definition, “long term” generally refers to a period of time greater than twelve months.

 

5


Capital Surplus ” means Available Cash distributed by the Partnership in excess of Operating Surplus, as described in Section 6.3(a) .

Carrying Value ” means (a) with respect to a Contributed Property or an Adjusted Property, the Agreed Value of such property reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners’ Capital Accounts in respect of such property and (b) with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination; provided, however , that the Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 5.5(d) to reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General Partner.

Cause ” means a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the General Partner liable to the Partnership or any Limited Partner for intentional fraud or willful misconduct in its capacity as a general partner of the Partnership.

Certificate ” means a certificate, in such form (including in global form if permitted by applicable rules and regulations of The Depository Trust Company or its successors and assigns) as may be adopted by the General Partner, issued by the Partnership and evidencing ownership of one or more classes of Partnership Interests. The initial form of certificate approved by the General Partner for Common Units is attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement.

Certificate of Limited Partnership ” means the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as referenced in Section 7.2 , as such Certificate of Limited Partnership may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

CESC ” means CONSOL Energy Sales Company, a Delaware corporation.

Citizenship Eligibility Trigger ” has the meaning given such term in Section 4.9(a)(ii) .

claim ” or “ claims ” (for purposes of Section 7.12(g) ) has the meaning given such term in Section 7.12(g) .

Closing Date ” means the first date on which Common Units are sold by the Partnership to the IPO Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of the IPO Underwriting Agreement.

Closing Price ” for any day, with respect to Limited Partner Interests of a particular class, means the last sale price on such day, regular way, or in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the last closing bid and ask prices on such day, regular way, in either case as reported on the principal National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading or, if such Limited Partner Interests of such class are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, the average of the high bid and low ask prices on such day in the over-the-counter market, as reported by such other system then in use, or, if on any such day such Limited Partner Interests of such class are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and ask prices on such day as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class

 

6


selected by the General Partner, or if on any such day no market maker is making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class, the fair value of such Limited Partner Interests on such day as determined by the General Partner.

CNX Gas ” means CNX Gas Company LLC, a Virginia limited liability company.

CNX Marine ” means CNX Marine Terminals, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

CNX Thermal ” means CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CNX Water ” means CNX Water Assets LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of any successor law.

Combined Interest ” has the meaning given such term in Section 11.3(a) .

Commences Commercial Service ” means the date upon which a Capital Improvement is first put into or commences commercial service by a Group Member following completion of construction, replacement, improvement or expansion and testing, as applicable.

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Unit ” means a Limited Partner Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Common Units in this Agreement. The term “Common Unit” does not include a Subordinated Unit prior to its conversion into a Common Unit pursuant to the terms hereof.

Common Unit Arrearage ” means, with respect to any Common Unit, whenever issued, as to any Quarter within the Subordination Period, the excess, if any, of (a) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution with respect to a Common Unit in respect of such Quarter over (b) the sum of all Available Cash distributed with respect to a Common Unit in respect of such Quarter pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i) .

Conflicts Committee ” means a committee of the Board of Directors composed of two or more directors, each of whom (a) is not an officer or employee of the General Partner, (b) is not an officer, director or employee of any Affiliate of the General Partner (other than Group Members), (c) is not a holder of any ownership interest in the General Partner or its Affiliates or the Partnership Group other than (i) Common Units and (ii) awards that are granted to such director in his or her capacity as a director under any long-term incentive plan, equity compensation plan or similar plan implemented by the General Partner or the Partnership and (d) is determined by the Board of Directors to be independent under the independence standards for directors who serve on an audit committee of a board of directors established by the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and by the National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or admitted to trading (or if no such National Securities Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange).

 

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Conrhein ” means Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership.

CONSOL ” means CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Construction Debt ” means debt incurred to fund (a) all or a portion of a Capital Improvement, (b) interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees on other Construction Debt or (c) distributions (including incremental Incentive Distributions) on Construction Equity.

Construction Equity ” means equity issued to fund (a) all or a portion of a Capital Improvement, (b) interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees on Construction Debt or (c) distributions (including incremental Incentive Distributions) on other Construction Equity. Construction Equity does not include equity issued in the Initial Public Offering.

Construction Period ” means the period beginning on the date that a Group Member enters into a binding obligation to commence a Capital Improvement and ending on the earlier to occur of the date that such Capital Improvement Commences Commercial Service and the date that the Group Member abandons or disposes of such Capital Improvement.

Contributed Property ” means each property or other asset, in such form as may be permitted by the Delaware Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the Partnership. Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d) , such property or other asset shall no longer constitute a Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property.

Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CONSOL, the General Partner, the Partnership and the Operating Company, together with the additional conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

CPCC ” means CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage ” means, with respect to any Common Unit, whenever issued, and as of the end of any Quarter, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the Common Unit Arrearages with respect to an Initial Common Unit for each of the Quarters within the Subordination Period ending on or before the last day of such Quarter over (b) the sum of any distributions theretofore made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(ii) and the second sentence of Section 6.5 with respect to an Initial Common Unit (including any distributions to be made in respect of the last of such Quarters).

C urative Allocation ” means any allocation of an item of income, gain, deduction, loss or credit pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(xi) .

 

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Current Market Price ” means, as of any date for any class of Limited Partner Interests, the average of the daily Closing Prices per Limited Partner Interest of such class for the 20 consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to such date.

Deferred Issuance ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.3(c) .

Delaware Act ” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del C. Section 17-101, et seq. , as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Departing General Partner ” means a former General Partner from and after the effective date of any withdrawal or removal of such former General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 .

Derivative Partnership Interests ” means any options, rights, warrants, appreciation rights, tracking, profit and phantom interests and other derivative securities relating to, convertible into or exchangeable for Partnership Interests.

Disposed of Adjusted Property ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B) .

Economic Risk of Loss ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-2(a) .

Eligibility Certificate ” has the meaning given such term in Section 4.9(b) .

Eligible Holder ” means a Limited Partner whose, or whose owners’ (a) U.S. federal income tax status or lack of proof of U.S. federal income tax status does not have and is not reasonably likely to have, as determined by the General Partner, the material adverse effect described in Section 4.9(a)(i) or (b) nationality, citizenship or other related status does not create and is not reasonably likely to create, as determined by the General Partner, a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture as described in Section 4.9(a)(ii) .

Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.9 .

Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures ” means an estimate made in good faith by the Board of Directors of the average quarterly Maintenance Capital Expenditures that the Partnership will need to incur to maintain, over the long term, the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group (including the Partnership’s proportionate share of the average quarterly Maintenance Capital Expenditures of its subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) existing at the time the estimate is made. The estimate will be made at least annually and additionally whenever an event occurs that is likely to result in a material adjustment to the amount of future Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures. The Partnership shall disclose to the Limited Partners any material change in the amount of Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures in its reports made in accordance with Section 8.3 to the extent not previously disclosed. Any adjustments to Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures shall be prospective only.

 

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Event Issue Value ” means, with respect to any Common Unit as of any date of determination, (i) in the case of a Revaluation Event that includes the issuance of Common Units pursuant to a public offering and solely for cash, the price paid for such Common Units, or (ii) in the case of any other Revaluation Event, the Closing Price of the Common Units on the date of such Revaluation Event or, if the General Partner determines that a value for the Common Unit other than such Closing Price more accurately reflects the Event Issue Value, the value determined by the General Partner.

Event of Withdrawal ” has the meaning given such term in Section 11.1(a) .

Excess Additional Book Basis ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Additional Book Basis Derivative Items.”

Excess Distribution ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) .

Excess Distribution Unit ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) .

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Expansion Capital Expenditures ” means cash expenditures for Capital Acquisitions or Capital Improvements. Expansion Capital Expenditures shall include interest payments (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements) and related fees paid during the Construction Period on Construction Debt. Where cash expenditures are made in part for Expansion Capital Expenditures and in part for other purposes, the General Partner shall determine the allocation between the amounts paid for each.

Final Subordinated Units ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(d)(x)(A) .

First Liquidation Target Amount ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(D) .

First Target Distribution ” means $0.58938 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the Initial Period, it means the product of $0.58938 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Initial Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Quarter in which the Closing Date occurs), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.11 , Section 6.6 and Section 6.9 .

Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis ” means, when calculating the number of Outstanding Units for any period, a basis that includes (a) the weighted average number of Outstanding Units during such period plus (b) all Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests (i) that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Units or for which Units are issuable, in each case that are senior to or pari passu with the Subordinated Units, (ii) whose conversion, exercise or exchange price, if any, is less than the Current Market Price on the date of such calculation, (iii) that may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for such Units prior to or during the Quarter immediately following the end of the period for which the calculation is being made without the satisfaction of any contingency beyond the control of the holder other than the payment of consideration and the compliance with

 

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administrative mechanics applicable to such conversion, exercise or exchange and (iv) that were not converted into or exercised or exchanged for such Units during the period for which the calculation is being made; provided , however , that for purposes of determining the number of Outstanding Units on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis when calculating whether the Subordination Period has ended or Subordinated Units are entitled to convert into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7 , such Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests shall be deemed to have been Outstanding Units only for the four Quarters that comprise the last four Quarters of the measurement period; provided , further , that if consideration will be paid to any Group Member in connection with such conversion, exercise or exchange, the number of Units to be included in such calculation shall be that number equal to the difference between (x) the number of Units issuable upon such conversion, exercise or exchange and (y) the number of Units that such consideration would purchase at the Current Market Price.

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns that are admitted to the Partnership as general partner of the Partnership, in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (except as the context otherwise requires).

General Partner Interest ” means the equity interest of the General Partner in the Partnership (in its capacity as a general partner without reference to any Limited Partner Interest held by it) and includes any and all rights, powers and benefits to which the General Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of the General Partner to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. For purposes of determining the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner at any point in time, the General Partner Interest shall be deemed to be represented by a specific number of hypothetical limited partner units, and the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner Interest shall equal the ratio of the number of such hypothetical limited partner units to the sum of the total number of Units and the number of hypothetical limited partner units. After giving effect to the Initial Public Offering, including any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option and the Deferred Issuance, the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner Interest shall be 2%, which for the purposes of this definition equates to 473,921 hypothetical limited partner units. In connection with the issuance of additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership as described in Section 5.2(b) , (i) if the General Partner makes additional Capital Contributions as contemplated by Section 5.2(b) , the number of hypothetical limited partner units represented by the General Partner Interest shall be increased as necessary to maintain the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner Interest at the level it was immediately prior to such issuance and (ii) if the General Partner does not make additional Capital Contributions as contemplated by Section 5.2(b) , the number of hypothetical limited partner units represented by the General Partner Interest shall stay the same, which shall result in a reduction of the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner Interest.

Greenlight Capital Funds ” means each Person named as a purchaser in Exhibit A to the Private Placement Purchase Agreement who purchases Common Units pursuant thereto.

Gross Liability Value ” means, with respect to any Liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i), the amount of cash that a willing assignor would pay to a willing assignee to assume such Liability in an arm’s-length transaction.

 

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Group ” means two or more Persons that have, or with or through any of their respective Affiliates or Associates have, any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons), exercising investment power over or disposing of any Partnership Interests.

Group Member ” means a member of the Partnership Group.

Group Member Agreement ” means the partnership agreement of any Group Member, other than the Partnership, that is a limited or general partnership, the limited liability company agreement of any Group Member that is a limited liability company, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws or similar organizational documents of any Group Member that is a corporation, the joint venture agreement or similar governing document of any Group Member that is a joint venture and the governing or organizational or similar documents of any other Group Member that is a Person other than a limited or general partnership, limited liability company, corporation or joint venture, in each case, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Hedge Contract ” means any exchange, swap, forward, cap, floor, collar, option or other similar agreement or arrangement entered into for the purpose of reducing the exposure of a Group Member to fluctuations in, for example, interest rates, the price of commodities, basis differentials or currency exchange rates in their operations or financing activities and not for speculative purposes.

Holder ” means any of the following:

(a) the General Partner who is the Record Holder of Registrable Securities;

(b) any Affiliate of the General Partner who is the Record Holder of Registrable Securities (other than natural persons who are Affiliates of the General Partner by virtue of being officers, directors or employees of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates);

(c) any Person who has been the General Partner within the prior two years and who is the Record Holder of Registrable Securities;

(d) any Person who has been an Affiliate of the General Partner within the prior two years and who is the Record Holder of Registrable Securities (other than natural persons who were Affiliates of the General Partner by virtue of being officers, directors or employees of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates); and

(e) a transferee and current Record Holder of Registrable Securities to whom the transferor of such Registrable Securities, who was a Holder at the time of such transfer, assigns its rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided , such transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and provides its name and address to the Partnership promptly upon such transfer.

IDR Reset Common Units ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.11(a) .

 

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IDR Reset Election ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.11(a) .

Incentive Distribution Right ” means a Limited Partner Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Incentive Distribution Rights in this Agreement (and no other rights otherwise available to or other obligations of a holder of a Partnership Interest).

Incentive Distributions ” means any amount of cash distributed to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to Sections 6.4(a)(v) , (vi)  and (vii)  and Sections 6.4(b)(iii) , (iv)  and (v) .

Incremental Income Taxes ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.9 .

Indemnified Persons ” has the meaning given such term in Section 7.12(g)(i) .

Indemnitee ” means (a) the General Partner, (b) any Departing General Partner, (c) any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing General Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, fiduciary or trustee of (i) any Group Member, the General Partner or any Departing General Partner or (ii) any Affiliate of any Group Member, the General Partner or any Departing General Partner, (e) any Person who is or was serving at the request of the General Partner or any Departing General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing General Partner as a manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, fiduciary or trustee of another Person owing a fiduciary duty to any Group Member; provided , that a Person shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services and (f) any Person the General Partner designates as an “Indemnitee” for purposes of this Agreement because such Person’s status, service or relationship exposes such Person to potential claims, demands, suits or proceedings relating to the Partnership Group’s business and affairs.

Ineligible Holder ” has the meaning given such term in Section 4.9(c) .

Initial Common Units ” means the Common Units sold in the Initial Public Offering.

Initial Limited Partners ” means CONSOL (with respect to its Limited Partner Interest as the Organizational Limited Partner and the Common Units and Subordinated Units received by it pursuant to Section 5.3(a) ), the General Partner (with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights received by it pursuant to Section 5.2(a) ), the IPO Underwriters upon the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units as described in Section 5.3(b) in connection with the Initial Public Offering and the Greenlight Capital Funds upon the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units as described in Section 5.3(d) in connection with the Private Placement.

Initial Period ” means the portion of the fiscal quarter commencing on the Closing Date and ending on September 30, 2015.

Initial Public Offering ” means the initial offering and sale of Common Units to the public (including the offer and sale of Common Units pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option), as described in the IPO Registration Statement.

 

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Initial Unit Price ” means (a) with respect to the Common Units and the Subordinated Units, the initial public offering price per Common Unit at which the Common Units were first offered to the public for sale as set forth on the cover page of the IPO Prospectus or (b) with respect to any other class or series of Units, the price per Unit at which such class or series of Units is initially sold by the Partnership, as determined by the General Partner, in each case adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units.

Interim Capital Transactions ” means the following transactions if they occur prior to the Liquidation Date: (a) borrowings, refinancings or refundings of indebtedness (other than Working Capital Borrowings and other than for items purchased on open account or for a deferred purchase price in the ordinary course of business) by any Group Member and sales of debt securities of any Group Member; (b) issuances of equity interests of any Group Member (including the Common Units sold to the IPO Underwriters in the Initial Public Offering and the Common Units sold to the Greenlight Capital Funds in the Private Placement) to anyone other than the Partnership Group; (c) sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of any assets of any Group Member other than (i) sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business and (ii) sales or other dispositions of assets as part of normal retirements or replacements; and (d) capital contributions received by a Group Member.

IPO Prospectus ” means the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering dated June 30, 2015 and filed by the Partnership with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act on July 1, 2015.

IPO Registration Statement ” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-203165), as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the Securities Act to register the offering and sale of the Common Units in the Initial Public Offering.

IPO Underwriter ” means each Person named as an underwriter in Exhibit A to the IPO Underwriting Agreement who purchases Common Units pursuant thereto.

IPO Underwriting Agreement ” means that certain Underwriting Agreement dated as of June 30, 2015 among the IPO Underwriters, CONSOL, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Operating Company and CNX Thermal, providing for the purchase of Common Units by the IPO Underwriters.

Liability ” means any liability or obligation of any nature, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise.

Limited Partner ” means, unless the context otherwise requires, each Initial Limited Partner, each additional Person that becomes a Limited Partner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and any Departing General Partner upon the change of its status from General Partner to Limited Partner pursuant to Section 11.3 , in each case, in such Person’s capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership.

 

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Limited Partner Interest ” means an equity interest of a Limited Partner in the Partnership, which may be evidenced by Common Units, Subordinated Units, Incentive Distribution Rights or other Partnership Interests or a combination thereof (but excluding Derivative Partnership Interests), and includes any and all benefits to which such Limited Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Limited Partner pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

Liquidation Date ” means (a) in the case of an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership of the type described in clauses (a) and (d)  of the third sentence of Section 12.1 , the date on which the applicable time period during which the holders of Outstanding Units have the right to elect to continue the business of the Partnership has expired without such an election being made and (b) in the case of any other event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.

Liquidator ” means one or more Persons selected pursuant to Section 12.3 to perform the functions described in Section 12.4 as liquidating trustee of the Partnership within the meaning of the Delaware Act.

lower tier partnership has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(D) .

Maintenance Capital Expenditures ” means cash expenditures (including expenditures for the construction of new capital assets or the replacement, improvement or expansion of existing capital assets) by a Group Member made to maintain, over the long term, the operating capacity or capital asset base of the Partnership Group. For purposes of this definition, “long term” generally refers to a period of time greater than twelve months.

Merger Agreement ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.1 .

Minimum Quarterly Distribution ” means $0.5125 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the Initial Period, it means the product of $0.5125 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Initial Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Quarter in which the Closing Date occurs), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.11 , Section 6.6 and Section 6.9 .

National Securities Exchange ” means an exchange registered with the Commission under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act (or any successor to such Section).

Net Agreed Value ” means (a) in the case of any Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property or other asset reduced by any Liabilities either assumed by the Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property or other asset is subject when contributed and (b) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner by the Partnership, the Partnership’s Carrying Value of such property (as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii)) at the time such property is distributed, reduced by any Liabilities either assumed by such Partner upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time of distribution, in either case as determined and required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code.

Net Income ” means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net

 

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Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period over the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) ; provided, however , that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) shall be made without regard to any reversal of such items under Section 6.1(d)(xiii) .

Net Loss ” means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period over the Partnership’s items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) ; provided, however , that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) shall be made without regard to any reversal of such items under Section 6.1(d)(xiii) .

Net Positive Adjustments ” means, with respect to any Partner, the excess, if any, of the total positive adjustments over the total negative adjustments made to the Capital Account of such Partner pursuant to Book-Up Events and Book-Down Events.

Net Termination Gain ” means, for any taxable period, (a) the sum, if positive, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction (determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) ) that are recognized by the Partnership (i) after the Liquidation Date or (ii) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group), or (b) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Unrealized Gain over the aggregate amount of Unrealized Loss deemed recognized by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.5(d) on the date of a Revaluation Event; provided, however, that the items included in the determination of Net Termination Gain shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) .

Net Termination Loss ” means, for any taxable period, (a) the sum, if negative, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction (determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) ) that are recognized by the Partnership (i) after the Liquidation Date or (ii) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group), or (b) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Unrealized Loss over the aggregate amount of Unrealized Gain deemed recognized by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.5(d) on the date of a Revaluation Event; provided, however, that the items included in the determination of Net Termination Loss shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section 6.1(d) .

Noncompensatory Option ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.721-2(f).

 

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Nonrecourse Built-in Gain ” means with respect to any Contributed Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or pledge securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.2(b) if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.

Nonrecourse Deductions ” means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b), are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.

Nonrecourse Liability ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-1(a)(2).

Notice ” means a written request from a Holder pursuant to Section 7.12 which shall (a) specify the Registrable Securities intended to be registered, offered and sold by such Holder, (b) describe the nature or method of the proposed offer and sale of Registrable Securities and (c) contain the undertaking of such Holder to provide all such information and materials and take all action as may be required or appropriate in order to permit the Partnership to comply with all applicable requirements and obligations in connection with the registration and disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 7.12 .

Notice of Election to Purchase ” has the meaning given such term in Section 15.1(b) .

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, among CONSOL, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Operating Company, CNX Thermal, Conrhein, CPCC, CESC, CNX Gas, CNX Marine and CNX Water, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Operating Agreement ” means that certain Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, among CPCC, Conrhein and CNX Thermal, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Operating Company ” means CNX Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any successors thereto.

Operating Expenditures ” means all Partnership Group cash expenditures (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of expenditures in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned), including taxes, compensation of employees, officers and directors of the General Partner, reimbursement of expenses of the General Partner and its Affiliates, debt service payments, Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures, repayment of Working Capital Borrowings and payments made in the ordinary course of business under any Hedge Contracts, subject to the following:

(a) repayments of Working Capital Borrowings deducted from Operating Surplus pursuant to clause (b)(iii) of the definition of “Operating Surplus” shall not constitute Operating Expenditures when actually repaid;

 

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(b) payments (including prepayments and prepayment penalties) of principal of and premium on indebtedness other than Working Capital Borrowings shall not constitute Operating Expenditures;

(c) Operating Expenditures shall not include (i) Expansion Capital Expenditures, (ii) actual Maintenance Capital Expenditures, (iii) payment of transaction expenses (including taxes) relating to Interim Capital Transactions, (iv) distributions to Partners, (v) repurchases of Partnership Interests, other than repurchases of Partnership Interests by the Partnership to satisfy obligations under employee benefit plans or reimbursement of expenses of the General Partner for purchases of Partnership Interests by the General Partner to satisfy obligations under employee benefit plans or (vi) any other expenditures or payments using the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the IPO Registration Statement; and

(d) (i) amounts paid in connection with the initial purchase of a Hedge Contract shall be amortized over the life of such Hedge Contract and (ii) payments made in connection with the termination of any Hedge Contract prior to the expiration of its scheduled settlement or termination date shall be included in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such Hedge Contract.

Operating Surplus ” means, with respect to any period ending prior to the Liquidation Date, on a cumulative basis and without duplication,

(a) the sum of (i) $50.0 million, (ii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash receipts in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of such period, but excluding cash receipts from Interim Capital Transactions and the termination of Hedge Contracts (provided that cash receipts from the termination of a Hedge Contract prior to its scheduled settlement or termination date shall be included in Operating Surplus in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such Hedge Contract), (iii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash receipts in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) after the end of such period but on or before the date of determination of Operating Surplus with respect to such period resulting from Working Capital Borrowings and (iv) the amount of cash distributions from Operating Surplus paid during the Construction Period (including incremental Incentive Distributions) on Construction Equity, less

(b) the sum of (i) Operating Expenditures for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of such period, (ii) the amount of cash reserves (or the Partnership’s proportionate share of cash reserves in the case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) established by the General Partner to provide funds for future Operating Expenditures and (iii) all Working Capital Borrowings not repaid within twelve months after having been incurred, or repaid within such 12-month period with the proceeds of additional Working Capital Borrowings; provided , however , that disbursements made (including contributions to a Group Member or disbursements on behalf of a Group Member) or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such period but on or before the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such period shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Operating Surplus, within such period if the General Partner so determines.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Operating Surplus” with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular counsel to the Partnership or the General Partner or any of its Affiliates) acceptable to the General Partner or to such other person selecting such counsel or obtaining such opinion.

Option Closing Date ” means the date or dates on which any Common Units are sold by the Partnership to the IPO Underwriters upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.

Organizational Limited Partner ” means CONSOL in its capacity as the organizational limited partner of the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement.

Outstanding ” means, with respect to Partnership Interests, all Partnership Interests that are issued by the Partnership and reflected as outstanding in the Partnership Register as of the date of determination; provided, however , that if at any time any Person or Group (other than the General Partner or its Affiliates) beneficially owns 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of any class, all Partnership Interests owned by or for the benefit of such Person or Group shall not be entitled to be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under this Agreement, except that Partnership Interests so owned shall be considered to be Outstanding for purposes of Section 11.1(b)(iv) (such Partnership Interests shall not, however, be treated as a separate class of Partnership Interests for purposes of this Agreement or the Delaware Act); provided, further , that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to (i) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of any class directly from the General Partner or its Affiliates (other than the Partnership), (ii) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of any class directly or indirectly from a Person or Group described in clause (i) , provided , that, upon or prior to such acquisition, the General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply, or (iii) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any Partnership Interests issued by the Partnership with the prior approval of the Board of Directors, provided , that the General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply.

Over-Allotment Option ” means the option to purchase additional Common Units granted to the IPO Underwriters by the Partnership pursuant to the IPO Underwriting Agreement.

Partner Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).

 

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Partner Nonrecourse Deductions ” means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i), are attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt.

Partners ” means the General Partner and the Limited Partners.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Group ” means, collectively, the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.

Partnership Interest ” means any equity interest, including any class or series of equity interest, in the Partnership, which shall include any Limited Partner Interests and the General Partner Interest but shall exclude any Derivative Partnership Interests.

Partnership Minimum Gain ” means that amount determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).

Partnership Register ” means a register maintained on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner, or, if the General Partner so determines, by the Transfer Agent as part of the Transfer Agent’s books and transfer records, with respect to each class of Partnership Interests in which all Record Holders and transfers of such class of Partnership Interests are registered or otherwise recorded.

Per Unit Capital Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, the Capital Account, stated on a per Unit basis, underlying any Unit held by a Person other than the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner who holds Units.

Percentage Interest ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) as to the General Partner, the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner as determined pursuant to the definition of “General Partner Interest” above, (b) as to any Unitholder with respect to Units, the product obtained by multiplying (i) 100% less the Percentage Interest attributable to the General Partner Interest and the percentage applicable to clause (c) below by (ii) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the number of Units held by such Unitholder by (B) the total number of Outstanding Units, and (c) as to the holders of other Partnership Interests issued by the Partnership in accordance with Section 5.6 , the percentage calculated in accordance with the method established as a part of such issuance. The Percentage Interest with respect to an Incentive Distribution Right shall at all times be zero.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, association, government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.

Plan of Conversion ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.1 .

Private Placement ” means the Partnership’s issuance and sale of Common Units to the Greenlight Capital Funds on the Closing Date pursuant to the Private Placement Purchase Agreement in reliance upon the “private placement” exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

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Private Placement Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2015, among the Partnership and the Greenlight Capital Funds, as amended by that certain Amendment thereto, dated as of June 30, 2015, providing for the Partnership’s issuance and sale of Common Units to the Greenlight Capital Funds.

Privately Placed Units ” means any Common Units issued for cash or property other than pursuant to a public offering.

Pro Rata ” means (a) when used with respect to Units or any class thereof, apportioned among all designated Units in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, (b) when used with respect to Partners or Record Holders, apportioned among all Partners or Record Holders in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, (c) when used with respect to holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, apportioned among all holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in accordance with the relative number or percentage of Incentive Distribution Rights held by each such holder and (d) when used with respect to Holders who have requested to include Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 7.12(a) or Section 7.12(b) , apportioned among all such Holders in accordance with the relative number of Registrable Securities held by each such holder and included in the Notice relating to such request.

Purchase Date ” means the date determined by the General Partner as the date for purchase of all Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of a certain class (other than Limited Partner Interests owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) pursuant to Article XV .

Quarter ” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a fiscal quarter of the Partnership, or, with respect to the fiscal quarter of the Partnership which includes the Closing Date, the portion of such fiscal quarter after the Closing Date.

Rate Eligibility Trigger ” has the meaning given such term in Section 4.9(a) .

Recapture Income ” means any gain recognized by the Partnership (computed without regard to any adjustment required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the Code) upon the disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which gain is characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.

Record Date ” means the date established by the General Partner or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement for determining (a) the identity of the Record Holders entitled to receive notice of, or entitled to exercise rights in respect of, any lawful action of Limited Partners (including voting) or (b) the identity of Record Holders entitled to receive any report or distribution or to participate in any offer.

Record Holder ” means (a) with respect to any class of Partnership Interests for which a Transfer Agent has been appointed, the Person in whose name a Partnership Interest of such class is registered in the records of the Transfer Agent and in the Partnership Register as of the Partnership’s close of business on a particular Business Day or (b) with respect to other classes

 

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of Partnership Interests, the Person in whose name any such other Partnership Interest is registered in the Partnership Register that the General Partner has caused to be kept as of the Partnership’s close of business on a particular Business Day.

Redeemable Interests ” means any Limited Partner Interests subject to redemption pursuant to amendments adopted by the General Partner pursuant to Section 4.9 .

Registrable Security ” means any Partnership Interest other than the General Partner Interest; provided, however , that any Registrable Security shall cease to be a Registrable Security: (a) at the time a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Security is declared effective by the Commission, or otherwise becomes effective under the Securities Act, and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement; (b) at the time such Registrable Security may be disposed of pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor or similar rule or regulation under the Securities Act); (c) when such Registrable Security is held by a Group Member and (d) at the time such Registrable Security has been sold in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under Section 7.12 of this Agreement have not been assigned to the transferee of such securities.

Registration Statement ” has the meaning given such term in Section 7.12(a) of this Agreement.

Remaining Net Positive Adjustments ” means, as of the end of any taxable period, (a) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units or Subordinated Units, the excess of (i) the Net Positive Adjustments of the Unitholders holding Common Units or Subordinated Units as of the end of such period over (ii) the sum of those Partners’ Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for each prior taxable period, (b) with respect to the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Interest), the excess of (i) the Net Positive Adjustments of the General Partner as of the end of such period over (ii) the sum of the General Partner’s Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to the General Partner Interest for each prior taxable period, and (c) with respect to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, the excess of (i) the Net Positive Adjustments of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period over (ii) the sum of the Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights for each prior taxable period.

Required Allocations ” means any allocation of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i) , Section 6.1(d)(ii) , Section 6.1(d)(iv) , Section 6.1(d)(v) , Section 6.1(d)(vi) , Section 6.1(d)(vii) or Section 6.1(d)(ix) .

Reset MQD ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.11(e) .

Reset Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.11(b) .

Retained Converted Subordinated Unit ” has the meaning given such term in Section 5.5(c)(ii) .

Revaluation Event ” means an event that results in adjustment of the Carrying Value of each Partnership property pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii) .

 

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Second Liquidation Target Amount ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(E) .

Second Target Distribution ” means $0.64063 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the Initial Period, it means the product of $0.64063 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Initial Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Quarter in which the Closing Date occurs), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.11 , Section 6.6 and Section 6.9 .

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Selling Holder ” means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities pursuant to the procedures in Section 7.12 of this Agreement.

Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items means in connection with any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for any taxable period, (a) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units or Subordinated Units, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Unitholders’ Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such taxable period bear to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time, (b) with respect to the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Interest), the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the General Partner’s Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such taxable period bear to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustment as of that time and (c) with respect to the Partners holding Incentive Distribution Rights, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of the Partners holding the Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such taxable period bear to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time.

Special Approval ” means approval by a majority of the members of the Conflicts Committee acting in good faith.

Subordinated Unit ” means a Limited Partner Interest having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Subordinated Units in this Agreement. The term “Subordinated Unit” does not include a Common Unit. A Subordinated Unit that is convertible into a Common Unit shall not constitute a Common Unit until such conversion occurs.

Subordination Period ” means the period commencing on the Closing Date and expiring on the first to occur of the following dates:

(a) the first Business Day following the distribution of Available Cash to Partners pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in respect of any Quarter beginning with the Quarter ending June 30, 2018 in respect of which (i) (A) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus on each of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, the General Partner Interest and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case with respect to each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-Quarter periods immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, the

 

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General Partner Interest and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case in respect of such periods and (B) the Adjusted Operating Surplus for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-Quarter periods immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Common Units, Subordinated Units, the General Partner Interest and any other Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case that were Outstanding during such periods on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis, and (ii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages.

(b) the first Business Day following the distribution of Available Cash to Partners pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in respect of any Quarter beginning with the Quarter ending June 30, 2016 in respect of which (i) (A) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus on each of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, the General Partner Interest and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case with respect to the four-Quarter period immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded 150% of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, the General Partner Interest and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case in respect of such period, and (B) the Adjusted Operating Surplus for the four-Quarter period immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded 150% of the sum of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Common Units, Subordinated Units, the General Partner Interest and any other Units that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units, in each case that were Outstanding during such period on a Fully Diluted Weighted Average Basis, plus the corresponding Incentive Distributions and (ii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Surviving Business Entity ” has the meaning given such term in Section 14.2(b)(ii) .

Target Distributions ” means, collectively, the First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target Distribution.

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning given such term in Section 9.3 .

 

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Third Target Distribution ” means $0.76875 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the Initial Period, it means the product of $0.76875 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Initial Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Quarter in which the Closing Date occurs), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.11 , Section 6.6 and Section 6.9 .

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal National Securities Exchange on which the referenced Partnership Interests of any class are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if such Partnership Interests are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York City are not legally required to be closed.

Transaction Documents ” has the meaning given such term in Section 7.1(b) .

transfer ” has the meaning given such term in Section 4.4(a) .

Transfer Agent ” means such bank, trust company or other Person (including the General Partner or one of its Affiliates) as may be appointed from time to time by the General Partner to act as registrar and transfer agent for any class of Partnership Interests in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules of the National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading (if any); provided, however , that, if no such Person is appointed as registrar and transfer agent for any class of Partnership Interests, the General Partner shall act as registrar and transfer agent for such class of Partnership Interests.

Treasury Regulation ” means the United States Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code.

Underwritten Offering ” means (a) an offering pursuant to a Registration Statement in which Partnership Interests are sold to an underwriter on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public (other than the Initial Public Offering), (b) an offering of Partnership Interests pursuant to a Registration Statement that is a “bought deal” with one or more investment banks and (c) an “at-the-market” offering pursuant to a Registration Statement in which Partnership Interests are sold to the public through one or more investment banks or managers on a best efforts basis.

Unit ” means a Partnership Interest that is designated by the General Partner as a “Unit” and shall include Common Units and Subordinated Units but shall not include (i) hypothetical limited partner units representing the General Partner Interest or (ii) Incentive Distribution Rights.

Unit Majority ” means (i) during the Subordination Period, at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates), voting as a separate class, and at least a majority of the Outstanding Subordinated Units, voting as a separate class, and (ii) after the end of the Subordination Period, at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units.

Unitholders ” means the Record Holders of Units.

 

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Unpaid MQD ” has the meaning given such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(B) .

Unrealized Gain ” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d) ) over (b) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date).

Unrealized Loss ” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d) ).

Unrecovered Initial Unit Price ” means at any time, with respect to a Unit, the Initial Unit Price less the sum of all distributions constituting Capital Surplus theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit and any distributions of cash (or the Net Agreed Value of any distributions in kind) in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit, adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of such Units.

Unrestricted Person ” means (a) each Indemnitee, (b) each Partner, (c) each Person who is or was a member, partner, director, officer, employee or agent of any Group Member, a General Partner or any Departing General Partner or any Affiliate of any Group Member, a General Partner or any Departing General Partner and (d) any Person the General Partner designates as an “Unrestricted Person” for purposes of this Agreement from time to time.

U.S. GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.

Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel ” has the meaning given such term in Section 11.1(b) .

Working Capital Borrowings ” means borrowings incurred pursuant to a credit facility, commercial paper facility or similar financing arrangement that are used solely for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to the Partners; provided that when such borrowings are incurred it is the intent of the borrower to repay such borrowings within twelve months from the date of such borrowings other than from additional Working Capital Borrowings.

Section 1.2 Construction . Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa; (b) references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; (c) the terms “include,” “includes,” “including” or words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” and (d) the terms “hereof,” “herein” or “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The General Partner has the power to construe and interpret this Agreement and to act upon any such construction or interpretation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any construction or interpretation of this

 

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Agreement by the General Partner, any action taken pursuant thereto and any determination made by the General Partner in good faith shall, in each case, be conclusive and binding on all Record Holders, each other Person or Group who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and all other Persons for all purposes.

ARTICLE II

ORGANIZATION

Section 2.1 Formation . The General Partner and the Organizational Limited Partner previously formed the Partnership as a limited partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act and hereby amend and restate the original Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP in its entirety. This amendment and restatement shall become effective on the date of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Delaware Act. All Partnership Interests shall constitute personal property of the owner thereof for all purposes.

Section 2.2 Name . The name of the Partnership shall be “CNX Coal Resources LP”. Subject to applicable law, the Partnership’s business may be conducted under any other name or names as determined by the General Partner, including the name of the General Partner. The words “Limited Partnership,” “L.P.,” “Ltd.” or similar words or letters shall be included in the Partnership’s name where necessary for the purpose of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular communication to the Limited Partners.

Section 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices . Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, and the registered agent for service of process on the Partnership in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The principal office of the Partnership shall be located at 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate. The address of the General Partner shall be 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners.

Section 2.4 Purpose and Business . The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership shall be to (a) engage directly in, or enter into or form, hold and dispose of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that is approved by the General Partner and that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity and (b) do anything necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the foregoing, including the making of capital

 

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contributions or loans to a Group Member; provided, however , that the General Partner shall not cause the Partnership to engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity that the General Partner determines would be reasonably likely to cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to propose or approve the conduct by the Partnership of any business and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or any Limited Partner and, in declining to so propose or approve, shall not be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity, and the General Partner in determining whether to propose or approve the conduct by the Partnership of any business shall be permitted to do so in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 2.5 Powers . The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business described in Section 2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership.

Section 2.6 Term . The term of the Partnership commenced upon the filing of the Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of Article XII . The existence of the Partnership as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Delaware Act.

Section 2.7 Title to Partnership Assets . Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General Partner, one or more Affiliates of the General Partner or one or more nominees of the General Partner or its Affiliates, as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of the General Partner or one or more Affiliates of the General Partner or one or more nominees of the General Partner or its Affiliates shall be held by the General Partner or such Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however , that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to cause record title to such assets (other than those assets in respect of which the General Partner determines that the expense and difficulty of conveyancing makes transfer of record title to the Partnership impracticable) to be vested in the Partnership or one or more of the Partnership’s designated Affiliates as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, further , that, prior to the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as soon thereafter as practicable, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to effect the transfer of record title to the Partnership and, prior to any such transfer, will provide for the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to any successor General Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which record title to such Partnership assets is held.

 

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ARTICLE III

RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

Section 3.1 Limitation of Liability . The Limited Partners shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.

Section 3.2 Management of Business . No Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation, management or control (within the meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnership’s business, transact any business in the Partnership’s name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Partnership. No action taken by any Affiliate of the General Partner or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or trustee of a Group Member, in its capacity as such, shall be deemed to be participating in the control of the business of the Partnership by a limited partner of the Partnership (within the meaning of Section 17-303(a) of the Delaware Act) nor shall any such action affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the liability of the Limited Partners under this Agreement.

Section 3.3 Rights of Limited Partners .

(a) Each Limited Partner shall have the right, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner’s interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand, and at such Limited Partner’s own expense:

(i) to obtain from the General Partner either (A) the Partnership’s most recent filings with the Commission on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings on Form 10-Q or Form 8-K or (B) if the Partnership is no longer subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the information specified in, and meeting the requirements of, Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation under the Securities Act); provided , that the foregoing materials shall be deemed to be available to a Limited Partner in satisfaction of the requirements of this Section 3.3(a)(i) if posted on or accessible through the Partnership’s or the Commission’s website;

(ii) to obtain a current list of the name and last known business, residence or mailing address of each Partner; and

(iii) to obtain a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the rights to information granted the Limited Partners pursuant to Section 3.3(a) replace in their entirety any rights to information provided for in Section 17-305(a) of the Delaware Act, and each of the Limited Partners, each other Person or Group who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law that they do not have any rights as Limited Partners, interest holders or otherwise to receive any information either pursuant to Sections 17-305(a) of the Delaware Act or otherwise except for the information identified in Section 3.3(a) .

 

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(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner deems reasonable, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner in good faith believes (A) is not in the best interests of the Partnership Group, (B) could damage the Partnership Group or its business or (C) that any Group Member is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential (other than agreements with Affiliates of the Partnership the primary purpose of which is to circumvent the obligations set forth in this Section 3.3 ).

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or Section 17-305 of the Delaware Act, each of the Limited Partners, each other Person or Group who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law that they do not have rights to receive information from the Partnership or any Indemnitee for the purpose of determining whether to pursue litigation or assist in pending litigation against the Partnership or any Indemnitee relating to the affairs of the Partnership except pursuant to the applicable rules of discovery relating to litigation commenced by such Person or Group.

ARTICLE IV

CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP

INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

Section 4.1 Certificates . Record Holders of Partnership Interests and, where appropriate, Derivative Partnership Interests, shall be recorded in the Partnership Register and ownership of such interests shall be evidenced by a physical certificate or book entry notation in the Partnership Register. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise in respect of some or all of any or all classes of Partnership Interests, Partnership Interests shall not be evidenced by physical certificates. Certificates, if any, shall be executed on behalf of the Partnership by the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President and the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or other authorized officer of the General Partner, and shall bear the legend set forth in Section 4.8(f) . The signatures of such officers upon a Certificate may, to the extent permitted by law, be facsimiles. In case any officer who has signed or whose signature has been placed upon such Certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before such Certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Partnership with the same effect as if he or she were such officer at the date of its issuance. If a Transfer Agent has been appointed for a class of Partnership Interests, no Certificate for such class of Partnership Interests shall be valid for any purpose until it has been countersigned by the Transfer Agent; provided , however , that, if the General Partner elects to cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Interests of such class in global form, the Certificate shall be valid upon receipt of a certificate from the Transfer Agent certifying that the Partnership Interests have been duly registered in accordance with the directions of the Partnership. Subject to the requirements of Section 6.7(b) and Section 6.7(c) , if Common Units are evidenced by Certificates, on or after the date on which Subordinated Units are converted into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section 5.7 , the Record Holders of such Subordinated Units (a) if the Subordinated Units are evidenced by Certificates, may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing the Common Units into which such Record Holder’s Subordinated Units converted or (b) if the Subordinated Units are

 

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not evidenced by Certificates, shall be issued Certificates evidencing the Common Units into which such Record Holders’ Subordinated Units converted. With respect to any Partnership Interests that are represented by physical certificates, the General Partner may determine that such Partnership Interests will no longer be represented by physical certificates and may, upon written notice to the holders of such Partnership Interests and subject to applicable law, take whatever actions it deems necessary or appropriate to cause such Partnership Interests to be registered in book entry or global form and may cause such physical certificates to be cancelled or deemed cancelled.

Section 4.2 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates .

(a) If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent, the appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a new Certificate evidencing the same number and type of Partnership Interests as the Certificate so surrendered.

(b) The appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign, a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued, if the Record Holder of the Certificate:

(i) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the General Partner, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen;

(ii) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the General Partner has notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;

(iii) if requested by the General Partner, delivers to the General Partner a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the General Partner, with surety or sureties and with fixed or open penalty as the General Partner may direct, to indemnify the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Transfer Agent against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate; and

(iv) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the General Partner or the Transfer Agent.

If a Limited Partner fails to notify the General Partner within a reasonable period of time after such Limited Partner has notice of the loss, destruction or theft of a Certificate, and a transfer of the Limited Partner Interests represented by the Certificate is registered before the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent receives such notification, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Limited Partner shall be precluded from making any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent for such transfer or for a new Certificate.

(c) As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 4.2 , the General Partner may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent) reasonably connected therewith.

 

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Section 4.3 Record Holders .

The names and addresses of Unitholders as they appear in the Partnership Register shall be the official list of Record Holders of the Partnership Interests for all purposes. The Partnership and the General Partner shall be entitled to recognize the Record Holder as the Partner with respect to any Partnership Interest and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such Partnership Interest on the part of any other Person or Group, regardless of whether the Partnership or the General Partner shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading. Without limiting the foregoing, when a Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing) is acting as nominee, agent or in some other representative capacity for another Person or Group in acquiring and/or holding Partnership Interests, as between the Partnership on the one hand, and such other Person on the other hand, such representative Person shall be the Limited Partner with respect to such Partnership Interest upon becoming the Record Holder in accordance with Section 10.1(b) and have the rights and obligations of a Limited Partner hereunder as and to the extent provided herein, including Section 10.1(c) .

Section 4.4 Transfer Generally .

(a) The term “transfer,” when used in this Agreement with respect to a Partnership Interest, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction (i) by which the General Partner assigns all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another Person and includes a sale, assignment, gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise or (ii) by which the holder of a Limited Partner Interest assigns all or a part of such Limited Partner Interest to another Person who is or becomes a Limited Partner as a result thereof, and includes a sale, assignment, gift, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise, excluding a pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage but including any transfer upon foreclosure of any pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage.

(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in part, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article IV . Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in accordance with this Article IV shall be null and void, and the Partnership shall have no obligation to effect any such transfer or purported transfer.

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or limit a disposition by any stockholder, member, partner or other owner of the General Partner or any Limited Partner of any or all of such Person’s shares of stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other ownership interests in the General Partner or such Limited Partner and the term “transfer” shall not include any such disposition.

 

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Section 4.5 Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests .

(a) The General Partner shall maintain, or cause to be maintained by the Transfer Agent in whole or in part, the Partnership Register on behalf of the Partnership.

(b) The General Partner shall not recognize any transfer of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates until the Certificates evidencing such Limited Partner Interests are duly endorsed and surrendered for registration of transfer. No charge shall be imposed by the General Partner for such transfer; provided, however , that as a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 4.5 , the General Partner may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed with respect thereto. Upon surrender of a Certificate for registration of transfer of any Limited Partner Interests evidenced by a Certificate, and subject to the provisions of this Section 4.5(b) , the appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and in the case of Certificates evidencing Limited Partner Interests for which a Transfer Agent has been appointed, the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the holder or the designated transferee or transferees, as required pursuant to the holder’s instructions, one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Limited Partner Interests as was evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered. Upon the proper surrender of a Certificate, such transfer shall be recorded in the Partnership Register.

(c) Upon the receipt by the General Partner of a duly endorsed certificate or, in the case of uncertificated Limited Partner Interests for which a Transfer Agent has been appointed, the Transfer Agent of proper transfer instructions from the Record Holder of uncertificated Limited Partner Interests, such transfer shall be recorded in the Partnership Register.

(d) By acceptance of any Limited Partner Interests pursuant to a transfer in accordance with this Article IV , each transferee of a Limited Partner Interest (including any nominee, agent or representative acquiring such Limited Partner Interests for the account of another Person or Group) (i) shall be admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so transferred to such Person when any such transfer or admission is reflected in the Partnership Register and such Person becomes the Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interests so transferred, (ii) shall become bound, and shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound, by the terms of this Agreement, (iii) shall be deemed to represent that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and (iv) shall be deemed to make the consents, acknowledgements and waivers contained in this Agreement, all with or without execution of this Agreement by such Person. The transfer of any Limited Partner Interests and the admission of any new Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to this Agreement.

(e) Subject to (i) the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.5 , (ii)  Section 4.3 , (iii)  Section 4.8 , (iv) with respect to any class or series of Limited Partner Interests, the provisions of any statement of designations or an amendment to this Agreement establishing such class or series, (v) any contractual provisions binding on any Limited Partner and (vi) provisions of applicable law including the Securities Act, Limited Partner Interests shall be freely transferable.

 

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(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates shall have the right at any time to transfer their Subordinated Units and Common Units (whether issued upon conversion of the Subordinated Units or otherwise) to one or more Persons.

Section 4.6 Transfer of the General Partner’s General Partner Interest.

(a) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, prior to June 30, 2025, the General Partner shall not transfer all or any part of its General Partner Interest to a Person unless such transfer (i) has been approved by the prior written consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) or (ii) is of all, but not less than all, of its General Partner Interest to (A) an Affiliate of the General Partner (other than an individual) or (B) another Person (other than an individual) in connection with the merger or consolidation of the General Partner with or into such other Person or the transfer by the General Partner of all or substantially all of its assets to such other Person.

(b) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, on or after June 30, 2025, the General Partner may transfer all or any part of its General Partner Interest without the approval of any Limited Partner or any other Person.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no transfer by the General Partner of all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another Person shall be permitted unless (i) the transferee agrees to assume the rights and duties of the General Partner under this Agreement and to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) the Partnership receives an Opinion of Counsel that such transfer would not result in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner under the Delaware Act or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed) and (iii) such transferee also agrees to purchase all (or the appropriate portion thereof, if applicable) of the partnership or membership interest owned by the General Partner as the general partner or managing member, if any, of each other Group Member. In the case of a transfer pursuant to and in compliance with this Section 4.6 , the transferee or successor (as the case may be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of Section 10.2 , be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner effective immediately prior to the transfer of the General Partner Interest, and the business of the Partnership shall continue without dissolution.

Section 4.7 Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights . The General Partner or any other holder of Incentive Distribution Rights may transfer any or all of its Incentive Distribution Rights without the approval of any Limited Partner or any other Person.

Section 4.8 Restrictions on Transfers .

(a) Except as provided in Section 4.8(e) , notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article IV , no transfer of any Partnership Interests shall be made if such transfer would (i) violate the then applicable federal or state securities laws or rules and regulations of the Commission, any state securities commission or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer, (ii) terminate the existence or qualification of the Partnership

 

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under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation or (iii) cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed). The Partnership may issue stop transfer instructions to any Transfer Agent in order to implement any restriction on transfer contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the transfer of Partnership Interests if it receives an Opinion of Counsel that such restrictions are necessary to (i) avoid a significant risk of the Partnership becoming taxable as a corporation or otherwise becoming taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed) or (ii) preserve the uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof). The General Partner may impose such restrictions by amending this Agreement; provided, however , that any amendment that would result in the delisting or suspension of trading of any class of Limited Partner Interests on the principal National Securities Exchange on which such class of Limited Partner Interests is then listed or admitted to trading must be approved, prior to such amendment being effected, by the holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of such class.

(c) The transfer of an IDR Reset Common Unit that was issued in connection with an IDR Reset Election pursuant to Section 5.11 shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by Section 6.8(b) and Section 6.8(c) .

(d) The transfer of a Subordinated Unit or a Common Unit resulting from the conversion of a Subordinated Unit shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by Section 6.7(b) and Section 6.7(c) .

(e) Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the settlement of any transactions involving Partnership Interests entered into through the facilities of any National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading.

(f) Each certificate or book entry evidencing Partnership Interests shall bear a conspicuous legend in substantially the following form:

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH TRANSFER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR QUALIFICATION OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR (C) CAUSE CNX COAL RESOURCES LP TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED). THE GENERAL PARTNER OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP MAY IMPOSE

 

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ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO (A) AVOID A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP BECOMING TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED) OR (B) PRESERVE THE UNIFORMITY OF THE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS IN CNX COAL RESOURCES LP (OR ANY CLASS OR CLASSES THEREOF). THIS SECURITY MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ITS TRANSFER PROVIDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS SECURITY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL PARTNER AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.

Section 4.9 Eligibility Certificates; Ineligible Holders .

(a) If at any time the General Partner determines, with the advice of counsel, that:

(i) the U.S. federal income tax status (or lack of proof of the U.S. federal income tax status) of one or more Limited Partners or their beneficial owners has or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates that can be charged to customers by any Group Member (a “ Rate Eligibility Trigger ”); or

(ii) any Group Member is subject to any federal, state or local law or regulation that would create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property in which the Group Member has an interest based on the nationality, citizenship or other related status of one or more Limited Partners or their beneficial owners (a “ Citizenship Eligibility Trigger ”);

then, the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the approval of any Limited Partner, may adopt such amendments to this Agreement as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to (A) in the case of a Rate Eligibility Trigger, obtain such proof of the U.S. federal income tax status of such Limited Partners and, to the extent relevant, their beneficial owners, as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to reduce the risk of the occurrence of a material adverse effect on the rates that can be charged to customers by any Group Member or (B) in the case of a Citizenship Eligibility Trigger, obtain such proof of the nationality, citizenship or other related status of such Limited Partners and, to the extent relevant, their beneficial owners, as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to eliminate or mitigate the risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any properties or interests therein of a Group Member.

 

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(b) Amendments adopted pursuant to this Section 4.9 may include provisions requiring all Limited Partners to certify as to their (and their beneficial owners’) status as Eligible Holders upon demand and on a regular basis, as determined by the General Partner, and may require transferees of Units to so certify prior to being admitted to the Partnership as Limited Partners (any such required certificate, an “ Eligibility Certificate ”).

(c) Amendments adopted pursuant to this Section 4.9 may provide that (i) any Limited Partner who fails to furnish to the General Partner, within a reasonable period, requested proof of its (and its beneficial owners’) status as an Eligible Holder or (ii) if upon receipt of such Eligibility Certificate or other requested information the General Partner determines that a Limited Partner (or its beneficial owner) is not an Eligible Holder (an “ Ineligible Holder ”), the Limited Partner Interests owned by such Limited Partner shall be subject to redemption. In addition, the General Partner shall be substituted and treated as the owner of all Limited Partner Interests owned by an Ineligible Holder.

(d) If the General Partner adopts amendments pursuant to this Section 4.9 providing for the redemption of Limited Partner Interests, the aggregate redemption price for Redeemable Interests shall be an amount equal to the Current Market Price (the date of determination of which shall be the date fixed for redemption) of Limited Partner Interests of the class to be so redeemed multiplied by the number of Limited Partner Interests of each such class included among the Redeemable Interests. The redemption price shall be paid, as determined by the General Partner, in cash or by delivery of a promissory note of the Partnership in the principal amount of the redemption price, bearing interest at the rate of 5% annually and payable in three equal annual installments of principal together with accrued interest, commencing one year after the redemption date.

(e) The General Partner shall, in exercising, or abstaining from exercising, voting rights in respect of Limited Partner Interests held by it on behalf of Ineligible Holders, distribute the votes or abstentions in the same manner and in the same ratios as the votes of Limited Partners (including the General Partner and its Affiliates) in respect of Limited Partner Interests other than those of Ineligible Holders are distributed, either casting votes for or against or abstaining as to the matter.

(f) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, an Ineligible Holder shall have no right to receive a distribution in kind pursuant to Section 12.4 but shall be entitled to the cash equivalent thereof, and the Partnership shall provide cash in exchange for an assignment of the Ineligible Holder’s share of any distribution in kind. Such payment and assignment shall be treated for Partnership purposes as a purchase by the Partnership from the Ineligible Holder of its Limited Partner Interests (representing the right to receive its share of such distribution in kind).

(g) At any time after an Ineligible Holder can and does certify that it has become an Eligible Holder, such Ineligible Holder may, upon application to the General Partner, request that with respect to any Limited Partner Interests of such Ineligible Holder not redeemed, such Ineligible Holder be admitted as a Limited Partner, and upon approval of the General Partner, such Ineligible Holder shall be admitted as a Limited Partner and shall no longer constitute an Ineligible Holder, and the General Partner shall cease to be deemed to be the owner in respect of such Ineligible Holder’s Limited Partner Interests.

 

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ARTICLE V

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

Section 5.1 Organizational Contributions . In connection with the formation of the Partnership under the Delaware Act, the General Partner made an initial Capital Contribution to the Partnership in the amount of $20.00 for a 2% General Partner Interest in the Partnership and was admitted as the General Partner of the Partnership, and the Organizational Limited Partner made an initial Capital Contribution to the Partnership in the amount of $980.00 for a 98% Limited Partner Interest in the Partnership and was admitted as a Limited Partner of the Partnership. As of the Closing Date, pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the interest of the Organizational Limited Partner shall be partially redeemed in exchange for the return of the initial Capital Contribution of the Organizational Limited Partner, and 98% of any interest or other profit that may have resulted from the investment or other use of such initial Capital Contributions shall be allocated and distributed to the Organizational Limited Partner, and the balance thereof shall be allocated and distributed to the General Partner. The Organizational Limited Partner hereby continues as a limited partner of the Partnership with respect to the portion of its interest that is not partially redeemed.

Section 5.2 Contributions by the General Partner .

(a) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the General Partner is contributing to the Partnership, as a Capital Contribution, the 2% OpCo Interest (as defined in the Contribution Agreement) in exchange for (i) a continuation of its 2% General Partner Interest (after giving effect to any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option and the Deferred Issuance), subject to all of the rights, privileges and duties of the General Partner under this Agreement and (ii) the Incentive Distribution Rights.

(b) Upon the issuance of any additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership (other than (i) the Common Units issued pursuant to the Initial Public Offering, (ii) the Common Units and Subordinated Units issued pursuant to Section 5.3(a) (including any Common Units issued pursuant to the Deferred Issuance), (iii) any Common Units issued pursuant to Section 5.11 , (iv) any Common Units issued pursuant to Section 5.3(c) , (v) the Common Units issued to the Greenlight Capital Funds pursuant to the Private Placement and (vi) any Common Units issued upon the conversion of any Partnership Interests), the General Partner may, in order to maintain the Percentage Interest with respect to its General Partner Interest, make additional Capital Contributions in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the quotient determined by dividing (x) the Percentage Interest with respect to the General Partner Interests immediately prior to the issuance of such additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership by (y) 100% less the Percentage Interest with respect to the General Partner Interest immediately prior to the issuance of such additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership times (B) the gross amount contributed to the Partnership by the Limited Partners (before deduction of underwriters’ discounts and commissions) in exchange for such additional Limited Partner Interests.

 

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Section 5.3 Contributions by Limited Partners.

(a) On the Closing Date, pursuant to and as described in the Contribution Agreement, CONSOL is contributing to the Partnership, as a Capital Contribution, the 98% OpCo Interest (as defined in the Contribution Agreement), in exchange for (i) 861,067 Common Units, (ii) 11,611,067 Subordinated Units and (iii) the right to receive cash distributions from the Partnership as set forth in the Contribution Agreement.

(b) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the IPO Underwriting Agreement, each IPO Underwriter is contributing cash to the Partnership in exchange for the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units to each IPO Underwriter, all as set forth in the IPO Underwriting Agreement.

(c) Upon each exercise, if any, of the Over-Allotment Option, each IPO Underwriter shall contribute cash to the Partnership on the applicable Option Closing Date in exchange for the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units to each IPO Underwriter, all as set forth in the IPO Underwriting Agreement. Any Common Units subject to the Over-Allotment Option that are not purchased by the IPO Underwriters pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option, if any (the “ Deferred Issuance ”), will be issued to CONSOL at the expiration of the Over-Allotment Option period for no additional consideration, all as set forth in the IPO Underwriting Agreement and the Contribution Agreement.

(d) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Private Placement Purchase Agreement, each Greenlight Capital Fund is contributing cash to the Partnership in exchange for the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units to each Greenlight Capital Fund, all as set forth in the Private Placement Purchase Agreement.

(e) Except for the Capital Contributions made or to be made pursuant to Section 5.3(a) through Section 5.3(d) and for Capital Contributions required to be made by or on behalf of a Person acquiring Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests in connection with future issuances in accordance with Section 5.6 , no Limited Partner will be required to make any additional Capital Contribution to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement.

Section 5.4 Interest and Withdrawa l .

No interest shall be paid by the Partnership on Capital Contributions. No Partner shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent, if any, that distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon termination of the Partnership may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall have priority over any other Partner either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions. Any such return shall be a compromise to which all Partners agree within the meaning of Section 17-502(b) of the Delaware Act.

 

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Section 5.5 Capital Accounts .

(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a beneficial owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee, agent or representative in any case in which such nominee, agent or representative has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General Partner) owning a Partnership Interest a separate Capital Account with respect to such Partnership Interest in accordance with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The initial Capital Account balance attributable to the General Partner Interest issued to the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.2(a) shall equal the Net Agreed Value of the Capital Contribution specified in Section 5.2(a) , which shall be deemed to equal the product of the number of hypothetical limited partner units set forth in the definition of “General Partner Interest” and the Initial Unit Price for each Common Unit (and the initial Capital Account balance attributable to each hypothetical limited partner unit representing the General Partner Interest shall equal the Initial Unit Price for each Common Unit). The initial Capital Account balance attributable to the Common Units and Subordinated Units issued to CONSOL pursuant to Section 5.3(a) and, to the extent applicable, Section 5.3(c) shall equal the respective Net Agreed Value of the Capital Contributions specified in Section 5.3(a) or Section 5.3(c) , as applicable, which shall be deemed to equal the product of the number of Common Units and Subordinated Units issued to CONSOL pursuant to Section 5.3(a) or Section 5.3(c) , as applicable, and the Initial Unit Price for each such Common Unit and Subordinated Unit (and the initial Capital Account balance attributable to each such Common Unit and Subordinated Unit shall equal its Initial Unit Price). The initial Capital Account balance attributable to the Common Units issued to the IPO Underwriters pursuant to Section 5.3(b) and, to the extent applicable, Section 5.3(c) shall equal the product of the number of Common Units so issued to the IPO Underwriters and the Initial Unit Price for each Common Unit (and the initial Capital Account balance attributable to each such Common Unit shall equal its Initial Unit Price). The initial Capital Account balance attributable to the Common Units issued to the Greenlight Capital Funds pursuant to Section 5.3(d) shall equal the product of the number of Common Units so issued to the Greenlight Capital Funds and the Initial Unit Price (which shall equal $15.00) for each such Common Unit (and the initial Capital Account balance attributable to each such Common Unit shall equal its Initial Unit Price). The initial Capital Account attributable to the Incentive Distribution Rights shall be zero. Thereafter, the Capital Account shall in respect of each such Partnership Interest be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital Contributions made to the Partnership with respect to such Partnership Interest and (ii) all items of Partnership income and gain (including income and gain exempt from tax) computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1 , and decreased by (x) the amount of cash or Net Agreed Value of all actual and deemed distributions of cash or property made with respect to such Partnership Interest and (y) all items of Partnership deduction and loss computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1 .

(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction that is to be allocated pursuant to Article VI and is to be reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the

 

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same as its determination, recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for that purpose); provided , that:

(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 5.5 , the Partnership shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by the General Partner based upon the provisions of the applicable Group Member Agreement or governing, organizational or similar documents) of all property owned by (x) any other Group Member that is classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and (y) any other partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes of which a Group Member is, directly or indirectly, a partner, member or other equity holder.

(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the Partnership to promote the sale of (or to sell) a Partnership Interest that can neither be deducted nor amortized under Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for purposes of Capital Account maintenance, be treated as an item of deduction at the time such fees and other expenses are incurred and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section 6.1 .

(iii) The computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be made, except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code that may be made by the Partnership. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code (including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment in the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss.

(iv) In the event the Carrying Value of Partnership property is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d), any Unrealized Gain resulting from such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain, and any Unrealized Loss resulting from such adjustment shall be treated as an item of loss.

(v) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount to the Partnership’s Carrying Value with respect to such property as of such date.

(vi) An item of income of the Partnership that is described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) of the Code (with respect to items of income that are exempt from tax) shall be treated as an item of income for the purpose of this Section 5.5(b), and an item of expense of the Partnership that is described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code (with respect to expenditures that are not deductible and not chargeable to capital accounts), shall be treated as an item of deduction for the purpose of this Section 5.5(b) .

(vii) In accordance with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code, any deductions for depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to any Contributed Property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property on the date it was acquired by the Partnership were equal to the Agreed Value of such property. Upon an adjustment pursuant to Section 5.5(d) to the Carrying Value of any Partnership property subject to depreciation, cost recovery or amortization, any further deductions for such depreciation, cost

 

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recovery or amortization attributable to such property shall be determined under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d)(2) as if the adjusted basis of such property were equal to the Carrying Value of such property immediately following such adjustment.

(viii) The Gross Liability Value of each Liability of the Partnership described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-7(b)(3)(i) shall be adjusted at such times as provided in this Agreement for an adjustment to Carrying Values. The amount of any such adjustment shall be treated for purposes hereof as an item of loss (if the adjustment increases the Carrying Value of such Liability of the Partnership) or an item of gain (if the adjustment decreases the Carrying Value of such Liability of the Partnership).

(c) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.5(c) , a transferee of a Partnership Interest shall succeed to a pro rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor relating to the Partnership Interest so transferred.

(ii) Subject to Section 6.7(b) , immediately prior to the transfer of a Subordinated Unit or of a Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 by a holder thereof (other than a transfer to an Affiliate unless the General Partner elects to have this subparagraph 5.5(c)(ii) apply), the Capital Account maintained for such Person with respect to its Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units will (A) first, be allocated to the Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units to be transferred in an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of such Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units to be transferred and (y) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common Unit, and (B) second, any remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by the transferor, regardless of whether it has retained any converted Subordinated Units (“ Retained Converted Subordinated Units ”) or Subordinated Units. Following any such allocation, the transferor’s Capital Account, if any, maintained with respect to the retained Subordinated Units or Retained Converted Subordinated Units, if any, will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (B) hereinabove, and the transferee’s Capital Account established with respect to the transferred Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (A) hereinabove.

(iii) Subject to Section 6.8(b) , immediately prior to the transfer of an IDR Reset Common Unit by a holder thereof (other than a transfer to an Affiliate unless the General Partner elects to have this subparagraph 5.5(c)(iii) apply), the Capital Account maintained for such Person with respect to its IDR Reset Common Units will (A) first, be allocated to the IDR Reset Common Units to be transferred in an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of such IDR Reset Common Units to be transferred and (y) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common Unit, and (B) second, any remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by the transferor, regardless of whether it has retained any IDR Reset Common Units. Following any such allocation, the transferor’s Capital Account, if any, maintained with respect to the retained IDR Reset Common Units, if any, will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (B)  hereinabove, and the transferee’s Capital Account established with respect to the transferred IDR Reset Common Units will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under clause (A)  above.

 

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(d) (i) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), on an issuance of additional Partnership Interests for cash or Contributed Property, the issuance of a Noncompensatory Option, the issuance of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services, the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11 , or the conversion of the General Partner’s Combined Interest to Common Units pursuant to Section 11.3(b) , the Capital Account of each Partner and the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately prior to such issuance shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, and any such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss shall be treated, for purposes of maintaining Capital Accounts, as if it had been recognized on an actual sale of each such property for an amount equal to its fair market value immediately prior to such issuance and had been allocated among the Partners at such time pursuant to Section 6.1(c) and Section 6.1(d) in the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized following an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership would have been allocated; provided, however, that in the event of the issuance of a Partnership Interest pursuant to the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option where the right to share in Partnership capital represented by such Partnership Interest differs from the consideration paid to acquire and exercise such option, the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately after the issuance of such Partnership Interest shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be adjusted in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); provided further, however , that in the event of an issuance of Partnership Interests for a de minimis amount of cash or Contributed Property, in the event of an issuance of a Noncompensatory Option to acquire a de minimis Partnership Interest, or in the event of an issuance of a de minimis amount of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services, the General Partner may determine that such adjustments are unnecessary for the proper administration of the Partnership. If, upon the occurrence of a Revaluation Event described in this Section 5.5(d) , a Noncompensatory Option of the Partnership is outstanding, the Partnership shall adjust the Carrying Value of each Partnership property in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2). In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership property (including cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to the issuance of additional Partnership Interests (or, in the case of a Revaluation Event resulting from the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, immediately after the issuance of the Partnership Interest acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Noncompensatory Option if required pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(1)) shall be determined by the General Partner using such method of valuation as it may adopt. In making its determination of the fair market values of individual properties, the General Partner may first determine an aggregate value for the assets of the Partnership that takes into account the current trading price of the Common Units, the fair market value of all other Partnership Interests at such time, and the amount of Partnership Liabilities. The General Partner may allocate such aggregate value among the individual properties of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines appropriate). Absent a contrary determination by the General Partner, the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a Revaluation Event shall be the value that would result in the Capital Account for each Common Unit that is Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the Event Issue Value.

 

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(ii) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(iv)(f), immediately prior to any distribution to a Partner of any Partnership property (other than a distribution of cash that is not in redemption or retirement of a Partnership Interest), the Capital Accounts of all Partners and the Carrying Value of all Partnership property shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, and any such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss shall be treated, for purposes of maintaining Capital Accounts, as if it had been recognized on an actual sale of each such property for an amount equal to its fair market value immediately prior to such issuance and had been allocated among the Partners at such time pursuant to Section 6.1(c) and Section 6.1(d) in the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized following an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership would have been allocated. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss the aggregate fair market value of all Partnership property (including cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a distribution shall (A) in the case of a distribution that is not made pursuant to Section 12.4 or in the case of a deemed distribution, be determined in the same manner as that provided in Section 5.5(d)(i) or (B) in the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Section 12.4 , be determined by the Liquidator using such method of valuation as it may adopt.

Section 5.6 Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests.

(a) The Partnership may issue additional Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests for any Partnership purpose at any time and from time to time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the General Partner shall determine, all without the approval of any Limited Partners.

(b) Each additional Partnership Interest authorized to be issued by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.6(a) may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any such classes, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of Partnership Interests), as shall be fixed by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Partnership profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may, or shall be required to, redeem the Partnership Interest; (v) whether such Partnership Interest is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Partnership Interest will be issued, evidenced by Certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Percentage Interest as to such Partnership Interest and (viii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership Interest to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative rights, preferences and privileges of such Partnership Interest.

(c) The General Partner shall take all actions that it determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with (i) each issuance of Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 5.6 , including Common Units issued in connection with the Deferred Issuance, (ii) the conversion of the Combined Interest into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii) the issuance of Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11 , (iv) reflecting admission of such additional Limited Partners in the Partnership

 

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Register as the Record Holders of such Limited Partner Interests and (v) all additional issuances of Partnership Interests and Derivative Partnership Interests. The General Partner shall determine the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Units or other Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests being so issued. The General Partner shall do all things necessary to comply with the Delaware Act and is authorized and directed to do all things that it determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with any future issuance of Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests or in connection with the conversion of the Combined Interest into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including compliance with any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units or other Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading.

(d) No fractional Units shall be issued by the Partnership.

Section 5.7 Conversion of Subordinated Units.

(a) All of the Subordinated Units shall convert into Common Units on a one-for-one basis on the expiration of the Subordination Period.

(b) A Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common Unit shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.7 .

Section 5.8 Limited Preemptive Right . Except as provided in this Section 5.8 and in Section 5.2 and Section 5.11 or as otherwise provided in a separate agreement by the Partnership, no Person shall have any preemptive, preferential or other similar right with respect to the issuance of any Partnership Interest, whether unissued, held in the treasury or hereafter created. Other than with respect to the issuance of Partnership Interests in connection with the Initial Public Offering, the General Partner shall have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its Affiliates, to purchase Partnership Interests from the Partnership whenever, and on the same terms that, the Partnership issues Partnership Interests to Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain the Percentage Interests of the General Partner and its Affiliates equal to that which existed immediately prior to the issuance of such Partnership Interests.

Section 5.9 Splits and Combinations.

(a) Subject to Section 5.9(e) , Section 6.6 and Section 6.9 (dealing with adjustments of distribution levels), the Partnership may make a Pro Rata distribution of Partnership Interests to all Record Holders or may effect a subdivision or combination of Partnership Interests so long as, after any such event, each Partner shall have the same Percentage Interest in the Partnership as before such event, and any amounts calculated on a per Unit basis (including any Common Unit Arrearage or Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage) or stated as a number of Units (including the number of Subordinated Units that may convert prior to the end of the Subordination Period) are proportionately adjusted.

(b) Whenever such a distribution, subdivision or combination of Partnership Interests is declared, the General Partner shall select a Record Date as of which the distribution, subdivision or combination shall be effective and shall send notice thereof at least 20 days prior

 

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to such Record Date to each Record Holder as of a date not less than 10 days prior to the date of such notice (or such shorter periods as required by applicable law). The General Partner also may cause a firm of independent public accountants selected by it to calculate the number of Partnership Interests to be held by each Record Holder after giving effect to such distribution, subdivision or combination. The General Partner shall be entitled to rely on any certificate provided by such firm as conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such calculation.

(c) If a Pro Rata distribution of Partnership Interests, or a subdivision or combination of Partnership Interests, is made as contemplated in this Section 5.9 , the number of hypothetical limited partner units representing the General Partner Interest constituting the Percentage Interest of the General Partner (as determined immediately prior to the Record Date for such distribution, subdivision or combination) shall be appropriately adjusted as of the date of payment of such distribution, or the effective date of such subdivision or combination, to maintain such Percentage Interest of the General Partner.

(d) Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision or combination, the Partnership may issue Certificates or uncertificated Partnership Interests to the Record Holders of Partnership Interests as of the applicable Record Date representing the new number of Partnership Interests held by such Record Holders, or the General Partner may adopt such other procedures that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect such changes. If any such combination results in a smaller total number of Partnership Interests Outstanding, the Partnership shall require, as a condition to the delivery to a Record Holder of Partnership Interests represented by Certificates, the surrender of any Certificate held by such Record Holder immediately prior to such Record Date.

(e) The Partnership shall not issue fractional Units (or fractional hypothetical limited partner units representing the General Partner Interest) upon any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units. If a distribution, subdivision or combination of Units would result in the issuance of fractional Units (and fractional hypothetical limited partner units representing the General Partner Interest) but for the provisions of Section 5.6(d) and this Section 5.9(e) , each fractional Unit (and hypothetical limited partner unit) shall be rounded to the nearest whole Unit (or hypothetical limited partner unit), with fractional Units (or hypothetical limited partner units) equal to or greater than a 0.5 Unit (or hypothetical limited partner unit) being rounded to the next higher Unit (or hypothetical limited partner unit).

Section 5.10 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests . All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Article V shall be fully paid and non-assessable Limited Partner Interests in the Partnership, except as such non-assessability may be affected by Sections 17-303(a), 17-607 or 17-804 of the Delaware Act.

Section 5.11 Issuance of Common Units in Connection with Reset of Incentive Distribution Rights.

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.11 , the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall have the right, at any

 

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time when there are no Subordinated Units Outstanding and the Partnership has made a distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(b)(v) for each of the four most recently completed Quarters and the amount of each such distribution did not exceed Adjusted Operating Surplus for such Quarter, to make an election (the “ IDR Reset Election ”) to cause the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions to be reset in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith, the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will become entitled to receive their respective proportionate share of a number of Common Units (the “ IDR Reset Common Units ”) derived by dividing (i) the average amount of the aggregate cash distributions made by the Partnership for the two full Quarters immediately preceding the giving of the Reset Notice in respect of the Incentive Distribution Rights by (ii) the average of the cash distributions made by the Partnership in respect of each Common Unit for the two full Quarters immediately preceding the giving of the Reset Notice (the number of Common Units determined by such quotient is referred to herein as the “ Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units ”). If at the time of any IDR Reset Election the General Partner and its Affiliates are not the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights, then the IDR Reset Election shall be subject to the prior written concurrence of the General Partner that the conditions described in the immediately preceding sentence have been satisfied. Upon the issuance of such IDR Reset Common Units, the Partnership will issue to the General Partner an additional General Partner Interest (represented by hypothetical limited partner units) equal to the product of (x) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Percentage Interest of the General Partner immediately prior to such issuance by (B) a percentage equal to 100% less such Percentage Interest by (y) the number of such IDR Reset Common Units, and the General Partner shall not be obligated to make any additional Capital Contribution to the Partnership in exchange for such issuance. The making of the IDR Reset Election in the manner specified in this Section 5.11 shall cause the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions to be reset in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith, the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will become entitled to receive IDR Reset Common Units and the General Partner will become entitled to receive an additional General Partner Interest on the basis specified above, without any further approval required by the General Partner or the Unitholders other than as set forth in this Section 5.11(a) , at the time specified in Section 5.11(c) unless the IDR Reset Election is rescinded pursuant to Section 5.11(d) .

(b) To exercise the right specified in Section 5.11(a) , the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall deliver a written notice (the “ Reset Notice ”) to the Partnership. Within 10 Business Days after the receipt by the Partnership of such Reset Notice, the Partnership shall deliver a written notice to the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights of the Partnership’s determination of the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units that each holder of Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to receive.

(c) The holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to receive the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units and the General Partner will be entitled to receive the related additional General Partner Interest on the fifteenth Business Day after receipt by the Partnership of the Reset Notice; provided , however , that the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units to the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights shall not occur

 

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prior to the approval of the listing or admission for trading of such IDR Reset Common Units by the principal National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are then listed or admitted for trading if any such approval is required pursuant to the rules and regulations of such National Securities Exchange.

(d) If the principal National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are then traded has not approved the listing or admission for trading of the IDR Reset Common Units to be issued pursuant to this Section 5.11 on or before the 30 th  calendar day following the Partnership’s receipt of the Reset Notice and such approval is required by the rules and regulations of such National Securities Exchange, then the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall have the right to either rescind the IDR Reset Election or elect to receive other Partnership Interests having such terms as the General Partner may approve, with the approval of the Conflicts Committee, that will provide (i) the same economic value, in the aggregate, as the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units would have had at the time of the Partnership’s receipt of the Reset Notice, as determined by the General Partner, and (ii) for the subsequent conversion of such Partnership Interests into Common Units within not more than 12 months following the Partnership’s receipt of the Reset Notice upon the satisfaction of one or more conditions that are reasonably acceptable to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights).

(e) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions shall be adjusted at the time of the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units or other Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 5.11 such that (i) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution shall be reset to equal the average cash distribution amount per Common Unit for the two Quarters immediately prior to the Partnership’s receipt of the Reset Notice (the “ Reset MQD ”), (ii) the First Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 115% of the Reset MQD, (iii) the Second Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 125% of the Reset MQD and (iv) the Third Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 150% of the Reset MQD.

(f) Upon the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11(a) , the Capital Account maintained with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights will (i) first, be allocated to IDR Reset Common Units in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units and (B) the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit, and (ii) second, as to any remaining balance in such Capital Account, be retained by the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights. If there is not sufficient capital associated with the Incentive Distribution Rights to allocate the full Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit to the IDR Reset Common Units in accordance with clause (i)  of this Section 5.11(f) , the IDR Reset Common Units shall be subject to Sections 6.1(d)(x)(B)  and (C) .

 

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ARTICLE VI

ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes . For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners among themselves, the Partnership’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction (computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) ) for each taxable period shall be allocated among the Partners as provided herein below.

(a) Net Income . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d) , Net Income for each taxable period and all items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Income for such taxable period shall be allocated as follows:

(i) First, to the General Partner until the aggregate of the Net Income allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(a)(i) for the current and all previous taxable periods is equal to the aggregate of the Net Loss allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable periods; and

(ii) The balance, if any, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, and (y) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest.

(b) Net Loss . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d) , Net Loss for each taxable period and all items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Loss for such taxable period shall be allocated as follows:

(i) First, to the General Partner and the Unitholders, Pro Rata; provided, however, that Net Losses shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(i) to the extent that such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account); and

(ii) The balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.

(c) Net Termination Gains and Losses . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d) , Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable period shall be allocated in the manner set forth in this Section 6.1(c) . All allocations under this Section 6.1(c) shall be made after Capital Account balances have been adjusted by all other allocations provided under this Section 6.1 and after all distributions of Available Cash provided under Section 6.4 and Section 6.5 have been made; provided, however, that solely for purposes of this Section 6.1(c) , Capital Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made pursuant to Section 12.4 .

(i) Except as provided in Section 6.1(c)(iv) and subject to the provisions set forth in the last sentence of this Section 6.1(c)(i) , Net Termination Gain (including

 

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a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss, and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain) shall be allocated in the following order and priority:

(A) First, to the General Partner until the aggregate of the Net Termination Gain allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(i)(A) for the current and all previous taxable periods is equal to the Net Termination Loss allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(ii)(D) or Section 6.1(c)(iii)(C) for all previous taxable periods;

(B) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, (2) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i) or Section 6.4(b)(i) with respect to such Common Unit for such Quarter (the amount determined pursuant to this clause (2) is hereinafter referred to as the “ Unpaid MQD ”) and (3) any then existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage;

(C) Third, if such Net Termination Gain is recognized (or is deemed to be recognized) prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit into a Common Unit, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until the Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding equals the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, determined for the taxable period (or portion thereof) to which this allocation of gain relates, and (2) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(iii)  with respect to such Subordinated Unit for such Quarter;

(D) Fourth, 100% to the General Partner and all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, (2) the Unpaid MQD, (3) any then existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage, and (4) the excess of (aa) the First Target Distribution less the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(iv) and Section 6.4(b)(ii) for such period (the sum of subclauses (1) , (2) , (3)  and (4)  is hereinafter referred to as the “ First Liquidation Target Amount ”);

(E) Fifth, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (y) 13% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (x) and (y)  of this clause (E) , until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the First Liquidation Target Amount, and (2) the excess of (aa) the Second Target

 

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Distribution less the First Target Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(v) and Section 6.4(b)(iii) for such period (the sum of subclauses (1)  and (2)  is hereinafter referred to as the “ Second Liquidation Target Amount ”);

(F) Sixth, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (y) 23% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (x) and (y)  of this clause (F) , until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the Second Liquidation Target Amount, and (2) the excess of (aa) the Third Target Distribution less the Second Target Distribution for each Quarter after the Closing Date or the date of the most recent IDR Reset Election, if any, over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(vi) and Section 6.4(b)(iv) for such period; and

(G) Finally, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (y) 48% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (x) and (y)  of this clause (G) .

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 6.1(c)(i), the General Partner may adjust the amount of any Net Termination Gain arising in connection with a Revaluation Event that is allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in a manner that will result (i) in the Capital Account for each Common Unit that is Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the Event Issue Value and (ii) to the greatest extent possible, the Capital Account with respect to the Incentive Distribution Rights that are Outstanding prior to such Revaluation Event being equal to the amount of Net Termination Gain that would be allocated to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(i) if the Capital Accounts with respect to all Partnership Interests that were Outstanding immediately prior to such Revaluation Event and the Carrying Value of each Partnership property were equal to zero.

(ii) Except as otherwise provided by Section 6.1(c)(iii) , Net Termination Loss (including a pro rata part of each item of income, gain, loss, and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Loss) shall be allocated:

(A) First, if Subordinated Units remain Outstanding, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;

(B) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;

 

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(C) Third, to the General Partner and the Unitholders, Pro Rata; provided that Net Termination Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(ii)(C) to the extent such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account (or increase any existing deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account); and

(D) Fourth, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.

(iii) Net Termination Loss deemed recognized pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of Net Termination Loss as a result of a Revaluation Event prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and prior to the Liquidation Date shall be allocated:

(A) First, to the General Partner and the Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding equals the Event Issue Value; provided that Net Termination Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iii)(A) to the extent such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account);

(B) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest; provided, however, that Net Termination Loss shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(c)(iii)(B) to the extent such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable period (or increase any existing deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account); and

(C) The balance, if any, to the General Partner.

(iv) If (A) a Net Termination Loss has been allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(iii) , (B) a Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss subsequently occurs (other than as a result of a Revaluation Event) prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit, and (C) after tentatively making all allocations of such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss provided for in Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit does not equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if Section 6.1(c)(iii) had not been part of this Agreement and all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable, then items of income, gain, loss and deduction included in such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss, as applicable, shall be specially allocated to all Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible, cause the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable.

 

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(d) Special Allocations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 , the following special allocations shall be made for such taxable period in the following order:

(i) Partnership Minimum Gain Chargeback . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 , if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, each Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any successor provision. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d) , each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) with respect to such taxable period (other than an allocation pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(vi) and Section 6.1(d)(vii) ). This Section 6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply with the Partnership Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain . Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 6.1 (other than Section 6.1(d)(i) ), except as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, any Partner with a share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable period shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provision. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d) , each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) and other than an allocation pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i) , Section 6.1(d)(vi) and Section 6.1(d)(vii) with respect to such taxable period. This Section 6.1(d)(ii) is intended to comply with the chargeback of items of income and gain requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(iii) Priority Allocations .

(A) If the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of any property distributed (except cash or property distributed pursuant to Section 12.4 ) with respect to a Unit for a taxable period exceeds the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of property distributed with respect to another Unit within the same taxable period (the amount of the excess, an “ Excess Distribution ” and the Unit with respect to which the greater distribution is paid, an “ Excess Distribution Unit ”), then (1) there shall be allocated gross income and gain to each Unitholder receiving an Excess Distribution with respect to the Excess Distribution Unit until the aggregate amount of such items allocated with respect to such Excess Distribution Unit pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) for the current taxable period and all previous taxable periods is equal to the amount of the Excess Distribution; and (2) the General Partner shall be allocated gross income and gain with respect to each such Excess Distribution in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (aa) the quotient determined by dividing (x) the General Partner’s

 

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Percentage Interest at the time when the Excess Distribution occurs by (y) a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest at the time when the Excess Distribution occurs, times (bb) the total amount allocated in clause (1) above with respect to such Excess Distribution.

(B) After the application of Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) , all or any portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for the taxable period, if any, shall be allocated (1) to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, until the aggregate amount of such items allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iii)(B) for the current taxable period and all previous taxable periods is equal to the cumulative amount of all Incentive Distributions made to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights from the Closing Date to a date 45 days after the end of the current taxable period; and (2) to the General Partner an amount equal to the product of (aa) an amount equal to the quotient determined by dividing (x) the General Partner’s Percentage Interest by (y) the sum of 100 less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest times (bb) the sum of the amounts allocated in clause (1) above.

(iv) Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership gross income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital Account created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible; provided, however, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iv) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account as adjusted after all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if this Section 6.1(d)(iv) were not in this Agreement.

(v) Gross Income Allocation . In the event any Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account at the end of any taxable period in excess of the sum of (A) the amount such Partner is required to restore pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the amount such Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership gross income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided, however, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(v) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Capital Account as adjusted after all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if Section 6.1(d)(iv) and this Section 6.1(d)(v) were not in this Agreement.

(vi) Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partners Pro Rata. If the General Partner determines that the Partnership’s Nonrecourse Deductions should be allocated in a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is authorized, upon notice to the other Partners, to revise the prescribed ratio to the numerically closest ratio that satisfies such requirements.

 

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(vii) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Partner bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, the Partner Nonrecourse Deductions attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among such Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such Economic Risk of Loss.

(viii) Nonrecourse Liabilities . For purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Partners agree that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of Nonrecourse Built-in Gain shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner in accordance with any permissible method under Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3).

(ix) Code Section 754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code (including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis), and such item of gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Treasury Regulations.

(x) Economic Uniformity; Changes in Law .

(A) At the election of the General Partner with respect to any taxable period ending upon, or after, the termination of the Subordination Period, all or a portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for such taxable period, after taking into account allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(iii) , shall be allocated 100% to each Partner holding Subordinated Units that are Outstanding as of the termination of the Subordination Period (“ Final Subordinated Units ”) in the proportion of the number of Final Subordinated Units held by such Partner to the total number of Final Subordinated Units then Outstanding, until each such Partner has been allocated an amount of gross income or gain that increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to such Final Subordinated Units to an amount that after taking into account the other allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction to be made with respect to such taxable period will equal the product of (1) the number of Final Subordinated Units held by such Partner and (2) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common Unit. The purpose of this allocation is to establish uniformity between the Capital Accounts underlying Final Subordinated Units and the Capital Accounts underlying Common Units held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates immediately prior to the conversion of such Final Subordinated Units into Common Units. This allocation method for establishing such economic uniformity will be available to the General Partner only if the method for allocating the Capital Account maintained with respect to the Subordinated Units between the transferred and retained Subordinated Units pursuant to Section 5.5(c)(ii) does not otherwise provide such economic uniformity to the Final Subordinated Units.

 

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(B) With respect to an event triggering an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership property pursuant to Section 5.5(d) during any taxable period of the Partnership ending upon, or after, the issuance of IDR Reset Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11 , after the application of Section 6.1(d)(x)(A) , any Unrealized Gains and Unrealized Losses shall be allocated among the Partners in a manner that to the nearest extent possible results in the Capital Accounts maintained with respect to such IDR Reset Common Units issued pursuant to Section 5.11 equaling the product of (1) the Aggregate Quantity of IDR Reset Common Units and (2) the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.

(C) With respect to any taxable period during which an IDR Reset Common Unit is transferred to any Person who is not an Affiliate of the transferor, all or a portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for such taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the transferor Partner of such transferred IDR Reset Common Unit until such transferor Partner has been allocated an amount of gross income or gain that increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to such transferred IDR Reset Common Unit to an amount equal to the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit.

(D) For the proper administration of the Partnership and for the preservation of uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof), the General Partner shall (1) adopt such conventions as it deems appropriate in determining the amount of depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions; (2) make special allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss; and (3) amend the provisions of this Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or promulgation of Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) or Section 704(c) of the Code or (y) otherwise to preserve or achieve uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof). The General Partner may adopt such conventions, make such allocations and make such amendments to this Agreement as provided in this Section 6.1(d)(x)(D) only if such conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a material adverse effect on the Partners, the holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests issued and Outstanding or the Partnership, and if such allocations are consistent with the principles of Section 704 of the Code.

(xi) Curative Allocation .

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 , other than the Required Allocations, the Required Allocations shall be taken into account in making the Agreed Allocations so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of items of gross income, gain, loss and deduction allocated to each Partner pursuant to the Required Allocations and the Agreed Allocations, together, shall be equal to the net amount of such items that would have been allocated to each such Partner under the Agreed Allocations had the Required Allocations and the related Curative Allocation not

 

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otherwise been provided in this Section 6.1 . Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Required Allocations relating to (1) Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to the extent that there has been a decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain and (2) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to the extent that there has been a decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain. In exercising its discretion under this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) , the General Partner may take into account future Required Allocations that, although not yet made, are likely to offset other Required Allocations previously made. Allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall only be made with respect to Required Allocations to the extent the General Partner determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the economic agreement among the Partners. Further, allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall be deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to clauses (1) and (2)  of the second sentence of this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) to the extent the General Partner determines that such allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent Required Allocations.

(B) The General Partner shall, with respect to each taxable period, (1) apply the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) in whatever order is most likely to minimize the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the Required Allocations, and (2) divide all allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) among the Partners in a manner that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.

(xii) Equalization of Capital Accounts With Respect to Privately Placed Units . Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss deemed recognized as a result of a Revaluation Event shall first be allocated to the (A) Unitholders holding Privately Placed Units, Pro Rata, or (B) Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, as applicable, to the extent necessary to cause the Capital Account in respect of each Privately Placed Unit then Outstanding to equal the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit (other than Privately Placed Units) then Outstanding.

(xiii) Corrective and Other Allocations . In the event of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items or any Book-Down Event or any recognition of a Net Termination Loss, the following rules shall apply:

(A) The General Partner shall allocate Additional Book Basis Derivative Items consisting of depreciation, amortization, depletion or any other form of cost recovery (other than Additional Book Basis Derivative Items included in Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) with respect to any Adjusted Property to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, and the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, all in the same proportion as the Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss resulting from the Revaluation Event that gave rise to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items was allocated to them pursuant to Section 6.1(c) .

(B) If a sale or other taxable disposition of an Adjusted Property, including, for this purpose, inventory (“ Disposed of Adjusted Property ”) occurs other than in connection with an event giving rise to Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss, the General Partner shall allocate (1) items of gross income and gain

 

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(aa) away from the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and (bb) to the Unitholders, or (2) items of deduction and loss (aa) away from the Unitholders and (bb) to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, to the extent that the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to the Disposed of Adjusted Property (determined in accordance with the last sentence of the definition of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items) treated as having been allocated to the Unitholders pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B) exceed their Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to such Disposed of Adjusted Property. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B) , the Unitholders shall be treated as having been allocated Additional Book Basis Derivative Items to the extent that such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items have reduced the amount of income that would otherwise have been allocated to the Unitholders under the Partnership Agreement ( e.g. , Additional Book Basis Derivative Items taken into account in computing cost of goods sold would reduce the amount of book income otherwise available for allocation among the Partners). Any allocation made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(B) shall be made after all of the other Agreed Allocations have been made as if this Section 6.1(d)(xiii) were not in this Agreement and, to the extent necessary, shall require the reallocation of items that have been allocated pursuant to such other Agreed Allocations.

(C) Net Termination Loss in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) such Net Termination Loss and (2) the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments shall be allocated in such a manner, as determined by the General Partner, that to the extent possible, the Capital Account balances of the Partners will equal the amount they would have been had no prior Book-Up Events occurred, and any remaining Net Termination Loss shall be allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c) hereof. In allocating Net Termination Loss pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiii)(C) , the General Partner shall attempt, to the extent possible, to cause the Capital Accounts of the Unitholders, on the one hand, and holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, on the other hand, to equal the amount they would equal if (i) the Carrying Values of the Partnership’s property had not been previously adjusted in connection with any prior Book-Up Events, (ii) Unrealized Gain and Unrealized Loss (or, in the case of a liquidation, actual gain or loss) with respect to such Partnership Property were determined with respect to such unadjusted Carrying Values, and (iii) any resulting Net Termination Gain had been allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account the provisions set forth in the last sentence of Section 6.1(c)(i) ).

(D) In making the allocations required under this Section 6.1(d)(xiii) , the General Partner may apply whatever conventions or other methodology it determines will satisfy the purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xiii) . Without limiting the foregoing, if an Adjusted Property is contributed by the Partnership to another entity classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes (the “ lower tier partnership ”), the General Partner may make allocations similar to those described in Sections 6.1(d)(xiii)(A) through (C)  to the extent the General Partner determines such allocations are necessary to account for the Partnership’s allocable share of income, gain, loss and deduction of the lower tier partnership that relate to the contributed Adjusted Property in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xiii) .

 

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(xiv) Special Curative Allocation in Event of Liquidation Prior to Conversion of the Last Outstanding Subordinated Unit . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1 (other than the Required Allocations), if (A) the Liquidation Date occurs prior to the conversion of the last Outstanding Subordinated Unit and (B) after having made all other allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit does not equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if Section 6.1(c)(iii) and Section 6.1(c)(iv) had not been part of this Agreement and all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable, then items of income, gain, loss and deduction for such taxable period shall be reallocated among all Unitholders in a manner determined appropriate by the General Partner so as to cause, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the reallocation of items set forth in the immediately preceding sentence provides that, to the extent necessary to achieve the Capital Account balances described above, (x) items of income and gain that would otherwise be included in Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs, shall be reallocated from Unitholders holding Subordinated Units to Unitholders holding Common Units and (y) items of deduction and loss that would otherwise be included in Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs shall be reallocated from Unitholders holding Common Units to Unitholders holding Subordinated Units. In the event that (i) the Liquidation Date occurs on or before the date (not including any extension of time prescribed by law) for the filing of the Partnership’s federal income tax return for the taxable period immediately prior to the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs and (ii) the reallocation of items for the taxable period in which the Liquidation Date occurs as set forth above in this Section 6.1(d)(xiv) fails to achieve the Capital Account balances described above, items of income, gain, loss and deduction that would otherwise be included in the Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for such prior taxable period shall be reallocated among all Unitholders in a manner that will, to the maximum extent possible and after taking into account all other allocations made pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xiv) , cause the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit to equal the amount such Capital Account would have been if all prior allocations of Net Termination Gain and Net Termination Loss had been made pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(i) or Section 6.1(c)(ii) , as applicable.

Section 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes .

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of “book” income, gain, loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1 .

(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss, depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions shall be allocated for federal income tax purposes among the Partners in the manner provided under Section 704(c) of the Code, and the Treasury

 

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Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code, as determined to be appropriate by the General Partner (taking into account the General Partner’s discretion under Section 6.1(d)(x)(D) ); provided, however, that the General Partner shall apply the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d) in all events.

(c) The General Partner may determine to depreciate or amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code attributable to unrealized appreciation in any Adjusted Property (to the extent of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity of such property, despite any inconsistency of such approach with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6) or any successor regulations thereto. If the General Partner determines that such reporting position cannot reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt depreciation and amortization conventions under which all purchasers acquiring Limited Partner Interests in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization deductions, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in the Partnership’s property. If the General Partner chooses not to utilize such aggregate method, the General Partner may use any other depreciation and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any Limited Partner Interests, so long as such conventions would not have a material adverse effect on the Limited Partners or the Record Holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests.

(d) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.1245-1(e) and 1.1250-1(f), any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other taxable disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible, after taking into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to this Section 6.2 , be characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to the same extent as such Partners (or their predecessors in interest) have been allocated any deductions directly or indirectly giving rise to the treatment of such gains as Recapture Income.

(e) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit recognized by the Partnership for federal income tax purposes and allocated to the Partners in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be determined without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code that may be made by the Partnership; provided, however , that such allocations, once made, shall be adjusted (in the manner determined by the General Partner) to take into account those adjustments permitted or required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.

(f) Each item of Partnership income, gain, loss and deduction, for federal income tax purposes, shall be determined for each taxable period and prorated on a monthly basis and shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of each month; provided, however, that such items for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of the month in which the last Option Closing Date or the expiration of the Over-Allotment Option occurs shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of the next succeeding month; provided, further, that gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of any assets of the Partnership or any other extraordinary item of income or loss realized and recognized other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined by the

 

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General Partner, shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of the month in which such gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes. The General Partner may revise, alter or otherwise modify such methods of allocation to the extent permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and the regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder or for the proper administration of the Partnership.

(g) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Limited Partner under the provisions of this Article VI shall instead be made to the beneficial owner of Limited Partner Interests held by a nominee, agent or representative in any case in which such nominee, agent or representative has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method determined by the General Partner.

(h) If, as a result of an exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the General Partner shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).

Section 6.3 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders.

(a) Within 45 days following the end of each Quarter commencing with the Quarter ending on September 30, 2015, an amount equal to 100% of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall be distributed in accordance with this Article VI by the Partnership to the Partners as of the Record Date selected by the General Partner. The Record Date for the first distribution of Available Cash shall not be prior to the final closing of the Over-Allotment Option or the Deferred Issuance. All amounts of Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on any date from any source shall be deemed to be Operating Surplus until the sum of all amounts of Available Cash theretofore distributed by the Partnership to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.4 equals the Operating Surplus from the Closing Date through the close of the immediately preceding Quarter. Any remaining amounts of Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on such date shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.5 , be deemed to be “ Capital Surplus .” Distributions and redemption payments, if any, by the Partnership shall be subject to the Delaware Act notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 6.3(a) (but subject to the last sentence of Section 6.3(a) ), in the event of the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership, all cash received during or after the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs shall be applied and distributed solely in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Section 12.4 .

(c) The General Partner may treat taxes paid by the Partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to, all or less than all of the Partners, as a distribution of Available Cash to such Partners, as determined appropriate under the circumstances by the General Partner.

(d) Each distribution in respect of a Partnership Interest shall be paid by the Partnership, directly or through the Transfer Agent or through any other Person or agent, only to

 

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the Record Holder of such Partnership Interest as of the Record Date set for such distribution. Such payment shall constitute full payment and satisfaction of the Partnership’s liability in respect of such payment, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such payment by reason of an assignment or otherwise.

Section 6.4 Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus .

(a) During the Subordination Period . Available Cash with respect to any Quarter within the Subordination Period that is deemed to be Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.5 shall be distributed as follows, except as otherwise required in respect of additional Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests issued pursuant to Section 5.6(b) :

(i) First, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

(ii) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage existing with respect to such Quarter;

(iii) Third, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until there has been distributed in respect of each Subordinated Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

(iv) Fourth, to the General Partner and all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

(v) Fifth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 13% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (v) , until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Second Target Distribution over the First Target Distribution for such Quarter;

(vi) Sixth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 23% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (vi) , until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and

 

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(vii) Thereafter, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 48% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (vii) ;

provided, however, that if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and the Third Target Distribution have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a) , the distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with Section 6.4(a)(vii) .

(b) After the Subordination Period . Available Cash with respect to any Quarter after the Subordination Period that is deemed to be Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3 or Section 6.5 shall be distributed as follows, except as otherwise required in respect of additional Partnership Interests issued pursuant to Section 5.6(b) :

(i) First, to the General Partner and all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

(ii) Second, to the General Partner and all Unitholders, Pro Rata, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

(iii) Third, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 13% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (iii) , until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Second Target Distribution over the First Target Distribution for such Quarter;

(iv) Fourth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 23% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (iv) , until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and

(v) Thereafter, (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest, (B) 48% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and (B)  of this clause (v) ;

provided, however, that if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and the Third Target Distribution have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a) , the distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with Section 6.4(b)(v) .

 

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Section 6.5 Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus . Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3(a) shall be distributed, unless the provisions of Section 6.3 require otherwise, to the General Partner and the Unitholders, Pro Rata, until a hypothetical holder of a Common Unit acquired on the Closing Date has received with respect to such Common Unit distributions of Available Cash that are deemed to be Capital Surplus in an aggregate amount equal to the Initial Unit Price. Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital Surplus shall then be distributed (A) to the General Partner in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (B) to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the General Partner’s Percentage Interest, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage. Thereafter, all Available Cash shall be distributed as if it were Operating Surplus and shall be distributed in accordance with Section 6.4 .

Section 6.6 Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels .

(a) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, Target Distributions, Common Unit Arrearages and Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of any distribution, combination or subdivision (whether effected by a distribution payable in Units or otherwise) of Units or other Partnership Interests in accordance with Section 5.9 . In the event of a distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be from Capital Surplus, the then applicable Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distributions shall be adjusted proportionately downward in the same proportion that the distribution had to the fair market value of the Common Units immediately prior to the announcement of the distribution. If the Common Units are publicly traded on a National Securities Exchange, then the fair market value will be the Current Market Price before the ex-dividend date, and if the Common Units are not publicly traded, then the fair market value for the purposes of the immediately preceding sentence will be determined by the Board of Directors.

(b) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target Distribution, shall also be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.11 and Section 6.9 .

Section 6.7 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Subordinated Units .

(a) Except with respect to the right to vote on or approve matters requiring the vote or approval of a percentage of the holders of Outstanding Common Units and the right to participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and distributions made with respect to Common Units, the holder of a Subordinated Unit shall have all of the rights and obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder; provided, however , that immediately upon the conversion of Subordinated Units into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7 , the Unitholder holding a Subordinated Unit shall possess all of the rights and obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder with respect to such converted Subordinated Units, including the right to vote as a Common Unitholder and the right to participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and distributions made with respect to Common Units; provided, however, that such converted Subordinated Units shall remain subject to the provisions of Sections 5.5(c)(ii) , 6.1(d)(x)(A) , 6.7(b) and 6.7(c) .

 

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(b) A Unitholder shall not be permitted to transfer a Subordinated Unit or a Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 (other than a transfer to an Affiliate) if the remaining balance in the transferring Unitholder’s Capital Account with respect to the retained Subordinated Units or Retained Converted Subordinated Units would be negative after giving effect to the allocation under Section 5.5(c)(ii)(B) .

(c) The holder of a Common Unit that has resulted from the conversion of a Subordinated Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 shall not be issued a Common Unit Certificate pursuant to Section 4.1 (if the Common Units are represented by Certificates) and shall not be permitted to transfer such Common Unit to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the holder until such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of counsel, that each such Common Unit should have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics, in all material respects, to the intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of an Initial Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed by this Section 6.7(c) , the General Partner may take whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to such Common Units in preparation for a transfer of such Common Units, including the application of Sections 5.5(c)(ii) , 6.1(d)(x) and 6.7(b) ; provided, however, that no such steps may be taken that would have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units.

Section 6.8 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights (1) shall (x) possess the rights and obligations provided in this Agreement with respect to a Limited Partner pursuant to Article III and Article VII and (y) have a Capital Account as a Partner pursuant to Section 5.5 and all other provisions related thereto and (2) shall not (x) be entitled to vote on any matters requiring the approval or vote of the holders of Outstanding Units, except as provided by law, (y) be entitled to any distributions other than as provided in Sections 6.4(a)(v) , (vi)  and (vii) , Sections 6.4(b)(iii) , (iv)  and (v) , and Section 12.4 or (z) be allocated items of income, gain, loss or deduction other than as specified in this Article VI ; provided, however , that for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not preclude the Partnership from making any other payments or distributions in connection with other actions permitted by this Agreement.

(b) A Unitholder shall not be permitted to transfer an IDR Reset Common Unit (other than a transfer to an Affiliate) if the remaining balance in the transferring Unitholder’s Capital Account with respect to the retained IDR Reset Common Units would be negative after giving effect to the allocation under Section 5.5(c)(iii) .

(c) A holder of an IDR Reset Common Unit that was issued in connection with an IDR Reset Election pursuant to Section 5.11 shall not be issued a Common Unit Certificate pursuant to Section 4.1 (if the Common Units are evidenced by Certificates) or evidence of the issuance of uncertificated Common Units, and shall not be permitted to transfer such Common Unit to a Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, until such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of counsel, that each such IDR Reset Common Unit should have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income tax

 

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characteristics, in all material respects, to the intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of an Initial Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed by this Section 6.8(c) , the General Partner may take whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to such IDR Reset Common Units in preparation for a transfer of such IDR Reset Common Units, including the application of Section 5.5(c)(iii) , Section 6.1(d)(x)(B) , or Section 6.1(d)(x)(C) ; provided, however , that no such steps may be taken that would have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units.

Section 6.9 Entity-Level Taxation . If legislation is enacted or the official interpretation of existing legislation is modified by a governmental authority, which after giving effect to such enactment or modification, results in a Group Member becoming subject to federal, state or local or non-U.S. income or withholding taxes in excess of the amount of such taxes due from the Group Member prior to such enactment or modification (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any increase in the rate of such taxation applicable to the Group Member), then the General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, reduce the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions by the amount of income or withholding taxes that are payable by reason of any such new legislation or interpretation (the “ Incremental Income Taxes ”), or any portion thereof selected by the General Partner, in the manner provided in this Section 6.9 . If the General Partner elects to reduce the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions for any Quarter with respect to all or a portion of any Incremental Income Taxes, the General Partner shall estimate for such Quarter the Partnership Group’s aggregate liability (the “ Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount ”) for all (or the relevant portion of) such Incremental Income Taxes; provided that any difference between such estimate and the actual liability for Incremental Income Taxes (or the relevant portion thereof) for such Quarter may, to the extent determined by the General Partner, be taken into account in determining the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount with respect to each Quarter in which any such difference can be determined. For each such Quarter, the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target Distribution, shall be the product obtained by multiplying (a) the amounts therefor that are set out herein prior to the application of this Section 6.9 times (b) the quotient obtained by dividing (i) Available Cash with respect to such Quarter by (ii) the sum of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter and the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount for such Quarter, as determined by the General Partner. For purposes of the foregoing, Available Cash with respect to a Quarter will be deemed reduced by the Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount for that Quarter.

ARTICLE VII

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS

Section 7.1 Management .

(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage all activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall have any management power over the business and affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted to a general partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or that are granted to the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner, subject to Section 7.3 ,

 

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shall have full power and authority to do all things and on such terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in Section 2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section 2.4 , including the following:

(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness, including indebtedness that is convertible into or exchangeable for Partnership Interests, and the incurring of any other obligations;

(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;

(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the Partnership or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with or into another Person (the matters described in this clause (iii)  being subject, however, to any prior approval that may be required by Section 7.3 and Article XIV );

(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the financing of the conduct of the operations of the Partnership Group; subject to Section 7.6(a) , the lending of funds to other Persons (including other Group Members); the repayment or guarantee of obligations of any Group Member; and the making of capital contributions to any Group Member;

(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts, conveyances or other instruments (including instruments that limit the liability of the Partnership under contractual arrangements to all or particular assets of the Partnership, with the other party to the contract to have no recourse against the General Partner or its assets other than its interest in the Partnership, even if the same results in the terms of the transaction being less favorable to the Partnership than would otherwise be the case);

(vi) the distribution of cash held by the Partnership;

(vii) the selection and dismissal of officers, employees, agents, internal and outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors and the determination of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring;

(viii) the maintenance of insurance for the benefit of the Partnership Group, the Partners and Indemnitees;

(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the contribution of property and the making of loans to, any further limited or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, limited liability companies or other Persons (including the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, any Group Member from time to time) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 2.4 ;

 

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(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations of the Partnership, including the bringing and defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation, arbitration or mediation and the incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation;

(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;

(xii) the entering into of listing agreements with any National Securities Exchange and the delisting of some or all of the Limited Partner Interests from, or requesting that trading be suspended on, any such exchange (subject to any prior approval that may be required under Section 4.8 );

(xiii) the purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition of Partnership Interests, or the issuance of Derivative Partnership Interests;

(xiv) the undertaking of any action in connection with the Partnership’s participation in the management of any Group Member; and

(xv) the entering into of agreements with any of its Affiliates to render services to a Group Member or to itself in the discharge of its duties as General Partner of the Partnership.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation, each Record Holder and each other Person who may acquire an interest in a Partnership Interest or that is otherwise bound by this Agreement hereby (i) approves, ratifies and confirms the execution, delivery and performance by the parties thereto of this Agreement and the Group Member Agreement of each other Group Member, the IPO Underwriting Agreement, the Private Placement Purchase Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement, the Contribution Agreement, the Operating Agreement and the other agreements described in or filed as exhibits to the IPO Registration Statement that are related to the transactions contemplated by the IPO Registration Statement (collectively, the “ Transaction Documents ”) (in each case other than this Agreement, without giving effect to any amendments, supplements or restatements thereof entered into after the date such Person becomes bound by the provisions of this Agreement); (ii) agrees that the General Partner (on its own or on behalf of the Partnership) is authorized to execute, deliver and perform the agreements referred to in clause (i) of this sentence and the other agreements, acts, transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the IPO Registration Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the Partners or the other Persons who may acquire an interest in Partnership Interests or are otherwise bound by this Agreement; and (iii) agrees that the execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner, any Group Member or any Affiliate of any of them of this Agreement or any agreement authorized or permitted under this Agreement (including the exercise by the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to Article XV ) shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other Persons under this Agreement (or any other agreements) or of any duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise.

 

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Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership . The General Partner has caused the Certificate of Limited Partnership to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Delaware Act. The General Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other certificates or documents that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. To the extent the General Partner determines such action to be necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file amendments to and restatements of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and do all things to maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership or other entity in which the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware or of any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section 3.3(a) , the General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification document or any amendment thereto to any Limited Partner.

Section 7.3 Restrictions on the General Partner’s Authority to Sell Assets of the Partnership Group .

Except as provided in Article XII and Article XIV , the General Partner may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination or sale of ownership interests of the Partnership’s Subsidiaries) without the approval of holders of a Unit Majority; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude or limit the General Partner’s ability to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group and shall not apply to any forced sale of any or all of the assets of the Partnership Group pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such encumbrance.

Section 7.4 Reimbursement of and Other Payments to the General Partner .

(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.4, and elsewhere in this Agreement or in any of the Transaction Documents, the General Partner shall not be compensated for its services as a general partner or member of any Group Member.

(b) Except as may be otherwise provided in any of the Transaction Documents, the General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other basis as the General Partner may determine, for (i) all direct and indirect costs and expenses it or its Affiliates incur or payments it or its Affiliates make on behalf of the Partnership Group (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any Person, including Affiliates of the General Partner, to perform services for the Partnership Group or for the General Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership Group) and (ii) all other expenses allocable to the Partnership Group or otherwise incurred by the General Partner or its Affiliates in connection with managing and operating the Partnership Group’s business and affairs (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership Group. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the

 

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General Partner or its Affiliates as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section 7.7 . Any allocation of expenses to the Partnership by the General Partner in a manner consistent with its or its Affiliates’ past business practices shall be deemed to have been made in good faith.

(c) The General Partner, without the approval of the Limited Partners (who shall have no right to vote in respect thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the Partnership employee benefit plans, employee programs and employee practices (including plans, programs and practices involving the issuance of Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests), or cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests in connection with, or pursuant to, any employee benefit plan, employee program or employee practice maintained or sponsored by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in each case for the benefit of officers, employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the Partnership Group. The Partnership agrees to issue and sell to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates any Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests that the General Partner or such Affiliates are obligated to provide to any officers, employees, consultants and directors pursuant to any such employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices. Expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with any such plans, programs and practices (including the net cost to the General Partner or such Affiliates of Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests purchased by the General Partner or such Affiliates from the Partnership to fulfill options or awards under such plans, programs and practices) shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section 7.4(b) . Any and all obligations of the General Partner under any employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices adopted by the General Partner as permitted by this Section 7.4(c)  shall constitute obligations of the General Partner hereunder and shall be assumed by any successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner’s General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 .

(d) The General Partner and its Affiliates may charge any member of the Partnership Group a management fee to the extent necessary to allow the Partnership Group to reduce the amount of any state franchise or income tax or any tax based upon the revenues or gross margin of any member of the Partnership Group if the tax benefit produced by the payment of such management fee or fees exceeds the amount of such fee or fees.

(e) The General Partner and its Affiliates may enter into an agreement to provide services to any Group Member for a fee or otherwise than for cost.

Section 7.5 Outside Activities .

(a) The General Partner, for so long as it is the General Partner of the Partnership, (i) agrees that its sole business will be to act as a general partner or managing member, as the case may be, of the Partnership and any other partnership or limited liability company of which the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner or member and to undertake activities that are ancillary or related thereto (including being a Limited Partner in the Partnership) and (ii) shall not engage in any business or activity or incur any debts or liabilities except in connection with or incidental to (A) its performance as general partner or managing member, if any, of one or more Group Members or as described in or contemplated by the IPO

 

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Registration Statement, (B) the acquiring, owning or disposing of debt securities or equity interests in any Group Member, (C) the guarantee of, and mortgage, pledge or encumbrance of any or all of its assets in connection with, any indebtedness of any Group Member or (D) the performance of its obligations under the Omnibus Agreement.

(b) Each Unrestricted Person (other than the General Partner) shall have the right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other activities for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business ventures of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently or with others, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the business and activities of any Group Member, and none of the same shall constitute a breach of this Agreement or any duty otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise to any Group Member or any Partner; provided , that such Unrestricted Person does not engage in such business or activity using confidential or proprietary information provided by or on behalf of the Partnership to such Unrestricted Person. None of any Group Member, any Limited Partner or any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or the partnership relationship established hereby in any business ventures of any Unrestricted Person.

(c) Subject to the terms of Section 7.5(a)  and Section 7.5(b) , but otherwise notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the engaging in competitive activities by any Unrestricted Person (other than the General Partner) in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.5 is hereby approved by the Partnership and all Partners, (ii) it shall be deemed not to be a breach of any duty or any other obligation of any type whatsoever of the General Partner or any other Unrestricted Person for the Unrestricted Persons (other than the General Partner) to engage in such business interests and activities in preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership and (iii) the Unrestricted Persons shall have no obligation hereunder or as a result of any duty otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise to present business opportunities to the Partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any duty otherwise existing at law or in equity, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, shall not apply to any Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner). No Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) who acquires knowledge of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for the Partnership shall have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to the Partnership, and such Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) shall not be liable to the Partnership, to any Limited Partner or any other Person bound by this Agreement for breach of any duty by reason of the fact that such Unrestricted Person (including the General Partner) pursues or acquires for itself, directs such opportunity to another Person or does not communicate such opportunity or information to the Partnership; provided , that such Unrestricted Person does not engage in such business or activity using confidential or proprietary information provided by or on behalf of the Partnership to such Unrestricted Person.

(d) The General Partner and each of its Affiliates may acquire Units or other Partnership Interests in addition to those acquired on the Closing Date and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall be entitled to exercise, at their option, all rights relating to all Units and/or other Partnership Interests acquired by them. The term “Affiliates” when used in this Section 7.5(d) with respect to the General Partner shall not include any Group Member.

 

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Section 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the Partnership or Group Members .

(a) The General Partner or any of its Affiliates may lend to any Group Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, funds needed or desired by such Group Member for such periods of time and in such amounts as the General Partner may determine; provided, however , that in any such case the lending party may not charge the borrowing party interest at a rate greater than the rate that would be charged the borrowing party or impose terms less favorable to the borrowing party than would be charged or imposed on the borrowing party by unrelated lenders on comparable loans made on an arm’s-length basis (without reference to the lending party’s financial abilities or guarantees), all as determined by the General Partner. The borrowing party shall reimburse the lending party for any costs (other than any additional interest costs) incurred by the lending party in connection with the borrowing of such funds. For purposes of this Section 7.6(a) and Section 7.6(b) , the term “Group Member” shall include any Affiliate of a Group Member that is controlled by the Group Member.

(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Group Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the Partnership, funds on terms and conditions determined by the General Partner. No Group Member may lend funds to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates (other than another Group Member), except for short-term cash management purposes.

(c) No borrowing by any Group Member or the approval thereof by the General Partner shall be deemed to constitute a breach of any duty, expressed or implied, of the General Partner or its Affiliates to the Partnership or the Limited Partners existing hereunder, or existing at law, in equity or otherwise, by reason of the fact that the purpose or effect of such borrowing is directly or indirectly to (i) enable distributions to the General Partner or its Affiliates (including in their capacities as Limited Partners) to exceed the General Partner’s Percentage Interest of the total amount distributed to all Partners or (ii) hasten the expiration of the Subordination Period or the conversion of any Subordinated Units into Common Units.

Section 7.7 Indemnification .

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, all Indemnitees shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all threatened, pending or completed claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal and including appeals, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee and acting (or refraining to act) in such capacity on behalf of or for the benefit of the Partnership; provided , that the Indemnitee shall not be indemnified and held harmless pursuant to this Agreement if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Indemnitee acted in bad faith or engaged in intentional fraud, willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with

 

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knowledge that the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful; provided, further, no indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be available to any Affiliate of the General Partner (other than a Group Member), or to any other Indemnitee, with respect to any such Affiliate’s obligations pursuant to the Transaction Documents. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being agreed that the General Partner shall not be personally liable for such indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to Section 7.7(a) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7 , the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified upon receipt by the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized by this Section 7.7 .

(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under this Agreement or any other agreement, pursuant to any vote of the holders of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests, as a matter of law, in equity or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitee’s capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other capacity (including any capacity under the IPO Underwriting Agreement), and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators of the Indemnitee.

(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse the General Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of the General Partner, its Affiliates and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against, or expense that may be incurred by, such Person in connection with the Partnership’s activities or such Person’s activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.

(e) For purposes of this Section 7.7 , the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute “fines” within the meaning of Section 7.7(a) ; and action taken or omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the best interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose that is in the best interests of the Partnership.

(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

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(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.

(h) The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees and their heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.

(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.7 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

Section 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees .

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages to the Partnership, the Limited Partners or any other Persons who are bound by this Agreement for losses sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of any act or omission of an Indemnitee unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter in question, the Indemnitee acted in bad faith or engaged in intentional fraud, willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

(b) The General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner in good faith.

(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership, to the Partners or to any such other Persons who are bound by this Agreement, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in connection with the Partnership’s business or affairs shall not be liable to the Partnership or to such Partners or to any such other Persons who are bound by this Agreement for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement.

(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the liability of the Indemnitees under this Section 7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

 

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Section 7.9 Standards of Conduct; Resolution of Conflicts of Interest and Elimination of Duties .

(a) Whenever the General Partner makes a determination or takes or declines to take any action, or any Affiliate of the General Partner causes the General Partner to do so, in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership as opposed to in its individual capacity, whether under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise, then, unless a lesser standard is provided for in this Agreement, or the determination, action or omission has been approved as provided in Section 7.9(b)(i) or Section 7.9(b)(ii) , the General Partner, or such Affiliate causing the General Partner to do so, shall make such determination or take or decline to take such action in good faith. Whenever the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) or any Affiliate of the General Partner makes a determination or takes or declines to take any action, whether under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise, then, unless a lesser standard is provided for in this Agreement or the determination, action or omission has been approved as provided in Section 7.9(b)(i) or Section  7.9(b)(ii) , the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) or any Affiliate of the General Partner shall make such determination or take or decline to take such action in good faith. The foregoing and other lesser standards governing any determination, action or omission provided for in this Agreement are the sole and exclusive standards governing any such determinations, actions and omissions of the General Partner, the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) and any Affiliate of the General Partner, and no such Person shall be subject to any fiduciary duty or other duty or obligation, or any other, different or higher standard (all of which duties, obligations and standards are hereby eliminated, waived and disclaimed), under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise, or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity. Any such determination, action or omission by the General Partner, the Board of Directors or any committee thereof (including the Conflicts Committee) or any Affiliate of the General Partner will for all purposes be presumed to have been in good faith. In any proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Partnership, any Limited Partner, any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person who is bound by this Agreement challenging such determination, action or omission, the Person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding shall have the burden of proving that such determination, action or omission was not in good faith. In order for a determination or the taking or declining to take an action to be in “good faith” for purposes of this Agreement, the Person or Persons making such determination or taking or declining to take such action must subjectively believe that the determination or other action is in the best interests of the Partnership. In making such determination or taking or declining to take such action, such Person or Persons may take into account the totality of the circumstances or the totality of the relationships between the parties involved, including other relationships or transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership.

(b) Unless a lesser standard is otherwise provided in this Agreement or any Group Member Agreement, whenever a potential conflict of interest exists or arises between the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnership, any Group Member or any Partner, on the other hand, any resolution or course of action by the General Partner or its

 

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Affiliates in respect of such conflict of interest shall be permitted and deemed approved by all Partners, and shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any agreement contemplated herein or therein, any duty under this Agreement or any duty stated or implied by law, in equity or otherwise, if the resolution or course of action in respect of such conflict of interest is (i) approved by Special Approval or (ii) approved by the vote of a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates). The General Partner shall be authorized but not required in connection with its resolution of such conflict of interest to seek Special Approval or Unitholder approval of such resolution, and the General Partner may also adopt a resolution or course of action that has not received Special Approval or Unitholder approval. If the General Partner does not submit the resolution or course of action in respect of such conflict of interest to the Conflicts Committee or the Unitholders as provided in either clause (i)  or clause (ii) , respectively, of the first sentence of this Section 7.9(b) , then any such resolution or course of action shall be governed by Section 7.9(a) . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any agreement contemplated herein or therein, any duty under this Agreement or any duty stated or implied by law, in equity or otherwise, whenever the General Partner makes a determination to refer any potential conflict of interest to the Conflicts Committee for Special Approval, to seek Unitholder approval or to adopt a resolution or course of action that has not received Special Approval or Unitholder approval, then the General Partner shall be entitled, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to make such determination free of any duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or any Limited Partner, and the General Partner shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard or duty imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity, and the General Partner in making such determination shall be permitted to do so in its sole and absolute discretion. If Special Approval is sought, then it shall be presumed that, in making its decision, the Conflicts Committee acted in good faith, and if the Board of Directors determines that a director satisfies the eligibility requirements to be a member of the Conflicts Committee, then it shall be presumed that, in making its determination, the Board of Directors acted in good faith. In any proceeding brought by any Limited Partner or by or on behalf of such Limited Partner or any other Limited Partner or the Partnership or by or on behalf of any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest challenging any action or decision by the Conflicts Committee with respect to any matter referred to the Conflicts Committee for Special Approval, or challenging any determination by the Board of Directors that a director satisfies the eligibility requirements to be a member of the Conflicts Committee, the Person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding shall have the burden of overcoming the presumption that the Conflicts Committee or the Board of Directors, as applicable, acted in good faith. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any duty stated or implied by law, in equity or otherwise, the conflicts of interest described in the IPO Registration Statement and any actions of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates taken in connection therewith are hereby approved by all Partners and shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any agreement contemplated herein or therein, any duty under this Agreement or any duty stated or implied by law, in equity or otherwise.

(c) Whenever the General Partner makes a determination or takes or declines to take any action, or any Affiliate of the General Partner causes the General Partner to do so, in its individual capacity as opposed to in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership,

 

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whether under this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise, then (i) the General Partner, or such Affiliate causing it to do so, is entitled, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to make such determination or to take or decline to take such action free of any duty (including any fiduciary duty) stated or implied by law, in equity or otherwise or of any obligation whatsoever to the Partnership, any Limited Partner, any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person who is bound by this Agreement, (ii) the General Partner, or such Affiliate causing it to do so, shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity and (iii) the Person or Persons making such determination or taking or declining to take such action shall be permitted to do so in their sole and absolute discretion. By way of illustration and not of limitation, whenever the phrases “at its option,” “in its sole and absolute discretion” or some variation of those phrases, are used in this Agreement, they indicate that the General Partner is acting in its individual capacity. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the General Partner votes or transfers its Partnership Interests, refrains from voting or transferring its Partnership Interests or otherwise acts in its capacity as a Limited Partner, it shall be acting in its individual capacity.

(d) The General Partner’s organizational documents may provide that determinations to take or decline to take any action in its individual, rather than representative, capacity may or shall be determined by its members, if the General Partner is a limited liability company, stockholders, if the General Partner is a corporation, or the members or stockholders of the General Partner’s general partner, if the General Partner is a general or limited partnership.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the General Partner and its Affiliates shall have no duty or obligation, express or implied, to (i) sell or otherwise dispose of, or approve the sale or disposition of, any asset of the Partnership Group other than in the ordinary course of business or (ii) permit any Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General Partner and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into from time to time specifically dealing with such use. Any determination by either the General Partner or any of its Affiliates to enter into such contracts shall be, in each case, in its sole and absolute discretion.

(f) The Limited Partners, each Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement hereby authorize the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership as a general partner or member of a Group Member, to approve actions by the general partner or member of such Group Member similar to those actions permitted to be taken by the General Partner pursuant to this Section 7.9 .

(g) For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Board of Directors, any member of the Board of Directors, any committee of the Board of Directors (including the Conflicts Committee) and any member of any such committee, the officers of the General Partner or any Affiliates of the General Partner (including any Person making a determination or acting for or on behalf of such Affiliate of the General Partner) make a determination on behalf of or recommendation to the General Partner, or cause the General Partner to take or omit to take any action, whether in the General Partner’s capacity as the General Partner or in its individual

 

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capacity, the standards of care applicable to the General Partner shall apply to such Persons, and such Persons shall be entitled to all benefits and rights (but not the obligations) of the General Partner hereunder, including eliminations, waivers and modifications of duties (including any fiduciary duties) to the Partnership, any of its Partners or any other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or any other Person bound by this Agreement, and the protections and presumptions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner and Other Indemnitees .

(a) The General Partner and any other Indemnitee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

(b) The General Partner and any other Indemnitee may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the advice or opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such Persons as to matters that the General Partner or such Indemnitee, respectively, reasonably believes to be within such Person’s professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed to have been taken or omitted to be taken in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion.

(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized officers, a duly appointed attorney or attorneys-in-fact or the duly authorized officers of the Partnership or any Group Member.

Section 7.11 Purchase or Sale of Partnership Interests . The General Partner may cause the Partnership to purchase or otherwise acquire Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests; provided that, except as permitted pursuant to Section 4.9 or approved by the Conflicts Committee, the General Partner may not cause any Group Member to purchase Subordinated Units during the Subordination Period. As long as Partnership Interests are held by any Group Member, such Partnership Interests shall not be considered Outstanding for any purpose, except as otherwise provided herein. The General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner may also purchase or otherwise acquire and sell or otherwise dispose of Partnership Interests for its own account, subject to the provisions of Article IV and Article X .

Section 7.12 Registration Rights of the General Partner and Its Affiliates .

(a) Demand Registration. Upon receipt of a Notice from any Holder at any time after the 180 th  day after the Closing Date, the Partnership shall file with the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable a registration statement under the Securities Act (each, a “ Registration Statement ”) providing for the resale of the Registrable Securities identified in such Notice, which may, at the option of the Holder giving such Notice, be a Registration Statement that provides for the resale of the Registrable Securities from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. The Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause

 

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such Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the initial filing of the Registration Statement and to remain effective and available for the resale of the Registrable Securities by the Selling Holders named therein until the earlier of (i) six months following such Registration Statement’s effective date and (ii) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold. In the event one or more Holders request in a Notice to dispose of a number of Registrable Securities that such Holder or Holders reasonably anticipates will result in gross proceeds of at least $25 million in the aggregate pursuant to a Registration Statement in an Underwritten Offering, the Partnership shall retain underwriters that are reasonably acceptable to such Selling Holders in order to permit such Selling Holders to effect such disposition through an Underwritten Offering; provided, however, that the Partnership shall have the exclusive right to select the bookrunning managers. The Partnership and such Selling Holders shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form that is reasonably acceptable to the Partnership and take all reasonable actions as are requested by the managing underwriters to facilitate the Underwritten Offering and sale of Registrable Securities therein. No Holder may participate in the Underwritten Offering unless it agrees to sell its Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement on the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement and completes and delivers all necessary documents and information reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreement. In the event that the managing underwriter of such Underwritten Offering advises the Partnership and the Holder in writing that in its opinion the inclusion of all or some Registrable Securities would adversely and materially affect the timing or success of the Underwritten Offering, the amount of Registrable Securities that each Selling Holder requested be included in such Underwritten Offering shall be reduced on a Pro Rata basis to the aggregate amount that the managing underwriter deems will not have such material and adverse effect. Any Holder may withdraw from such Underwritten Offering by notice to the Partnership and the managing underwriter; provided , such notice is delivered prior to the launch of such Underwritten Offering.

(b) Piggyback Registration. At any time after the 180 th  day after the Closing Date, if the Partnership shall propose to file a Registration Statement (other than pursuant to a demand made pursuant to Section 7.12(a) ) for an offering of Partnership Interests for cash (other than an offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan, an offering relating to a transaction on Form S-4 or an offering on any registration statement that does not permit secondary sales), the Partnership shall notify all Holders of such proposal at least five Business Days before the proposed filing date. The Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include such number of Registrable Securities held by any Holder in such Registration Statement as each Holder shall request in a Notice received by the Partnership within two Business Days of such Holder’s receipt of the notice from the Partnership. If the Registration Statement for which the Partnership gives notice under this Section 7.12(b) is for an Underwritten Offering, then any Holder’s ability to include its desired amount of Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement shall be conditioned on such Holder’s inclusion of all such Registrable Securities in the Underwritten Offering; provided , that, in the event that the managing underwriter of such Underwritten Offering advises the Partnership and the Holder in writing that in its opinion the inclusion of all or some Registrable Securities would adversely and materially affect the timing or success of the Underwritten Offering, the amount of Registrable Securities that each Selling Holder requested be included in such Underwritten Offering shall be reduced on a Pro Rata basis to the aggregate amount that the managing underwriter deems will not have such material and adverse effect. In connection with any such Underwritten Offering, the Partnership and the

 

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Selling Holders involved shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form that is reasonably acceptable to the Partnership and take all reasonable actions as are requested by the managing underwriters to facilitate the Underwritten Offering and sale of Registrable Securities therein. No Holder may participate in the Underwritten Offering unless it agrees to sell its Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement on the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement and completes and delivers all necessary documents and information reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreement. Any Holder may withdraw from such Underwritten Offering by notice to the Partnership and the managing underwriter; provided , such notice is delivered prior to the launch of such Underwritten Offering. The Partnership shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any Registration Statement or Underwritten Offering initiated by it under this Section 7.12(b) prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement or the pricing date of the Underwritten Offering, as applicable.

(c) Sale Procedures. In connection with its obligations under this Section 7.12 , the Partnership shall:

(i) furnish to each Selling Holder (A) as far in advance as reasonably practicable before filing a Registration Statement or any supplement or amendment thereto, upon request, copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents proposed to be filed (including exhibits and each document incorporated by reference therein to the extent then required by the rules and regulations of the Commission), and provide each such Selling Holder the opportunity to object to any information pertaining to such Selling Holder and its plan of distribution that is contained therein and make the corrections reasonably requested by such Selling Holder with respect to such information prior to filing a Registration Statement or supplement or amendment thereto and (B) such number of copies of such Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein and any supplements and amendments thereto as such Persons may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Partnership will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to clause (B) hereof that is available on the Commission’s website;

(ii) if applicable, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Selling Holders or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, the managing underwriter, shall reasonably request; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be required to qualify generally to transact business in any jurisdiction where it is not then required to so qualify or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(iii) promptly notify each Selling Holder and each underwriter, at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (A) the filing of a Registration Statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement to be used in connection therewith, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and, with respect to such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective and (B) any written comments from the Commission with respect to any Registration Statement or any document incorporated by reference therein and any written request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement thereto;

 

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(iv) immediately notify each Selling Holder and each underwriter, at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (A) the occurrence of any event or existence of any fact (but not a description of such event or fact) as a result of which the prospectus or prospectus supplement contained in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of the prospectus contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made), (B) the issuance or threat of issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or (C) the receipt by the Partnership of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale under the applicable securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction. Following the provision of such notice, subject to Section 7.12(f) , the Partnership agrees to, as promptly as practicable, amend or supplement the prospectus or prospectus supplement or take other appropriate action so that the prospectus or prospectus supplement does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and to take such other reasonable action as is necessary to remove a stop order, suspension, threat thereof or proceedings related thereto; and

(v) enter into customary agreements and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the Selling Holders or the underwriters, if any, in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities, including the provision of comfort letters and legal opinions as are customary in such securities offerings.

(d) Suspension. Each Selling Holder, upon receipt of notice from the Partnership of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 7.12(c)(iv) , shall forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registrable Securities by means of a prospectus or prospectus supplement until such Selling Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by such subsection, or until it is advised in writing by the Partnership that the use of the prospectus may be resumed, and receipt of copies of any additional or supplemental filings incorporated by reference in the prospectus.

(e) Expenses. Except as set forth in an underwriting agreement for the applicable Underwritten Offering or as otherwise agreed between a Selling Holder and the Partnership, all costs and expenses of a Registration Statement filed or an Underwritten Offering that includes Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 7.12 (other than underwriting discounts and commissions on Registrable Securities and fees and expenses of counsel and advisors to Selling Holders) shall be paid by the Partnership.

(f) Delay Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the General Partner determines that the Partnership’s compliance with its obligations in this Section 7.12 would be detrimental to the Partnership because such registration would (x) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, reorganization or other similar transaction involving the

 

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Partnership, (y) require premature disclosure of material information that the Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (z) render the Partnership unable to comply with requirements under applicable securities laws, then the Partnership shall have the right to postpone compliance with such obligations for a period of not more than six months; provided, however, that such right may not be exercised more than twice in any 24-month period.

(g) Indemnification .

(i) In addition to and not in limitation of the Partnership’s obligation under Section 7.7 , the Partnership shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, but subject to the limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder, its officers, directors and each Person who controls the Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any agent thereof (collectively, “ Indemnified Persons ”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnified Person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, under the Securities Act or otherwise (hereinafter referred to in this Section 7.12(g) as a “ claim ” and in the plural as “ claims ”) based upon, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or issuer free writing prospectus under which any Registrable Securities were registered or sold by such Selling Holder under the Securities Act, or arising out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person to the extent that any such claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or issuer free writing prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Partnership by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

(ii) Each Selling Holder shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership, the General Partner, the General Partner’s officers and directors and each Person who controls the Partnership or the General Partner (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any agent thereof to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Partnership to the Selling Holders, but only with respect to information regarding such Selling Holder furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Holder expressly for inclusion in a Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or free writing prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities held by such Selling Holder.

(iii) The provisions of this Section 7.12(g) shall be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution that a Person entitled to indemnification under this Section 7.12(g) may have pursuant to law, equity, contract or otherwise.

(h) Specific Performance. Damages in the event of breach of Section 7.12 by a party hereto may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each

 

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party, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, will have the right to seek an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and each of the parties hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right will not preclude any such party from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such party may have.

Section 7.13 Reliance by Third Parties . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume that the General Partner and any officer or representative of the General Partner authorized by the General Partner to act on behalf of and in the name of the Partnership has full power and authority to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter into any authorized contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and such Person shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner or any such officer or representative as if it were the Partnership’s sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each Limited Partner hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all defenses or other remedies that may be available against such Person to contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the General Partner or any such officer or representative in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or any such officer or representative be obligated to ascertain that the terms of this Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or action of the General Partner or any such officer or representative. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or such officer or representative shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full force and effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.

Section 7.14 Replacement of Fiduciary Duties . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that, at law or in equity, the General Partner or any other Indemnitee would have duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Partnership, to another Partner, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Partnership, each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein are approved by the Partnership, each of the Partners, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Partnership Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS

Section 8.1 Records and Accounting . The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership appropriate books and records with respect to the Partnership’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information required to be provided pursuant to Section 3.3(a) . Any books and records maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business, including the Partnership Register, books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be kept on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device; provided , that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the Partnership shall be maintained, for financial reporting purposes, on an accrual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Partnership shall not be required to keep books maintained on a cash basis, and the General Partner shall be permitted to calculate cash-based measures, including Operating Surplus and Adjusted Operating Surplus, by making such adjustments to its accrual basis books to account for non-cash items and other adjustments as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

Section 8.2 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a fiscal year ending December 31.

Section 8.3 Reports .

(a) Whether or not the Partnership is subject to the requirement to file reports with the Commission, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or such shorter period as required by the Commission), the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means (including by posting on or making accessible through the Partnership’s or the Commission’s website), to each Record Holder of a Unit as of a date selected by the General Partner, an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership for such fiscal year of the Partnership, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of operations, Partnership equity and cash flows, such statements to be audited by a firm of independent public accountants selected by the General Partner, and such other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, or as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

(b) Whether or not the Partnership is subject to the requirement to file reports with the Commission, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 45 days after the close of each Quarter (or such shorter period as required by the Commission) except the last Quarter of each fiscal year, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means (including by posting on or making accessible through the Partnership’s or the Commission’s website), to each Record Holder of a Unit, as of a date selected by the General Partner, a report containing unaudited financial statements of the Partnership and such other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, or as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

 

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ARTICLE IX

TAX MATTERS

Section 9.1 Tax Returns and Information . The Partnership shall timely file all returns of the Partnership that are required for federal, state and local income tax purposes on the basis of the accrual method and the taxable period or year that it is required by law to adopt, from time to time, as determined by the General Partner. In the event the Partnership is required to use a taxable period other than a year ending on December 31, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to change the taxable period of the Partnership to a year ending on December 31. The tax information reasonably required by Record Holders for federal, state and local income tax reporting purposes with respect to a taxable period shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close of the calendar year in which the Partnership’s taxable period ends. The classification, realization and recognition of income, gain, losses and deductions and other items shall be on the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.

Section 9.2 Tax Elections .

(a) The Partnership shall make the election under Section 754 of the Code in accordance with applicable regulations thereunder, subject to the reservation of the right to seek to revoke any such election upon the General Partner’s determination that such revocation is in the best interests of the Limited Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, for the purposes of computing the adjustments under Section 743(b) of the Code, the General Partner shall be authorized (but not required) to adopt a convention whereby the price paid by a transferee of a Limited Partner Interest will be deemed to be the lowest quoted closing price of the Limited Partner Interests on any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading during the calendar month in which such transfer is deemed to occur pursuant to Section 6.2(f) without regard to the actual price paid by such transferee.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall determine whether the Partnership should make any other elections permitted by the Code.

Section 9.3 Tax Controversies . Subject to the provisions hereof, the General Partner shall designate the Organizational Limited Partner or such other Partner as the General Partner shall determine as the “tax matters partner” (as defined in Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code) (the “ Tax Matters Partner ”), and such Person is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to cooperate with the Tax Matters Partner and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the Tax Matters Partner to conduct such proceedings.

Section 9.4 Withholding . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that may be required to cause the Partnership and

 

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other Group Members to comply with any withholding requirements established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code, or established under any foreign law. To the extent that the Partnership is required or elects to withhold and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income to any Partner (including by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), the General Partner may treat the amount withheld as a distribution of cash pursuant to Section 6.3 or Section 12.4(c) in the amount of such withholding from such Partner.

ARTICLE X

ADMISSION OF PARTNERS

Section 10.1 Admission of Limited Partners .

(a) Upon the issuance by the Partnership of (i) Common Units, Subordinated Units and Incentive Distribution Rights to the General Partner, CONSOL and the IPO Underwriters in connection with the Initial Public Offering and (ii) Common Units to the Greenlight Capital Funds in connection with the Private Placement, in each case as described in Article V , such Persons shall, by acceptance of such Limited Partner Interests, and upon becoming the Record Holders of such Limited Partner Interests, be admitted to the Partnership as Initial Limited Partners in respect of the Common Units, Subordinated Units or Incentive Distribution Rights issued to them and be bound by this Agreement, all with or without execution of this Agreement by such Persons.

(b) By acceptance of any Limited Partner Interests transferred in accordance with Article IV or acceptance of any Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to Article V or pursuant to a merger, consolidation or conversion pursuant to Article XIV , and except as provided in amendments adopted pursuant to Section 4.9 , each transferee of, or other such Person acquiring, a Limited Partner Interest (including any nominee, agent or representative acquiring such Limited Partner Interests for the account of another Person or Group, who shall be subject to Section 10.1(c) below) (i) shall be admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so transferred or issued to such Person when such Person becomes the Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interests so transferred or acquired, (ii) shall become bound, and shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound, by the terms of this Agreement, (iii) shall be deemed to represent that the transferee or acquirer has the capacity, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and (iv) shall be deemed to make any consents, acknowledgements or waivers contained in this Agreement, all with or without execution of this Agreement by such Person. The transfer of any Limited Partner Interests and the admission of any new Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to this Agreement. A Person may become a Limited Partner without the consent or approval of any of the Partners. A Person may not become a Limited Partner without acquiring a Limited Partner Interest and becoming the Record Holder of such Limited Partner Interest. The rights and obligations of a Person who is an Ineligible Holder shall be determined in accordance with Section 4.9 .

(c) With respect to any Limited Partner that holds Units representing Limited Partner Interests for another Person’s account (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation, or an agent of any of the foregoing), in whose name such Units are registered, such Limited Partner shall, in exercising the rights of a Limited Partner in respect of

 

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such Units on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such Persons provides otherwise, take all action as a Limited Partner by virtue of being the Record Holder of such Units at the direction of the Person who is the beneficial owner, and the Partnership shall be entitled to assume such Limited Partner is so acting without further inquiry.

(d) The name and mailing address of each Record Holder shall be listed in the Partnership Register maintained for such purpose by the Partnership or the Transfer Agent. The General Partner shall update the Partnership Register from time to time as necessary to reflect accurately the information therein (or shall cause the Transfer Agent to do so, as applicable).

(e) Any transfer of a Limited Partner Interest shall not entitle the transferee to share in the profits and losses, to receive distributions, to receive allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit or any similar item or to any other rights to which the transferor was entitled until the transferee becomes a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 10.1(b) .

Section 10.2 Admission of Successor General Partner . A successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 who is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective immediately prior to (a) the withdrawal or removal of the predecessor or transferring General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or (b) the transfer of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 ; provided, however, that no such successor shall be admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the terms of Section 4.6 has occurred and such successor has executed and delivered such other documents or instruments as may be required to effect such admission. Any such successor is hereby authorized to and shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the members of the Partnership Group without dissolution.

Section 10.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership . To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner shall take all steps necessary or appropriate under the Delaware Act to amend the Partnership Register to reflect such admission and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practicable an amendment to this Agreement and, if required by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership.

ARTICLE XI

WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS

Section 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner .

(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the following events (each such event herein referred to as an “ Event of Withdrawal ”):

(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership by giving written notice to the other Partners;

(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 ;

 

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(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to Section 11.2 ;

(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (B) files a voluntary bankruptcy petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (C) files a petition or answer seeking for itself a liquidation, dissolution or similar relief (but not a reorganization) under any law; (D) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the General Partner in a proceeding of the type described in clauses (A) through (C)  of this Section 11.1(a)(iv) or (E) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee (but not a debtor-in-possession), receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or any substantial part of its properties;

(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is entered by a court with appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary petition by or against the General Partner; or

(vi) (A) if the General Partner is a corporation, a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is filed for the General Partner, or 90 days expire after the date of notice to the General Partner of revocation of its charter without a reinstatement of its charter, under the laws of its state of incorporation; (B) if the General Partner is a partnership or a limited liability company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the General Partner; (C) if the General Partner is acting in such capacity by virtue of being a trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust; (D) if the General Partner is a natural person, such person’s death or adjudication of incompetency and (E) otherwise upon the termination of the General Partner.

If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section 11.1(a)(iv) , (v)  or (vi)(A) , (B) , (C)  or (E)  occurs, the withdrawing General Partner shall give notice to the Limited Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The Partners hereby agree that only the Events of Withdrawal described in this Section 11.1 shall result in the withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership.

(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances: (i) at any time during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, on June 30, 2025, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days’ advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners; provided, that prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, the withdrawal is approved by Unitholders holding at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) and the General Partner delivers to the Partnership an Opinion of Counsel (“ Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel ”) that such withdrawal (following the selection of the successor General Partner) would not result in the loss of the limited liability under the Delaware Act of any Limited Partner or cause any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed); (ii) at any time after 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, on June 30, 2025, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days’ advance notice to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in such notice; (iii) at any time that the General Partner ceases to be the General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(ii) or is removed pursuant to Section 11.2 or

 

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(iv) notwithstanding clause (i) of this sentence, at any time that the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days’ advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in the notice, if at the time such notice is given one Person and its Affiliates (other than the General Partner and its Affiliates) own beneficially or of record or control at least 50% of the Outstanding Units. The withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall also constitute the withdrawal of the General Partner as general partner or managing member, if any, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members. If the General Partner gives a notice of withdrawal pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i) , the holders of a Unit Majority, may, prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, elect a successor General Partner. The Person so elected as successor General Partner shall automatically become the successor general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If, prior to the effective date of the General Partner’s withdrawal, a successor is not elected by the Unitholders as provided herein or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with Section 12.1 unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 . Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.1 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.2 .

Section 11.2 Removal of the General Partner . The General Partner may not be removed unless such removal is both (i) for Cause and (ii) approved by the Unitholders holding at least 66  2 3 % of the Outstanding Units (including Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates) voting as a single class. Any such action by such holders for removal of the General Partner must also provide for the election of a successor General Partner by the Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Common Units, voting as a separate class, and Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Subordinated Units (if any Subordinated Units are then Outstanding), voting as a separate class, including, in each case, Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates. Such removal shall be effective immediately following the admission of a successor General Partner pursuant to Section 10.2 . The removal of the General Partner shall also automatically constitute the removal of the General Partner as general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If a Person is elected as a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.2 , such Person shall, upon admission pursuant to Section 10.2 , automatically become a successor general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. The right of the holders of Outstanding Units to remove the General Partner shall not exist or be exercised unless the Partnership has received an opinion opining as to the matters covered by a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section 11.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.2 .

Section 11.3 Interest of Departing General Partner and Successor General Partner .

(a) In the event of withdrawal of the General Partner under circumstances where such withdrawal does not violate this Agreement, if a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 , then the Departing General Partner shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the withdrawal of such Departing General

 

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Partner, to require such successor General Partner to purchase such Departing General Partner’s General Partner Interest and its or its Affiliates’ general partner interests (or equivalent interests), if any, in the other Group Members and all of its or its Affiliates’ Incentive Distribution Rights (collectively, the “ Combined Interest ”) in exchange for an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Combined Interest, such amount to be determined and payable as of the effective date of the Departing General Partner’s withdrawal. If the General Partner is removed by the Unitholders pursuant to Section 11.2 or if the General Partner withdraws under circumstances where such withdrawal violates this Agreement and (i) if a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 , as applicable, or (ii) if the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 and the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner, then such successor General Partner shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the withdrawal or removal of such Departing General Partner (or, in the event the business of the Partnership is continued, prior to the date the business of the Partnership is continued), to purchase the Combined Interest for such fair market value of such Combined Interest. In any event described in the preceding sentences of this Section 11.3(a) , the Departing General Partner shall be entitled to receive all reimbursements due such Departing General Partner pursuant to Section 7.4 , including any employee-related liabilities (including severance liabilities), incurred in connection with the termination of any employees employed by the Departing General Partner or its Affiliates (other than any Group Member) for the benefit of the Partnership or the other Group Members.

For purposes of this Section 11.3(a) , the fair market value of the Combined Interest shall be determined by agreement between the Departing General Partner and its successor or, failing agreement within 30 days after the effective date of such Departing General Partner’s withdrawal or removal, by an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the Departing General Partner and its successor, which, in turn, may rely on other experts, and the determination of which shall be conclusive as to such matter. If such parties cannot agree upon one independent investment banking firm or other independent expert within 45 days after the effective date of such withdrawal or removal, then the Departing General Partner shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, the Departing General Partner’s successor shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, and such firms or experts shall mutually select a third independent investment banking firm or independent expert, which third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert shall determine the fair market value of the Combined Interest. In making its determination, such third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert may consider the then current trading price of Units on any National Securities Exchange on which Units are then listed or admitted to trading, the value of the Partnership’s assets, the rights and obligations of the Departing General Partner, the value of the Incentive Distribution Rights and the General Partner Interest and other factors it may deem relevant.

(b) If the Combined Interest is not purchased in the manner set forth in Section 11.3(a) , the Departing General Partner (or its transferee) shall become a Limited Partner and its Combined Interest shall be converted into Common Units pursuant to a valuation made by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected pursuant to Section 11.3(a) , without reduction in such Partnership Interest (but subject to proportionate dilution by reason of the admission of its successor). Any successor General Partner shall indemnify the Departing

 

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General Partner (or its transferee) as to all debts and liabilities of the Partnership arising on or after the date on which the Departing General Partner (or its transferee) becomes a Limited Partner. For purposes of this Agreement, conversion of the Combined Interest of the Departing General Partner to Common Units will be characterized as if the Departing General Partner (or its transferee) contributed its Combined Interest to the Partnership in exchange for the newly issued Common Units.

(c) If a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 (or if the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 and the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner) and the option described in Section 11.3(a) is not exercised by the party entitled to do so, the successor General Partner shall, at the effective date of its admission to the Partnership, contribute to the Partnership cash in the amount equal to the product of (x) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Percentage Interest of the General Partner Interest of the Departing General Partner by (B) a percentage equal to 100% less the Percentage Interest of the General Partner Interest of the Departing General Partner and (y) the Net Agreed Value of the Partnership’s assets on such date. In such event, such successor General Partner shall, subject to the following sentence, be entitled to its Percentage Interest of all Partnership allocations and distributions to which the Departing General Partner was entitled. In addition, the successor General Partner shall cause this Agreement to be amended to reflect that, from and after the date of such successor General Partner’s admission, the successor General Partner’s interest in all Partnership distributions and allocations shall be its Percentage Interest.

Section 11.4 Withdrawal of Limited Partners . No Limited Partner shall have any right to withdraw from the Partnership; provided, however , that when a transferee of a Limited Partner’s Limited Partner Interest becomes a Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interest so transferred, such transferring Limited Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interest so transferred.

ARTICLE XII

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

Section 12.1 Dissolution . The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Limited Partners or by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner, if a successor General Partner is elected pursuant to Section 11.1 , Section 11.2 or Section 12.2 , to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall not be dissolved and such successor General Partner shall continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and (subject to Section 12.2 ) its affairs shall be wound up, upon:

(a) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as provided in Section 11.1(a) (other than Section 11.1(a)(ii) ), unless a successor is elected and a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel is received as provided in Section 11.1(b) or Section 11.2 and such successor is admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.2 ;

(b) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General Partner that is approved by the holders of a Unit Majority;

 

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(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act; or

(d) at any time there are no Limited Partners, unless the Partnership is continued without dissolution in accordance with the Delaware Act.

Section 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution . Upon (a) dissolution of the Partnership following an Event of Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner as provided in Section 11.1(a)(i) or (iii)  and the failure of the Unitholders to select a successor to such Departing General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 , then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, within 90 days thereafter, or (b) dissolution of the Partnership upon an event constituting an Event of Withdrawal as defined in Section 11.1(a)(iv) , (v)  or (vi) , then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, within 180 days thereafter, the holders of a Unit Majority may elect to continue the business of the Partnership on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement by appointing as a successor General Partner a Person approved by the holders of a Unit Majority. Unless such an election is made within the applicable time period as set forth above, the Partnership shall conduct only activities necessary to wind up its affairs. If such an election is so made, then:

(i) the Partnership shall continue without dissolution unless earlier dissolved in accordance with this Article XII ;

(ii) if the successor General Partner is not the Departing General Partner, then the interest of the Departing General Partner shall be treated in the manner provided in Section 11.3 ; and

(iii) the successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as General Partner, effective as of the Event of Withdrawal, by agreeing in writing to be bound by this Agreement;

provided, however, that the right of the holders of a Unit Majority to approve a successor General Partner and to continue the business of the Partnership shall not exist and may not be exercised unless the Partnership has received an Opinion of Counsel that (x) the exercise of the right would not result in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner under the Delaware Act and (y) neither the Partnership nor any Group Member would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of such right to continue (to the extent not already so treated or taxed).

Section 12.3 Liquidator . Upon dissolution of the Partnership, unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 12.2 , the General Partner (or in the event of dissolution pursuant to Section 12.1(a) , the holders of a Unit Majority) shall select one or more Persons to act as Liquidator. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall be entitled to receive such compensation for its services as may be approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, if any, voting as a single class. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days’ prior notice and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and

 

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Subordinated Units, if any, voting as a single class. Upon dissolution, removal or resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and substitute Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days thereafter be approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and Subordinated Units, if any, voting as a single class. The right to approve a successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute Liquidator approved in the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article XII , the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto, all of the powers conferred upon the General Partner under the terms of this Agreement (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on sale set forth in Section 7.3 ) necessary or appropriate to carry out the duties and functions of the Liquidator hereunder for and during the period of time required to complete the winding up and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for herein.

Section 12.4 Liquidation . The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of the assets of the Partnership, discharge its liabilities and otherwise wind up its affairs in such manner and over such period as determined by the Liquidator, subject to Section 17-804 of the Delaware Act and the following:

(a) The assets may be disposed of by public or private sale or by distribution in kind to one or more Partners on such terms as the Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any property is distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the property shall be deemed for purposes of Section 12.4(c) to have received cash equal to its fair market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions must be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of the Partnership’s assets for a reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of the Partnership’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners. The Liquidator may distribute the Partnership’s assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.

(b) Liabilities of the Partnership include amounts owed to the Liquidator as compensation for serving in such capacity (subject to the terms of Section 12.3 ) and amounts to Partners otherwise than in respect of their distribution rights under Article VI . With respect to any liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise not yet due and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused portion of the reserve shall be distributed as additional liquidation proceeds.

(c) All property and all cash in excess of that required to satisfy liabilities as provided in Section 12.4(b) shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments (other than those made by reason of distributions pursuant to this Section 12.4(c) ) for the taxable period of the Partnership during which the liquidation of the Partnership occurs (with such date of occurrence being determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)), and such distribution shall be made by the end of such taxable period (or, if later, within 90 days after said date of such occurrence).

 

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Section 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . Upon the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and property as provided in Section 12.4 in connection with the liquidation of the Partnership, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.

Section 12.6 Return of Contributions . The General Partner shall not be personally liable for, and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the return of the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners or Unitholders, or any portion thereof, it being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from Partnership assets.

Section 12.7 Waiver of Partition . To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership property.

Section 12.8 Capital Account Restoration . No Limited Partner shall have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of the Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of its interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable year of the Partnership during which such liquidation occurs, or, if later, within 90 days after the date of such liquidation.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE

Section 13.1 Amendments to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner . Each Limited Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the approval of any Limited Partner, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect:

(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership;

(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement;

(c) a change that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue the qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that the Group Members will not be treated as associations taxable as corporations or otherwise taxed as entities for federal income tax purposes;

(d) a change that the General Partner determines (i) does not adversely affect the Limited Partners considered as a whole or any particular class of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests in any material respect (except as permitted by subsection (g) of this Section 13.1 ), (ii) to be necessary or appropriate to (A) satisfy any

 

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requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute (including the Delaware Act) or (B) facilitate the trading of the Units (including the division of any class or classes of Outstanding Units into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax consequences within such classes of Units) or comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are or will be listed or admitted to trading, (iii) to be necessary or appropriate in connection with action taken by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.9 or (iv) is required to effect the intent expressed in the IPO Registration Statement or the intent of the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by this Agreement;

(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership including, if the General Partner shall so determine, a change in the definition of “Quarter” and the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership;

(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of Counsel, to prevent the Partnership, the General Partner or its directors, officers, trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or “plan asset” regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, regardless of whether such are substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the United States Department of Labor;

(g) an amendment that (i) sets forth the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any class or series of Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests issued pursuant to Section 5.6 or (ii) the General Partner determines to be necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection with the authorization or issuance of any class or series of Partnership Interests or Derivative Partnership Interests pursuant to Section 5.6 ;

(h) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to be made by the General Partner acting alone;

(i) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger Agreement or a Plan of Conversion approved in accordance with Section 14.3 ;

(j) an amendment that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect and account for the formation by the Partnership of, or investment by the Partnership in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, in connection with the conduct by the Partnership of activities permitted by the terms of Section 2.4 or Section 7.1(a) ;

(k) a merger, conveyance or conversion pursuant to Section 14.3(d) or Section 14.3(e) ; or

(l) any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.

 

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Section 13.2 Amendment Procedures . Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed only by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to propose or approve any amendment to this Agreement and may decline to do so free of any duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership, any Limited Partner or any other Person bound by this Agreement, and, in declining to propose or approve an amendment to this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or otherwise or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity, and the General Partner in determining whether to propose or approve any amendment to this Agreement shall be permitted to do so in its sole and absolute discretion. An amendment to this Agreement shall be effective upon its approval by the General Partner and, except as otherwise provided by Section 13.1 or Section 13.3 , the holders of a Unit Majority, unless a greater or different percentage of Outstanding Units is required under this Agreement. Each proposed amendment that requires the approval of the holders of a specified percentage of Outstanding Units shall be set forth in a writing that contains the text of the proposed amendment. If such an amendment is proposed, the General Partner shall seek the written approval of the requisite percentage of Outstanding Units or call a meeting of the Unitholders to consider and vote on such proposed amendment. The General Partner shall notify all Record Holders upon final adoption of any amendments. The General Partner shall be deemed to have notified all Record Holders as required by this Section 13.2 if it has posted or made accessible such amendment through the Partnership’s or the Commission’s website.

Section 13.3 Amendment Requirements .

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 and Section 13.2 , no provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage of Outstanding Units required to take any action shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any respect that would have the effect of (i) in the case of any provision of this Agreement other than Section 11.2 or Section 13.4 , reducing such percentage or (ii) in the case of Section 11.2 or Section 13.4 , increasing such percentages, unless such amendment is approved by the written consent or the affirmative vote of holders of Outstanding Units whose aggregate Outstanding Units constitute (x) in the case of a reduction as described in subclause (a)(i) hereof, not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced, (y) in the case of an increase in the percentage in Section 11.2 , not less than 90% of the Outstanding Units or (z) in the case of an increase in the percentage in Section 13.4 , not less than a majority of the Outstanding Units.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 and Section 13.2 , no amendment to this Agreement may (i) enlarge the obligations of any Limited Partner without its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of an amendment approved pursuant to Section 13.3(c) or (ii) enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable to, the General Partner or any of its Affiliates without the General Partner’s consent, which consent may be given or withheld at its option.

(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3 , and without limitation of the General Partner’s authority to adopt amendments to this Agreement without the approval of any Limited

 

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Partners as contemplated in Section 13.1 , any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any class of Partnership Interests in relation to other classes of Partnership Interests must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of the class affected.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for amendments pursuant to Section 13.1 and except as otherwise provided by Section 14.3(f) , no amendments shall become effective without the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Units voting as a single class unless the Partnership obtains an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment will not affect the limited liability of any Limited Partner under applicable partnership law of the state under whose laws the Partnership is organized.

(e) Except as provided in Section 13.1 , this Section 13.3 shall only be amended with the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Units.

Section 13.4 Special Meetings . All acts of Limited Partners to be taken pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken in the manner provided in this Article XIII . Special meetings of the Limited Partners may be called by the General Partner or by Limited Partners owning 20% or more of the Outstanding Units of the class or classes for which a meeting is proposed. Limited Partners shall call a special meeting by delivering to the General Partner one or more requests in writing stating that the signing Limited Partners wish to call a special meeting and indicating the specific purposes for which the special meeting is to be called and the class or classes of Units for which the meeting is proposed. No business may be brought by any Limited Partner before such special meeting except the business listed in the related request. Within 60 days after receipt of such a call from Limited Partners or within such greater time as may be reasonably necessary for the Partnership to comply with any statutes, rules, regulations, listing agreements or similar requirements governing the holding of a meeting or the solicitation of proxies for use at such a meeting, the General Partner shall send or cause to be sent a notice of the meeting to the Limited Partners. A meeting shall be held at a time and place determined by the General Partner on a date not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days after the time notice of the meeting is given as provided in Section 16.1 . Limited Partners shall not be permitted to vote on matters that would cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners’ limited liability under the Delaware Act or the law of any other state in which the Partnership is qualified to do business. If any such vote were to take place, to the fullest extent permitted by law, it shall be deemed null and void to the extent necessary so as not to jeopardize the Limited Partners’ limited liability under the Delaware Act or the law of any other state in which the Partnership is qualified to do business.

Section 13.5 Notice of a Meeting . Notice of a meeting called pursuant to Section 13.4 shall be given to the Record Holders of the class or classes of Units for which a meeting is proposed in writing by mail or other means of written communication in accordance with Section 16.1 .

Section 13.6 Record Date . For purposes of determining the Limited Partners who are Record Holders of the class or classes of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners or to give approvals without a meeting as

 

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provided in Section 13.11 , the General Partner shall set a Record Date, which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days before (a) the date of the meeting (unless such requirement conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading or U.S. federal securities laws, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange or U.S. federal securities laws shall govern) or (b) in the event that approvals are sought without a meeting, the date by which such Limited Partners are requested in writing by the General Partner to give such approvals.

Section 13.7 Postponement and Adjournment . Prior to the date upon which any meeting of Limited Partners is to be held, the General Partner may postpone such meeting one or more times for any reason by giving notice to each Limited Partner entitled to vote at the meeting so postponed of the place, date and hour at which such meeting would be held. Such notice shall be given not fewer than two days before the date of such meeting and otherwise in accordance with this Article XIII . When a meeting is postponed, a new Record Date need not be fixed unless such postponement shall be for more than 45 days. Any meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned by the General Partner one or more times for any reason, including the failure of a quorum to be present at the meeting with respect to any proposal or the failure of any proposal to receive sufficient votes for approval. No Limited Partner vote shall be required for any adjournment. A meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned by the General Partner as to one or more proposals regardless of whether action has been taken on other matters. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting and a new Record Date need not be fixed, if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless such adjournment shall be for more than 45 days. At the adjourned meeting, the Partnership may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 45 days or if a new Record Date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with this Article XIII .

Section 13.8 Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting . The transactions of any meeting of Limited Partners, however called and noticed, and whenever held, shall be as valid as if it had occurred at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present either in person or by proxy. Attendance of a Limited Partner at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, except (i) when the Limited Partner attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and (ii) that attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to disapprove of any matters submitted for consideration or to object to the failure to submit for consideration any matters required to be included in the notice of the meeting, but not so included, if such objection is expressly made at the beginning of the meeting.

Section 13.9 Quorum and Voting . Except as otherwise provided or required by or under (i) this Agreement, (ii) the rules or regulations of any National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or admitted to trading, (iii) applicable law or (iv) any regulation applicable to the Partnership or the Partnership Interests, the presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority in voting power of the Outstanding Units of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called (including Outstanding Units deemed owned by the General Partner) entitled to vote at the meeting shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Limited Partners

 

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of such class or classes. Abstentions and broker non-votes in respect of such Units shall be deemed to be Units present at such meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum. For all matters presented to the Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units at a meeting at which a quorum is present for which no minimum or other vote of Limited Partners is required by any other provision of this Agreement, the rules or regulations of any National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or admitted to trading, applicable law or any regulation applicable to the Partnership or the Partnership Interests, a majority of the votes cast by the Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units shall be deemed to constitute the act of all Limited Partners (with abstentions and broker non-votes being deemed to not have been cast with respect to such matter). On any matter where a minimum or other vote of Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units is provided by any other provision of this Agreement, the rules or regulations of any National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or admitted to trading, applicable law or any regulation applicable to the Partnership or the Partnership Interests, such minimum or other vote shall be the vote of Limited Partners required to approve such matter (with the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes to be determined based on the vote of Limited Partners required to approve such matter; provided that if the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes is not specified by such applicable rule, regulation or law, and there is no prevailing interpretation of such effect, then abstentions and broker non-votes shall be deemed to not have been cast with respect to such matter; provided further , that, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any matter on which this Agreement requires the approval of a specified percentage of the Outstanding Units, abstentions and broker non-votes shall be counted as votes against such matter). The Limited Partners present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the exit of enough Limited Partners to leave less than a quorum.

Section 13.10 Conduct of a Meeting . The General Partner shall have full power and authority concerning the manner of conducting any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including the determination of Persons entitled to vote, the existence of a quorum, the satisfaction of the requirements of Section 13.4 , the conduct of voting, the validity and effect of any proxies and the determination of any controversies, votes or challenges arising in connection with or during the meeting or voting. The General Partner shall designate a Person to serve as chairman of any meeting and shall further designate a Person to take the minutes of any meeting. All minutes shall be kept with the records of the Partnership maintained by the General Partner. The General Partner may make such other regulations consistent with applicable law and this Agreement as it may deem advisable concerning the conduct of any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including regulations in regard to the appointment of proxies, the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes and approvals, the submission and examination of proxies and other evidence of the right to vote, and the submission and revocation of approvals in writing.

Section 13.11 Action Without a Meeting . If authorized by the General Partner, any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Limited Partners may be taken without a meeting if an approval in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by Limited Partners owning not less than the minimum percentage of the Outstanding Units that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all the Limited Partners were present and voted (unless such provision conflicts with any rule,

 

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regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed or admitted to trading, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange shall govern). Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the Limited Partners who have not approved in writing. The General Partner may specify that any written ballot submitted to Limited Partners for the purpose of taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the Partnership within the time period, which shall be not less than 20 days, specified by the General Partner. If a ballot returned to the Partnership does not vote all of the Outstanding Units held by such Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be deemed to have failed to receive a ballot for the Outstanding Units that were not voted. If approval of the taking of any permitted action by the Limited Partners is solicited by any Person other than by or on behalf of the General Partner, the written approvals shall have no force and effect unless and until (a) approvals sufficient to take the action proposed are deposited with the Partnership in care of the General Partner, (b) approvals sufficient to take the action proposed are dated as of a date not more than 90 days prior to the date sufficient approvals are first deposited with the Partnership and (c) an Opinion of Counsel is delivered to the General Partner to the effect that the exercise of such right and the action proposed to be taken with respect to any particular matter (i) will not cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners’ limited liability and (ii) is otherwise permissible under the state statutes then governing the rights, duties and liabilities of the Partnership and the Partners.

Section 13.12 Right to Vote and Related Matters.

(a) Only those Record Holders of the Outstanding Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section 13.6 (and also subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “Outstanding”) shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Units have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Units.

(b) With respect to Units that are held for a Person’s account by another Person that is the Record Holder (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation, or an agent of any of the foregoing), such Record Holder shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such Units on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such Persons provides otherwise, vote such Units in favor of, and at the direction of, the Person who is the beneficial owner, and the Partnership shall be entitled to assume such Record Holder is so acting without further inquiry. The provisions of this Section  13.12(b) (as well as all other provisions of this Agreement) are subject to the provisions of Section 4.3 .

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Record Holder of an Incentive Distribution Right shall not be entitled to vote such Incentive Distribution Right on any Partnership matter.

 

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ARTICLE XIV

MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION

Section 14.1 Authority . The Partnership may merge or consolidate with or into one or more corporations, limited liability companies, statutory trusts or associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated businesses, including a partnership (whether general or limited (including a limited liability limited partnership)) or convert into any such entity, whether such entity is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of the United States of America or any other country, pursuant to a written plan of merger or consolidation (“ Merger Agreement ”) or a written plan of conversion (“ Plan of Conversion ”), as the case may be, in accordance with this Article XIV .

Section 14.2 Procedure for Merger, Consolidation or Conversion.

(a) Merger, consolidation or conversion of the Partnership pursuant to this Article XIV requires the prior consent of the General Partner; provided, however , that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger, consolidation or conversion of the Partnership and may decline to do so free of any duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or any Limited Partner and, in declining to consent to a merger, consolidation or conversion, shall not be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by this Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity, and the General Partner in determining whether to consent to any merger, consolidation or conversion of the Partnership shall be permitted to do so in its sole and absolute discretion.

(b) If the General Partner shall determine to consent to the merger or consolidation, the General Partner shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:

(i) the name and state or country of domicile of each of the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate;

(ii) the name and state of domicile of the business entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the “ Surviving Business Entity ”);

(iii) the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or consolidation;

(iv) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity interests of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity; and (A) if any general or limited partner interests, securities or rights of any constituent business entity are not to be exchanged or converted solely for, or into, cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity, the cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity) which the holders of such general or limited partner interests, securities or rights are to receive in exchange for, or upon conversion of their interests, securities or rights and (B) in the case of equity interests represented by certificates, upon the surrender of such certificates, which cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving

 

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Business Entity or any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity), or evidences thereof, are to be delivered;

(v) a statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or certificate of incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or agreement of limited partnership, operating agreement or other similar charter or governing document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by such merger or consolidation;

(vi) the effective time of the merger, which may be the date of the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4 or a later date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement ( provided, however, that if the effective time of the merger is to be later than the date of the filing of such certificate of merger, the effective time shall be fixed at a date or time certain at or prior to the time of the filing of such certificate of merger and stated therein); and

(vii) such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or consolidation that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

(c) If the General Partner shall determine to consent to the conversion, the General Partner shall approve the Plan of Conversion, which shall set forth:

(i) the name of the converting entity and the converted entity;

(ii) a statement that the Partnership is continuing its existence in the organizational form of the converted entity;

(iii) a statement as to the type of entity that the converted entity is to be and the state or country under the laws of which the converted entity is to be incorporated, formed or organized;

(iv) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity interests of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or obligations of the converted entity;

(v) in an attachment or exhibit, the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership;

(vi) in an attachment or exhibit, the certificate of limited partnership, articles of incorporation or other organizational documents of the converted entity;

(vii) the effective time of the conversion, which may be the date of the filing of the certificate of conversion or a later date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Plan of Conversion (provided, that if the effective time of the conversion is to be later than the date of the filing of such certificate of conversion, the effective time shall be fixed at a date or time certain at or prior to the time of the filing of such certificate of conversion and stated therein); and

 

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(viii) such other provisions with respect to the proposed conversion that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

Section 14.3 Approval by Limited Partner s.

(a) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d) and Section 14.3(e) , the General Partner, upon its approval of the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, shall direct that the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as applicable, be submitted to a vote of Limited Partners, whether at a special meeting or by written consent, in either case in accordance with the requirements of Article XIII . A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, shall be included in or enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the written consent and, subject to any applicable requirements of Regulation 14A pursuant to the Exchange Act or successor provision, no other disclosure regarding the proposed merger, consolidation or conversion shall be required.

(b) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d) and Section 14.3(e) , the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, shall be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a Unit Majority unless the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, effects an amendment to any provision of this Agreement that, if contained in an amendment to this Agreement adopted pursuant to Article XIII , would require for its approval the vote or consent of a greater percentage of the Outstanding Units or of any class of Limited Partners, in which case such greater percentage vote or consent shall be required for approval of the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be.

(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d) and Section 14.3(e) , after such approval by vote or consent of the Limited Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of the certificate of merger or certificate of conversion pursuant to Section 14.4 , the merger, consolidation or conversion may be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be.

(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to convert the Partnership or any Group Member into a new limited liability entity, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or convey all of the Partnership’s assets to, another limited liability entity that shall be newly formed and shall have no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of such conversion, merger or conveyance other than those it receives from the Partnership or other Group Member if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the conversion, merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of limited liability under the laws of the jurisdiction governing the other limited liability entity (if that jurisdiction is not Delaware) of any Limited Partner as compared to its limited liability under the Delaware Act or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed), (ii) the sole purpose of such conversion, merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the Partnership into another limited liability entity and (iii) the General Partner determines that the governing instruments of the new entity provide the Limited Partners and the General Partner with substantially the same rights and obligations as are herein contained.

 

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(e) Additionally, notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to merge or consolidate the Partnership with or into another limited liability entity if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the merger or consolidation, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited Partner under the laws of the jurisdiction governing the other limited liability entity (if that jurisdiction is not Delaware) as compared to its limited liability under the Delaware Act or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed), (ii) the merger or consolidation would not result in an amendment to this Agreement, other than any amendments that could be adopted pursuant to Section 13.1 , (iii) the Partnership is the Surviving Business Entity in such merger or consolidation, (iv) each Unit Outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation is to be an identical Unit of the Partnership after the effective date of the merger or consolidation and (v) the number of Partnership Interests to be issued by the Partnership in such merger or consolidation does not exceed 20% of the Partnership Interests (other than Incentive Distribution Rights) Outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of such merger or consolidation.

(f) Pursuant to Section 17-211(g) of the Delaware Act, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved in accordance with this Article XIV may (i) effect any amendment to this Agreement or (ii) effect the adoption of a new partnership agreement for the Partnership if it is the Surviving Business Entity. Any such amendment or adoption made pursuant to this Section 14.3 shall be effective at the effective time or date of the merger or consolidation.

Section 14.4 Certificate of Merger or Certificate of Conversion . Upon the required approval by the General Partner and the Unitholders of a Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, a certificate of merger or certificate of conversion or other filing, as applicable, shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or the appropriate filing office of any other jurisdiction, as applicable, in conformity with the requirements of the Delaware Act or other applicable law.

Section 14.5 Effect of Merger, Consolidation or Conversion.

(a) At the effective time of the merger or consolidation:

(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business entities and all other things and causes of action belonging to each of those business entities, shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business Entity to the extent they were of each constituent business entity;

(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation;

 

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(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security interests in property of any of those constituent business entities shall be preserved unimpaired; and

(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

(b) At the effective time of the conversion:

(i) the Partnership shall continue to exist, without interruption, but in the organizational form of the converted entity rather than in its prior organizational form;

(ii) all rights, title, and interests to all real estate and other property owned by the Partnership shall continue to be owned by the converted entity in its new organizational form without reversion or impairment, without further act or deed, and without any transfer or assignment having occurred, but subject to any existing liens or other encumbrances thereon;

(iii) all liabilities and obligations of the Partnership shall continue to be liabilities and obligations of the converted entity in its new organizational form without impairment or diminution by reason of the conversion;

(iv) all rights of creditors or other parties with respect to or against the prior interest holders or other owners of the Partnership in their capacities as such in existence as of the effective time of the conversion will continue in existence as to those liabilities and obligations and may be pursued by such creditors and obligees as if the conversion did not occur;

(v) a proceeding pending by or against the Partnership or by or against any of Partners in their capacities as such may be continued by or against the converted entity in its new organizational form and by or against the prior Partners without any need for substitution of parties; and

(vi) the Partnership Interests that are to be converted into partnership interests, shares, evidences of ownership or other securities in the converted entity as provided in the Plan of Conversion shall be so converted, and Partners shall be entitled only to the rights provided in the Plan of Conversion.

ARTICLE XV

RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

Section 15.1 Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at any time the General Partner and its Affiliates hold more than 80% of the total Limited Partner Interests of any class then Outstanding, the General Partner shall then have the right, which right it may assign and transfer in whole or in part to the Partnership or any Affiliate of the General Partner, exercisable at its option, to purchase all, but not less than all, of such Limited Partner Interests of such class then Outstanding held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, at

 

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the greater of (x) the Current Market Price as of the date three Business Days prior to the date that the notice described in Section 15.1(b) is mailed and (y) the highest price paid by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates for any such Limited Partner Interest of such class purchased during the 90-day period preceding the date that the notice described in Section 15.1(b) is mailed.

(b) If the General Partner, any Affiliate of the General Partner or the Partnership elects to exercise the right to purchase Limited Partner Interests granted pursuant to Section 15.1(a) , the General Partner shall deliver to the applicable Transfer Agent or exchange agent notice of such election to purchase (the “ Notice of Election to Purchase ”) and shall cause the Transfer Agent or exchange agent to mail a copy of such Notice of Election to Purchase to the Record Holders of Limited Partner Interests of such class (as of a Record Date selected by the General Partner), together with such information as may be required by law, rule or regulation, at least 10, but not more than 60, days prior to the Purchase Date. Such Notice of Election to Purchase shall also be filed and distributed as may be required by the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading. The Notice of Election to Purchase shall specify the Purchase Date and the price (determined in accordance with Section 15.1(a) ) at which Limited Partner Interests will be purchased and state that the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, elects to purchase such Limited Partner Interests, upon surrender of Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests, in the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, or instructions agreeing to such redemption in exchange for payment, at such office or offices of the Transfer Agent or exchange agent as the Transfer Agent or exchange agent may specify, or as may be required by any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading. Any such Notice of Election to Purchase mailed to a Record Holder of Limited Partner Interests at such Record Holder’s address as reflected in the Partnership Register shall be conclusively presumed to have been given regardless of whether the owner receives such notice. On or prior to the Purchase Date, the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall deposit with the Transfer Agent or exchange agent cash in an amount sufficient to pay the aggregate purchase price of all of such Limited Partner Interests to be purchased in accordance with this Section 15.1 . If the Notice of Election to Purchase shall have been duly given as aforesaid at least 10 days prior to the Purchase Date, and if on or prior to the Purchase Date the deposit described in the preceding sentence has been made for the benefit of the holders of Limited Partner Interests subject to purchase as provided herein, then from and after the Purchase Date, notwithstanding that any Certificate or redemption instructions shall not have been surrendered for purchase or provided, respectively, all rights of the holders of such Limited Partner Interests (including any rights pursuant to Article IV , Article V , Article VI and Article XII ) shall thereupon cease, except the right to receive the purchase price (determined in accordance with Section 15.1(a) ) for Limited Partner Interests therefor, without interest, upon surrender to the Transfer Agent or exchange agent of the Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests, in the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, or instructions agreeing to such redemption, and such Limited Partner Interests shall thereupon be deemed to be transferred to the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, on the Partnership Register, and the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner, or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the Record Holder of all such Limited Partner Interests from and after the Purchase Date and shall have all rights as the Record Holder of such Limited Partner Interests (including all rights as owner of such Limited Partner Interests pursuant to Article IV , Article V , Article VI and Article XII ).

 

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(c) In the case of Limited Partner Interests evidenced by Certificates, at any time from and after the Purchase Date, a holder of an Outstanding Limited Partner Interest subject to purchase as provided in this Section 15.1 may surrender such holder’s Certificate evidencing such Limited Partner Interest to the Transfer Agent or exchange agent in exchange for payment of the amount described in Section 15.1(a) therefor, without interest thereon, in accordance with procedures set forth by the General Partner.

ARTICLE XVI

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 16.1 Addresses and Notices; Written Communications .

(a) Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class United States mail or by other means of written communication to the Partner at the address described below. Except as otherwise provided herein, any notice, payment or report to be given or made to a Partner hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give such notice or report or to make such payment shall be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such notice, payment or report to the Record Holder of such Partnership Interests at such Record Holder’s address as shown in the Partnership Register, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such Partnership Interests by reason of any assignment or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) a Partner shall consent to receiving notices, demands, requests, reports or proxy materials via electronic mail or by the Internet or (ii) the rules of the Commission shall permit any report or proxy materials to be delivered electronically or made available via the Internet, any such notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials shall be deemed given or made when delivered or made available via such mode of delivery. An affidavit or certificate of making of any notice, payment or report in accordance with the provisions of this Section 16.1 executed by the General Partner, the Transfer Agent or the mailing organization shall be prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report. If any notice, payment or report addressed to a Record Holder at the address of such Record Holder appearing in the Partnership Register is returned by the United States Postal Service marked to indicate that the United States Postal Service is unable to deliver it, such notice, payment or report and any subsequent notices, payments and reports shall be deemed to have been duly given or made without further mailing (until such time as such Record Holder or another Person notifies the Transfer Agent or the Partnership of a change in such Record Holder’s address) if they are available for the Partner at the principal office of the Partnership for a period of one year from the date of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the other Partners. Any notice to the Partnership shall be deemed given if received by the General Partner at the principal office of the Partnership designated pursuant to Section 2.3 . The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in relying on any notice or other document from a Partner or other Person if believed by it to be genuine.

 

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(b) The terms “in writing,” “written communications,” “written notice” and words of similar import shall be deemed satisfied under this Agreement by use of email and other forms of electronic communication.

Section 16.2 Further Action . The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

Section 16.3 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

Section 16.4 Integration . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.

Section 16.5 Creditors . None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.

Section 16.6 Waiver . No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

Section 16.7 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Each Partner agrees that (a) any Indemnitee shall be entitled to assert rights and remedies hereunder as a third-party beneficiary hereto with respect to those provisions of this Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to such Indemnitee and (b) any Unrestricted Person shall be entitled to assert rights and remedies hereunder as a third-party beneficiary hereto with respect to those provisions of this Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to such Unrestricted Person.

Section 16.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto or, in the case of a Person acquiring a Limited Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 10.1(a) or Section 10.1(b) without execution hereof.

Section 16.9 Applicable Law; Forum; Venue and Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury.

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.

 

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(b) Each of the Partners and each Person or Group holding any beneficial interest in the Partnership (whether through a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing or otherwise):

(i) irrevocably agrees that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings (A) arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement (including any claims, suits or actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of this Agreement or the duties, obligations or liabilities among Partners or of Partners to the Partnership, or the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the Partners or the Partnership), (B) brought in a derivative manner on behalf of the Partnership, (C) asserting a claim of breach of a duty (including any fiduciary duty) owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Partnership or the General Partner, or owed by the General Partner, to the Partnership or the Partners, (D) asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Act or (E) asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, in each case regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims; provided, however , that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings over which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have subject matter jurisdiction shall be brought in any other court in the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction;

(ii) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court located in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction) in connection with any such claim, suit, action or proceeding;

(iii) agrees not to, and waives any right to, assert in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding that (A) it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware or of any other court to which proceedings in the courts of the State of Delaware may be appealed, (B) such claim, suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or (C) the venue of such claim, suit, action or proceeding is improper;

(iv) expressly waives any requirement for the posting of a bond by a party bringing such claim, suit, action or proceeding;

(v) consents to process being served in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding by mailing, certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy thereof to such party at the address in effect for notices hereunder, and agrees that such services shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof; provided, however , that nothing in this clause (v) shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and

(vi) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUCH CLAIM, SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING.

Section 16.10 Invalidity of Provisions . If any provision or part of a provision of this Agreement is or becomes for any reason, invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions and/or parts thereof contained herein shall not be affected thereby, and this Agreement shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reformed and construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision, or part of a provision, had never been contained herein, and such provision and/or part of a provision shall be reformed so that it would be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent possible.

 

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Section 16.11 Consent of Partners . Each Partner hereby expressly consents and agrees that, whenever in this Agreement it is specified that an action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by the results of such action.

Section 16.12 Facsimile and Email Signatures . The use of facsimile signatures and signatures delivered by email in portable document format (.pdf) or other electronic format affixed in the name and on behalf of the Transfer Agent on Certificates representing Common Units is expressly permitted by this Agreement.

Section 16.13 Interpretation . To the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event of any ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the Partners and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any Partner by virtue of the authorship or any of the provisions of this Agreement.

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

 

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

 

GENERAL PARTNER:
CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC
By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: James A. Brock
Title: Chief Executive Officer
ORGANIZATIONAL LIMITED PARTNER:
CONSOL ENERGY INC.
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

Name: David M. Khani
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Signature Page to First Amended and Restated Agreement of

Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP


EXHIBIT A

to the First Amended and Restated

Agreement of Limited Partnership of

CNX Coal Resources LP

Certificate Evidencing Common Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

CNX Coal Resources LP

 

No.                                           Common Units

In accordance with Section 4.1 of the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “ Partnership Agreement ”), CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), hereby certifies that                      (the “ Holder ”) is the registered owner of Common Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ Common Units ”) transferable in the records of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The rights, preferences and limitations of the Common Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Common Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH TRANSFER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR QUALIFICATION OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR (C) CAUSE CNX COAL RESOURCES LP TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED). THE GENERAL PARTNER OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO (A) AVOID A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF CNX COAL RESOURCES LP BECOMING TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED) OR (B) PRESERVE THE UNIFORMITY OF THE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS IN CNX COAL RESOURCES LP (OR ANY CLASS OR CLASSES THEREOF). THIS SECURITY MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ITS TRANSFER PROVIDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP

 

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AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS SECURITY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL PARTNER AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement and (iii) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent. This Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Dated:                     CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC,

its general partner

By:

 

By:

 

 

Countersigned and Registered by:
[____________________________]
as Transfer Agent
By:

 

Authorized Signature

 

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[Reverse of Certificate]

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Certificate, shall be construed as follows according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM  —  as tenants in common UNIF GIFT/TRANSFERS MIN ACT—

 

Custodian

 

TEN ENT  —  as tenants by the entireties (Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts/Transfers to CD Minors
JT TEN  —  as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common Act

 

(State)

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

 

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ASSIGNMENT OF COMMON UNITS OF

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, hereby assigns, conveys, sells and transfers unto

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Please print or typewrite name and address of assignee) (Please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

Common Units representing limited partner interests evidenced by this Certificate, subject to the Partnership Agreement, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                      as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution to transfer the same in the records of CNX Coal Resources LP.

 

Date:                     NOTE: The signature to any endorsement hereon must correspond with the name as written upon the face of this Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or change.

 

 

(Signature)

 

 

(Signature)

THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE

GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE

GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,

STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN

ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS

WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION

PROGRAM), PURSUANT

TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15

No transfer of the Common Units evidenced hereby will be registered in the records of the Partnership, unless the Certificate evidencing the Common Units to be transferred is surrendered for registration or transfer.

 

A-4

Exhibit 4.1

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of July 7, 2015 is entered into by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and certain holders of securities of the Partnership party to this Agreement (collectively, the “ Investor Parties ”).

WHEREAS, the Investor Parties own common units of the Partnership (the “ Common Units ”); and

WHEREAS, the Partnership and the Investor Parties are party to that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2015 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”) pursuant to which the Partnership has agreed to provide the Investor Parties with customary registration rights with respect to the Common Units acceptable to the Investor Parties and consistent with the disclosure regarding such registration rights in the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-203165), as amended as of the date of the Purchase Agreement, provided , that the rights, terms and conditions of the Investor Parties pursuant to such Registration Rights Agreement shall not be materially less favorable to the Investor Parties, as determined by the Investor Parties, in their reasonable discretion, than the relevant rights, terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.12 of the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (the “ Partnership Agreement ”).

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree, as follows:

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 DEFINITIONS . For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests are, at the time such determination is being made, owned, Controlled or held, directly or indirectly, by such Person or (ii) any other Person which, at the time such determination is being made, is Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with, such Person. As used herein, “ Control ”, whether used as a noun or verb, refers to the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or otherwise.

(b) “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

(c) “ FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.


(d) “ Holder ” means a Person that (i) is a party to this Agreement (or a permitted transferee thereof under Section 2.12 hereof) and (ii) owns Registrable Securities.

(e) “ Participating Holders ” means Holders participating, or electing to participate, in an offering of Registrable Securities.

(f) “ Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, company, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, limited liability company, joint venture, joint stock company, government (or an agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such entity.

(g) “ Registrable Securities ” means the Common Units held by Holders, whether held as of the date of this Agreement or hereafter acquired; provided, however , that such Common Units shall cease to be Registrable Securities (A) upon the sale thereof pursuant to an effective registration statement, (B) upon the sale thereof pursuant to Rule 144 (or successor rule under the Securities Act), (C) when such securities cease to be outstanding, (D) when all such securities become eligible for immediate sale under Rule 144 (or successor rule under the Securities Act), without any time or volume limitations under such Rule or (E) when such securities have been sold in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the transferee of such securities pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(h) “ Registration Expenses ” mean all expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) arising from or incident to the performance of, or compliance with, this Agreement, including, without limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchange, FINRA and other registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with any securities or blue sky laws (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities), (iii) all printing, messenger and delivery expenses, (iv) the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Partnership and of its independent public accountants and any other accounting and legal fees, charges and expenses incurred by the Partnership (including any expenses arising from any special audits or “comfort letters” required in connection with or incident to any registration), (v) the fees, charges and disbursements of any special experts retained by the Partnership in connection with any registration pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (vi) all internal expenses of the Partnership (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (vii) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange and (viii) Securities Act liability insurance (if the Partnership elects to obtain such insurance), regardless of whether any Registration Statement filed in connection with such registration is declared effective. “ Registration Expenses ” shall also include fees, charges and disbursements of one (1) firm of counsel to all of the Participating Holders participating in any underwritten public offering pursuant to Article II hereof (which shall be selected by the Participating Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering).

 

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(i) “ Registration Statement ” means any Registration Statement of the Partnership filed with the SEC on the appropriate form pursuant to the Securities Act which covers any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all materials incorporated by reference therein.

(j) “ SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

(k) “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

(l) “ Selling Expenses ” means the underwriting fees, discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to all Registrable Securities registered by the Participating Holders.

(m) “ WKSI ” means a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.1 DEMAND REGISTRATION.

(a) Request by Holders . Upon receipt of a written request from one or more Holders (the “ Requesting Holders ”) that the Partnership register Registrable Securities held by Requesting Holders (a “ Demand Request ”), then the Partnership shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of such Demand Request, give written notice of such request (a “ Request Notice ”) to all Holders. Each Demand Request shall (x) specify the number of Registrable Securities that the Requesting Holders intend to sell or dispose of, (y) state the intended method or methods of sale or disposition of the Registrable Securities and (z) specify the expected price range (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) acceptable to the Requesting Holders to be received for such Registrable Securities; provided that any Demand Request must relate to Registrable Securities having a fair market value equal to or greater than $5,000,000 based on the average closing price of the Common Units on the New York Stock Exchange (or such other exchange on which the Common Units may then be listed) for the five business days immediately prior to the Demand Request (the “ Minimum Amount ”). Following receipt of a Demand Request, the Partnership shall:

(i) cause to be filed, as soon as practicable, but within thirty (30) days of the date of delivery to the Partnership of the Demand Request, a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities which the Partnership has been so requested to register by the Requesting Holders and other Holders who request to the Partnership that their Registrable Securities be registered within ten (10) days of the mailing of the Request Notice, providing for the registration under the Securities Act of such Registrable Securities to the extent necessary to permit the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of distribution specified in such Demand Request;

 

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(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to have such Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable thereafter and no later than ninety (90) days after the filing of such Registration Statement; and refrain from filing any other Registration Statements, other than pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 (or similar or successor forms), with respect to any other securities of the Partnership until such date which is ninety (90) days following effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed in response to the Demand Request.

(b) Effective Registration Statement . A registration requested pursuant to this Section 2.1 shall not be deemed to have been effected unless (i) a Registration Statement with respect thereto has become effective and remained effective in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Holders thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or (ii) such Registration Statement has been effective for 180 days; provided that if, after it has become effective, such registration is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other governmental agency or court, such period shall be extended for any period during which the Registration Statement was not in effect.

(c) Limitation on Demand Registrations . The Partnership shall only be obligated to effect three (3) Demand Requests pursuant to this Section 2.1; provided that the Partnership shall only be obligated to effect one (1) Demand Request pursuant to this Section 2.1 in the first twelve-month period beginning on the date of this Agreement. The Partnership shall not be obligated to file a Registration Statement pursuant to a Demand Request in the 90 days immediately following the date of this Agreement.

(d) Cancellation of Registration . The Requesting Holders shall have the right to cancel a proposed registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2.1 at any time prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement filed or to be filed in response to such Demand Request. Such cancellation of a registration shall not be counted as one of three (3) Demand Requests and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for the expenses of the Participating Holders incurred in connection with the registration prior to the time of cancellation. Upon receipt of notice of any such cancellation, the Partnership shall revise, abandon or withdraw such Registration Statement, as applicable.

Section 2.2 PIGGYBACK REGISTRATIONS .

(a) Right to Include Registrable Securities . Each time that the Partnership proposes for any reason to register any of its equity interests under the Securities Act, either for its own account or otherwise, other than a rights offering or pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 (or similar or successor forms) (a “ Proposed Registration ”), the Partnership shall promptly give written notice of such Proposed Registration to all of the Holders (which

 

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notice shall be given not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the expected filing date of the Partnership’s Registration Statement) and shall offer such Holders the right to request inclusion of any of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the Proposed Registration. No registration pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall relieve the Partnership of its obligation to register Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Request, as contemplated by Section 2.1 hereof. The rights to piggyback registration may be exercised on an unlimited number of occasions.

(b) Piggyback Procedure . Each Holder shall have ten (10) days from the date of receipt of the Partnership’s notice referred to in Section 2.2(a) above to deliver to the Partnership a written request specifying the number of Registrable Securities such Holder intends to sell and such Holder’s intended method of disposition. Any Holder shall have the right to withdraw such Holder’s request for inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in any Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 2.2 by giving written notice to the Partnership of such withdrawal; provided, however , that the Partnership may ignore a notice of withdrawal made within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the Registration Statement is to become effective. Subject to Section 2.5(c) below, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to include in such Registration Statement all such Registrable Securities so requested to be included therein; provided, however , that the Partnership may at any time withdraw or cease proceeding with any such Proposed Registration if it shall at the same time withdraw or cease proceeding with the registration of all other Registrable Securities originally proposed to be registered (including if Requesting Holders cancel such Proposed Registration pursuant to Section 2.1(d) hereof).

(c) Underwritten Offering . In the event that the Proposed Registration by the Partnership is, in whole or in part, an underwritten public offering of securities of the Partnership, any request under this Section 2.2 shall specify that the Registrable Securities be included in the underwriting on the same terms and conditions as the securities, if any, otherwise being sold through underwriters under such registration.

Section 2.3 SHELF REGISTRATION .

(a) At any time that the Partnership is eligible to file a Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 415(a)(1)(i) under the Securities Act or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC on Form S-1, Form S-3 or any other available form (a “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), any one or more of the Holders shall have the right to request in writing (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be registered, the transaction to be registered and, to the extent applicable, the intended methods of disposition thereof) that the Partnership register any or all of such Holders’ Registrable Securities, in an amount not to be less than the Minimum Amount, by filing with the SEC a Shelf Registration Statement, including if the Partnership is at any time a WKSI, an automatic shelf registration statement, covering such Registrable Securities (a “ Shelf Request ”). Within ten (10) days of the Partnership’s receipt of a Shelf Request, the Partnership shall give written notice to each Holder informing such Holder of the Partnership’s intent to file such Shelf Registration Statement and of such Holder’s right to request the registration of the Registrable Securities held by such Holder. The Partnership shall, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.3(a), include in such registration all Registrable Securities of each Holder with respect to which the Partnership receives a written request for inclusion therein together with all duly completed and executed questionnaires and other

 

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documents reasonably requested by the Partnership and necessary to enable it to include such Holder as a selling unitholder) within five (5) business days after the notice contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence is given to the Holders. A Shelf Request shall count as a Demand Request (including, without limitation, with respect to the requirements of Section 2.1(a)(i) and (ii)).

(b) The Holders may at any time and from time to time request in writing (a “ Shelf Takedown Notice ”) (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by Holders and the intended method of distribution thereof) to sell pursuant to a prospectus supplement (a “ Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement ”) Registrable Securities of such Holders available for sale pursuant to an effective Shelf Registration Statement. The Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, not later than the second (2 nd ) business day after the receipt of the Shelf Takedown Notice cause to be filed the Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement, unless such sale involves an underwritten offering, which is the subject of Section 2.3(c) below. A request for a Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement may be withdrawn by the initiating Holder prior to the filing thereof pursuant to Section 2.1(d) hereof. A Shelf Takedown Notice shall not count as a Demand Request.

(c) If a sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2.3 involves an underwritten offering and the applicable securities are to be distributed on a firm commitment basis by or through one or more underwriters of recognized standing under underwriting terms appropriate for such transaction, then, within three (3) business days of the Partnership’s receipt of a Shelf Takedown Notice pursuant to Section 2.3(b), the Partnership shall give written notice to each Holder who has elected to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement informing such Holder of the Partnership’s intent to file such Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement and of such Holder’s right to request the addition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities to such Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement. The Partnership shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.5(b) and this Section 2.3(c), include in such Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement all Registrable Securities of each such Holder with respect to which the Partnership receives a written request for inclusion therein within three (3) business days after the notice contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence is given to the Holders.

Section 2.4 SELECTION OF UNDERWRITERS . In the event that the Partnership is required to file a Registration Statement covering any Registrable Securities and the proposed public offering is to be an underwritten public offering, the managing underwriter shall be one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks selected by Participating Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering and reasonably acceptable to the Partnership, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided that the managing underwriter for any registration initiated by the Partnership for its own account shall be a reputable national recognized investment bank selected by the Partnership in its sole discretion.

Section 2.5 PRIORITY FOR REGISTRATION .

(a) General . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and subject to Section 2.5(b), Section 2.5(c) and Section 2.5(d) below, if the managing underwriter of an underwritten public offering determines in good faith and advises the Participating Holders

 

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and the Partnership in writing that the inclusion of all Registrable Securities proposed to be included by the Partnership and any other Holders in the underwritten public offering would materially and adversely interfere with the successful marketing of the Registrable Securities of Requesting Holders or Holders that provided a Shelf Takedown Notice at the desired offering price, then the Partnership will be obligated to include in such Registration Statement, as to each Holder, only a portion of the Registrable Securities such Holder has requested be registered equal to the ratio which such Holder’s requested Registrable Securities bears to the total number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Registration Statement by all Holders who have requested that their Registrable Securities be included in such Registration Statement.

(b) Demand or Shelf Takedown . It is acknowledged by the parties hereto that pursuant to Section 2.5(a) above, the securities to be included in a registration requested by the Requesting Holders pursuant to Section 2.1 or in a Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Section 2.3 shall be allocated: (i) first, to the Requesting Holders or Holders who have provided a Shelf Takedown Notice; (ii) second, to any other Holders (other than those in clause (i)); (iii) third, to investors that have registration rights pursuant to the Partnership Agreement; (iv) fourth, to the Partnership; and (iv) fifth, to any other holders of equity interests of the Partnership requesting registration of securities of the Partnership; provided that in the case of a demand by any Holder(s) with respect to which one or more other Holders has exercised its piggyback rights pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, any such Holder may convert its piggyback election to a Demand Request, such that such Holder will be included in subclause (i) above in the event of any cutback pursuant to this Section 2.5.

(c) Piggyback . It is acknowledged by the parties hereto that pursuant to Section 2.5(a) above, the securities to be included in a registration initiated by the Partnership, including with respect to a Shelf Takedown Prospectus Supplement, shall be allocated: (i) first, to the Partnership; (ii) second, to the Holders; (iii) third, to investors that have registration rights pursuant to the Partnership Agreement; and (iv) fourth, to any others requesting registration of securities of the Partnership.

(d) Other registrations. It is acknowledged by the parties hereto that pursuant to Section 2.5(a) above, the securities to be included in a registration initiated by holders of equity securities other than the Partnership or the Holders shall be allocated: (i) first, to such initiating holders; (ii) second, to the Holders; (iii) third, to investors that have registration rights pursuant to the Partnership Agreement; and (iv) fourth, to the Partnership.

Section 2.6 REGISTRATION PROCEDURES .

(a) Obligations of the Partnership . Whenever registration of Registrable Securities is required pursuant to this Agreement, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of distribution thereof as promptly as possible, and in connection with any such request, the Partnership shall, as expeditiously as possible:

(i) Preparation of Registration Statement; Effectiveness . Prepare and file with the SEC (in any event not later than thirty (30) days after receipt of a Demand Request or a Shelf Request, as applicable, to file a Registration Statement with respect to Registrable

 

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Securities), a Registration Statement on any form on which the Partnership then qualifies, which counsel for the Partnership shall deem appropriate and pursuant to which such offering may be made in accordance with the intended method of distribution thereof for a Demand Request and on Form S-1, Form S-3 or any other available form for a Shelf Request (except that the Registration Statement shall contain such information as may reasonably be requested for marketing or other purposes by the managing underwriter), and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause any registration required hereunder to become effective as soon as practicable after the initial filing thereof (and within ninety (90) days of such filing) and remain effective for a period of not less than one hundred and eighty (180) days (or such shorter period in which all Registrable Securities have been sold in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth in the Registration Statement); provided, however , that, in the case of any Shelf Registration Statement, such one hundred and eighty (180) day period shall be extended, if necessary, to keep the Registration Statement effective until all such Registrable Securities are sold, provided that Rule 415, or any successor rule under the Securities Act, permits an offering on a continuous or delayed basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may (A) with respect to a Demand Request, defer the filing of a Registration Statement for a period of not more than 75 days (but not more than once in any six-month period); provided that such deferral shall be the shortest possible period of time determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of CNX Coal Resources GP LLC (the “ General Partner ”), the general partner of the Partnership or (B) suspend the use of a prospectus under a Registration Statement on a Shelf Registration Statement for a period not to exceed 75 days in succession or 120 days in the aggregate in any twelve-month period, in each case if the Board of Directors of the General Partner determines in good faith that because of bona fide business reasons (not including the avoidance of the Partnership’s obligations hereunder), including the acquisition or divestiture of assets, pending corporate developments and similar events, it is in the best interests of the Partnership to delay the filing of such Registration Statement or to suspend the use of such prospectus, and prior to delaying such filing or suspending such use, the Partnership provides the Participating Holders with written notice of such delay or suspension, which notice need not specify the nature of the event giving rise to such delay or suspension;

(ii) Participation in Preparation . Provide any Participating Holder, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to a Registration Statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any Participating Holder or underwriter (each, an “ Inspector ” and, collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), the opportunity to participate (including, but not limited to, reviewing, commenting on and attending all meetings) in the preparation of such Registration Statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the SEC and each amendment or supplement thereto;

(iii) Due Diligence . For a reasonable period prior to the filing of any Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement, make available for inspection and copying by the Inspectors such financial and other information and books and records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Partnership and its subsidiaries and cause the officers, directors, employees, counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Partnership and its subsidiaries to respond to such inquiries and to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement, as shall be reasonably necessary, in the judgment of the respective counsel referred to in Section 2.6(a)(ii), to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act;

 

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(iv) General Notifications . Promptly notify in writing the Participating Holders, the sales or placement agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriter of the securities being sold, (A) when such Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or any prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) when the SEC notifies the Partnership whether there will be a “review” of such Registration Statement, (C) of any comments (oral or written) by the SEC and by the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state with respect thereto and (D) of any request by the SEC for any amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or the prospectus or for additional information;

(v) 10b-5 Notification . Promptly notify in writing the Participating Holders, the sales or placement agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriter of the securities being sold pursuant to any Registration Statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, any prospectus included in such Registration Statement (or amendment or supplement thereto) contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made, and the Partnership shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus and file it with the SEC (in any event no later than ten (10) days following notice of the occurrence of such event to each Participating Holder, the sales or placement agent and the managing underwriter) so that after delivery of such prospectus, as so amended or supplemented, to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus, as so amended or supplemented, shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made;

(vi) Notification of Stop Orders; Suspensions of Qualifications and Exemptions . Promptly notify in writing the Participating Holders, the sales or placement agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriter of the securities being sold of the issuance by the SEC of (A) any stop order issued or threatened to be issued by the SEC or (B) any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and the Partnership agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to (x) prevent the issuance of any such stop order, and in the event of such issuance, to obtain the withdrawal of any such stop order and (y) obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction at the earliest practicable date;

(vii) Amendments and Supplements; Acceleration . Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments, including post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for the applicable time period required hereunder and, if applicable, file any Registration Statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act; cause the related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed

 

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pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) promulgated under the Securities Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement as so amended or in such prospectus as so supplemented. If a majority in interest of the Participating Holders so request, request acceleration of effectiveness of the Registration Statement from the SEC and any post-effective amendments thereto, if any are filed; provided that at the time of such request, the Partnership does not in good faith believe that it is necessary to amend further the Registration Statement in order to comply with the provisions of this subparagraph. If the Partnership wishes to further amend the Registration Statement prior to requesting acceleration, it shall have five (5) days to so amend prior to requesting acceleration;

(viii) Copies . Furnish as promptly as practicable (and as far in advance as reasonably practicable prior to filing) to each Participating Holder and Inspector prior to filing a Registration Statement or any supplement or amendment thereto, copies of such Registration Statement, supplement or amendment as it is proposed to be filed, and after such filing such number of copies of such Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto), the prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents as each such Participating Holder or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Participating Holder;

(ix) Blue Sky . Use its reasonable best efforts to, prior to any public offering of the Registrable Securities, register or qualify (or seek an exemption from registration or qualifications) such Registrable Securities under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Participating Holder or underwriter may request, and to continue such qualification in effect in each such jurisdiction for as long as is permissible pursuant to the laws of such jurisdiction, or for as long as a Participating Holder or underwriter requests or until all of such Registrable Securities are sold, whichever is shortest, and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable any Participating Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities;

(x) Other Approvals . Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all other approvals, consents, exemptions or authorizations from such governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the Participating Holders and underwriters to consummate the disposition of Registrable Securities;

(xi) Agreements . Enter into customary agreements (including any underwriting agreements in customary form, including any lock-up provisions therein), and take such other actions as may be reasonably required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities;

(xii) “ Cold Comfort” Letter . Obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Partnership’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing underwriter may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority in interest of the Participating Holders;

 

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(xiii) Legal Opinion . Furnish, at the request of any underwriter of Registrable Securities on the date such securities are delivered to the underwriters for sale pursuant to such registration, an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Partnership for the purposes of such registration, addressed to the Holders, and the placement agent or sales agent, if any, thereof and the underwriters, if any, thereof, covering such legal matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as such underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority in interest of the Participating Holders;

(xiv) SEC Compliance; Earnings Statement . Use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make available to its shareholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than fifteen (15) months after the effective date of any Registration Statement, an earnings statement covering a period of twelve (12) months beginning after the effective date of such Registration Statement, in a manner which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

(xv) Certificates; Closing . Provide officers’ certificates and other customary closing documents;

(xvi) FINRA . Cooperate with each Participating Holder and each underwriter participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and underwriters’ counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA;

(xvii) Road Show . Cause appropriate officers as are requested by a managing underwriter to participate in a “road show” or similar marketing effort being conducted by such underwriter with respect to an underwritten public offering;

(xviii) Listing . Use its reasonable best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Partnership are then listed and if not so listed, to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ automated quotation system;

(xix) Transfer Agent, Registrar and CUSIP . Provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereto and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case, no later than the effective date of such registration;

(xx) Private Sales . Use its reasonable best efforts to assist a Holder in facilitating private sales of Registrable Securities by, among other things, providing officers’ certificates and other customary closing documents reasonably requested by a Holder; and

(xxi) Reasonable Best Efforts . Use its reasonable best efforts to take all other actions necessary to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities contemplated hereby.

(b) Seller Information . The Partnership may require each Participating Holder as to which any registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities is being effected to furnish to the Partnership such information regarding such Holder and such Holder’s method of distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Partnership may from time to time reasonably request in

 

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writing. If a Holder refuses to provide the Partnership with any of such information on the grounds that it is not necessary to include such information in the Registration Statement, the Partnership may exclude such Participating Holder’s Registrable Securities from the Registration Statement if the Partnership provides such Participating Holder with an opinion of counsel to the effect that such information must be included in the Registration Statement and such Participating Holder continues thereafter to withhold such information. The exclusion of a Participating Holder’s Registrable Securities shall not affect the registration of the other Registrable Securities to be included in the Registration Statement.

(c) Notice to Discontinue . Each Participating Holder whose Registrable Securities are covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement agrees that, upon receipt of written notice from the Partnership of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.6(a)(v), such Participating Holder shall forthwith discontinue the disposition of Registrable Securities until such Participating Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 2.6(a)(v) or until it is advised in writing by the Partnership that the use of the prospectus may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference into the prospectus, and, if so directed by the Partnership in the case of an event described in Section 2.6(a)(v), such Participating Holder shall deliver to the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Participating Holder’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registrable Securities which is current at the time of receipt of such notice. If the Partnership shall give any such notice, the Partnership shall extend the period during which such Registration Statement is to be maintained effective by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 2.6(a)(v) to and including the date when the Participating Holder shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by, and meeting the requirements of, Section 2.6(a)(v).

Section 2.7 REGISTRATION EXPENSES . Except as otherwise provided herein, all Registration Expenses shall be borne by the Partnership. All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered shall be borne by the Participating Holders of such Registrable Securities pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities so registered.

Section 2.8 INDEMNIFICATION.

(a) Indemnification by the Partnership . The Partnership agrees, notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, to indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder, each of their directors, officers, employees, advisors, agents and general or limited partners (and the directors, officers, employees, advisors and agents thereof), their respective Affiliates and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) any of such Persons, and each underwriter and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) any underwriter (collectively, “ Holder Indemnified Parties ”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable costs of investigation and fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel, any amounts paid in settlement effected with the Partnership’s consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and any costs incurred in enforcing the Partnership’s indemnification obligations hereunder) or other

 

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liabilities (collectively, “ Losses ”) to which any such Holder Indemnified Party may become subject under the Securities Act, Exchange Act, any other federal law, any state or common law or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder or otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) are resulting from or arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus (as amended or supplemented) or any document incorporated by reference in any of the foregoing or resulting from or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made), not misleading or (ii) any violation by the Partnership of the Securities Act, Exchange Act, any other federal law, any state or common law or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder or otherwise incident to any registration, qualification or compliance and in any such case, the Partnership will promptly reimburse each such Holder Indemnified Party for any legal expenses and any other Losses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability, action or investigation or proceeding (collectively, a “ Claim ”); provided , however , that the Partnership will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by such Holder Indemnified Party in writing specifically for use in any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, prospectus, free writing prospectus or prospectus supplement, as applicable. Such indemnity obligation shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Holder Indemnified Parties and shall survive the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder Indemnified Parties.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any proposed registration in which a Holder is participating pursuant to this Agreement, each such Holder shall furnish to the Partnership in writing such information with respect to such Holder as the Partnership may reasonably request or as may be required by law for use in connection with any Registration Statement or prospectus or preliminary prospectus to be used in connection with such registration and each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership, any underwriter retained by the Partnership and their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, advisors and agents, their respective Affiliates and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) any of such Persons to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Partnership to the Holder Indemnified Parties as set forth in Section 2.8(a) (subject to the exceptions set forth in the foregoing indemnity, the proviso to this sentence and applicable law), but only with respect to any such information furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however , that the liability of any Holder under this Section 2.8(b) shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in the offering giving rise to such liability. Such indemnity obligation shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Holder Indemnified Parties (except as provided above) and shall survive the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder (the “ Indemnified Party ”) agrees to give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) after the receipt by the Indemnified Party of any

 

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written notice of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing for which the Indemnified Party intends to claim indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however , that, the failure so to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that it may have to the Indemnified Party hereunder unless and to the extent such Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. If notice of commencement of any such action is given to the Indemnifying Party as above provided, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in and, to the extent it may wish, jointly with any other Indemnifying Party similarly notified, to assume the defense of such action at its own expense, with counsel chosen by it and reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be paid by the Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay the same, (ii) the Indemnifying Party fails to assume the defense of such action with counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Party in its reasonable judgment or (iii) the named parties to any such action (including, but not limited to, any impleaded parties) reasonably believe that the representation of such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party by the same counsel would be inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct. In the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party. No Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement entered into without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (A) includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (B) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party. The rights afforded to any Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to any rights that such Indemnified Party may have at common law, by separate agreement or otherwise.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.8 from the Indemnifying Party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any Losses referred to herein, then the Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying the Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative faults of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the Indemnifying Party’s and Indemnified Party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this Section 2.8(d) shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in the offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the Losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this

 

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Section 2.8, any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.8(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 2.8(d).

Section 2.9 RULE 144; OTHER EXEMPTIONS . With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and other rules and regulations of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Partnership to the public without registration, the Partnership covenants that it shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder and (ii) take such further action as each Holder may reasonably request (including, but not limited to, providing any information necessary to comply with Rule 144, if available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act), at all times from and after the date hereof, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (x) Rule 144 (if available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities) under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time or (y) any other rules or regulations now existing or hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the written request of a Holder, the Partnership shall deliver to the Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

Section 2.10 CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON REGISTRATION RIGHTS . No Holder may participate in an underwritten public offering under a Registration Statement hereunder unless such Holder completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements, and agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting agreement approved by the Holder or Holders entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements; provided, however , that no such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to the Partnership or the underwriters in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (i) such Holder’s ownership of its Registrable Securities to be sold or transferred, (ii) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer and (iii) such matters pertaining to compliance with applicable securities laws as may be reasonably requested; provided, further , that in no event shall any Holder be required to sign any agreement requested by an underwriter obligating such Holder not to effect any public sale or distribution of Common Units (i) for a period longer than ninety (90) days from the closing of an underwritten public offering or (ii) for more than one period of ninety (90) or fewer days from the closing of an underwritten public offering in any twelve-month period. Such Holders of Registrable Securities to be sold by such underwriters may, at their option, require that any or all of the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of the Partnership to and for the benefit of such underwriters, shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders and that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of the underwriters under the underwriting agreement be conditions precedent to the obligations of the Holders.

 

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Section 2.11 LIMITATIONS ON SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATION RIGHTS . The Partnership represents and warrants that it has not granted registration rights on or prior to the date hereof (other than pursuant to this Agreement and Section 7.12 of the Partnership Agreement) and agrees that from and after the date hereof, it shall not, without the prior written consent of the Holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, enter into any agreement (or amendment or waiver of the provisions of any agreement) with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Partnership that would grant such holder registration rights that are more favorable, pari passu or senior to those granted to the Investor Parties hereunder, as reasonably determined by the Holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding or an independent third party; provided that the Holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding have agreed to such independent third party. The Partnership agrees that any holder or prospective holder granted registration rights in any such agreement shall be required to be subject to reasonable lock-up provisions if requested by the Partnership or underwriters.

Section 2.12 TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS . The rights of a Holder hereunder may be transferred or assigned in connection with a transfer of Registrable Securities to (i) any Affiliate of a Holder, (ii) any subsidiary, parent, partner, retired partner, limited partner, shareholder or member of a Holder, (iii) any family member or trust for the benefit of any Holder or (iv) any transferee who, after such transfer, holds Registrable Securities having an aggregate value not less than the Minimum Amount (as adjusted for any stock or unit dividends, stock or unit splits, combinations and reorganizations and similar events). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such rights may only be transferred or assigned provided that all of the following additional conditions are satisfied: (a) such transfer or assignment is effected in accordance with applicable securities laws; (b) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to become subject to the terms of this Agreement; and (c) the Partnership is given written notice by such Holder of such transfer or assignment, stating the name and address of the transferee or assignee and identifying the Registrable Securities with respect to which such rights are being transferred or assigned.

ARTICLE III

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 3.1 ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement and any certificates, documents, instruments and writings that are delivered pursuant hereto, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

Section 3.2 ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT . Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.12, no party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other parties. All of the terms, agreements, covenants, representations, warranties and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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Section 3.3 NOTICES . All notices, requests and other communications provided for or permitted to be given under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be given by personal delivery, by certified or registered United States mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for next day delivery, or by facsimile transmission, to the address listed for each party in the Purchase Agreement (or to such other address as any party may give in a notice given in accordance with the provisions hereof). All notices, requests or other communications will be effective and deemed given only as follows: (i) if given by personal delivery, upon such personal delivery, (ii) if sent by certified or registered mail, on the fifth business day after being deposited in the United States mail, (iii) if sent for next day delivery by overnight delivery service, on the date of delivery as confirmed by written confirmation of delivery, (iv) if sent by facsimile, upon the transmitter’s confirmation of receipt of such facsimile transmission, except that if such confirmation is received after 5:00 p.m. (in the recipient’s time zone) on a business day, or is received on a day that is not a business day, then such notice, request or communication will not be deemed effective or given until the next succeeding business day. Notices, requests and other communications sent in any other manner, including by electronic mail, will not be effective.

Section 3.4 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE; REMEDIES . Each party acknowledges and agrees that the other parties would be damaged irreparably if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, the parties will be entitled to an injunction, injunctions or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically this Agreement and its provisions in any action or proceeding instituted in any state or federal court sitting in New York City, New York having jurisdiction over the parties and the matter, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, obligations and remedies created by this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to any other rights, obligations or remedies otherwise available at law or in equity. Except as expressly provided herein, nothing herein will be considered an election of remedies.

Section 3.5 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

(a) Submission to Jurisdiction . Any action, suit or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall only be brought in any state or federal court sitting in New York City, New York, and each party consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such action, suit or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such, action, suit or proceeding in any such court or that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such action, suit or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, service of process on such party as provided in Section 3.5 shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.

 

17


(b) Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY DISPUTE THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE SUCH PARTY HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL OF ANY DISPUTE BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO OR ANY DEALINGS AMONG THEM RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO ENCOMPASS ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND WITH THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND REPRESENTATIONS IN THIS SECTION 3.5(b).

Section 3.6 GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law principles.

Section 3.7 HEADINGS . The article and section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 3.8 AMENDMENTS . This Agreement may not be amended or modified without the written consent of the Partnership and the Holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding; provided, however , that any amendment or modification that adversely affects the rights of one or more Holders of Registrable Securities under this Agreement, in their capacity as such, in a manner that is materially different from the manner in which such amendment or modification affects the rights of other Holders of Registrable Securities under this Agreement, in their capacity as such, shall require the consent of each such adversely affected Holder.

Section 3.9 EXTENSIONS; WAIVERS . Any party may, for itself only, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations of any other party under this Agreement, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of any other party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained herein. Any such extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in a writing signed by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver by any party of any default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, may be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising because of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. Neither the

 

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failure nor any delay on the part of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right or remedy.

Section 3.10 SEVERABILITY . The provisions of this Agreement will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to any party or to any circumstance, is judicially determined not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the parties agree that the court judicially making such determination may modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its modified form, such provision will then be enforceable and will be enforced.

Section 3.11 COUNTERPARTS; EFFECTIVENESS . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties. For purposes of determining whether a party has signed this Agreement or any document contemplated hereby or any amendment or waiver hereof, only a handwritten original signature on a paper document or a “pdf” or facsimile copy of such a handwritten original signature shall constitute a signature, notwithstanding any law relating to or enabling the creation, execution or delivery of any contract or signature by electronic means.

Section 3.12 CONSTRUCTION . This Agreement has been freely and fairly negotiated among the parties. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. Any reference to any law will be deemed to refer to such law as in effect on the date hereof and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party has breached any covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which the party has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that the party is in breach of the first covenant. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

Section 3.13 ATTORNEYS’ FEES . If any dispute among any parties arises in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in the resolution of such dispute in any action or proceeding will be entitled to an order awarding full recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, costs and expenses (including experts’ fees and expenses and the costs of enforcing this Section 3.13) incurred in connection therewith, including court costs, from the non-prevailing party.

 

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Section 3.14 ADJUSTMENTS FOR STOCK OR UNIT SPLITS, ETC. Wherever in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of units of the Partnership’s capital stock of any class or series, then, upon the occurrence of any subdivision, combination or stock or unit dividend of such class or series of stock or unit, the specific number of units so referenced in this Agreement will automatically be proportionally adjusted to reflect the effect of such subdivision, combination or stock or unit dividend on the outstanding units of such class or series of stock or units.

Section 3.15 PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that Section 7.12 of the Partnership Agreement is amended such that any of the rights, terms and conditions of the Investor Parties set forth in this Agreement are materially less favorable to the Investor Parties, as determined by the Investor Parties in their reasonable discretion, than the relevant rights, terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.12 of Partnership Agreement, as such section is amended, then the relevant provisions of Section 7.12 of the Partnership Agreement, as such section is amended, shall be applicable in lieu of the provisions that the Investor Parties have determined in their reasonable discretion are materially less favorable to the Investor Parties.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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

 

THE PARTNERSHIP:
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By: CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
By:

/s/ Lorraine L. Ritter

Name: Lorraine L. Ritter
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


THE INVESTOR PARTIES:
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL, L.P.
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its investment manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL QUALIFIED, L.P.
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its investment manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler_

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL (GOLD), LP
By: DME Capital Management, LP, its investment manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO

 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


GREENLIGHT COAL (GCOP), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT COAL (GGOM), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT COAL (GLRE), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO

 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 4.2

WAIVER OF 20% VOTING LIMITATION AGREEMENT

This WAIVER OF 20% VOTING LIMITATION AGREEMENT, dated as of July 7, 2015 (this “ Waiver Agreement ”), is made by and among CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, the General Partner of CNX Coal Resources LP (the “ Partnership ”) and a Delaware limited liability company (the “ General Partner ”), and each of Greenlight Capital, L.P., Greenlight Capital Qualified, L.P., Greenlight Capital (Gold), LP, Greenlight Coal (GCOP), LLC, Greenlight Coal (GGOM), LLC and Greenlight Coal (GLRE), LLC (each, a “ Purchaser ” and, collectively, the “ Purchasers ”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2015 and amended as of June 30, 2015 (as amended, the “ Purchase Agreement ”), by and among the Partnership and the Purchasers or the LP Agreement (as defined below), as applicable.

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, pursuant to the definition of “Outstanding” in that certain First Amended and Restated Agreement of the Limited Partnership of the Partnership attached hereto as Exhibit A (as may be amended from time to time, the “ LP Agreement ”), if at any time any person or group beneficially owns 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of any class, all Partnership Interests owned by or for the benefit of such person or group shall not be entitled to be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the Limited Partners (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the LP Agreement (such provision, or any successor or similar provision in the LP Agreement or any other document, the “ 20% Voting Limitation ”) subject to certain limitations; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.1(b) of the Purchase Agreement, the Partnership and the Purchasers agreed that the delivery of this Waiver Agreement which, in part, waives the 20% Voting Limitation with respect to the Purchasers (including the approvals and actions of the board of the directors of the General Partner (the “ Board ”) set forth herein and therein) shall be a condition to the Closing and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1. Waiver . The General Partner hereby irrevocably agrees that, for so long as the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own not less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units, each Common Unit and any other Partnership Interest owned by or for the benefit of any Purchaser (regardless of whether such Common Unit or other Partnership Interest was acquired before, on or after the date hereof) shall be entitled to be voted on any matter on which holders of Common Units or such other Partnership Interests, as applicable, vote (without giving effect to the 20% Voting Limitation) and shall be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the Limited Partners, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the LP Agreement (including, without limitation, the exercise of


any rights of Limited Partners under the LP Agreement) notwithstanding the 20% Voting Limitation. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units, each Common Unit and any other Partnership Interest owned by or for the benefit of any Purchaser (regardless of whether such Common Unit or other Partnership Interest was acquired before, on or after the date hereof) shall be entitled to be voted on any matter on which holders of Common Units or such other Partnership Interests, as applicable, vote (without giving effect to the 20% Voting Limitation) and shall be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the Limited Partners, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the LP Agreement (including, without limitation, the exercise of any rights of Limited Partners under the LP Agreement). This Waiver Agreement shall satisfy the notice requirement of the General Partner to the Purchasers set forth in the definition of “Outstanding” in the LP Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any calculation of a percentage of total Outstanding Common Units herein shall include as Outstanding Common Units any Common Units considered Outstanding in accordance with the LP Agreement (including, without limitation, as a result of any waiver or approval of the Board).

2. Representations and Warranties of the General Partner . The General Partner hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date hereof:

2.1. Existence and Power . The General Partner is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all limited liability company powers required to carry on its business as now being, and as proposed to be, conducted. The General Partner is authorized or duly qualified to do business as a foreign partnership and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of the property owned or leased by it or the nature of its activities make such qualification necessary;

2.2. Authorization . The execution, delivery and performance by the General Partner of its obligations under this Waiver Agreement, and the consummation by the General Partner of the transactions contemplated hereby, are within the General Partner’s limited liability company power and have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the part of the General Partner. This Waiver Agreement has been duly and validly executed by the General Partner and constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the General Partner, enforceable against the General Partner in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, amalgamation, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding of law or in equity);

2.3. Governmental and Court Authorization . The execution, delivery and performance by the General Partner of this Waiver Agreement do not require consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental body, agency, official, court or other authority (collectively, the “ Consents ”), that has not been obtained or made;

2.4. Non-Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by the General Partner of its obligations under this Waiver Agreement do not and will not (A) contravene or

 

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conflict with the General Partner’s or the Partnership’s organizational documents (including, without limitation, the LP Agreement) or (B) (i) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law, regulation, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon or applicable to the General Partner or the Partnership, (ii) require any consent, approval or other action by any person or constitute a default under or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any right or obligation of the General Partner or the Partnership to a loss of any benefit to which the General Partner or the Partnership is entitled under any provision of any agreement, contract, indenture, lease or other instrument binding upon the General Partner or the Partnership or any license, franchise, permit or other similar authorization held by the General Partner or the Partnership or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any encumbrances;

2.5. LP Agreement . The LP Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A is true and correct in all respects;

2.6. Board Consent . The Board has approved (and such approval has not been revoked) the resolutions set forth as Exhibit B  herein (which include, without limitation, the authorization of the execution, delivery, and performance of the Waiver Agreement by the General Partner); and

2.7. Ownership . The Purchased Common Units sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, in the aggregate, represent approximately 43.1% of the total Outstanding Common Units as of the date hereof.

3. Termination . This Waiver Agreement shall automatically and forever terminate at such time that the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units unless the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units as a result of any action by the General Partner and/or the Partnership with the purpose of terminating this Waiver Agreement (including, without limitation, effecting any dividend or distribution paid or made by the Partnership on the outstanding Common Units in Common Units or any repurchase, split, subdivision, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding Common Units resulting in the termination of this Waiver Agreement); provided, however, that this Section 3 and Section 4 shall survive any termination of this Waiver Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the General Partner and the Purchasers agree that the Partnership’s issuance of Common Units or other Partnership Interests with a legitimate business purpose and for good and valuable consideration (including in connection with acquisitions and financings) shall not be deemed to be actions by the General Partner and/or the Partnership with the purpose of terminating this Waiver Agreement. No termination shall relieve any party hereto from liability for any material breach of this Waiver Agreement or bad faith conduct that occurred prior to, or in connection with, such termination. The General Partner and the Purchasers further agree and acknowledge that prior to the termination of this Waiver Agreement pursuant to this Section 3, the 20% Voting Limitation is not applicable to each Common Unit and any other Partnership Interest owned by or for the benefit of any Purchaser (regardless of whether such Common Unit or other Partnership Interest was acquired before, on or after the date hereof) and such interests shall be “Outstanding” for all purposes set forth in the LP Agreement.

 

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4. Miscellaneous . The provisions of Sections 8.1-8.7 and 8.10 of the Purchase Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Waiver Agreement. The parties acknowledge that remedies at law may be inadequate to protect it against actual or threatened breach of this Waiver Agreement. Without prejudice to any other rights and remedies otherwise available, the parties agree to the granting of injunctive relief without proof of actual damages or the posting of a bond or other security. The General Partner further agrees that it will not, and will cause the Partnership not to, after the termination of this Waiver Agreement pursuant to Section 3, take any action with the purpose of causing the Purchasers, in the aggregate, to beneficially own not less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units thereafter (including, without limitation, effecting any dividend or distribution paid or made by the Partnership on the outstanding Common Units in Common Units or any repurchase, split, subdivision, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding Common Units resulting in the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially owning not less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units thereafter).

* * * * *

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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IN WITNESS HEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Waiver Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized signatories on the date first written above.

 

THE GENERAL PARTNER:
CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC
By:

/s/ Lorraine L. Ritter

Name: Lorraine L. Ritter
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer


THE PURCHASERS :
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL, L.P.
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its investment manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL QUALIFIED, L.P.
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its investment manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT CAPITAL (GOLD), LP

By: DME Capital Management, LP, its investment manager

By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO


GREENLIGHT COAL (GCOP), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT COAL (GGOM), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO
GREENLIGHT COAL (GLRE), LLC
By: Greenlight Capital, Inc., its manager
By:

/s/ Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler

Name: Daniel Roitman/Harry Brandler
Title: COO/CFO


EXHIBIT A

LP AGREEMENT

(see attached)


EXHIBIT B

RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS , pursuant to the definition of “Outstanding” in that certain First Amended and Restated Agreement of the Limited Partnership of the Partnership (as may be amended from time to time, the “ LP Agreement ”), if at any time any person or group beneficially owns 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership Interests (as defined in the LP Agreement) of any class, all Partnership Interests (as defined in the LP Agreement) owned by or for the benefit of such person or group shall not be entitled to be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding (as defined in the LP Agreement) when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners (as defined in the LP Agreement) to vote on any matter that is to be voted on by the Limited Partners (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the LP Agreement (such provision, or any successor or similar provision in the LP Agreement or any other document, the “ 20% Voting Limitation ”) unless such person or group receives prior approval (regarding the inapplicability of the 20% Voting Limitation to such person or group) of the board of directors (the “ Board ”) of CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, the General Partner of the Partnership (the “ General Partner ”);

WHEREAS , pursuant to Section 7.1(b) of that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2015 and amended as of June 30, 2015 (as amended, the “ Purchase Agreement ”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP (the “ Partnership ”) and each of Greenlight Capital, L.P., Greenlight Capital Qualified, L.P., Greenlight Capital (Gold), LP, Greenlight Coal (GCOP), LLC, Greenlight Coal (GGOM), LLC and Greenlight Coal (GLRE), LLC (collectively, the “ Purchasers ”), the Partnership and the Purchasers agreed, in part, that as a condition to the Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, (i) the Board shall provide prior approval that the 20% Voting Limitation is not applicable to each Common Unit and any other Partnership Interest owned by or for the benefit of any Purchaser (regardless of whether such Common Unit or other Partnership Interest was acquired before, on or after the date hereof) in accordance with clause (iii) of the definition of “Outstanding” in the LP Agreement (the “ 20% Voting Limitation Approval ”); provided , that, such approval shall automatically and forever terminate at such time that the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units (unless the Purchasers, in the aggregate, beneficially own less than 20% of the total Outstanding Common Units as a result of any action by the General Partner and/or the Partnership with the purpose of terminating the 20% Voting Limitation Approval (including, without limitation, effecting any dividend or distribution paid or made by the Partnership on the outstanding Common Units in Common Units or a repurchase, split, subdivision, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding Common Units resulting in the termination of the 20% Voting Limitation Approval)) and (ii) the General Partner shall execute and deliver to the Purchasers, the Waiver Agreement attached hereto (the “ Waiver Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS , after due and careful consideration, the Board wishes to declare the advisability of entering into and approving in all respects the 20% Voting Limitation Approval, the Waiver Agreement and the consummation of any transactions contemplated by the Waiver Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED , that the Waiver Agreement (including the consummation of any transactions contemplated by such Waiver Agreement) and the 20% Voting Limitation Approval are advisable and in the best interests of the General Partner and the Partnership and are authorized, approved and adopted in all respects. 1

 

1   NTD: General authorization to officers to be added.

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

by and among

CONSOL ENERGY INC.,

CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC,

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

and

CNX OPERATING LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     4   

1.1

  Defined Terms      4   

1.2

  References and Rules of Construction      4   

ARTICLE II CONTRIBUTIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

     4   

2.1

  Execution of the Partnership Agreement      4   

2.2

  Contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest to the General Partner      4   

2.3

  Contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest to the Partnership      5   

2.4

  Contribution of the 98% OpCo Interest to the Partnership      5   

2.5

  Execution of Joinder to the OpCo LLC Agreement      6   

2.6

  Public Cash Contribution      6   

2.7

  Payment of Transaction Expenses by the Partnership      6   

2.8

  Use of Proceeds      6   

2.9

  Redemption of the Initial LP Interest from the Partnership and Return of Initial Capital Contribution      6   

ARTICLE III EXERCISE OF OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION

     7   

ARTICLE IV FURTHER ASSURANCES

     7   

ARTICLE V ORDER OF COMPLETION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSACTIONS

     7   

5.1

  Order of Completion of Transactions      7   

5.2

  Effectiveness of Transactions      7   

ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS

     8   

6.1

  Taxes; Costs      8   

6.2

  Assignment; Binding Effect      8   

6.3

  No Third Party Rights      9   

6.4

  Entire Agreement      9   

6.5

  Amendment      9   

6.6

  Applicable Law      9   

6.7

  Parties in Interest      9   

6.8

  Preparation of Agreement      9   

6.9

  Severability      9   

6.10

  Counterparts      10   

6.11

  Deed; Bill of Sale; Assignment      10   

APPENDIX

    

Appendix I

 

Definitions

  

 

i


CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of July 7, 2015 (as may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), is by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ CONSOL ”), CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ General Partner ”), CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and CNX Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Operating Company ”) (each, a “ Party ” and, collectively, the “ Parties ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , the General Partner and CONSOL formed the Partnership, pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (as amended from time to time, the “ DRULPA ”), to own an undivided interest in, and operational control over, CONSOL’s Pennsylvania mining complex, as well as to engage in any other business activity that is approved by the General Partner and that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized under the DRULPA, all as more fully described in the Prospectus (as defined herein);

WHEREAS , CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CNX Thermal Holdings ”), owns all right, title and interest in and to the Contributed Assets (as defined herein);

WHEREAS , the Operating Company owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in CNX Thermal Holdings;

WHEREAS , CONSOL owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in the Operating Company;

WHEREAS , in connection with the closing of the Offering (as defined herein), CONSOL desires, pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 2.2 through Section 2.4 hereof, to, directly or indirectly, contribute, assign, transfer and deliver to the Partnership, and the Partnership desires to acquire from CONSOL, all of the limited liability company interests in the Operating Company held by CONSOL, and, in exchange, the Partnership desires to issue (i) to the General Partner, the interests set forth in Section 2.3 and (ii) to CONSOL, the interests set forth in Section 2.4 and, if applicable, the interests set forth in Article III ;

WHEREAS , in order to accomplish the objectives and purposes in the preceding recitals, each of the following actions has been taken prior to the date hereof:

1. On March 16, 2015, CONSOL formed the General Partner under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (as amended from time to time, the “ Delaware LLC Act ”) and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in the General Partner;

2. On March 16, 2015, CONSOL, as the organizational limited partner, and the General Partner, as the general partner, formed the Partnership under the DRULPA and contributed $980 and $20, respectively, in exchange for a 98% limited partner interest (the “ Initial LP Interest ”) and a 2% general partner interest, respectively, in the Partnership;

 

1


3. On April 16, 2015, CONSOL formed the Operating Company under the Delaware LLC Act and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in the Operating Company;

4. On April 16, 2015, Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ”), formed CNX Thermal Holdings under the Delaware LLC Act and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in CNX Thermal Holdings (the “ Initial Coal Sub Interest ”);

5. On April 22, 2015, MTB Inc., a Delaware corporation, converted to MTB LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ MTB ”);

6. On the Asset Contribution Closing Date (as defined herein), each of the following transactions were effected in the order set forth below:

a. pursuant to the Asset Contribution Agreement (as defined herein):

i. Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”), contributed, assigned and transferred to CNX Thermal Holdings all of its right, title and interest in and to the Contributed Assets (as defined herein) in exchange for a proportionate limited liability company interest in CNX Thermal Holdings (the “ CPCC Coal Sub Interest ”), and CPCC was admitted as a member of CNX Thermal Holdings;

ii. Conrhein contributed, assigned and transferred to CNX Thermal Holdings all of its right, title and interest in and to the Contributed Assets in exchange for a proportionate limited liability company interest in CNX Thermal Holdings (the “ Conrhein Coal Sub Interest ”), and Conrhein continued as a member of CNX Thermal Holdings; and

iii. CNX Thermal Holdings redeemed the Initial Coal Sub Interest held by Conrhein and refunded and distributed to Conrhein the initial contribution, in the amount of $1,000, made by Conrhein in connection with the formation of CNX Thermal Holdings, along with any interest or other profit that resulted from the investment or other use of such initial contribution, and Conrhein continued as a member of CNX Thermal Holdings with respect to the Conrhein Coal Sub Interest;

b. pursuant to the CTH Contribution Agreement (as defined herein):

i. Conrhein distributed, assigned and transferred to MTB and CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CMHC ”), pro rata , all of Conrhein’s right, title and interest in and to the Conrhein Coal Sub Interest as a distribution of capital (such limited liability

 

2


company interests in CNX Thermal Holdings held by MTB and CMHC, the “ MTB Coal Sub Interest ” and the “ CMHC Coal Sub Interest ,” respectively), MTB and CMHC were admitted as members of CNX Thermal Holdings and Conrhein ceased to be a member of CNX Thermal Holdings;

ii. (A) CPCC distributed, assigned and transferred to CONSOL all of CPCC’s right, title and interest in and to the CPCC Coal Sub Interest as a distribution of capital; (B) MTB distributed, assigned and transferred to CONSOL all of MTB’s right, title and interest in and to the MTB Coal Sub Interest as a distribution of capital and (C) CMHC distributed, assigned and transferred to CONSOL all of CMHC’s right, title and interest in and to the CMHC Coal Sub Interest as a distribution of capital (all such limited liability company interests in CNX Thermal Holdings held by CONSOL, comprising 100% of such interests, the “ CEI Coal Sub Interest ”), CONSOL was admitted as a member of CNX Thermal Holdings and CPCC, MTB and CMHC ceased to be members of CNX Thermal Holdings; and

iii. CONSOL contributed, assigned and transferred to the Operating Company all of CONSOL’s right, title and interest in and to the CEI Coal Sub Interest as a capital contribution, the Operating Company was admitted as a substitute member of CNX Thermal Holdings and CONSOL ceased to be a member of CNX Thermal Holdings;

WHEREAS , concurrently with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of the matters provided for in Article II will occur in accordance with its respective terms;

WHEREAS , if the Over-Allotment Option (as defined below) is exercised, each of the matters provided for in Article III will occur in accordance with its respective terms;

WHEREAS , in connection with the distributions and redemption contemplated by Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 , after considering advice of advisors and evaluating the assets and liabilities of the Partnership, the General Partner has determined that, after making the applicable distribution or redemption, as applicable, the assets of the Partnership will exceed or equal the liabilities of the Partnership, as required by Section 17-607 of the DRULPA; and

WHEREAS , the respective Parties have taken or caused to be taken all corporate, limited liability company and partnership action, as the case may be, required to approve the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

3


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

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

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, consistently applied. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms (including terms defined herein) and titles in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any law means such law as it may be amended from time to time.

ARTICLE II

CONTRIBUTIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each of the following transactions set forth in this Article II shall be completed in the order set forth herein, subject to, and in accordance with, the provisions of Article V :

2.1 Execution of the Partnership Agreement . The General Partner and CONSOL, as the organizational limited partner, shall amend and restate the Original Partnership Agreement by executing and delivering the Partnership Agreement, with such changes as the General Partner and CONSOL may agree.

2 .2 Contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest to the General Partner . Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), CONSOL hereby grants, contributes, bargains, conveys, assigns, transfers, sets over and delivers to the General Partner a portion of its limited liability company interests in the Operating Company with a value equal to 2% of the equity value of the Partnership immediately after the closing of the Offering (the “ 2% OpCo Interest ”), and the General Partner hereby accepts such 2% OpCo Interest as a capital contribution from CONSOL. Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), the General Partner is hereby admitted to the Operating Company as a member of the

 

4


Operating Company with respect to the 2% OpCo Interest and hereby agrees that it is bound by the OpCo LLC Agreement. Simultaneously with such contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest, CONSOL shall and does hereby continue as a member of the Operating Company with respect to the portion of its limited liability company interests in the Operating Company not transferred to the General Partner, and the Operating Company is continued without dissolution.

2.3 Contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest to the Partnership . Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), the General Partner hereby grants, contributes, bargains, conveys, assigns, transfers, sets over and delivers to the Partnership the 2% OpCo Interest in exchange for (a) a continuation of the General Partner’s 2% general partner interest in the Partnership (after giving effect to any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option and the issuance of Common Units contemplated by Article III hereof) and (b) the issuance to the General Partner of all of the Incentive Distribution Rights in the Partnership, and the Partnership hereby accepts such 2% OpCo Interest as a capital contribution from the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), the Partnership is hereby admitted to the Operating Company as a member of the Operating Company with respect to the 2% OpCo Interest and hereby agrees that it is bound by the OpCo LLC Agreement. Simultaneously with such contribution of the 2% OpCo Interest, (i) CONSOL shall and does hereby continue as a member of the Operating Company, (ii) the General Partner shall and does hereby cease to be a member of the Operating Company and shall thereupon cease to have or exercise any right or power as a member of the Operating Company and (iii) the Operating Company is continued without dissolution.

2.4 Contribution of the 98% OpCo Interest to the Partnership . Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), CONSOL hereby grants, contributes, bargains, conveys, assigns, transfers, sets over and delivers to the Partnership all right, title and interest in and to all of the remaining limited liability company interests in the Operating Company held by CONSOL (the “ 98% OpCo Interest ”) in exchange for (a) 861,067 Common Units representing an approximate 3.6% limited partner interest (based on an aggregate of 23,222,134 Common Units and Subordinated Units to be outstanding after the completion of the Offering) in the Partnership (the “ Sponsor Common Units ”), (b) 11,611,067 Subordinated Units representing a 49.0% limited partner interest (based on an aggregate of 23,222,134 Common Units and Subordinated Units to be outstanding after the completion of the Offering) in the Partnership (the “ Sponsor Subordinated Units ”), (c) the right to receive a cash distribution from the Partnership in the amount of approximately $197.0 million from the Partnership’s borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined herein), (d) the right to receive a cash distribution from the Partnership in the amount of $68.0 million from the proceeds from the sale of Common Units in the Private Placement (as defined herein), a portion of which is to reimburse CONSOL for certain capital expenditures CONSOL incurred with respect to the Contributed Assets pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.707-4(d), and (e) the right to receive a cash distribution from the Partnership in the amount of approximately $66.0 million from the net proceeds from the sale of the Firm Units in the Offering, a portion of which is to reimburse CONSOL for certain capital expenditures CONSOL incurred with respect to the

 

5


Contributed Assets pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.707-4(d), and the Partnership hereby accepts such 98% OpCo Interest as a capital contribution from CONSOL. Notwithstanding any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary (and the undersigned hereby waive any provision of the OpCo LLC Agreement to the contrary), upon CONSOL’s contribution of the 98% OpCo Interest to the Partnership, (i) the Partnership is hereby admitted as a member of the Operating Company with respect to the 98% OpCo Interest, hereby continues as a member of the Operating Company with respect to the 2% OpCo Interest and hereby agrees that it continues to be bound by the OpCo LLC Agreement, (ii) CONSOL shall and does hereby cease to be a member of the Operating Company and shall thereupon cease to have or exercise any right or power as a member of the Operating Company and (iii) the Operating Company shall be and hereby is continued without dissolution. For the avoidance of doubt, following the contributions contemplated by Section 2.2 through Section 2.4 , the Partnership is the sole member of the Operating Company owning 100% of the limited liability company interests in the Operating Company.

2.5 Execution of Joinder to the OpCo LLC Agreement . The Partnership shall execute a joinder to the OpCo LLC Agreement (in the form attached thereto, if any) or another instrument by which it agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the OpCo LLC Agreement.

2.6 Public Cash Contribution . The Parties acknowledge that, in connection with the Offering, public investors, through the Underwriters, have made a capital contribution to the Partnership of $75,000,000 in cash in exchange for 5,000,000 Common Units (the “ Firm Units ”) representing an approximate 21.1% limited partner interest in the Partnership (based on an aggregate of 23,222,134 Common Units and Subordinated Units to be outstanding after the completion of the Offering).

2.7 Payment of Transaction Expenses by the Partnership . In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership will pay (a) transaction expenses in the amount of approximately $3.5 million, excluding the underwriting discount of approximately $4.5 million in the aggregate from the sale of the Firm Units and (b) a structuring fee (the “ Structuring Fee ”) of $300,000, $200,000 and $500,000 payable to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Evercore Group L.L.C., respectively.

2.8 Use of Proceeds . The Partnership will distribute to CONSOL an aggregate of approximately $331.0 million in cash from the net proceeds from the Offering, the proceeds from the Private Placement and net borrowings from the Revolving Credit Facility.

2.9 Redemption of the Initial LP Interest from the Partnership and Return of Initial Capital Contribution . The Partnership hereby redeems the Initial LP Interest held by CONSOL and hereby refunds and distributes to CONSOL the initial contribution, in the amount of $980, made by CONSOL in connection with the formation of the Partnership, and 98% of any interest or other profit that may have resulted from the investment or other use of such initial contribution shall be allocated and distributed to CONSOL, and the balance thereof shall be allocated and distributed to the General Partner.

 

6


ARTICLE III

EXERCISE OF OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION

If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in whole or in part, the Underwriters will contribute additional cash to the Partnership in exchange for up to an additional 750,000 Common Units (the “ Option Units ”) at the Offering price per Common Unit set forth in the Prospectus, net of the underwriting discount. Upon the expiration of the Option Period, any Option Units not purchased by the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement will be issued to CONSOL for no additional consideration as part of the contribution transactions described in Section 2.4 . Any such time and date of delivery of Option Units is referred to herein as an “ Option Closing Time .”

ARTICLE IV

FURTHER ASSURANCES

From time to time after the date hereof, and without any additional consideration, the Parties agree to execute, acknowledge and deliver all such additional deeds, assignments, bills of sale, conveyances, instruments, notices, releases, acquittances and other documents, and to do all such other acts and things, all in accordance with applicable law, as may be necessary or appropriate to (i) more fully assure that the applicable Parties own all of the properties, rights, titles, interests, estates, remedies, powers and privileges granted by this Agreement, or which are intended to be so granted, (ii) more fully and effectively vest in the applicable Parties and their respective successors and assigns beneficial and record title to the interests contributed, assigned, transferred and delivered by this Agreement, or which are intended to be so contributed, assigned, transferred and delivered and (iii) more fully and effectively carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

ORDER OF COMPLETION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSACTIONS

5.1 Order of Completion of Transactions . The transactions provided for in Section 2.1 through Section 2.5 shall be completed as of the Effective Time in the order set forth in Article II . The transactions provided for in Section 2.6 through Section 2.9 shall be completed as of the Closing Time in the order set forth in Article II . Following the completion of the transactions set forth in Article II , the transactions provided for in Article III shall be completed as of the applicable Option Closing Time or upon the expiration of the Option Period, as applicable.

5.2 Effectiveness of Transactions . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) none of the provisions of Section 2.1 through Section 2.5 shall be operative or have any effect until the Effective Time, (b) none of the provisions of Section 2.6 through Section 2.9 shall be operative or have any effect until the Closing Time and (c) none of the provisions of Article III shall be operative or have any effect until the applicable Option Closing Time or the expiration of the Option Period, as applicable, at which respective times all such applicable provisions shall be effective and operative in accordance with Section 5.1 without further action by any Party.

 

7


ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Taxes; Costs . Except for the transaction expenses set forth in Section 2.7 , CONSOL shall pay all expenses, fees and costs, including all sales, use and similar taxes arising out of the contributions, distributions, conveyances and deliveries to be made under Article II and shall pay all documentary, filing, recording, transfer, deed and conveyance taxes and fees required in connection therewith. In addition, CONSOL shall be responsible for all costs, liabilities and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with the implementation of any conveyance or delivery pursuant to Article IV (to the extent related to any of the contributions, distributions, conveyances and deliveries to be made under Article II ).

6.2 Assignment; Binding Effect .

(a) This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Parties; provided, however , that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further , that, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.2(b)(iv) , no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. No assignment hereunder by any Party shall relieve such Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

(b) Each of the Parties (i) acknowledges that the Partnership Group (and any Substitute Owner) has entered into or will enter into one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments (collectively, the “ Loan Documents ”) with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto (the “ Agent ”) for the benefit of certain lenders, (ii) consents in all respects to the collateral assignment under the Loan Documents of all of the Partnership Group’s (or any Substitute Owner’s) right, title and interest in, to and under this Agreement, (iii) acknowledges the right of the Agent or its designee(s) or assignee(s), in the exercise of the Agent’s rights and remedies under the Loan Documents, to make all demands, give all notices, take all actions and exercise all rights of the Partnership Group under this Agreement (the “ Assigned Interests ”) and (iv) acknowledges that the Agent, its initial or subsequent designee(s) or assignee(s) and any other purchaser of the Assigned Interests in or following a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure, insolvency, bankruptcy or similar sale (each, a “ Substitute Owner ”) shall be substituted for and have all of the rights and obligations of the Partnership Group for all purposes under this Agreement. In the case of any assignment pursuant to this Section 6.2(b) , the non-assigning Parties acknowledge that the assignee shall be substituted for and have all of the rights and obligations of the assignor under this Agreement and shall continue to perform, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to continue to perform, its obligations under this Agreement in favor of such assignor.

 

8


6.3 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.

6.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby.

6.5 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

6.6 Applicable Law . 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. $100,000.00 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. EACH PARTY HERETO WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

6.7 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

6.8 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

6.9 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and

 

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provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

6.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

6.11 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.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

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

 

CONSOL : GENERAL PARTNER :
CONSOL ENERGY INC. CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: David M. Khani Name: James A. Brock
Title:

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Title: Chief Executive Officer
PARTNERSHIP : OPERATING COMPANY :
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP CNX OPERATING LLC
By: CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, By:

/s/ James A. Brock

        its general partner Name: James A. Brock
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: James A. Brock
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement


APPENDIX I

Definitions

2% OpCo Interest ” is defined in Section 2.2 .

98% OpCo Interest ” is defined in Section 2.4 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is Under Common Control With, such Person. The term “ Affiliated ” shall have the correlative meaning.

Agent ” is defined in Section 6.2(b) .

Agreement ” is defined in the Preamble.

Asset Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, by and among CPCC, Conrhein and CNX Thermal Holdings, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Asset Contribution Closing Date ” means the “Closing Date” as defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement.

Assigned Interests ” is defined in Section 6.2(b) .

CEI Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

Closing Date ” means the first date on which Common Units are sold by the Partnership to the Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

Closing Time ” means the time of closing on the Closing Date pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.

CMHC ” is defined in the Recitals.

CMHC Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

CNX Thermal Holdings ” is defined in the Recitals.

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Unit ” has the meaning given such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Conrhein ” is defined in the Recitals.

Conrhein Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 1


CONSOL ” is defined in the Preamble.

Contributed Assets ” has the meaning given such term in the Asset Contribution Agreement.

Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

CPCC ” is defined in the Recitals.

CPCC Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

CTH Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, by and among CONSOL, CPCC, MTB, CMHC, Conrhein, the Operating Company and CNX Thermal Holdings, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Delaware LLC Act ” is defined in the Recitals.

DRULPA ” is defined in the Recitals.

Effective Time ” means 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the Closing Date.

Firm Units ” is defined in Section 2.6 .

General Partner ” is defined in the Preamble.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

Greenlight Capital ” means certain funds managed by Greenlight Capital, Inc. and its affiliates.

Incentive Distribution Rights ” has the meaning given such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Initial Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

Initial LP Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

 

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Loan Documents ” is defined in Section 6.2(b) .

MTB ” is defined in the Recitals.

MTB Coal Sub Interest ” is defined in the Recitals.

Offering ” means the initial offering and sale of Common Units to the public (including the offer and sale of Common Units pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option).

OpCo LLC Agreement ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Operating Company, dated effective as of April 16, 2015, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Operating Company ” is defined in the Preamble.

Option Closing Time ” is defined in Article III .

Option Period ” means the period from the Closing Date to and including the date that is 30 days after the Closing Date.

Option Units ” is defined in Article III .

Original Partnership Agreement ” means that certain Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated effective as of March 20, 2015.

Over-Allotment Option ” means the option granted to the Underwriters by the Partnership pursuant to Section 2(b) of the Underwriting Agreement.

Partnership ” is defined in the Preamble.

Partnership Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form attached as Appendix A to the Prospectus, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Partnership Group ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Partnership Group Member ” means a “Group Member” as defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Party ” and “ Parties ” are defined in the Preamble.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 3


Private Placement ” means the Partnership’s issuance and sale of 5,000,000 Common Units to Greenlight Capital on the date hereof in reliance upon the “private placement” exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

Prospectus ” means the final prospectus relating to the Offering dated June 30, 2015 and filed by the Partnership with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act on July 1, 2015.

Registration Statement ” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-203165), as amended, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the Securities Act to register the offering and sale of the Common Units in the Offering.

Revolving Credit Facility ” means that certain Credit Agreement, substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, by and among the Partnership, as borrower, the subsidiaries of the Partnership as guarantors, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and other lender parties thereto.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Sponsor Common Units ” is defined in Section 2.4 .

Sponsor Subordinated Units ” is defined in Section 2.4 .

Structuring Fee ” is defined in Section 2.7 .

Subordinated Unit ” has the meaning given such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Substitute Owner ” is defined in Section 6.2(b) .

Underwriters ” means, collectively, each member of the underwriting syndicate named as an underwriter in Exhibit A to the Underwriting Agreement.

Underwriting Agreement ” means that certain Underwriting Agreement dated as of June 30, 2015 among the Underwriters, CONSOL, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Operating Company and CNX Thermal Holdings, providing for the purchase of Common Units by the Underwriters.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 4

Exhibit 10.2

Execution Version

OMNIBUS AGREEMENT

by and among

CONSOL ENERGY INC.,

CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC,

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

and

THE PARTIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A HERETO

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1   

1.1

  Defined Terms      1   

1.2

  References and Rules of Construction      1   

ARTICLE II INDEMNIFICATION

     2   

2.1

  CONSOL Indemnification      2   

2.2

  Partnership Assumption and Indemnification      3   

2.3

  Indemnification Procedures      4   

2.4

  Limitations Regarding Indemnification      5   

2.5

  Express Negligence      6   

2.6

  Exclusive Remedy      6   

ARTICLE III SERVICES; REIMBURSEMENT

     7   

3.1

  General and Administrative Services      7   

3.2

  Administrative Fee      7   

3.3

  Reimbursement of Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs and Expenses      9   

3.4

  Reimbursement of Management Services      9   

ARTICLE IV RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER

     10   

4.1

  Right of First Offer to Purchase the Retained Undivided Interest      10   

4.2

  Right of First Offer to Purchase Retained Other Assets.      10   

4.3

  Procedures      11   

ARTICLE V REIMBURSEMENT AND ALLOCATION OF TAXES

     12   

5.1

  Reimbursement of Taxes      12   

5.2

  Tax Reimbursement Procedures      13   

ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS

     13   

6.1

  Confidentiality      13   

6.2

  Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction      14   

6.3

  Termination of Agreement      15   

6.4

  Notice      15   

6.5

  Entire Agreement; Conflicts      15   

6.6

  Amendment      16   

6.7

  Assignment; Binding Effect      16   

6.8

  Severability      16   

6.9

  Counterparts      17   

6.10

  Further Assurances      17   

6.11

  Rights of Limited Partners      17   


APPENDIX

Appendix I

Definitions

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A

Additional Parties

Exhibit B

Retained Liabilities

Exhibit C

General and Administrative Services

Exhibit D

Administrative Fee

Exhibit E

Formation Transactions

 

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OMNIBUS AGREEMENT

This OMNIBUS AGREEMENT (as may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on, and effective as of, the Closing Date (as defined herein) by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ CONSOL ”), CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ General Partner ”), CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and the parties listed on Exhibit A to this Agreement (together with CONSOL, the General Partner and the Partnership, the “ Parties ” and each a “ Party ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , 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;

WHEREAS , the Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding, as more fully set forth in Article III , with respect to (i) the amount to be paid by the Partnership for general and administrative services relating to operating the Partnership’s business to be performed by CONSOL and its Affiliates (as defined herein) for and on behalf of the Partnership Group (as defined herein), (ii) the reimbursement by the Partnership of additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred by CONSOL and its Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership Group in providing general and administrative services and (iii) the reimbursement by the Partnership of all direct and indirect costs and expenses associated with the provision of management services by CONSOL and its Affiliates necessary or appropriate to managing and operating the business and affairs of the Partnership Group;

WHEREAS , 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 to purchase the Retained Undivided Interest (as defined herein); and

WHEREAS , 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 allocation and reimbursement of taxes.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any


Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, consistently applied. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms (including terms defined herein) and titles in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Environmental Law) means such law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

INDEMNIFICATION

2.1 CONSOL Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSOL shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Partnership Group Member from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by such Partnership Group Member, directly or indirectly, by reason of or arising out of:

(a) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Asset Contribution Agreement and the Equity Contribution Agreement (other than with respect to the Losses that are expressly assumed in connection with such transactions);

(b) all federal, state and local tax liabilities attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets on or prior to the Closing Date, including under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6, as it may be amended (or any similar provision of state or local law), and any such tax liabilities that may result from the consummation of the Formation Transactions occurring prior to the Closing Date, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Contribution Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Equity Contribution Agreement;

(c) the failure of such Partnership Group Member to be the owner of such valid and indefeasible interests in and to the Assets as of the Closing Date to the extent and only to the extent such failure renders such Partnership Group Member liable to a third party or unable to use or operate the Assets in substantially the same manner that the Assets were used and operated as of immediately prior to the Closing Date;

(d) the failure of such Partnership Group Member to have, or to have the ability to operate under, the consents, licenses, permits or approvals necessary to allow such Partnership Group Member to operate, directly or indirectly, the Assets to the extent and only to the extent such failure renders such Partnership Group Member (i) liable to a third party or (ii) unable to use or operate the Assets in substantially the same manner that the Assets were used and operated as of immediately prior to the Closing Date;

 

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(e) except to the extent resulting from such Partnership Group Member’s breach of the standard of care for Operational Services, the ownership and/or operation of the Retained Undivided Interest, whether occurring before, on or after the Closing Date;

(f) the Retained Liabilities;

(g) a CONSOL Group Member’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the provision of General and Administrative Services or Management Services;

(h) a breach by a CONSOL Group Member of:

(i) the Employee Services Agreement, including a breach of the Services Standard;

(ii) the Contract Agency Agreement, including a breach of the standard of care for Coal Marketing Contract Services;

(iii) the Water Supply and Services Agreement, including a breach of the standard of care for Water Services;

(iv) the Terminal and Throughput Agreement, including a breach of the standard of care for the Terminal Services; and/or

(v) the Cooperation Agreement, including a breach of the standard of care for conducting operations pursuant thereto.

2.2 Partnership Assumption and Indemnification .

(a) Subject to and without limiting the Partnership’s rights to indemnity under Section 2.1 , from and after the Closing Date, the Partnership shall assume and hereby agrees to fulfill, perform, pay and discharge (or cause to be fulfilled, performed, paid or discharged) all obligations and Losses, known or unknown, to the extent arising from, based upon or attributable to the Equity Interests, regardless of whether such obligations or Losses arose prior to, on or after the Closing Date (the “ Equity Interests Assumed Obligations ”).

(b) Subject to and without limiting the Partnership’s rights to indemnity under Section 2.1 , to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each CONSOL Group Member from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by such CONSOL Group Member, directly or indirectly, by reason of or arising out of:

(i) the Equity Interests Assumed Obligations;

(ii) the ownership, use and/or operation of the Assets (including the Asset Assumed Obligations), whether related to periods prior to, on or after the Closing Date, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any environmental event, condition or matter

 

3


associated with or arising from the ownership or operation of the Assets (including the presence of Hazardous Substances on, under, about or migrating to or from the Assets or the disposal or the release of Hazardous Substances generated by operation of the Assets at non-Asset locations) including (i) the cost and expense of any investigation, assessment, evaluation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, repair, restoration, remediation, risk-based closure activities or other corrective action required or necessary under Environmental Laws and (ii) the cost and expense of the preparation and implementation of any closure, remedial, corrective action or other plans required or necessary under Environmental Laws;

(iii) the Employee Services Agreement, including Losses related to such CONSOL Group Member’s performance of the Operational Services, except to the extent resulting from such CONSOL Group Member’s breach of the Services Standard;

(iv) the Contract Agency Agreement, including Losses related to such CONSOL Group Member’s performance of the Coal Marketing Contract Services, except to the extent resulting from such CONSOL Group Member’s breach of the standard of care for Coal Marketing Contract Services;

(v) such CONSOL Group Member’s performance of the Water Services, except to the extent resulting from such CONSOL Group Member’s breach of the standard of care for Water Services;

(vi) such CONSOL Group Member’s performance of the Terminal Services, except to the extent resulting from such CONSOL Group Member’s breach of the standard of care for Terminal Services;

(vii) a breach by a Partnership Group Member of the Cooperation Agreement, including a breach of the standard of care for conducting operations pursuant thereto; and/or

(viii) a Partnership Group Member’s operation of the Assets under the CONSOL Bonds and/or the Permits to the extent such Permits have not been assigned to CNX Thermal Holdings but only to the extent of the Partnership Group’s Proportionate Share.

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 the selection of counsel, determination of whether to appeal any decision of any court and the settling of any such claim or any matter or any issues relating thereto; provided , however , that no such settlement for only

 

4


the payment of money shall be entered into without the consent of the Indemnified Party unless it includes a full release of the Indemnified Party from such claim; provided, further , that no such settlement containing any form of injunctive or similar relief shall be entered into without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld.

(c) The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner with the Indemnifying Party with respect to all aspects of the defense of and pursuit of any counterclaims relating to any claims covered by the indemnification under this Article II , including the prompt furnishing to the Indemnifying Party of any correspondence or other notice relating thereto that the Indemnified Party may receive, permitting the name of the Indemnified Party to be utilized in connection with such defense and counterclaims ( provided , that the Indemnified Party has an opportunity to review the use of its name and does not reasonably object to such use), 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 . The obligation of the Indemnified Party to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall not be construed as imposing upon the Indemnified Party an obligation to hire and pay for counsel in connection with the defense of any claims and pursuit of any counterclaims with respect to any claims covered by the indemnification set forth in this Article II ; provided , however , that the Indemnified Party may, at its own option, cost and expense, hire and pay for counsel in connection with any such defense and counterclaims. The Indemnifying Party agrees to keep any such counsel hired by the Indemnified Party 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 counterclaims 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 .

(a) CONSOL shall not be obligated to indemnify, defend and hold harmless any Partnership Group Member under  Section 2.1(a) , Section 2.1(b) , Section 2.1(c) and/or Section 2.1(d) until such time as the total aggregate amount of Losses incurred by the Partnership Group for such Losses exceeds $1,000,000 (the “ Deductible ”), at which time CONSOL shall be obligated to indemnify the Partnership Group for the amount of such Losses in excess of the Deductible.

 

5


(b) The Partnership shall not be obligated to indemnify, defend and hold harmless any CONSOL Group Member under Section 2.2(b)(i) and/or Section 2.2(b)(ii) to the extent and only to the extent relating to periods prior to the Closing until such time as the total aggregate amount of Losses incurred by the CONSOL Group for such Losses exceeds the Deductible, at which time the Partnership shall be obligated to indemnify the CONSOL Group for the amount of such Losses in excess of the Deductible.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, there is no monetary cap on the amount of indemnity coverage provided by any Indemnifying Party under this Article II .

(d) The indemnities set forth in Section 2.1(a) , Section 2.1(b) , Section 2.1(c) and/or Section 2.1(d) shall terminate on the third anniversary of the Closing Date. The indemnities set forth in Section 2.1(e) , Section 2.1(f) , Section 2.1(g) , Section 2.1(h) and  Section 2.2(b) shall survive the Closing without time limit, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be no termination of any bona fide claim asserted pursuant to the indemnities in Section 2.1(a) , Section 2.1(b) , Section 2.1(c) and/or Section 2.1(d) prior to the date of termination for such indemnity.

(e) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, A PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TO ACTUAL DIRECT DAMAGES AND SHALL NOT INCLUDE ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, PRODUCTION OR REVENUES, AND EACH PARTY EXPRESSLY RELEASES THE OTHER PARTY FROM ALL SUCH CLAIMS FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OTHER THAN ACTUAL DIRECT DAMAGES; PROVIDED THAT LIMITATION TO DIRECT DAMAGES ONLY SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY DAMAGE, CLAIM OR LOSS ASSERTED BY OR AWARDED TO THIRD PARTIES AGAINST A PARTY AND FOR WHICH THE OTHER PARTY WOULD OTHERWISE BE RESPONSIBLE UNDER THIS ARTICLE II .

2.5 Express Negligence . THE INDEMNIFICATION, RELEASE, ASSUMPTION AND WAIVER PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE APPLICABLE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WHETHER OR NOT THE LIABILITIES IN QUESTION ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE STRICT LIABILITY OR NEGLIGENCE (JOINT, SEVERAL, ACTIVE, PASSIVE, SOLE OR CONCURRENT) OF OR BY ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS STATEMENT COMPLIES WITH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE AND IS CONSPICUOUS.

2.6 Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, from and after the Closing Date, Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 contain the Parties’ exclusive remedy against each other with respect to breaches of the covenants of the Parties set forth in Article II . Except for (a) the remedies contained in Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 , (b) any

 

6


other remedies available to the Parties at law or in equity for breaches of provisions of this Agreement other than Article II and (c) the remedies available at law or in equity in connection with any other document delivered by a Party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, from and after the Closing Date, each of the Parties releases, remises and forever discharges the other and its Affiliates and all such Persons’ equity holders, partners, members, officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and representatives from any and all Losses in law or in equity, known or unknown, which such Parties might now or subsequently may have, based on, relating to or arising out of this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE III

SERVICES; REIMBURSEMENT

3.1 General and Administrative Services.

(a) CONSOL agrees to provide, and agrees to cause its Affiliates to provide, to the General Partner, for the Partnership Group’s benefit, the general and administrative services that have been traditionally provided in connection with the ownership and operation of the Assets, which include the services set forth on Exhibit C (the “ General and Administrative Services ”).

(b) Absent the written agreement of the Parties to the contrary, the Parties agree that the General and Administrative Services will be received by the General Partner, for the benefit of the Partnership Group, at the General Partner’s principal place of business.

(c) The Parties acknowledge that the costs and expenses of General and Administrative Services will be allocated among the Partnership Group Members based on any reasonable allocation methodology as determined by CONSOL.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the fees, costs and expenses related to General and Administrative Services subject to this Agreement shall be in addition to, and not in duplication of, any amounts owed to CONSOL by the Partnership pursuant to the Employee Services Agreement, the Water Supply and Services Agreement and/or the Terminal and Throughput Agreement.

3.2 Administrative Fee.

(a) As consideration for CONSOL’s and its Affiliates’ provision of the General and Administrative Services, the Partnership Group will pay to CONSOL an annual fee that will reflect the costs incurred by CONSOL and its Affiliates in providing such General and Administrative Services (other than those costs for which CONSOL and its Affiliates are entitled to reimbursement pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 ), as determined in good faith by CONSOL in accordance with Exhibit D (the “ Administrative Fee ”). The Parties acknowledge and agree that it is the intent of the Parties that the General and Administrative Services be provided based on an arm’s-length standard and that the Administrative Fee is intended to reflect such standard. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties further acknowledge and agree that the Administrative Fee will cover the fully burdened cost of the General and Administrative Services provided by CONSOL and its Affiliates to the Partnership Group, as well as any third-party costs actually incurred by CONSOL and its Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership Group in providing such General and Administrative Services (other than those costs for which CONSOL and its

 

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Affiliates are entitled to reimbursement pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 ), including the following:

(i) the compensation and employee benefits of employees of CONSOL or its Affiliates (and any employment, payroll or similar taxes related thereto), to the extent, but only to the extent, such employees perform General and Administrative Services for the Partnership Group’s benefit. With respect to employees that do not devote all of their business time to the Partnership Group, such compensation and employee benefits (and any withholding or payroll taxes related thereto) shall be allocated to the Partnership Group based on the annual weighted average of time spent and number of employees providing General and Administrative Services to the Partnership Group;

(ii) any expenses incurred or payments made by CONSOL or its Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership Group for insurance coverage with respect to the Assets or the business of the Partnership Group;

(iii) all expenses and expenditures incurred by CONSOL or its Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership Group as a result of the Partnership becoming and continuing as a publicly traded entity, including costs associated with the following: annual, quarterly and current reporting with the Securities and Exchange Commission; tax return and Schedule K-1 preparation and distribution; Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance; listing on the New York Stock Exchange; independent auditor fees; legal fees; investor relations expenses; transfer agent and registrar fees; independent director fees and other compensation; and insurance expenses; and

(iv) all sales, use, excise, value added or similar taxes, if any, that may be applicable from time to time with respect to the General and Administrative Services provided by CONSOL and its Affiliates to the Partnership Group pursuant to Section 3.1 .

(b) As part of the Administrative Fee, the Partnership Group shall pay to CONSOL a fixed Parent Executive Support Fee, in the amount shown on Exhibit D , in consideration for the services of certain executive officers of CONSOL and its Affiliates, who devote less than 50% of their business time to the Partnership Group, for their provision of executive support services for the benefit of the General Partner and the Partnership Group Members.

(c) The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Administrative Fee may change each calendar year, as determined by CONSOL in good faith after consultation with the General Partner, to accurately reflect the degree and extent of the General and Administrative Services provided to the Partnership Group by CONSOL and its Affiliates and such determination may reflect, among other things, the contribution, acquisition or disposition of assets to or by the Partnership Group or to reflect any change in the cost of providing General and Administrative Services to the Partnership Group due to changes in any law, rule or regulation applicable to CONSOL and its Affiliates or the Partnership Group, including any interpretation of such laws, rules or regulations.

(d) On or prior to October 1 of each calendar year during the term of this Agreement, CONSOL will notify the General Partner of the estimated amount of the Administrative Fee to

 

8


be paid by the Partnership Group for the following calendar year. For the calendar year in which the Closing Date occurs, such estimate shall be made on or prior to the Closing Date and shall pertain only to the remainder of such calendar year. Commencing with the first full month following the Closing Date, the Administrative Fee shall be invoiced and paid as follows:

(i) Within 20 days following the end of each month during the term of this Agreement, CONSOL will submit to the Partnership Group an invoice of the amounts due for such month for the Administrative Fee (with the Parent Executive Support Fee separately stated). Each invoice will contain reasonably satisfactory support of such amounts and such other supporting detail as the General Partner may reasonably require.

(ii) The Partnership Group will pay the Administrative Fee within 10 days after the receipt of the invoice therefor. The Partnership Group shall not offset any amounts owing to it by CONSOL or any of its Affiliates against the Administrative Fee payable hereunder.

3.3 Reimbursement of Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs and Expenses . In addition to (but not in duplication of any costs that are reflected in) the Administrative Fee payable under Section 3.2 , the Partnership Group will reimburse CONSOL and its Affiliates on a monthly basis for any additional out-of-pocket costs and expenses actually incurred by CONSOL and its Affiliates in providing the General and Administrative Services, as well as any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Partnership Group, including any employment, payroll or similar taxes paid by CONSOL and its Affiliates in connection with any long-term incentive plan (or similar compensation plan) of the General Partner or the Partnership Group, in providing General and Administrative Services.

3.4 Reimbursement of Management Services.

(a) CONSOL agrees to provide, and agrees to cause its Affiliates to provide, to the General Partner, for the Partnership Group’s benefit, such Management Services as may be necessary to manage and operate the business and affairs of the Partnership Group.

(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Section 3.4 and such reasonable allocation and other procedures as may be determined in good faith by CONSOL from time to time, commencing with the first full month following the Closing Date, the Partnership hereby agrees to reimburse CONSOL and its Affiliates on a monthly basis for all reasonable direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred by CONSOL or its Affiliates (other than the Partnership Group) in connection with the provision of the Management Services to the Partnership Group, including the compensation and employee benefits of employees of CONSOL or its Affiliates (and any employment, payroll or similar taxes related thereto), to the extent, but only to the extent, such employees perform Management Services for the Partnership Group’s benefit. This includes CONSOL stock-based compensation expense and net of any re-allocated Partnership equity compensation expense, as determined by CONSOL pursuant to its reasonable allocation procedures and methodologies. With respect to employees that do not devote all of their business time to the Partnership Group, such compensation and employee benefits (and any withholding or payroll taxes related thereto) shall be allocated to the Partnership Group based on the annual weighted average of time spent and number of employees

 

9


providing Management Services to the Partnership Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the reimbursement provided under this Section 3.4 is intended to cover those employees of CONSOL and its Affiliates whose services are not covered by Exhibit C to this Agreement or by the Employee Services Agreement.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the fees, costs and expenses related to Management Services subject to this Agreement shall be in addition to, and not in duplication of, the Administrative Fee and the reimbursement provided in Section 3.3 .

ARTICLE IV

RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER

4.1 Right of First Offer to Purchase the Retained Undivided Interest.

(a) Each of CPCC and Conrhein (each, a “ Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner ”) hereby grants to the Partnership a right of first offer, exercisable during the Retained Undivided Interest ROFO Period, to purchase all or any part of the Retained Undivided Interest owned by it to the extent that such Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner proposes to Transfer all or any part of the Retained Undivided Interest owned by it; provided, however , that a Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner may Transfer all or any part of its Retained Undivided Interest to a CONSOL Group Member that agrees in writing that such Retained Undivided Interest remain subject to the provisions of this Article IV and such CONSOL Group Member assumes the obligations of the Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner under this Article IV with respect to such Retained Undivided Interest, and such Transfer shall not be subject to the Partnership Group’s right of first offer.

(b) The Parties acknowledge that any Transfer of all or any part of the Retained Undivided Interest pursuant to the Partnership’s right of first offer is subject to the terms of all existing agreements with respect to the Retained Undivided Interest and shall be subject to and conditioned on the obtaining of any and all necessary consents of securityholders, Governmental Authorities, lenders or other third parties; provided, however , that each Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner hereby represents and warrants that, to its knowledge after reasonable investigation, there are no terms in such agreements that would materially impair the rights granted to the Partnership Group pursuant to this Article IV with respect to the Retained Undivided Interest.

4.2 Right of First Offer to Purchase Retained Other Assets .

(a) CONSOL (the “ Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner ” and, together with each Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner, the “ Transferring Owners ”) hereby grants to the Partnership a right of first offer, exercisable during the Retained Other Assets ROFO Period, to purchase all or any part of the Retained Other Assets owned by it to the extent that the Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner proposes to Transfer all or any part of the Retained Other Assets owned by it; provided, however , that the Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner may Transfer all or any part of its Retained Other Assets to a CONSOL Group Member that agrees in writing that such Retained Other Assets remain subject to the provisions of this Article IV and such CONSOL Group Member assumes the obligations of the Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner under this Article IV with respect to such Retained Other Assets, and such Transfer shall not be subject to the Partnership Group’s right of first offer.

 

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(b) The Parties acknowledge that any Transfer of all or any part of the Retained Other Assets pursuant to the Partnership’s right of first offer is subject to the terms of all existing agreements with respect to the Retained Other Assets and shall be subject to and conditioned on the obtaining of any and all necessary consents of securityholders, Governmental Authorities, lenders or other third parties; provided, however , that the Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner hereby represents and warrants that, to its knowledge after reasonable investigation, there are no terms in such agreements that would materially impair the rights granted to the Partnership Group pursuant to this Article IV with respect to the Retained Other Assets.

4.3 Procedures.

(a) If a Transferring Owner proposes to Transfer all or any part of its ROFO Assets (other than to a CONSOL Group Member in accordance with Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2(a) , as applicable) during the Retained Undivided Interest ROFO Period or Retained Other Assets ROFO Period, as applicable (a “ Proposed Transaction ”), such Transferring Owner shall, prior to entering into any such Proposed Transaction, first give notice in writing to the Partnership (the “ ROFO Notice ”) of its intention to enter into such Proposed Transaction. The ROFO Notice shall include any material terms, conditions and details that would be necessary for the Partnership to make a responsive offer to enter into the Proposed Transaction with such Transferring Owner, which terms, conditions and details shall at a minimum include any terms, conditions or details that such Transferring Owner would propose to provide to non-Affiliates in connection with the Proposed Transaction. The Partnership shall have 60 days following receipt of the ROFO Notice (the “ ROFO Review Period ”) to propose an offer to enter into the Proposed Transaction with the Transferring Owner (the “ ROFO Response ”). The ROFO Response shall set forth the terms and conditions (including the purchase price the Partnership proposes to pay for the ROFO Assets and the other terms of the purchase) pursuant to which the Partnership would be willing to enter into a binding agreement for the Proposed Transaction. If the Partnership submits a ROFO Response within the ROFO Review Period, the Partnership and the Transferring Owner shall negotiate, in good faith, the terms of the purchase and sale of the ROFO Assets for 60 days following the receipt of the ROFO Response (the “ ROFO Negotiation Period ”) by the Transferring Owner. If no ROFO Response is delivered by the Partnership within the ROFO Review Period, then the Partnership shall be deemed to have waived its right of first offer with respect to the ROFO Assets subject to the ROFO Notice, subject to Section 4.3(c) .

(b) If the Transferring Owner and the Partnership are able to agree to the terms of the purchase and sale of the ROFO Assets during the ROFO Negotiation Period, the Transferring Owner shall enter into an agreement with the Partnership providing for the consummation of the Proposed Transaction upon the terms agreed upon (such date that a definitive purchase and sale agreement is entered into, the “ ROFO PSA Execution Date ”). Unless the Transferring Owner and the Partnership otherwise agree, the terms of the purchase and sale agreement will include the following:

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

 

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(ii) the closing date for the purchase of the ROFO Assets shall occur no later than 180 days following the ROFO PSA Execution Date;

(iii) each of the Transferring Owner and the Partnership 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 4.3(b) , including causing its respective Affiliates to execute, deliver and perform all documents, notices, amendments, certificates, instruments and consents required in connection therewith; and

(iv) neither the Transferring Owner nor the Partnership shall have any obligation to consummate the Proposed Transaction if any consent referred to in Section 4.1(b) or Section 4.2(b) , as applicable, has not been obtained.

(c) If the closing of the Proposed Transaction does not occur within the 180-day period set forth in Section 4.3(b)(ii) , then, unless the Transferring Owner and the Partnership agree otherwise in a written agreement, the ROFO Assets in question shall once again become subject to the restrictions of this Section 4.3 , and the Transferring Owner shall no longer be permitted to Transfer such ROFO Assets without again fully complying with the provisions of this Section 4.3 .

(d) If the Transferring Owner and the Partnership are unable to agree on the terms of the Proposed Transaction during the ROFO Negotiation Period, the Transferring Owner may Transfer the ROFO Assets to any third party during the 180-day period following the expiration of such ROFO Negotiation Period on terms no more favorable to such third party than those set forth in the ROFO Response; provided , however , that any Transfer of all or any part of the ROFO Assets pursuant to this Section 4.3(d) shall be (i) subject to the terms of all existing agreements with respect to the Retained Undivided Interest and the Pennsylvania Mining Complex or Retained Other Assets, as applicable, and (ii) subject to and conditioned on the obtaining of any and all necessary consents of securityholders, Governmental Authorities, lenders or other Persons.

(e) The Partnership may assign its rights and obligations under this Article IV to any Partnership Group Member.

ARTICLE V

REIMBURSEMENT AND ALLOCATION OF TAXES

5.1 Reimbursement of Taxes . The Partnership Group shall reimburse CONSOL or its Affiliates for all tax costs and expenses incurred or payments made by CONSOL and its Affiliates 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 Assets or with respect to the services provided by the Partnership Group.

 

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5.2 Tax Reimbursement Procedures . Reimbursements pursuant to Section 5.1 shall be made by the Partnership Group on or before the 10 th 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 Article V shall be paid by the Partnership Group in addition to, and not as a part of or included in, the Administrative Fee or reimbursement of expenses pursuant Section 3.3 or Section 3.4 . For so long as CONSOL Controls the General Partner, the Partnership and CONSOL may settle the Partnership Group’s financial obligations to CONSOL arising under this Article V through CONSOL’s normal inter-affiliate settlement processes.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Confidentiality.

(a) From and after the Closing Date, each Party (each, a “ Receiving Party ”) in possession of another Party’s (each, a “ Disclosing Party ”) Confidential Information shall (i) hold, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, and other representatives (each, a “ Representative ” and, collectively, “ Representatives ”) to hold, all Confidential Information of each Disclosing Party in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to such Receiving Party’s confidential and proprietary information, (ii) not use such Confidential Information, except as expressly permitted by such Disclosing Party and (iii) not release or disclose such Confidential Information to any other Person, except its Representatives or except as required by applicable law. Each Party shall be responsible for any Losses resulting from a breach of this Section 6.1 by any of its Representatives.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 6.1(a) , if a Receiving Party becomes legally compelled or obligated to disclose Confidential Information of a Disclosing Party by a Governmental Authority or applicable law, or is required to disclose such Confidential Information pursuant to the listing standards of any applicable national securities exchange on which the Receiving Party’s securities are listed or quoted, the Receiving Party shall promptly advise, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Disclosing Party of such requirement or obligation to disclose Confidential Information as soon as the Receiving Party becomes aware that such a requirement to disclose might become effective in order that, where possible, the Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or such other remedy as the Disclosing Party may consider appropriate in the circumstances. The Receiving Party shall disclose only that portion of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information that it is required or obligated to disclose and shall cooperate with the Disclosing Party in allowing the Disclosing Party to obtain such protective order or other relief.

(c) Each Party acknowledges that a Disclosing Party would not have an adequate remedy at law for the breach by a Receiving Party of any one or more of the covenants contained in this Section 6.1 and agrees that, in the event of such breach, the Disclosing Party may, in addition to the other remedies that may be available to it, apply to a court for an injunction to prevent breaches of this Section 6.1 and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Section 6.1 . Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the provisions of this Section 6.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of two years.

 

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6.2 Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction.

(a) 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. $100,000.00 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. EACH PARTY HERETO WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,

(b) 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 6.2 , the mediator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties to the dispute or claim and the mediation shall be conducted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the dispute or claim. All costs and expenses of the mediator appointed pursuant to this Section 6.2 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 6.2 . 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.

(c) Subject to Section 6.2(b) , to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Party agrees that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether in tort or contract or at law or in equity, exclusively in any federal or state courts located in Delaware and (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in such courts, (iii) waives any objection that such courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over it and (iv) agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, service of process upon it may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to it at its address specified in Section 6.4 . The foregoing consents to jurisdiction and service of process shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, constitute general consents to service of process in the State of Delaware for any purpose except as provided herein and shall not be deemed to confer rights on any Person other than the Parties.

 

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6.3 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement, other than the provisions set forth in Article II hereof, may be terminated (a) by the written agreement of all of the Parties or (b) by CONSOL or the Partnership immediately 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.

6.4 Notice . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to any CONSOL Group Member:

CONSOL Energy Inc.

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: stevejohnson@consolenergy.com

If to any Partnership Group Member:

CNX Coal Resources LP

c/o CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317

Attention: General Counsel and Secretary

E-mail: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 6.4 .

6.5 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement and the Related Agreements constitute 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 and therein.

 

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6.6 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

6.7 Assignment; Binding Effect .

(a) This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Parties; provided , however , that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further , that, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.7(b)(iv) , no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. No assignment hereunder by any Party shall relieve such Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

(b) Each of the Parties (i) acknowledges that the Partnership Group (and any Substitute Owner) has entered into or will enter into one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments (collectively, the “ Loan Documents ”) with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto (the “ Agent ”) for the benefit of certain lenders, (ii) consents in all respects to the collateral assignment under the Loan Documents of all of the Partnership Group’s (or any Substitute Owner’s) right, title and interest in, to and under this Agreement, (iii) acknowledges the right of the Agent or its designee(s) or assignee(s), in the exercise of the Agent’s rights and remedies under the Loan Documents, to make all demands, give all notices, take all actions and exercise all rights of the Partnership Group under this Agreement (the “ Assigned Interests ”) and (iv) acknowledges that the Agent, its initial or subsequent designee(s) or assignee(s) and any other purchaser of the Assigned Interests in or following a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure, insolvency, bankruptcy or similar sale (each, a “ Substitute Owner ”) shall be substituted for and have all of the rights and obligations of the Partnership Group for all purposes under this Agreement. In the case of any assignment pursuant to this Section 6.7(b), the non-assigning Parties acknowledge that the assignee shall be substituted for and have all of the rights and obligations of the assignor under this Agreement and shall continue to perform, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to continue to perform, its obligations under this Agreement in favor of such assignor.

6.8 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

 

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6.9 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

6.10 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each 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 or other interest holder 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.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank. ]

 

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

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC. CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: David M. Khani Name: James A. Brock
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP CNX OPERATING LLC
By: CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: James A. Brock
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By:

/s/ James A. Brock

Name: James A. Brock
Title: Chief Executive Officer
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ James A. Brock

By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: James A. Brock Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Chief Executive Officer Title: Vice President

[ Additional signature page follows ]

 

[ Signature P age to Omnibus Agreement ]


CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC CNX GAS COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President and Secretary Title: Senior Vice President
CNX MARINE TERMINALS, INC. CNX WATER ASSETS LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President Title: Secretary
CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

Name: David M. Khani
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[ Signature P age to Omnibus Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

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

Affiliate ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement; provided, however , that for purposes of this Agreement, neither the General Partner nor any Partnership Group Member shall be deemed an Affiliate of CONSOL.

Agent ” is defined in Section 6.7(b) .

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

Asset Assumed Obligations ” means the Assumed Obligations (as defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement).

Asset Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, by and among CPCC, Conrhein and CNX Thermal Holdings, together with the conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Assigned Interests ” is defined in Section 6.7(b) .

Assets ” means (a) the Equity Interests and (b) the undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses comprising the Pennsylvania Mining Complex collectively owned by the Partnership Group and their permitted successors and assigns after the Closing Date, including the Contributed Assets.

Baltimore Marine Terminal ” means CONSOL’s marine terminal commonly known as the “Baltimore Marine Terminal” located along the north shore of the Patapsco River in the Port of Baltimore, as more particularly described in the Registration Statement.

Buchanan Mine ” means CONSOL’s underground coal mining complex known as the “Buchanan Mine” located in Mavisdale, Virginia, as more particularly described in the Registration Statement.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Cardinal States Gathering System ” means CONSOL’s natural gas gathering system known as the “Cardinal States Gathering System,” as more particularly described in the Registration Statement.

CESC ” is defined in Exhibit A .

Closing Date ” means July 7, 2015.

 

Appendix I-1


CNX Gas ” is defined in Exhibit A .

CNX Marine ” is defined in Exhibit A .

CNX Thermal Holdings ” is defined in Exhibit A .

CNX Water ” is defined in Exhibit A .

Coal Marketing Contract Services ” is defined in the Contract Agency Agreement.

Confidential Information ” means any proprietary or confidential information that is competitively sensitive material or otherwise of value to a Party or its Affiliates and not generally known to the public, including trade secrets, scientific or technical information, design, invention, process, procedure, formula, improvements, product planning information, marketing strategies, financial information, information regarding operations, consumer and/or customer relationships, consumer and/or customer identities and profiles, sales estimates, business plans, and internal performance results relating to the past, present or future business activities of a Party or its Affiliates and the consumers, customers, clients and suppliers of any of the foregoing. Confidential Information includes such information as may be contained in or embodied by documents, substances, engineering and laboratory notebooks, reports, data, specifications, computer source code and object code, flow charts, databases, drawings, pilot plants or demonstration or operating facilities, diagrams, specifications, bills of material, equipment, prototypes and models, and any other tangible manifestation (including data in computer or other digital format) of the foregoing; provided , however , that Confidential Information does not include information that a Receiving Party can show (a) has been published or has otherwise become available to the general public as part of the public domain without breach of this Agreement, (b) has been furnished or made known to the Receiving Party without any obligation to keep it confidential by a third party under circumstances which are not known to the Receiving Party to involve a breach of the third party’s obligations to a Party or (c) was developed independently of information furnished or made available to the Receiving Party as contemplated under this Agreement.

Conrhein ” is defined in Exhibit A .

CONSOL ” is defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

CONSOL Bonds ” is defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement.

CONSOL Group ” means CONSOL and each of its Subsidiaries (other than a Partnership Group Member).

CONSOL Group Member ” means a member of the CONSOL Group.

Contract Agency Agreement ” means that certain Contract Agency Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and between CESC and CNX Thermal Holdings, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Contributed Assets ” is defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement.

 

Appendix I-2


Control ” means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of another Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

Cooperation Agreement ” means that certain Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among CPCC, Conrhein, CNX Thermal Holdings and CNX Gas, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

CPCC ” is defined in Exhibit A .

Deductible ” is defined in Section 2.4(a) .

Delaware LLC Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act.

Disclosing Party ” is defined in Section 6.1(a) .

DRULPA ” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act.

Employee Services Agreement ” means that certain Employee Services Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings and CPCC, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

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 hereinafter in effect relating to (a) pollution or protection of human health, natural resources, wildlife and the environment or workplace health or safety, including the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. , the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§6901 et seq. , the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq. , the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. §§1251 et seq. , the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §§2601 et seq. , the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. §§2701 et seq. , the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§300f et seq. , the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1994, as amended, 49 U.S.C. §§5101 et seq. , and other environmental conservation and protection laws and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. §§651 et seq. , 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.

Equity Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among CONSOL, the General Partner, the Partnership and the Operating Company, together with the conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

 

Appendix I-3


Equity Interests ” means the equity interests in the entities being conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred to any Partnership Group Member pursuant to the Equity Contribution Agreement.

Equity Interests Assumed Obligations ” is defined in Section 2.2(a) .

Formation Transactions ” means the transactions described on Exhibit E .

General and Administrative Services ” is defined in Section 3.1(a) .

General Partner ” is defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, tribal, foreign or local governmental entity, authority, department, court or agency, including any political subdivision thereof, exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory or taxing authority or power of any nature, and including any arbitrating body, commission or quasi-governmental authority or self-regulating organization of competent authority exercising or enlisted to exercise similar power or 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 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, polychlorinated biphenyls and greenhouse gases and (b) petroleum, oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, motor oil, waste oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum hydrocarbons.

Indemnified Party ” means the Party entitled to indemnification in accordance with Article II .

Indemnifying Party ” means the Party from whom indemnification may be sought in accordance with Article II .

law ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Limited Partner ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Loan Documents ” is defined in Section 6.7(b) .

Losses ” means any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorney’s and expert’s fees) of any and every kind or character, known or unknown, fixed or contingent.

 

Appendix I-4


Management Services ” means such management, operating and investor relations services as may be necessary or appropriate to manage and operate the business and affairs of the Partnership Group that are provided by employees of CONSOL and its Affiliates who are expected to devote 50% or more of their business time to the Partnership Group.

Mediation Notice ” is defined in Section 6.2(b) .

Non-PA Complex Assets ” means any assets, or portions thereof or interests therein, owned by a CONSOL Group Member or Partnership Group Member, as applicable, other than any assets, or portions thereof or interests therein, that comprise the Pennsylvania Mining Complex. For the avoidance of doubt, Non-PA Complex Assets shall not include all or any portion of the Retained Undivided Interest.

Operational Services ” is defined in the Operating Agreement.

Operating Agreement ” means that certain Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among CPCC, Conrhein and CNX Thermal Holdings, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Operating Company ” is defined in Exhibit A .

Parent Executive Support Fee ” is defined in Exhibit D .

Partnership ” is defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of the Closing Date, as it may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Partnership Change of Control ” means CONSOL ceases to control, directly or indirectly, the general partner of the Partnership. For purposes of this definition, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the general partner of the Partnership, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Partnership Group ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Partnership Group Member ” means a “Group Member” as defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Partnership Interests ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Party ” and “ Parties ” are defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Appendix I-5


Pennsylvania Mining Complex ” means CONSOL’s mining complex, including coal mines, coal reserves and related assets and operations, located primarily in southwestern Pennsylvania, all as more particularly described in the Partnership’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-203165), as amended, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Permits ” is defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.

Proportionate Share ” means the undivided percentage interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses comprising the Pennsylvania Mining Complex collectively owned by the Partnership Group as of the relevant date of determination.

Proposed Transaction ” is defined in Section 4.3(a) .

Receiving Party ” is defined in Section 6.1(a) .

Registration Statement ” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-203165), as amended, filed by the Partnership with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Related Agreements ” means the Operating Agreement, the Employee Services Agreement, the Water Supply and Services Agreement, the Terminal and Throughput Agreement, the Contract Agency Agreement and the Cooperation Agreement.

Representative ” is defined in Section 6.1(a) .

Retained Liabilities ” means those matters set forth on Exhibit B .

Retained Other Assets ” means the (a) Buchanan Mine, (b) Cardinal States Gathering System and (c) Baltimore Marine Terminal, in each case owned by CONSOL and its permitted successors and assigns after the Closing Date.

Retained Other Assets ROFO Period ” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on (a) with respect to the Baltimore Marine Terminal and the Cardinal States Gathering System, the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) the date of a Partnership Change of Control, and (b) solely with respect to the Buchanan Mine, the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, (ii) the contribution by CONSOL of all or part of the Buchanan Mine to an Affiliate of CONSOL in connection with such Affiliate’s initial public offering and (iii) the date of a Partnership Change of Control.

Retained Other Assets Transferring Owner ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

 

Appendix I-6


Retained Undivided Interest ” means the undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses comprising the Pennsylvania Mining Complex collectively owned by CPCC and Conrhein and their permitted successors and assigns after the Closing Date.

Retained Undivided Interest ROFO Period ” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on a Partnership Change of Control.

Retained Undivided Interest Transferring Owner ” is defined in Section 4.1(a) .

ROFO Assets ” means the Retained Undivided Interest and/or the Retained Other Assets, as the case may be, subject to the right of first offers provided in Article IV of this Agreement.

ROFO Negotiation Period ” is defined in Section 4.3(a) .

ROFO Notice ” is defined in Section 4.3(a) .

ROFO PSA Execution Date ” is defined in Section 4.3(b) .

ROFO Response ” is defined in Section 4.3(a) .

ROFO Review Period ” is defined in Section 4.3(a) .

Services Standard ” is defined in the Employee Services Agreement.

Subsidiary ” is defined in the Partnership Agreement.

Substitute Owner ” is defined in Section 6.7(b) .

Terminal and Throughput Agreement ” means that certain Terminal and Throughput Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between CNX Marine and CNX Thermal Holdings, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Terminal Services ” is defined in the Terminal and Throughput Agreement.

Transfer ” means to, directly or indirectly, sell, assign, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of, whether in one or a series of transactions. For avoidance of doubt, a sale (including through a public or private offering by CONSOL), issuance (including through any incentive plan), assignment, conveyance, transfer or disposition of any equity of CONSOL by CONSOL will not constitute a Transfer of ROFO Assets.

Transferring Owner ” is defined in Section 4.2(a) .

Water Services ” is defined in the Water Supply and Services Agreement.

Water Supply and Services Agreement ” means that certain Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between CNX Water and CNX Thermal Holdings, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Appendix I-7


Exhibit A

Additional Parties

 

1. CNX Gas Company LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (“ CNX Gas ”)

 

2. CNX Marine Terminals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ CNX Marine ”)

 

3. CNX Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Operating Company ”)

 

4. CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CNX Thermal Holdings ”)

 

5. CNX Water Assets LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company (“ CNX Water ”)

 

6. Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ”)

 

7. CONSOL Energy Sales Company, a Delaware corporation (“ CESC ”)

 

8. CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”)

 

Exhibit A-1


Exhibit B

Retained Liabilities

 

1. Long-term notes payable to CONSOL Financial Inc.

 

2. The balance of accounts payable reflected on the books and records of CPCC as of the Closing Date

 

3. Any and all Losses arising under or relating to that certain Life Cycle Management Agreement, by and between Joy Underground Mining LLC (f/k/a Joy Technologies Inc., d/b/a Joy Mining Machinery) and CONSOL Energy Inc., dated October 31, 2013, to the extent and only to the extent related to the Non-PA Complex Assets

 

4. Liabilities arising under benefit plans, including medical, prescription drug and life insurance plans, maintained by CONSOL for the benefit of retired employees of CPCC and/or Conrhein not covered by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992

 

Exhibit B-1


Exhibit C

General and Administrative Services

Management-Related Support Services

 

  1. Management-related support services of employees (including both executive and non-executive officers) of CONSOL and its Affiliates (other than the General Partner) who are expected to devote less than 50% of their business time to the business and affairs of the Partnership Group.

Indirect General and Administrative Services

 

  1. Financial and administrative (including treasury, accounting and internal audit)

 

  2. Information technology

 

  3. Legal

 

  4. Human resources

 

  5. Tax

 

  6. Payroll

 

  7. Procurement

 

  8. Government relations, governmental compliance and public affairs

 

  9. Analytical & engineering

 

  10. Business development

 

  11. Risk management

Direct General and Administrative Services

 

  1. Health, environmental, safety and security, including Mine Safety and Health Administration reporting

 

  2. Real property and land

 

  3. Permitting and bonding

 

  4. Marketing, including administration of the Contract Agency Agreement, invoicing and receipt of consideration from purchasers, and contract negotiation, modification and administration

 

  5. Logistics

 

  a. Distribution services, including:

 

  i. shipment tracking

 

  ii. daily assessment and communication of operations activities

 

  iii. shipment scheduling

 

  iv. distribution data maintenance

 

  v. monitoring shipment sampling, analysis and premium/penalty calculations

 

Exhibit C-1


  vi. management and forecasting inventory and production levels

 

  vii. maintaining sales and contract orders

 

  viii. maintaining and updating biweekly COPA reports

 

  ix. coordinating between CESC departments, operations and carriers

 

  b. Transportation, including:

 

  i. procuring transportation rates

 

  ii. procuring terminal throughput rates

 

  iii. negotiating transportation rates

 

  iv. providing market analysis

 

  v. calculating fuel surcharges

 

  vi. submitting refunds

 

  6. Reporting, including preparing daily reports, monthly per ton reports and annual reserve reports

 

Exhibit C-2


Exhibit D

Administrative Fee

The Administrative Fee for calendar year 2016, as described in Section 3.2 , will be $10,100,000 initially and is comprised of (i) $9,400,000 for the provision of certain administrative support services by CONSOL and its Affiliates and (ii) $700,000 for the provision of certain executive support services by executive officers of CONSOL and its Affiliates (other than the General Partner) who are expected to devote less than 50% of their business time to the Partnership Group (the “ Parent Executive Support Fee ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Fee for the remainder of calendar year 2015 will be the same annual amount as for calendar year 2016 pro-rated based on the number of days remaining in 2015 from the Closing Date.

 

Exhibit D-1


Exhibit E

Formation Transactions

The “ Formation Transactions ” consist of the following:

1. On March 16, 2015, CONSOL formed the General Partner under the Delaware LLC Act and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in the General Partner;

2. On March 16, 2015, CONSOL, as the organizational limited partner, and the General Partner, as the general partner, formed the Partnership under the DRULPA and contributed $980 and $20, respectively, in exchange for a 98% limited partner interest and a 2% general partner interest, respectively, in the Partnership;

3. On April 16, 2015, CONSOL formed the Operating Company under the Delaware LLC Act and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in the Operating Company; and

4. On April 16, 2015, Conrhein formed CNX Thermal Holdings under the Delaware LLC Act and contributed $1,000 in exchange for 100% of the limited liability company interests in CNX Thermal Holdings.

 

Exhibit E-1

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

PENNSYLVANIA MINE COMPLEX OPERATING AGREEMENT

by and among

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC,

CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY

and

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1   

1.1

 

Defined Terms

     1   

1.2

 

References and Rules of Construction

     1   

ARTICLE II OPERATOR

     2   

2.1

 

Appointment

     2   

2.2

 

Relationship of Parties

     2   

ARTICLE III DUTIES OF OPERATOR

     2   

3.1

 

Services.

     2   

3.2

 

Standard of Care for Services

     3   

3.3

 

Insurance

     3   

3.4

 

Information Maintained By Operator

     4   

3.5

 

Access to Records

     4   

3.6

 

Ownership

     5   

3.7

 

Contracts

     5   

ARTICLE IV OPERATING COMMITTEE; ANNUAL BUDGET

     5   

4.1

 

Operating Committee

     5   

4.2

 

Actions Requiring Operating Committee Unanimous Approval

     6   

4.3

 

Annual Budget

     7   

4.4

 

Ten Year Mine Plan and Annual Development Plan

     8   

ARTICLE V COMPENSATION AND PAYMENTS

     8   

5.1

 

Compensation, Payments and Advances

     8   

5.2

 

Payment Disputes

     10   

5.3

 

Audits

     10   

5.4

 

Accounting Arbitrator

     10   

5.5

 

Delinquent Payment

     11   

5.6

 

Payments Under Omnibus Agreement

     11   

ARTICLE VI LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

     11   

6.1

 

Release.

     11   

6.2

 

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

     11   

6.3

 

Disclaimer

     11   

6.4

 

Conspicuous

     11   

 

i


ARTICLE VII TERM; TERMINATION; RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF OPERATOR 12  

7.1

Term

  12   

7.2

Resignation and Removal of Operator

  12   

7.3

Effect of Termination

  12   

7.4

Transition

  12   

ARTICLE VIII FORCE MAJEURE; EMERGENCIES

  13   

8.1

Force Majeure

  13   

8.2

Emergencies

  13   

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

  14   

9.1

Assignment

  14   

9.2

Notices

  14   

9.3

Further Assurances

  15   

9.4

Expenses

  16   

9.5

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

  16   

9.6

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

  16   

9.7

Amendment

  16   

9.8

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

  16   

9.9

Parties in Interest

  16   

9.10

Preparation of Agreement

  17   

9.11

Severability

  17   

9.12

Counterparts

  17   

9.13

Allocation of Resources

  17   

9.14

Memorandum

  17   

APPENDIX

Appendix I    Definitions

 

ii


PENNSYLVANIA MINE COMPLEX OPERATING AGREEMENT

THIS PENNSYLVANIA MINE COMPLEX OPERATING AGREEMENT (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), is by and among CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”), CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY , a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ,” and together with CPCC, the “ CONSOL Parties ”), CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Operator ”). CONSOL Parties and Operator may be referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Contribution Agreement by and among the Parties, dated as of June 22, 2015 (the “ Contribution Agreement ”), the CONSOL Parties contributed to Operator certain assets and properties relating to the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (as hereinafter defined);

WHEREAS , the CONSOL Parties and Operator own undivided interests in those certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine, the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ”); and

WHEREAS , the Owning Parties (as hereinafter defined) wish to designate Operator as the operator of the Assets (as hereinafter defined) and in connection therewith engage Operator as an independent contractor to provide, directly or indirectly, certain services with respect to the operation of the Assets, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I or the Contribution Agreement.

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.”


All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

OPERATOR

2.1 Appointment . In accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Owning Parties hereby appoint Operator, and Operator hereby accepts such appointment, as the operator with respect to the Assets. Subject to the limitations provided in this Agreement, Operator shall have full and complete authority to enter the Assets and to direct and control all operations conducted thereon or with respect thereto.

2.2 Relationship of Parties . Operator is, and shall perform the Operational Services as, an independent contractor and not as an agent or employee of the Non-Operating Parties. Operator shall have the right to subcontract some or all of the Operational Services to competent subcontractors of its choosing; provided, however , that the subcontracting of any Operational Services to be performed hereunder shall in no event relieve Operator of any of its obligations hereunder. Operator shall determine the number of employees, the selection of employees, the hours of work and the compensation to be paid to all employees by Operator used in performing the Operational Services. Operator shall be responsible for the payment of federal income tax, social security tax, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment tax and other similar payments, if any, relating to Operator’s business and employees, and the Non-Operating Parties shall not withhold any amounts for such purposes from payments made hereunder.

ARTICLE III

DUTIES OF OPERATOR

3.1 Services. Subject to Section 3.2 and Section 4.2 , Operator shall oversee, supervise and manage the day-to-day operations associated with or conducted upon the Assets and perform all acts necessary to maintain and operate the Assets in compliance with the then-current Annual Budget, then-current Annual Development Plan, then-current Ten Year Mine Plan and applicable Law, including those actions set forth in Section 3.1(a) through Section 3.1(d) (collectively, the “ Operational Services ”).

(a) General Duties . The general duties of Operator include (i) arranging for the purchase, transportation and storage of all supplies, materials and equipment reasonably determined by Operator as necessary to perform the Operational Services; (ii) paying and discharging on behalf of the Owning Parties all costs incurred in connection with the Operational Services; (iii) engaging personnel reasonably determined by Operator as necessary to perform any of the Operational Services; (iv) engaging subcontractors or contract personnel reasonably determined by Operator as necessary to perform any of the Operational Services; and (v) taking all necessary and proper measures and as may be required by applicable Law for the protection of life, health, the environment and property in the case of an Emergency pursuant to Section 8.2 .

 

2


(b) Mining Services . Operator shall conduct all day-to-day activities relating to the operation and management of the Assets, including: (i) supervision of daily operations, including site preparation, development mining and longwall mining; (ii); review of mine production performance and operating expenses; (iii) handling of coal production and delivery thereof to purchasers and/or other facilities; (iv) handling and disposing of all coal refuse; and (v) site remediation.

(c) Planning and Coordination Services . In connection with the execution of this Agreement, Operator and the Non-Operating Parties have agreed on (i) a plan setting forth the anticipated mining operations during the following calendar year (an “ Annual Development Plan ”) with respect to the remainder of the calendar year 2015; (ii) a plan setting forth the anticipated mining operations to be conducted by Operator during the ten-year period following the Execution Date (as updated from time to time, the “ Ten Year Mine Plan ”); and (iii) an annual budget with respect to the remainder of the calendar year 2015. Each year, Operator will prepare and submit to the Operating Committee (A) a proposed Annual Development Plan for the upcoming calendar year, (B) an update to the Ten Year Mine Plan and (C) a proposed Annual Budget, in each case, in accordance with Section 4.3 and Section 4.4 , as applicable. In addition, Operator will administer and manage the Cooperation and Safety Agreement, including making elections and enforcing the rights of the Owning Parties thereunder.

(d) Safety Services . Operator shall monitor and enforce compliance with all applicable health and safety policies and procedures and regulatory requirements.

3.2 Standard of Care for Services . Subject to Article 6 , Operator shall conduct the Operational Services, with respect to the Assets, consistently with past practices with respect to the operation of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Assets and in a manner that is not grossly negligent and does not constitute willful misconduct. If Operator should elect to engage a subcontractor to perform any of the Operational Services, Operator shall cause such subcontractor to conduct the Operational Services with the standard of care set forth in this Section 3.2 .

3.3 Insurance .

(a) With respect to the remainder of calendar year 2015 and calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (or such earlier time as Operator elects to obtain insurance pursuant to Section 3.3(b) ), the CONSOL Parties shall procure and maintain, or cause to be procured and maintained, for the benefit of the Non-Operating Parties and Operator the kinds of insurance and the amounts of coverage that is required by applicable Laws or that the CONSOL Parties reasonably determine necessary in connection with the ownership and operation of the Assets. The CONSOL Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to name Operator and its Affiliates as named insureds on and to obtain waivers of subrogation in favor of Operator and its Affiliates with respect to the insurance carried pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) (the “ CONSOL Insurance ”). Operator shall be responsible for its Percentage Interest of the costs and expenses incurred by the CONSOL Parties in procuring and maintaining the CONSOL

 

3


Insurance. Promptly after finalizing the CONSOL Insurance with respect to a calendar year, the CONSOL Parties will provide notice to Operator of the total costs associated with such CONSOL Insurance and Operator’s Percentage Interest thereof, and Operator shall reimburse the CONSOL Parties as soon as reasonably practical thereafter. Notwithstanding the preceding, Operator may procure such additional insurance in the types and amounts that it may desire in its sole discretion.

(b) Beginning with respect to calendar year 2021 (or such earlier calendar year as elected by Operator upon reasonable notice to the CONSOL Parties), Operator shall procure and maintain, or cause to be procured and maintained, for the benefit of the Non-Operating Parties and Operator the kinds of insurance and the amounts of coverage that is required by applicable Laws or that Operator reasonably determines necessary in connection with the ownership and operation of the Assets. Operator shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to name the Non-Operating Parties as additional insureds on and to obtain waivers of subrogation in favor of the Non-Operating Parties with respect to the insurance carried pursuant to this Section 3.3(b) .

(c) Operator shall (i) require subcontractors performing any of the Operational Services to obtain and maintain any and all insurance that is required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause subcontractors performing work with respect to the Operational Services to name the Non-Operating Parties and Operator as additional insureds on such subcontractors’ insurance policies (with waivers of subrogation in favor of the Non-Operating Parties and Operator).

3.4 Information Maintained By Operator .

(a) Operator shall maintain (i) the Reports; (ii) copies of regulatory filings and any material correspondence with Governmental Authorities; (iii) any records relating to any material claims; and (iv) any other information generated by, or in custody of, Operator relating to the Operational Services and/or the Assets (collectively, the “ Operating Records ”).

(b) Operator shall maintain, separately and in accordance with Operator’s customary recordkeeping procedures, GAAP and applicable Law, accurate records and accounts (i) of all expenses, costs and liabilities accrued or incurred by it in performing the Operational Services and (ii) on the Non-Operating Parties’ behalf, of (A) all expenses, costs and liabilities accrued or incurred by Operator in connection with this Agreement and/or the Non-Operating Parties’ contractual commitments with regard to the Assets and (B) all revenues accrued, invoiced and received by Operator on behalf of the Non-Operating Parties (collectively, the “ Accounting Records ,” and together with the Operating Records, the “ Records ”). Operator agrees to retain the Records pertaining to the Operational Services for a period of not less than three calendar years following the end of the calendar year in which the relevant Operational Services were performed or any longer period if required by Law.

3.5 Access to Records . Operator shall give the Non-Operating Parties access to the Records (including the right to copy, at the Non-Operating Parties’ expense) during normal business hours and upon reasonable prior written notice to Operator.

 

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3.6 Ownership .

(a) Undivided Ownership of the Assets . Each of the Owning Parties shall be responsible for its Percentage Interest of any costs and expenses incurred by Operator on behalf of the Owning Parties in connection with this Agreement. As of the Execution Date, the Percentage Interest of the CONSOL Parties is 80% and the Percentage Interest of Operator is 20%.

(b) Liens and Encumbrances .

(i) In its provision of Operational Services, Operator shall not take any action to encumber the Non-Operating Parties’ Percentage Interest in and to the Assets, other than a Permitted Encumbrance, without the prior written consent of the Non-Operating Parties.

(ii) The Non-Operating Parties shall not shall not take any action to encumber, or permit any lien on, their Percentage Interest in and to the Assets, other than a Permitted Encumbrance.

3.7 Contracts . Each Non-Operating Party agrees to execute and deliver (or to cause to be executed and delivered) each of those contracts to which Operator (i) is authorized to cause such Non-Operating Party to enter into in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) directs such Non-Operating Party to execute and deliver in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

OPERATING COMMITTEE; ANNUAL BUDGET

4.1 Operating Committee .

(a) To facilitate the operation and management of the Assets and the creation, approval and amendment of the Annual Budget, there is hereby established an operating committee composed of representatives of the Owning Parties (the “ Operating Committee ”). The Non-Operating Parties, collectively, shall be entitled to appoint one representative to the Operating Committee (the “ Non-Operating Representative ”) and Operator shall be entitled to appoint one representative to the Operating Committee (the “ Operator Representative ”). The initial Non-Operating Representative shall be Nicholas J. DeIuliis and the initial Operator Representative shall be James A Brock. Each Party shall have the right to change its representative serving on the Operating Committee at any time by giving notice of such change to the other Party.

(b) The Operating Committee shall have only the powers and duties expressly ascribed to it in this Agreement.

(c) The representative of a Party shall be authorized to represent and bind such Party with respect to any matter that is within the powers of the Operating Committee hereunder and is properly brought before the Operating Committee. On all matters coming before the Operating Committee, the Non-Operating Representative and the Operator Representative shall each have an equal vote.

 

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(d) Unless otherwise agreed to by the members of the Operating Committee, the Operating Committee shall meet at least once per calendar quarter to review and discuss the management and development of the Assets, the Reports, the Annual Budget, the Annual Development Plan, the Ten Year Mine Plan and such other matters as may be reasonably proposed by Operator or the Non-Operating Parties. Operator may elect, but is not required, to provide to the members of the Operating Committee an agenda for such meeting (which shall include any items that a member of the Operating Committee requests to have included on such agenda). All meetings shall be held during normal business hours, with the time and place of each meeting to be determined by Operator. Members of the Operating Committee shall be allowed to participate telephonically (or, to the extent available, by video conference) in any such meeting.

(e) All actions requiring approval by the Operating Committee shall be decided by the unanimous vote of the Operating Committee members. The Operating Committee shall keep a written record of all meetings and actions taken. To the fullest extent permitted by Law and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no member of the Operating Committee, in his or her capacity as a member of the Operating Committee, shall have any duty, fiduciary or otherwise, to the Parties that did not appoint such member in connection with any act or omission by such member under this Agreement. Each Party agrees and acknowledges that each member of the Operating Committee shall be entitled to determine whether or not to take any action under this Agreement by only considering the interests of the Party that designated such member to the Operating Committee and not the interests of any other Party.

4.2 Actions Requiring Operating Committee Unanimous Approval . Each of the following actions shall require the prior approval of the Operating Committee:

(a) any permanent idling of any of the mines in the Assets;

(b) any temporary idling of any of the mines in the Assets (other than scheduled shutdowns);

(c) adoption, amendment or modification of any Annual Development Plan;

(d) adoption, amendment or modification of any Annual Budget;

(e) adoption, amendment or modification of the Ten Year Mine Plan;

(f) incurring of any capital expenditure or expenses in excess of 10% of the Annual Budget;

(g) initiation of any material lawsuits on behalf of the Owning Parties;

(h) settlement of any material litigation;

(i) responding to or settling any material governmental proceeding, including any environmental proceeding;

 

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(j) sale of any material portion of the Non-Real Property Assets; or

(k) entry into, any of the following types of contracts with respect to the Operational Services, unless such contract is provided for in the then applicable Annual Budget:

(i) any contract that can reasonably be expected to result in payments by Operator of more than $5,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract;

(ii) any contract that has a term of more than three years, unless terminable by Operator without penalty on 30 days’ notice or less;

(iii) any indenture, mortgage, guaranty, loan, credit or sale-leaseback or similar financial contract or any contract which creates any liens for borrowed money; or

(iv) any contract with any Affiliate of Operator, unless (A) such contract can reasonably be expected to result in payments by Operator of less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract or (B) (1) such contract can reasonably be expected to result in payments by Operator of less than $1,000,000 but more than $2,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract, (2) Operator has obtained proposals for the services to be provided pursuant to such contract from at least two non-Affiliate service providers and (3) the terms of such affiliated contract in the aggregate is equal to or better than such third party proposals.

4.3 Annual Budget .

(a) In connection with the execution of this Agreement, the Owning Parties have provided Operator with the annual budget applicable to the remainder of calendar year 2015. Other than with respect to calendar year 2015, on or before October 15 of the calendar year immediately preceding the relevant calendar year, Operator shall prepare and submit to the Operating Committee a proposed annual budget for such relevant calendar year for the ownership, operation and development of the Assets that takes into consideration and provides for, at a minimum, the following anticipated costs, expenses, operations and sales (each, an “ Annual Budget ”):

(i) operating expenses;

(ii) maintenance capital expenditures;

(iii) expansion capital expenditures;

(iv) miscellaneous expenses, including anticipated costs under each of the Employee Services Agreement, the Water Supply and Services Agreement, the Terminal and Throughput Agreement and the Contract Agency Agreement;

(v) production and sales plan;

(vi) cash flow analysis and information; and

 

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(vii) any other information determined by the Operating Committee to be relevant.

(b) Each member of the Operating Committee shall review the proposed Annual Budget and meet with Operator to discuss any proposed revisions. No later than November 1 of the calendar year immediately preceding the relevant calendar year, the Operating Committee shall meet to consider the proposed Annual Budget and any recommendations made with respect thereto by any member of the Operating Committee and approve or reject the proposed Annual Budget and such recommendations.

4.4 Ten Year Mine Plan and Annual Development Plan .

(a) In connection with the execution of this Agreement, the Owning Parties have provided Operator with the Ten Year Mine Plan applicable to the ten-year period following the Execution Date and the Annual Development Plan applicable to calendar year 2015.

(b) Other than with respect to calendar year 2015, on or before October 15 of each calendar year, Operator shall submit to the Operating Committee:

(i) a proposed update to the Ten Year Mine Plan to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any proposed changes to the following mining operations to be conducted with regard to the Assets in the applicable ten-year period, including (if applicable); and

(ii) a proposed annual development plan setting forth the anticipated mining and development activities with regard to the Assets for the immediately following calendar year.

ARTICLE V

COMPENSATION AND PAYMENTS

5.1 Compensation, Payments and Advances .

(a) Operating Account . Operator is hereby authorized to open a bank account (the “ Operating Account ”) in which Operator will hold for the account of the Parties any funds advanced or paid to Operator by or on behalf of the Non-Operating Parties in the Operating Account. Operator shall have no fiduciary duties to the Non-Operating Parties in connection with the holding of the Operating Account. Operator shall make expenditures from the Operating Account consistent with the Annual Budget in furtherance of its Operational Services, including acquisitions of equipment, inventory and other non-real property in its own name for the undivided benefit of the Owning Parties.

(b) Payments . Each Owning Party acknowledges and agrees that it shall be responsible for, and shall pay and/or reimburse Operator for, its Percentage Interest of the costs incurred by Operator in providing the Operational Services, including of any Person subcontracted by Operator in accordance with Section 2.2 to provide Operational Services. For the avoidance of doubt, the Owning Parties shall not be responsible for costs incurred by Operator in obtaining the General and Administrative Services. Operator may elect, in its sole

 

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discretion, to prepare and deliver to the Non-Operating Parties, on or before the 10th Business Day of the calendar month preceding the relevant calendar month, a reasonably detailed notice of the estimated amount of all out-of-pocket expenditures that Operator projects to be incurred in the performance of the Operational Services during the following calendar month plus a reasonable contingency amount (such amount, the “ Monthly Estimate ”). The Non-Operating Parties shall cause the Monthly Estimate to be deposited with Operator prior to the beginning of each calendar month to which such Monthly Estimate relates. To the extent that any Monthly Estimate is insufficient to satisfy Operator’s expenditures for such calendar month, then Operator may (but is not required to) incur such expenses on the Non-Operating Parties’ behalf and in such event the Monthly Estimate for the following calendar month shall be increased by such shortfall. If the Monthly Estimate paid by the Non-Operating Parties with respect to any calendar month exceeds Operator’s expenditures hereunder for such calendar month, then the amount of such excess shall, at the Non-Operating Parties’ election, either be applied to amounts payable hereunder with respect to succeeding calendar months (and the applicable Monthly Estimate will reflect such amounts that have not been previously distributed) or be refunded to the Non-Operating Parties. Prior to the termination of this Agreement, the Parties shall true-up the amounts owed and paid under this Agreement, and to the extent any Party owes any amounts to another Party hereunder, such owing Party shall make a payment to the Party to which such amount is owed.

(c) Distributions . Periodically, but no less than monthly, Operator shall distribute to each Non-Operating Party such Non-Operating Party’s proportionate share of net revenues received (excluding such Non-Operating Party’s (i) proportionate share of expenses that Operator reasonably anticipates will be incurred the following month and that are not anticipated to be covered by cash flows from such month and which have not been included in a Monthly Estimate and (ii) any amounts for which such Non-Operating Party is in default under this Agreement together with any interest accrued thereon).

(d) Authority for Expenditures . During each fiscal year, Operator shall have the right and authority (i) to make expenditures of up to 110% of the Annual Budget for such fiscal year, as such Annual Budget may be revised from time to time and (ii) to make expenditures of such amounts as Operator reasonably determines are required in the event of an Emergency. If during any fiscal year Operator’s expenditures exceed, or Operator anticipates that such expenditures will exceed, 110% of the Annual Budget, Operator shall notify the Operating Committee of the excess (or anticipated excess) expenditures, and such notice shall include reasonable detail of the reasons for such excess expenditures and a proposal by Operator for an amendment of the Annual Budget to reflect Operator’s revised estimate of expenditures for such fiscal year.

(e) Out-of-Pocket Expenditures . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (other than in connection with its obligations in respect of an Emergency as described in Section 8.2 ), in no event shall Operator be required to incur or pay any out-of-pocket expenditures on behalf of the Non-Operating Parties in connection with the provision of the Operational Services where the funds with respect thereto have not been advanced to Operator by the Non-Operating Parties in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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5.2 Payment Disputes . In the event a Non-Operating Party disputes any Operator invoice, in whole or in part, such Non-Operating Party shall promptly notify Operator of the dispute, setting out in reasonable detail the basis for the dispute and including any supporting documentation available to such Non-Operating Party regarding the dispute. The Non-Operating Parties shall pay the entire amount of Operator’s invoice within the applicable period for payment provided herein; provided, however , that such payment shall in no event waive the Non-Operating Parties’ rights to dispute the invoice as provided herein. The disputing Non-Operating Parties and Operator shall endeavor in good faith to promptly settle any disputed amount, and Operator shall reimburse the Non-Operating Parties for any amounts ultimately determined to have been overpaid, within ten Business Days following resolution of such dispute. The provisions of this Section 5.2 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement

5.3 Audits . Any Non-Operating Party, upon reasonable written notice to Operator, shall have the right to audit Operator’s accounts and Records relating to the Operational Services for any calendar year within the 24-month period following the end of such calendar year. Operator shall not bear any portion of such Non-Operating Party’s audit cost incurred under this Section 5.3 . The audits shall not be conducted more frequently than bi-annually without the prior approval of Operator, except upon the resignation or removal of Operator. Upon the completion of any such audit the results of which evidence an overcharging by Operator for Operational Services rendered, the Non-Operating Party may notify Operator of such overcharge and request reimbursement thereof, and such notice shall include such Non-Operating Party’s calculations and reasonable data supporting such reimbursement request. Within 30 days after receipt of such Non-Operating Party’s reimbursement request, Operator shall notify the Non-Operating Party if Operator disputes the results of the audit. Operator’s failure to notify the Non-Operating Party of such dispute within such time period shall be deemed to be agreement with the audit results and the reimbursement request. If Operator timely notifies the Non-Operating Party that it disputes the audit results, then each of Operator and the Non-Operating Party shall designate a representative, and, not later than ten Business Days from such selection, such representatives shall meet in an effort to resolve such disputed audit results. Such representatives shall attempt to agree on a resolution of such dispute within ten Business Days from meeting. Upon such deadline, if no consensual resolution has been reached, either the Non-Operating Party or Operator may cause such dispute to be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 5.4 . This Section 5.3 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of 24 months.

5.4 Accounting Arbitrator . In the event that the Parties cannot reach agreement regarding any disputes regarding amounts invoiced hereunder pursuant to Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 , either Party may refer the remaining matters in dispute to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office of a mutually agreeable nationally recognized accounting firm (the “ Accounting Arbitrator ”) for review and final determination by arbitration. Should such selected firm fail or refuse to agree to serve as Accounting Arbitrator within ten Business Days after receipt of a written request from any Party to serve, and should the Parties fail to agree in writing on another replacement Accounting Arbitrator within five Business Days after the end of that ten-day period, or should no replacement Accounting Arbitrator agree to serve within 30 days after the original written request pursuant to this Section 5.4 , the Accounting Arbitrator shall be a nationally recognized accounting firm appointed by the Philadelphia office of the American

 

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Arbitration Association. The Accounting Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 30 days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding on the Parties, without right of appeal. The Accounting Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed matters submitted by the Parties and may not award damages or penalties to the Parties with respect to any matter. Each Party shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The fees, costs and expenses of the Accounting Arbitrator, shall be allocated between the Parties based upon the percentage which the portion of the disputed matters not awarded to such Party bears to the amount actually contested by such Party. The provisions of this Section 5.4 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

5.5 Delinquent Payment . All amounts that are due hereunder and that are not paid within 30 days of the date due shall accrue interest at the Agreed Rate from the date due until the date such amounts are fully paid.

5.6 Payments Under Omnibus Agreement . The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement, including the terms under this Article 5 , are subject to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, and that any payments to be made under this Agreement may be netted against other amounts payable to a Party as more particularly set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

6.1 Release. Except as set forth in Section 6.2 , each Party hereby releases, discharges and forever waives any claims against the other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

6.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 7 , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall Operator have any liability under this Agreement or applicable Law with respect to the provision of the Operational Services under this Agreement or acting as contract operator for any claim, damage, loss or liability sustained or incurred in connection with its operations with respect to the Assets or the provision of the Operational Services or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

6.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, OPERATOR MAKES NO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OPERATOR HEREUNDER.

6.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

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ARTICLE VII

TERM; TERMINATION; RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF OPERATOR

7.1 Term . Unless terminated earlier by express written agreement of the Parties or in accordance with Section 7.2 , the term of this Agreement shall commence on the Execution Date and continue in full force and effect until the cessation of operations at the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (the “ Term ”).

7.2 Resignation and Removal of Operator .

(a) Resignation of Operator. Operator may not resign as operator without the prior written consent of the Non-Operating Parties, which consent may be withheld in the Non-Operating Parties’ sole discretion.

(b) Removal of Operator. The Non-Operating Parties may remove Operator as operator and terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Operator of:

(i) the Bankruptcy of Operator; or

(ii) an action constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of Operator in connection with the performance of the Operational Services.

For the avoidance of doubt, in the event Operator resigns or is removed, this Agreement shall terminate in accordance with Section 7.3 and Section 7.4 .

7.3 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.2 , this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect, except for the provisions of Section 5.2 , Section 5.3 , Section 5.4 ; Section 5.5 , Section 5.6 , Article 6 , this Section 7.3 , Section 7.4 , and Article 9 which, in each case, shall continue in full force and effect. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any Party from its obligations or liabilities arising hereunder prior to the date of such termination.

7.4 Transition . Upon termination of this Agreement, Operator shall as promptly as practicable, but in any event within 60 days following such termination, deliver to the Non-Operating Parties (or their designees) the Records, in such format, including electronic format, as the Records are maintained by Operator. Upon such termination, the Non-Operating Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Person or Persons to provide the Operational Services to the Owning Parties, and, during the Transition Period, (i) Operator shall, subject to Article 8 , continue to provide the Operational Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Non-Operating Parties and cooperate to ensure the orderly and expeditious transition of the provision of the Operational Services to the Person or Persons designated by the Non-Operating Parties, including training of a new operator with respect to the Operational Services (if requested by the Non-Operating Parties) and transferring permits and licenses and migrating computer or other systems to a new operator, as applicable, and (ii) the Non-Operating Parties shall pay and reimburse Operator for their proportionate share of the portion of any costs incurred by Operator in accordance with this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 7.4 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

FORCE MAJEURE; EMERGENCIES

8.1 Force Majeure . If any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the obligation to make money payments, that Party shall give to the other Party prompt written notice of the Force Majeure with reasonably full particulars concerning it; thereupon, the obligations of the Party giving notice, so far as they are affected by the Force Majeure, shall be suspended during, but no longer than, the continuance of the Force Majeure. The affected Party shall use all reasonable efforts to remove, mitigate and/or remedy the Force Majeure situation as quickly as practicable. The requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other labor difficulty by the Party involved, contrary to its wishes; the method by which all such difficulties shall be handled shall be entirely within the discretion of the affected Party; provided, however , the foregoing shall not relieve such Party of its obligations to take other measures to remove, mitigate and/or remedy any delay or suspension resulting from such labor difficulties.

8.2 Emergencies . In the event of an Emergency, Operator shall promptly:

(a) make all notifications required under applicable Law, including to appropriate Governmental Authorities;

(b) implement Emergency response and mitigation measures as deemed advisable by Operator for a prudent operator to respond to or mitigate the Emergency, including to protect human health and the environment;

(c) commence any required remediation, maintenance or repair work necessary to keep the Assets operating safely (or to restore such Assets to safe operating condition) and in accordance with all applicable Laws or otherwise to minimize damage as deemed advisable by Operator for a prudent operator to respond to or mitigate the Emergency; and

(d) notify, as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the event, the Non-Operating Parties of such Emergency, all mitigation, repair, restoration or remediation plans, all material correspondence with Governmental Authorities and any Permits or approvals required in connection with Operator’s Emergency response, repair, remediation or restoration activities.

Operator’s notification of the Non-Operating Parties may be made by any method deemed appropriate by Operator under the circumstances and does not have to comply with Section 9.2 . Operator will submit invoices to the Non-Operating Parties for their proportionate share of the work done and expenses incurred by Operator during any Emergency within 30 days after Operator incurs such expenses, and, unless such costs are netted against the Non-Operating Parties’ share of revenues collected by Operator, the Non-Operating Parties shall pay Operator within 15 Business Days of receipt of such invoices.

 

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ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Assignment .

(a) This Agreement and the duties hereunder may only be assigned (a) by Operator with the prior written consent of the CONSOL Parties, which consent may be withheld in the CONSOL Parties’ sole discretion, and (b) by the CONSOL Parties with the prior written consent of Operator, which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however , that the CONSOL Parties may freely assign this Agreement in connection with a transfer of all or a material portion of the CONSOL Parties’ ownership interest in the Assets. Any assignment of this Agreement made in contravention of this Section 9.1 shall be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Nothing in this Section 9.1 shall preclude Operator from subcontracting some or all of the Operational Services in accordance with Section 2.2 .

(b) The CONSOL Parties (i) acknowledge that the Operator has entered into or will enter into one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments (collectively, the “ Loan Documents ”) with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto (the “ Agent ”) for the benefit of certain lenders, (ii) consent in all respects to the collateral assignment under the Loan Documents of all of Operator’s right, title and interest in, to and under this agreement, (iii) acknowledge the right of the Agent or its designee(s) or assignee(s), in the exercise of the Agent’s rights and remedies under the Loan Documents, to make all demands, give all notices, take all actions and exercise all rights of Operator under this agreement (the “ Assigned Interests ”) and (iv) acknowledge that if the Agent or its designee(s) or assignee(s) has elected to exercise the rights and remedies set forth in the Loan Documents, then the Agent, its designee(s) or assignee(s) or any other purchaser of the Assigned Interests in a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure sale (a “ Substitute Owner ”) shall be substituted for Operator under this agreement. In the event described in clause (d), the CONSOL Parties shall recognize such Substitute Owner in its capacity as such and shall continue to perform its obligations under this agreement in favor of such Substitute Owner.

9.2 Notices . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to CPCC:

CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Vice President and Comptroller

Email: davidkhani@consolenergy.com

 

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with a copy to:

Attention: Vice President and Secretary

Email: stevejohnson@consolenergy.com

If to Conrhein:

Conrhein Coal Company

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Controller and Assistant Secretary

Email: loriritter@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: Secretary

Email: michaelbaker@consolenergy.com

If to Operator:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: loriritter@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: General Counsel

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 9.2 .

9.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

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9.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.

9.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives, nor any failure by a Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

9.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, the other Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements and the documents to be executed hereunder and thereunder, constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto or (b) subject to the following sentence, the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreement, in each case, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Agreement or the Contribution Agreement and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement or Contribution Agreement, as applicable, shall control.

9.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

9.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the Laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

9.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

 

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9.10 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

9.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

9.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

9.13 Allocation of Resources . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, in performing its obligations hereunder, each Party shall accord the other Party (and shall cause its Affiliates and shall use its good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to cause any of its Third Party subcontractors to accord to the other Party) no less than the same priority and treatment under comparable circumstances as it would provide to itself or any of its Affiliates’ business units or assets, and shall allocate to the other Party (and shall cause its Affiliates and shall use its good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to cause any of its Third Party subcontractors to allocate to the other Party) any delay or suspension of performance in a manner no less favorable than the manner by which it allocates such delay or suspension of performance to itself or any of its Affiliates’ business units or assets.

9.14 Memorandum . Upon request, the Parties shall execute and deliver a memorandum with respect to this Agreement which shall be filed in the real property records of the counties in which the Assets covered by this Agreement are located. From and after such filing, upon request from any Party, each other Party shall execute and deliver any additions, deletions, modifications or supplements to such memorandum that a proposing Party may reasonably request from time to time to cover any additions, deletions, modifications or supplements to this Agreement or the Assets covered by this Agreement.

[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Agreement has been signed by each of the Parties on the Execution Date.

 

CPCC :
CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President and Secretary
CONRHEIN :
CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
OPERATOR :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

[ Signature Page to Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

Accounting Arbitrator ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 .

Accounting Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b) .

Acquired Assets ” means any coal reserves, equipment, or other assets that are jointly acquired by the Parties primarily in connection with the other Assets after the Execution Date.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is Under Common Control With such Person; provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement, General Partner, the Partnership and any subsidiaries of the Partnership, including CTH, shall be deemed not to be “Affiliates” of the CONSOL Parties.

Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) .

Agreed Rate ” means, on the applicable date of determination, the LIBOR Rate plus an additional two percentage points (or, if such rate is contrary to any applicable Law, the maximum rate permitted by such applicable Law).

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Annual Budget ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a) .

Annual Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(e) .

Assets ” means the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Assets and any Acquired Assets.

Assigned Interests ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) .

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its debts under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) or any other insolvency Law, or a Person’s filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition; (b) the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or the admission by a Person of its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (c) the expiration of 60 days after the filing or an involuntary petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) seeking an application for the appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person, or an involuntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment of its debts under any other insolvency Law, unless the same shall have been vacated, set aside or stayed within such 60 day period.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Conrhein ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

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CONSOL Insurance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) .

CONSOL Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Contract Agency Agreement ” means that certain Contract Agency Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date, between CONSOL Energy Sales Company and Operator, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Contribution Agreement ” means that certain contribution agreement dated as of June 22, 2015 by and among CONSOL Parties and Operator, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

Cooperation and Safety Agreement ” means that certain Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, CONSOL Parties and Operator, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

CPCC ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Emergency ” means any sudden or unexpected event which causes, or risks causing, (a) substantial damage to any of the Assets or the property of a Third Party, (b) death of or injury to any Person, (c) damage or substantial risk of damage to natural resources (including wildlife) or the environment, (d) safety concerns associated with continued operations, or (e) non-compliance with any applicable Law, and, in each case, which event is of such a nature that a response cannot, in the reasonable discretion of Operator, await the decision of the Owning Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, an “Emergency” shall include any release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment that requires notification to any Governmental Authority under applicable Law.

Employee Services Agreement ” means that certain Employee Services Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date, between CPCC and Operator, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Force Majeure ” means an act of God; strike, lockout or other similar disturbance; act of the public enemy; war; blockade; public riot; lightning, fire, storm, flood or other act of nature or the elements; explosion; action, delay or inaction of a Governmental Authority that is reasonably unforeseen or unexpected; unavailable equipment not within the control of the Party claiming suspension; and any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension.

 

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

General and Administrative Services ” has the meaning set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

Law ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Loan Documents ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) .

Monthly Estimate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b) .

Non-Operating Parties ” means any Person other than Operator holding an undivided interest in and to the Assets and that is currently, or becomes, a Party to this Agreement.

Non-Operating Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

Non-Real Property Assets ” means all assets and properties included in the Assets, other than any real property.

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation, the General Partner, the Partnership, and the other parties thereto, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Operating Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a) .

Operating Committee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

Operating Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

Operational Services ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .

Operator ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Operator Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

 

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Owning Party ” means on the one hand, the CONSOL Parties (collectively) and their permitted successors and assigns and on the other hand, Operator and its permitted successors and assigns.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Party ” and “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements ” means the Omnibus Agreement, the Employee Services Agreement, the Cooperation and Safety Agreement, the Contract Agency Agreement, the Water Supply and Services Agreement, the Terminal and Throughput Agreement and this Agreement.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the Contribution Agreement.

Percentage Interest ” means, as of the applicable time of determination, an Owning Party’s undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, as such undivided interest may change from time to time.

Permit ” means any permits, approvals or authorizations by, or filings with, Governmental Authorities.

Permitted Encumbrance ” means any or all of the following:

(a) liens for Taxes or assessments not yet delinquent or if delinquent, being contested in good faith in the ordinary course of business by appropriate actions;

(b) materialman’s, mechanic’s, repairman’s, employee’s, contractor’s, operator’s and other similar liens or charges arising in the ordinary course of business for amounts not yet delinquent (including any amounts being withheld as provided by Law), or if delinquent, being contested in good faith by appropriate actions;

(c) easements, rights-of-way, covenants, servitudes, Permits, surface leases and other rights in respect of surface operations that do not prevent or adversely affect operations as currently conducted on the Assets;

(c) all rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate any of the Assets in any manner or to assess tax with respect to the Assets, the ownership, use or operation thereof, or revenue, income or capital gains with respect thereto, and all obligations and duties under all applicable Laws of any such Governmental Authority or under any franchise, grant, license or Permit issued by any Governmental Authority; and

 

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(d) liens of landowners that (i) do not materially interfere with the use or ownership of the Assets subject thereto or affected thereby (as currently used or owned); and (ii) secure amounts not yet delinquent.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b) .

Reports ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(h) .

Substitute Owner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) .

Taxes ” means all federal, state, local, and foreign income, profits, franchise, sales, use, ad valorem, property, severance, production, excise, stamp, documentary, real property transfer or gain, gross receipts, goods and services, registration, capital, transfer, or withholding taxes or other assessments, duties, fees or charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, penalties or additional amounts that may be imposed with respect thereto.

Ten Year Mine Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(e) .

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .

Terminal and Throughput Agreement ” means that certain Terminal and Throughput Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date, between CNX Marine Terminal, INc. and CTH, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Third Party ” means any Person other than a Party to this Agreement or an Affiliate of a Party to this Agreement.

Transition Period ” means the period from the termination of this Agreement to the date that is 180 days after such termination or such shorter period as the Owning Parties may agree.

Water Supply and Services Agreement ” means that certain Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date, between CNX Water Assets LLC and CTH, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

A PPENDIX I

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Exhibit 10.4

Execution Version

EMPLOYEE SERVICES AGREEMENT

by and between

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

and

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION 1  

1.1

Defined Terms

  1   

1.2

References and Rules of Construction

  1   

ARTICLE II POWER AND AUTHORITY; OPERATIONAL SERVICES

  2   

2.1

CPCC Power and Authority; Operational Services

  2   

2.2

Limitations on Authority

  2   

2.3

Emergency

  3   

2.4

Contracts

  4   

2.5

Ownership of Property

  4   

2.6

CPCC’s Permitted Delegation of Authority; Employee Matters

  4   

2.7

Other Business Pursuits; No Fiduciary Duties

  5   

2.8

Certain Conditions of Service

  5   

2.9

Annual Budget

  6   

2.10

Ten Year Mine Plan; Annual Development Plan

  7   

2.11

Insurance

  8   

2.12

Records

  8   

2.13

Operational Services Standard

  8   

ARTICLE III PAYMENTS

  8   

3.1

Payments

  8   

3.2

Payment Terms; Disputed Charges

  8   

3.3

Revenues

  9   

3.4

Taxes

  9   

3.5

Maintenance of Books & Records

  10   

3.6

Audit

  10   

3.7

Payments Under Omnibus Agreement

  10   

ARTICLE IV TERM; TERMINATION

  11   

4.1

Term

  11   

4.2

CPCC Termination

  11   

4.3

CTH Termination

  11   

4.4

Effect of Termination

  11   

4.5

Transition Period

  12   

ARTICLE V LIMITS OF RESPONSIBILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

  12   

5.1

Release

  12   

5.2

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

  12   

5.3

Disclaimer

  12   

5.4

Conspicuous

  12   

ARTICLE VI FORCE MAJEURE

  13   

6.1

Force Majeure

  13   

 

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ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS

  13   

7.1

Assignment

  13   

7.2

Notices

  13   

7.3

Further Assurances

  14   

7.4

Expenses

  14   

7.5

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

  14   

7.6

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

  15   

7.7

Amendment

  15   

7.8

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

  15   

7.9

Parties in Interest

  15   

7.10

Preparation of Agreement

  15   

7.11

Severability

  15   

7.12

Counterparts

  16   

7.13

Allocation of Resources

  16   

APPENDIX

Appendix I    Definitions

 

ii


EMPLOYEE SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Employee Services Agreement (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), is dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”) by and between CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”), and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”). CTH and CPCC are referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

RECITALS

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Contribution Agreement by and among CPCC, Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ”), and CTH dated as of June 22, 2015 (the “ Contribution Agreement ”), CPCC and Conrhein contributed to CTH certain assets and properties relating to the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (defined below);

WHEREAS , CPCC, Conrhein and CTH own undivided interests in those certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine, the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (collectively, the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ”).

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and between CPCC, Conrhein and CTH (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Operating Agreement ”), (a) CTH has been designated as the operator of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex and (b) the Owning Parties (defined below) have delegated authority with respect to and engaged CTH to provide the Operational Services (defined below); and

WHEREAS , pursuant to and subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, CTH delegates to CPCC the power and authority to act on behalf of CTH to perform the Operational Services on behalf of CTH, and CPCC agrees to provide the Operational Services to CTH.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I or the Operating Agreement.

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement, and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof.

 

1


The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

POWER AND AUTHORITY; OPERATIONAL SERVICES

2.1 CPCC Power and Authority; Operational Services . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, including Section 2.2 , CTH hereby delegates to CPCC the responsibility for, and CPCC is hereby delegated all necessary power and authority to act on behalf of CTH with respect to, performing the Operational Services.

2.2 Limitations on Authority .

(a) The Parties acknowledge and agree that CTH has (i) the ultimate control of the scope of the Operational Services to be provided by CPCC hereunder and (ii) the right to monitor, consult with and give operational instructions and guidance to CPCC with respect to the Operational Services. CPCC shall not unreasonably refuse operational instructions or guidance from CTH with respect to the Operational Services; provided , however , CPCC shall have the sole right to direct, and complete control over, the means and manner in which the Employees perform the Operational Services.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, all decisions regarding the hiring and/or firing of Employees provided by CPCC shall be made by CPCC. CTH shall have the right to approve all Employees provided by CPCC under Section 2.6 to perform the Operational Services, which approval may be revoked or terminated for any reason at any time. Upon a revocation or termination of CTH’s approval of any Employee (such Employee, an “ Excused Employee ”):

(i) CPCC will be solely liable for any costs or expenses (if any) associated with the revocation or termination of CTH’s approval, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, however , CTH shall be responsible for reimbursing CPCC for any and all severance costs or other expenses (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall constitute Personnel Costs hereunder) associated with a termination of an Excused Employee’s employment by CPCC, if such termination of employment by CPCC is (A) substantially related to CTH’s revocation or termination of CTH’s approval of such Excused Employee and (B) occurs within 30 days after the date of such revocation or termination; and

 

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(ii) such Excused Employees will cease performing any of the Operational Services.

(c) If CPCC does not have an employee capable of providing the Operational Services previously provided by an Excused Employee and cannot reasonably obtain a contractor to provide the Operational Services previously provided by such Excused Employee, then CPCC may terminate this Agreement with respect to the Operational Services previously provided by such Excused Employee.

(d) CPCC shall perform the Operational Services in material compliance with the then current Annual Budget, Annual Development Plan and Ten Year Mine Plan.

(e) Without the prior written approval of CTH, CPCC shall not cause or direct CTH to enter into, and CPCC shall not enter into, any of the following types of contracts with respect to CTH, the Assets or the Operational Services, unless such contract is provided for in the then applicable Annual Budget:

(i) any contract that can reasonably be expected to result in payments by CTH or CPCC of more than $5,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract;

(ii) any contract that has a term of more than three years, unless terminable by CTH or CPCC without penalty on 30 days’ notice or less;

(iii) any indenture, mortgage, guaranty, loan, credit or sale-leaseback or similar financial contract or any contract which creates any liens for borrowed money;

(iv) any contract that constitutes a partnership agreement, joint venture agreement or similar contract; or

(v) any contract with any Affiliate of CPCC, unless (A) such contract can reasonably be expected to result in payments by CTH or CPCC of less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract or (B) (1) such contract can reasonably be expected to result in payments by CTH or CPCC of less than $2,000,000 but more than $1,000,000 in the aggregate over the term of such contract, (2) CPCC has obtained proposals for the services to be provided pursuant to such contract from at least two non-Affiliate service providers and (3) the terms of such affiliated contract in the aggregate is equal to or better than such third party proposals.

2.3 Emergency . In the event of an Emergency, CPCC shall promptly:

(a) make all notifications required under applicable Law, including to appropriate Governmental Authorities;

(b) implement Emergency response and mitigation measures as deemed advisable by CPCC for a prudent service provider to respond to or mitigate the Emergency, including to protect human health and the environment;

 

3


(c) commence any required remediation, maintenance or repair work necessary to keep the Assets operating safely (or to restore such Assets to safe operating condition) and in accordance with all applicable Laws or otherwise to minimize damage as deemed advisable by CPCC for a prudent service provider to respond to or mitigate the Emergency; and

(d) notify, as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the event, CTH of such Emergency, all mitigation, repair, restoration or remediation plans, all material correspondence with Governmental Authorities and any Permits or approvals required in connection with CPCC’s Emergency response, repair, remediation or restoration activities.

CPCC’s notification of CTH may be made by any method deemed appropriate by CPCC under the circumstances and does not have to comply with Section 7.2 . CPCC will submit invoices to CTH for the work done and expenses incurred by CPCC during any Emergency within 30 days after CPCC incurs such expenses, and, unless such costs are netted against CTH’s revenues collected by CPCC, CTH shall pay CPCC within 15 Business Days of receipt of such invoices.

2.4 Contracts .

(a) Subject to Section 2.2(d) , CPCC may cause or direct CTH to enter into, and may directly enter into, contracts with Third Parties and Affiliates of CPCC (and make any modifications, amendments or extensions thereto) as may be necessary for CPCC to perform the Operational Services and fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) CTH agrees to execute and deliver (or to cause to be executed and delivered) each of those contracts to which CPCC (i) is authorized to cause CTH to enter into in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) directs CTH to execute and deliver in accordance with this Agreement.

(c) CTH shall provide CPCC with a copy of all authorizations, contracts or agreements secured or executed in association with the Assets that are necessary for CPCC’s performance of the Operational Services under this Agreement as soon as practical following the securing or execution of such authorization, contract or agreement.

2.5 Ownership of Property . The Parties agree and acknowledge that CPCC shall have no direct ownership interest in the Assets (nor in any of the equipment, materials or other property related thereto and purchased by CTH either directly or on behalf of CTH by CPCC), and that neither CPCC nor any Affiliate of CPCC (other than an Owning Party) shall be deemed to have any direct or indirect ownership interest in the Assets (or in any equipment, materials and other property related thereto and purchased by CTH either directly or on behalf of CTH by CPCC) as a result of the terms of this Agreement.

2.6 CPCC’s Permitted Delegation of Authority; Employee Matters .

(a) CPCC shall be permitted to delegate authority to officers and employees of CPCC (or its Affiliates) in order to perform the Operational Services; provided, however , CPCC may not delegate any authority, power or right that could not be exercised directly by CPCC under this Agreement.

 

4


(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to the calculation of Personnel Costs pursuant to Section 3.1 , with respect to such employees of CPCC’s Affiliates, CTH and CPCC acknowledge that employees of Affiliates of CPCC may assist CPCC in providing the Operational Services hereunder without further consent from CTH.

(c) Subject to Section 2.2 , CPCC shall provide, and have the sole right to direct and supervise, the personnel, which may include (i) full-time employees of CPCC, or Affiliates of CPCC, (ii) any other employees of CPCC or Affiliates of CPCC, and/or (iii) Third Party contractors hired by CPCC (collectively, the “ Employees ”) necessary to perform the Operational Services.

(d) CPCC shall perform the Operational Services as an “independent contractor” of CTH and nothing in this Agreement is intended, and nothing shall be construed, to create an agency, employer/employee, partnership, joint venture, association or other similar relationship between CPCC and CTH or any of their respective Affiliates. CPCC shall have the sole right to direct, and complete control over, the means and manner in which the Employees perform the Operational Services.

2.7 Other Business Pursuits; No Fiduciary Duties .

(a) Neither CPCC nor any of its Affiliates shall be required to perform the Operational Services as such Person’s sole and exclusive occupation, and CPCC and its Affiliates may have other occupations and activities in addition to those relating to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, CTH acknowledges and agrees that CPCC and its Affiliates currently operate, and shall have the right to operate during the Term, other assets and conduct other businesses in addition to performing the Services.

(b) Subject to the obligations established in Section 2.2 , none of the Parties, their Affiliates or their respective employees or officers shall have any special, fiduciary or quasi-fiduciary duties among any of them as a result of this Agreement and this Agreement shall not be construed to suggest otherwise.

2.8 Certain Conditions of Service .

(a) CPCC shall not be obligated to acquire new, additional or different Employees, equipment or resources or to acquire or establish any separate hardware or software platforms in order to provide any Operational Services.

(b) CPCC’s obligation to provide the Operational Services shall be conditioned upon and subject to any legal obligations, prohibitions or restrictions applicable to it, and this Agreement shall not obligate CPCC to violate, modify or eliminate any such obligation, prohibition or restriction.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all matters pertaining to the employment, compensation, promotion and discharge of any personnel of CPCC or its Affiliates are the responsibility of CPCC and its Affiliates. All such employment arrangements are solely CPCC’s and its Affiliates’ obligations (including the payment of salaries and employee benefits with respect to such personnel), and, except for reimbursement of the Personnel Costs as provided in this Agreement, CTH shall have no responsibility or liability with respect thereto.

 

5


2.9 Annual Budget .

(a) In connection with the execution of this Agreement, CTH has provided CPCC with the Annual Budget applicable to the remainder of calendar year 2015. Other than with respect to calendar year 2015, on or before October 1 of the calendar year immediately preceding the relevant calendar year, CPCC, at CTH’s direction, shall prepare and submit to CTH a proposed annual budget for such relevant calendar year for the Assets that takes into consideration and provides for, at a minimum, the following anticipated costs, expenses, operations and sales:

 

  (i) operating expenses;

 

  (ii) maintenance capital expenditures;

 

  (iii) expansion capital expenditures;

 

  (iv) miscellaneous expenses, including anticipated Reimbursable Costs and anticipated costs under each of the Water Supply and Services Agreement, the Terminal and Throughput Agreement and the Contract Agency Agreement;

 

  (v) production and sales plan;

 

  (vi) cash flow analysis and information; and

 

  (vii) any other information reasonably determined by CTH to be relevant.

(b) Following CPCC’s submission of its proposed annual budget, CPCC shall cooperate and consult with CTH in preparing a final annual budget for CTH’s submission to the Operating Committee, including making any revisions and providing any additional information as requested by CTH regarding the annual budget proposed by CPCC.

(c) CTH will provide CPCC with the Annual Budget applicable to each calendar year starting with calendar year 2016 promptly after such Annual Budget is approved by the Operating Committee. CPCC shall be responsible for providing the Operational Services with respect to the Assets that are contemplated by, and in accordance with, the then applicable Annual Budget.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, during each calendar year, CPCC shall have the right and authority (i) to make expenditures of up to 110% of the Annual Budget for such calendar year, as such Annual Budget may be revised by CTH from time to time and (ii) to make expenditures of such amounts as CPCC reasonably determines are required in the event of an Emergency. If during any calendar year CPCC’s expenditures exceed, or CPCC anticipates that it will exceed, 110% of the Annual Budget, CPCC shall notify CTH of the excess (or anticipated excess) expenditures, and such notice shall include reasonable detail of the reasons for such excess expenditures and a proposal by CPCC for an amendment of the Annual Budget to reflect CPCC’s revised estimate of expenditures for such calendar year.

 

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(e) If requested by CTH, CPCC shall prepare and deliver to CTH, on or before the 10 th Business Day of the calendar month preceding the relevant calendar month, a reasonably detailed notice of the estimated amount of all out-of-pocket expenditures that CPCC projects to be incurred in the performance of the Operational Services during the following calendar month plus a reasonable contingency amount.

2.10 Ten Year Mine Plan; Annual Development Plan .

(a) In connection with the execution of this Agreement, CTH has provided CPCC with the Ten Year Mine Plan applicable to the ten-year period following the Execution Date and the Annual Development Plan applicable to calendar year 2015.

(b) Other than with respect to calendar year 2015, on or before November 1 of each calendar year, CPCC shall prepare and submit to CTH:

(i) a proposed update to the Ten Year Mine Plan to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any proposed changes to the following mining operations to be conducted with regard to the Assets in the applicable ten-year period, including (if applicable); and

(ii) a proposed annual development plan setting forth the anticipated mining and development activities with regard to the Assets for the immediately following calendar year.

(c) Following CPCC’s submission of its proposed update to the Ten Year Mine Plan and proposed annual development plan, CPCC shall cooperate and consult with CTH in preparing a final update to the Ten Year Mine Plan and annual development plan for CTH’s submission to the Operating Committee, including making any revisions and providing any additional information as requested by CTH regarding the update to the Ten Year Mine Plan and annual development plan proposed by CPCC.

(d) CTH will provide CPCC with the updated Ten Year Mine Plan and the Annual Development Plan applicable to each calendar year starting with calendar year 2016, in each case, promptly after such updated Ten Year Mine Plan and Annual Development Plan are approved by the Operating Committee. CPCC shall be responsible for providing the Operational Services with respect to the Assets that are contemplated by, and in accordance with, the then applicable Ten Year Mine Plan and Annual Development Plan.

(e) At CTH’s reasonable request, CPCC shall periodically provide CTH with additional mine forecasting information related to the Assets, including proposed changes or amendments to the then current Ten Year Mine Plan and Annual Development Plan.

 

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2.11 Insurance .

(a) CPCC shall procure and maintain, or cause to be procured and maintained, for the benefit of CPCC the kinds of insurance and the amounts of coverage that are required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider in connection the provision of the Operational Services. CPCC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to name CTH and its Affiliates as a named insured on the insurance it carries pursuant to this Section 2.11 , except worker’s compensation, and obtain waivers of subrogation in favor of CTH with respect to such insurance. Notwithstanding the preceding, CPCC may procure such additional insurance in the types and amounts that it may desire in its sole discretion.

(b) Until such time as CTH elects to maintain its own insurance with regard to the ownership and operation of the Assets, CPCC shall procure and maintain, or cause to be procured and maintained, for the benefit of CTH the kinds of insurance and the amounts of coverage that is required by applicable Laws or that CPCC reasonably determines necessary in connection with the ownership and operation of the Assets.

(c) CPCC shall (i) require subcontractors performing any of the Operational Services to obtain and maintain any and all insurance that is required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause subcontractors performing work with respect to the Operational Services to name CPCC and CTH as additional insureds on such subcontractors’ insurance policies (with waivers of subrogation in favor of the CPCC and CTH).

2.12 Records . CPCC shall maintain (a) the Reports, (b) copies of all regulatory filings and any material correspondence with Governmental Authorities, (c) records relating to any material claims and (d) any other information generated by, or in custody of, CPCC relating to the Operational Services and the Assets (collectively, the “ Operating Records ”).

2.13 Operational Services Standard . CPCC shall conduct the Operational Services, with respect to the Assets, consistently with past practices with respect to operation of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Assets and in a manner that is not grossly negligent and does not constitute willful misconduct (the “ Services Standard ”).

ARTICLE III

PAYMENTS

3.1 Payments . For each calendar month during the Term, CTH shall reimburse CPCC for the Reimbursable Costs incurred by CPCC and/or its Affiliates during such calendar month, in each case, in performing the Operational Services for CTH during such calendar month to the extent such costs and expenses have not been previously paid by CTH or otherwise reimbursed to CPCC by CTH.

3.2 Payment Terms; Disputed Charges .

(a) No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar month, CPCC shall deliver to CTH during such calendar month an invoice for (i) the Personnel Costs incurred by CPCC

 

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during such preceding calendar month with respect to Operational Services provided by CPCC, (ii) the Third Party Costs incurred by CPCC during such preceding calendar month with respect to Operational Services provided by CPCC and (iii) the Agreed Rental Fees for any CPCC Assets utilized by CPCC in performing the Operational Services during such preceding calendar month.

(b) CPCC shall provide to CTH such documentation as CTH may reasonably request to support each such invoice.

(c) CTH shall pay CPCC (i) for all Personnel Costs set forth on an invoice immediately upon receipt of such invoice and (ii) for all Third Party Costs and Agreed Rental Fees set forth on an invoice within 30 days of receipt of such invoice. All payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds, to the account (or accounts) designated by the Person entitled to receipt of such payment, from time to time, no later than 1:00 p.m. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania time) on the due date.

(d) In addition to CTH’s right under Section 3.6 , if CTH disputes in good faith all or any portion of an invoice delivered by CPCC pursuant to this Agreement, CTH may deliver written notice of such dispute to CPCC within 40 days of receipt of such invoice, setting forth in reasonable detail the reasons for such dispute. Notwithstanding the delivery of any such written notice of dispute, CTH shall pay to CPCC the full amount of such invoice (including any disputed portions of such invoice) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that any amount paid by CTH to CPCC was improperly paid, then subject to Section 3.2(e) , CPCC shall promptly reimburse CTH the amount of such improper payment.

(e) If (i) CTH fails to pay any amount when due or (ii) (A) CTH disputes an invoice hereunder, (B) pays the full amount of such invoice and (C) it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that CPCC must reimburse CTH any portion of the amount of such invoice, then such amount shall bear interest from the due date (or the date the disputed amount was paid by CTH in case of a reimbursement owed by CPCC to CTH) to the date such amount is paid by CTH (or CPCC, if applicable) at the Agreed Rate.

3.3 Revenues . In the event CPCC receives any revenues related to the Assets belonging to CTH or the other Owning Parties, CPCC shall hold such amount in trust for the applicable Owning Party and shall promptly deposit or transfer such revenues to the Operating Account or such other account as designated in writing by CTH from time to time.

3.4 Taxes . In addition to other amounts owed pursuant to this Agreement, CTH shall be responsible for, and shall pay, all taxes applicable to (a) the provision of the Operational Services by CPCC (whether or not such taxes increase or decrease in the future) and (b) the ownership, operation, maintenance or control of the assets of CTH. CPCC may, from time to time, invoice CTH for the amount of such taxes which CPCC pays in connection with the performance of the Operational Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or is otherwise required by applicable Law to pay directly to the relevant taxing authority in connection with this Agreement, and any such invoice shall be due and payable to CPCC no later than 10 Business Days after receipt thereof by CTH. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary

 

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contained herein, each Party shall be responsible for (i) income taxes resulting from amounts paid or payable to it under this Agreement and (ii) except for reimbursement of the Personnel Costs as provided in this Agreement, employment taxes and social security payments relating to its own employees. For the avoidance of doubt, the providers of the Operational Services shall be treated as employees of, or independent contractors to, CPCC, and not CTH, for tax purposes.

3.5 Maintenance of Books & Records .

(a) CPCC shall maintain, separately and in accordance with CPCC’s customary recordkeeping procedure, GAAP and applicable Law, accurate books, records and accounts (i) of all expenses, costs and liabilities accrued or incurred by it in performing the Operational Services, including payroll information, and (ii) on CTH’s behalf, of (A) all expenses, costs and liabilities accrued or incurred by CTH in connection with this Agreement and under CTH’s or the other Owning Party’s contractual commitments with respect to the Assets and (B) all revenues accrued, invoiced and received by CPCC on behalf of CTH or the other Owning Parties (the “ Accounting Records ”).

(b) CPCC agrees to retain all Records pertaining to the Operational Services for a period of not less than three calendar years following the end of the calendar year in which the relevant Operational Services were performed or any longer period if required by Law.

(c) CPCC shall give CTH access to the Records (including the right to copy, at CTH’s expense), during normal business hours and upon reasonable prior written notice to CPCC.

3.6 Audit . CTH, upon reasonable written notice to CPCC, shall have the right to audit CPCC’s accounts and Records relating to the Operational Services for any calendar year within the 24-month period following the end of such calendar year. CPCC shall not bear any portion of CTH’s audit cost incurred under this Section 3.6 . The audits shall not be conducted more frequently than bi-annually without the prior approval of CPCC, except upon the resignation or removal of CPCC. Upon the completion of any such audit the results of which evidence an overcharging by CPCC for Operational Services rendered, CTH may notify CPCC of such overcharge and request reimbursement thereof, and such notice shall include CTH’s calculations and reasonable data supporting such reimbursement request. Within 30 days after receipt of CTH’s reimbursement request, CPCC shall notify CTH if CPCC disputes the results of the audit. CPCC’s failure to notify CTH of such dispute within such time period shall be deemed to be agreement with the audit results and the reimbursement request. If CPCC timely notifies CTH that it disputes the audit results, then each of CPCC and CTH shall designate a representative, and, not later than 10 Business Days from such selection, such representatives shall meet in an effort to resolve such disputed audit results. Such representatives shall attempt to agree on a resolution of such dispute within 10 Business Days from meeting. This Section 3.6 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of 24 months.

3.7 Payments Under Omnibus Agreement . The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement, including the terms under this Article III , are subject to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, and that any payments to be made under this Agreement may be netted against other amounts payable to a Party as more particularly set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IV

TERM; TERMINATION

4.1 Term . This Agreement will commence on the Execution Date and will remain in full force and effect for an initial term of 20 years (the “ Initial Term ”) and will continue in full force and effect thereafter unless terminated by either Party at the end of the Initial Term or any time thereafter by giving not less than 180 days’ prior written notice, subject in each case to earlier termination in accordance with Section 4.2 or Section 4.3 (such period of time, the “ Term ”).

4.2 CPCC Termination . CPCC may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CTH:

(a) at any time; provided , that CPCC’s resignation and the Termination Execution Date with respect to any termination pursuant to this Section 4.2 shall not take effect until the later of (i) the date specified in such notice and (ii) 180 days after the date of receipt by CTH of such notice; or

(b) the Bankruptcy of CTH.

4.3 CTH Termination . CTH may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CPCC following the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(a) the Bankruptcy of CPCC; or

(b) an action constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of CPCC in connection with the performance of the Operational Services.

4.4 Effect of Termination . The terms of this Article IV , Article V , Article VII and Article VIII shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of any liability or obligation accruing or that had accrued prior to the Termination Execution Date nor deprive a Party not in breach (other than a breach because such Party is rightfully withholding performance in response to a breach by the other Party) of its rights to any remedy otherwise available to such Party. For the avoidance of doubt, following the Termination Execution Date, CTH shall remain responsible for and shall reimburse CPCC, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.2, for the Employee Benefits Costs to the extent such costs are attributable to periods prior to the Termination Execution Date. Upon the Termination Execution Date, CPCC shall (a) assign to CTH (or if directed by CTH, an Affiliate of CTH) any contracts and agreements entered into by CPCC in connection with its performance of the Operational Services on behalf of CTH pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (and CTH (or the applicable Affiliate of CTH) shall assume all obligations and liabilities under such contracts and agreements by executing such assumption or novation agreements as reasonably requested by CPCC or any Party thereto) and (b) promptly deliver to CTH all documents, files, and books and records received from CTH or generated by CPCC with respect to the Assets and the Operational Services, including the Records.

 

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4.5 Transition Period . Upon termination of this Agreement, CPCC shall as promptly as practicable, but in any event within 60 days following such termination deliver to CTH the Records, in such format, including electronic format, as the Records are maintained by CPCC. Upon such termination, CTH shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Person or Persons to provide the Operational Services, and, if requested by CTH in writing prior to the Termination Execution Date, for a period of 180 days after the Termination Execution Date, (i) CPCC shall, subject to Article VI , continue to provide the Operational Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and cooperate to ensure the orderly and expeditious transition of the provision of the Operational Services to the Person or Persons designated by CTH, including training of a new contract operator with respect to the Operational Services (if requested by CTH) and transferring permits and licenses and migrating computer or other systems to a new contract operator, as applicable, and (ii) CTH shall pay and reimburse CPCC for any costs incurred by CPCC in accordance with this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 4.5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

LIMITS OF RESPONSIBILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

5.1 Release . Except as set forth in Section 5.2 , each Party hereby releases, discharges and forever waives any claims against the other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

5.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article IV , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall CPCC have any liability under this Agreement or applicable Law with respect to the provision of the Operational Services under this Agreement for any claim, damage, loss or liability sustained or incurred in connection with its operations with respect to the Assets or the provision of the Operational Services or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

5.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, CPCC MAKES NO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CPCC HEREUNDER. CPCC DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

5.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

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ARTICLE VI

FORCE MAJEURE

6.1 Force Majeure . If any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the obligation to make money payments, that Party shall give to the other Party prompt written notice of the Force Majeure with reasonably full particulars concerning it; thereupon, the obligations of the Party giving notice, so far as they are affected by the Force Majeure, shall be suspended during, but no longer than, the continuance of the Force Majeure. The affected Party shall use all reasonable efforts to remove, mitigate and/or remedy the Force Majeure situation as quickly as practicable. The requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other labor difficulty by the Party involved, contrary to its wishes; the method by which all such difficulties shall be handled shall be entirely within the discretion of the affected Party; provided, however , the foregoing shall not relieve such Party of its obligations to take other measures to remove, mitigate and/or remedy any delay or suspension resulting from such labor difficulties.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Assignment . No Party may assign this Agreement without prior written consent of the other Party; provided that CPCC may, upon notice to CTH, assign this Agreement or any of its rights hereunder to any of its Affiliates without the prior written consent of CTH; provided, further, that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further, that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

7.2 Notices . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to the CTH:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Email: loriritter@consolenergy.com

 

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With a copy to:

Attn: General Counsel

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

If to CPCC:

Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Vice President and Comptroller

Email: davidkhani@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: Vice President and Secretary

Email: stevejohnson@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 7.2 .

7.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

7.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.

7.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives, nor any failure by a Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or

 

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more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

7.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, the other Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements and the documents to be executed hereunder and thereunder, constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto or (b) subject to the following sentence, the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreement, in each case, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Agreement or the Contribution Agreement and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement or Contribution Agreement, as applicable, shall control.

7.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

7.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

7.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

7.10 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

7.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

 

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7.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

7.13 Allocation of Resources . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, in performing its obligations hereunder, each Party shall accord the other Party (and shall cause its Affiliates and shall use its good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to cause any of its Third Party subcontractors to accord to the other Party) no less than the same priority and treatment under comparable circumstances as it would provide to itself or any of its Affiliates’ business units or assets, and shall allocate to the other Party (and shall cause its Affiliates and shall use its good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to cause any of its Third Party subcontractors to allocate to the other Party) any delay or suspension of performance in a manner no less favorable than the manner by which it allocates such delay or suspension of performance to itself or any of its Affiliates’ business units or assets.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Agreement has been signed by each of the Parties on the Execution Date.

 

CPCC :
CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President and Secretary
CTH :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Employee Services Agreement]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

Accounting Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a) .

Agreed Rental Fee ” means the fee as determined by CPCC for the use of the CPCC Assets by CPCC in performing the Operational Services, provided that such fee in no event will exceed the market rate for such type of asset in the area in which such CPCC Assets are located.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is Under Common Control With such Person; provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement, General Partner, the Partnership and any subsidiaries of the Partnership, including CTH, shall be deemed not to be “Affiliates” of CPCC.

Agreed Rate ” means, on the applicable date of determination, the LIBOR Rate plus an additional two percentage points (or, if such rate is contrary to any applicable Law, the maximum rate permitted by such applicable Law).

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Annual Budget ” means an annual budget that has been approved by the Owning Parties pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

Annual Development Plan ” means an annual development plan that has been approved by the Owning Parties pursuant to the Operating Agreement.

Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its debts under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) or any other insolvency Law, or a Person’s filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition; (b) the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or the admission by a Person of its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (c) the expiration of 60 days after the filing or an involuntary petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) seeking an application for the appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person, or an involuntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment of its debts under any other insolvency Law, unless the same shall have been vacated, set aside or stayed within such 60 day period.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Conrhein ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Contract Agency Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 1


Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

CPCC ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

CPCC Assets ” means any equipment, vehicles, facilities or other assets owned or leased by CPCC.

Emergency ” means any sudden or unexpected event which causes, or risks causing, (a) substantial damage to any of the Assets or the property of a Third Party, (b) death of or injury to any Person, (c) damage or substantial risk of damage to natural resources (including wildlife) or the environment, (d) safety concerns associated with continued operations, or (e) non-compliance with any applicable Law, and, in each case, which event is of such a nature that a response cannot, in the reasonable discretion of CPCC, await the decision of CTH. For the avoidance of doubt, an “Emergency” shall include any release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment that requires notification to any Governmental Authority under applicable Law.

Employee Benefit Costs ” means all Losses attributable to non-pension employee-related liabilities of CPCC, including with respect to former employees and including, without limitation, disability benefits, workers’ compensation, coal workers pneumoconiosis (black lung) disease, and the OPEB Plans, but excluding any liabilities arising under the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992.

Employees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c) .

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Excused Employee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) .

Force Majeure ” means an act of God; strike, lockout or other similar disturbance; act of the public enemy; war; blockade; public riot; lightning, fire, storm, flood or other act of nature or the elements; explosion; action, delay or inaction of a Governmental Authority that is reasonably unforeseen or unexpected; unavailable equipment not within the control of the Party claiming suspension; and any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension.

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

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 2


Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Laws ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., General Partner, Partnership and the other parties thereto, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

OPEB Plans ” means the welfare benefit plans, including medical, prescription drug and life insurance plans, maintained by CONSOL Energy, Inc. or its Affiliates for the benefit of retired employees not covered by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992.

Operating Account ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Operating Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Operating Committee ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Operating Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12 .

Operational Services ” has the meaning set forth in Operating Agreement.

Owning Parties ” means CPCC, Conrhein and CTH.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall be a “ Partnership Group Member .”

Party ” and “ Parties ” have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Pension Plan ” means any defined benefit pension plan maintained by CONSOL Energy, Inc. or its Affiliates in or under which any employees that perform the Operational Services hereunder may participate or receive benefits, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 3


Permit ” means any permits, approvals or authorizations by, or filings with, Governmental Authorities.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

Personnel Costs ” means an amount equal to, for each of CPCC’s (and/or its Affiliates’) employees that perform the Operational Services hereunder, the total salary, wages, bonus, employee benefits and other compensation provided by CPCC (or its applicable Affiliate) to such employee (together with all related employment costs, including employment and payroll taxes, incurred by CPCC (or its applicable Affiliate)) for the applicable calendar month. “ Personnel Costs ” shall also include, without duplicating any of the foregoing amounts, (a) the service costs attributable to the participation in the Pension Plan of the employees that perform the Operational Services hereunder, and (b) the Employee Benefit Costs.

Records ” means collectively the Operating Records and the Accounting Records.

Reimbursable Costs ” means collectively the Personnel Costs, Third Party Costs and Agreed Rental Fees.

Reports ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Services Standard ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Ten Year Mine Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Terminal and Throughput Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 4


Termination Execution Date ” means the date of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

Third Party ” means any Person other than a Party to this Agreement or an Affiliate of a Party to this Agreement.

Third Party Costs ” means all Third Party costs and expenses incurred by CPCC and/or its Affiliates in performing the Operational Services, including all:

(a) royalties paid to Third Parties on mined coal on behalf of CTH (in its capacity as an owner of the Assets) and the other Owning Parties (in their capacity as an owner of the Assets);

(b) taxes and fees paid on behalf of CTH (in its individual capacity and its capacity as the operator under the Operating Agreement) and the other Owning Parties (in their capacity as an owner of the Assets), including severance taxes, per-ton reclamation, black lung excise taxes, and property taxes;

(c) insurance maintained by CPCC for itself with respect to providing the Operating Services or for which it has obtained for the benefit of CTH or the Owning Parties under Section 2.11 ;

(d) assessments, penalties or other fines imposed by any governmental authority for violation of any federal, state or local law or regulation arising out of CPCC’s performance of the Operational Services to the extent such assessments, penalties or other fines are not a result of CPCC’s breach of the Services Standard; and

(e) fees, costs and expenses paid to Third Party contractors and subcontractors.

Water Supply and Services Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 5

Exhibit 10.5

Execution Version

CONTRACT AGENCY AGREEMENT

by and between

CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY

and

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     2   

1.1

 

Defined Terms

     2   

1.2

 

References and Rules of Construction

     2   

ARTICLE II AGENCY; COAL MARKETING CONTRACT SERVICES

     2   

2.1

 

Agency

     2   

2.2

 

Coal Marketing Contract Services

     2   

2.3

 

Prohibited Activities

     4   

2.4

 

Standard of Care

     4   

2.5

 

Insurance

     4   

2.6

 

Exclusivity

     4   

2.7

 

Access to Coal Contract Records

     4   

2.8

 

Assignment of Coal Contracts

     5   

ARTICLE III LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

     5   

3.1

 

Release

     5   

3.2

 

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

     5   

3.3

 

Disclaimer

     5   

3.4

 

Conspicuous

     5   

ARTICLE IV TERM; TERMINATION

     6   

4.1

 

Term

     6   

4.2

 

CTH Termination

     6   

4.3

 

CES Termination

     6   

4.4

 

Effect of Termination

     6   

ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS

     6   

5.1

 

Assignment; Binding Effect

     6   

5.2

 

Notices

     7   

5.3

 

Further Assurances

     8   

5.4

 

Expenses

     8   

5.5

 

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

     8   

5.6

 

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

     8   

5.7

 

Amendment

     8   

5.8

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     8   

5.9

 

Parties in Interest

     9   

5.10

 

Preparation of Agreement

     9   

5.11

 

Severability

     9   

5.12

 

Counterparts

     9   

 

i


APPENDIX

Appendix I – Definitions

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – Marketing Parties

Exhibit B – Existing Coal Contracts

 

ii


CONTRACT AGENCY AGREEMENT

THIS CONTRACT AGENCY AGREEMENT (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), is by and between CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY , a Delaware corporation (“ CES ”), acting in its individual capacity and its capacity as agent for and on behalf of each of the parties set forth on Exhibit A (collectively, the “ Marketing Parties ” and individually, a “ Marketing Party ”) and CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”). CES and CTH may be referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Contribution Agreement dated as of June 22, 2015, by and among Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”), and Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ,” and together with CPCC, the “ CONSOL Parties ”) and CTH, the CONSOL Parties contributed to CTH an undivided 20% interest in certain assets and properties relating to certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine and the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (collectively, the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ,” and such undivided 20% interest, the “ Contributed Assets ”) and retained an undivided 80% interest in the Pennsylvania Mine Complex;

WHEREAS , the contracts set forth on Exhibit B are all of the existing contracts relating to the marketing of coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex and were excluded from the Contributed Assets (the “ Existing Coal Contracts ”);

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Operating Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and among the CONSOL Parties and CTH (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Operating Agreement ”), CTH has been designated as the operator of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, and in connection with operating the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, has been authorized and engaged to perform certain operational services, including marketing all of the coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex that is attributable to the CONSOL Parties’ interests and to CTH’s interests in the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, including the coal for which CPCC and the other Marketing Parties have previously authorized and engaged CES to market under the Existing Contracts;

WHEREAS , under the Operating Agreement, CTH has the right to (a) enter into contracts for marketing coal on behalf of the CONSOL Parties and (b) subcontract services, including with Affiliates (defined below) in furtherance of the Operational Services (as defined below); and

WHEREAS , CTH and CES wish to enter into an agency arrangement pursuant to which CES will act as agent for CTH and perform the Coal Marketing Contract Services (defined below) with respect to the Coal Contracts (as defined below).

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

AGENCY; COAL MARKETING CONTRACT SERVICES

2.1 Agency . In accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, CES shall act as agent and attorney-in-fact of CTH in performing the Coal Marketing Contract Services, and CTH hereby appoints CES as its agent and attorney-in-fact in performing the Coal Marketing Contract Services.

2.2 Coal Marketing Contract Services . Subject to Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 , CES shall provide the following services (collectively, the “ Coal Marketing Contract Services ”):

(a) Five Year Marketing Plan; Reporting Services .

(i) Upon the execution of this Agreement, CES shall provide CTH with a sales marketing plan for the five-year period following the Execution Date. This sales marketing plan shall include (A) general sales recommendations based upon production and quality forecasts provided to CES by CTH, (B) targeted customers, (C) targeted contracted sales volumes and spot sales volumes, (D) recommended coal pricing and (E) any other relevant information (as updated from time to time, including by any interim update, the “ Five Year

 

2


Marketing Plan ”) for CTH’s review and approval. On or before October 1 of each year, CES will prepare and submit to CTH for approval a proposed update to the Five Year Marketing Plan to extend such plan for an additional calendar year. In addition, CES shall prepare and submit to CTH an additional update to the Five Year Mine Plan (an “ Interim Update ”) promptly upon (A) receipt by CES from CTH of a material Forecast Update, (B) a material change in the market for coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, (C) execution of any material transactions with respect to its coal assets and/or (D) upon reasonable request of CTH.

(ii) Following CES’s submission of any Five Year Marketing Plan, CES shall cooperate and consult with CTH in preparing a final update to the Five Year Marketing Plan, including making and providing any mutually agreeable revisions and additional information as requested by CTH regarding the Five Year Marketing Plan. In the event CTH fails to approve the proposed Five Year Marketing Plan, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to develop a Five Year Marketing Plan satisfactory to CTH.

(iii) CTH will provide periodic updates, but always 30 days prior to October 1 of each year, on production forecasts and quality forecasts and any other relevant information requested by CES (a “ Forecast Update ”) and used in preparing the update to any Five Year Marketing Plan.

(b) Marketing Services . With respect to each Coal Contract, CES shall administer and enforce such Coal Contract consistent with the terms of each agreement and shall:

(i) upon the reasonable request of CTH, consulting with CTH regarding such Coal Contract;

(ii) extend, renew or amend such Coal Contract consistent with the then current Five Year Marketing Plan provided that CES shall, upon the reasonable request of CTH, consult with CTH during the negotiating of such extension, renewal or amendment with the applicable counterparty and, in the event such extension, renewal or amendment is (A) for a term of three or more years, (B) has a monetary effect of greater than $150,000,000 or (C) not consistent with the Five Year Plan, shall not execute such extension or renewal unless the terms thereof have been reviewed and approved by CTH;

(iii) make elections under such Coal Contract;

(iv) prepare and deliver invoices under such Coal Contract;

(v) execute (or cause CTH to execute) coal sale confirmations;

(vi) renegotiate pricing under such Coal Contract; provided that CES shall, upon the reasonable request of CTH, consult with CTH during the renegotiation process with the applicable counterparty and, in the event any renegotiated prices are less than the targeted prices set forth in the then current Five Year Plan, shall not commit to any such renegotiated prices unless such proposed renegotiated prices have been reviewed and approved by CTH; and

 

3


(vii) following consultation with CTH, enforce CES’s rights under such Coal Contract.

(c) Administrative Services . Unless otherwise directed by CTH, CES shall (i) collect all amounts owed under the Coal Contracts, (ii) cause all cash receipts from the Coal Contracts to be deposited into the Operating Account and (iii) perform numerical support in connection with escalation and other periodic adjustments that may be necessary.

(d) Future Coal Contracts . CES shall enter into Future Coal Contracts as contemplated by and consistent with the Five Year Marketing Plan; provided that CES shall consult with CTH from time to time and as may be reasonably necessary during the negotiating of any such Future Coal Contract with the applicable counterparty and in the event such Future Coal Contract is (i) for a term of three or more years, (ii) provides for sales of coal with value in excess of $150,000,000 during the term of such Future Coal Contract or (iii) not consistent with the Five Year Plan, shall not execute such Future Coal Contract unless the terms thereof have been reviewed and approved by CTH. In addition, CES will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Future Coal Contract, to the extent CTH is not named as a party to such Future Coal Contract, to contain provisions such that such Future Coal Contract may be freely assigned to CTH.

(e) Analytical Support Services . At CTH’s reasonable request, CES shall periodically provide CTH with additional marketing information related to the Coal Contracts, including earnings call support, general marketing outlook information and other analytical support services. In connection with the analytical support services provided by CES hereunder, CTH shall provide production and quality forecasts upon the reasonable request of CES.

2.3 Prohibited Activities . CES shall not undertake any activity which would (a) violate any applicable Law in such a manner that would have a material adverse impact on CTH or the Pennsylvania Mine Complex or (b) violate, in any material respect, any Coal Contract.

2.4 Standard of Care . CES shall perform the Coal Marketing Contract Services consistent with its past practices with respect to the Existing Coal Contracts and in a manner that is not grossly negligent and does not constitute willful misconduct.

2.5 Insurance . CES shall obtain and maintain any and all insurance that is required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider providing the Coal Marketing Contract Services.

2.6 Exclusivity . The Parties acknowledge and agree that CES and CTH shall exclusively market and sell, or cause to be marketed and sold, the coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex under the terms of this Agreement. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that CES shall be the exclusive marketer of, and CTH shall not market, the coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex

2.7 Access to Coal Contract Records . CES shall give CTH access (including the right to copy, at CTH’s expense), during normal business hours and upon reasonable written notice, to all Coal Contract Records relating to, and personnel knowledgeable with respect to, the Coal Contracts and CES’s provision of the Coal Marketing Contract Services.

 

4


2.8 Assignment of Coal Contracts . Upon the request of CTH (or the earlier termination of this Agreement), each Marketing Party and/or CES, as applicable, shall assign or, as applicable, partially assign, to CTH (or if directed by CTH, an Affiliate of CTH) its Proportionate Share of any Coal Contract to which such Marketing Party and/or CES, as applicable is a party and CTH (or the applicable Affiliate of CTH) shall assume its Proportionate Share of all obligations and liabilities under such Coal Contract, including any changes to prices or amended terms and conditions required by the counterparty to such Coal Contract in connection with the assignment of such Coal Contract, by executing such assumption or novation agreements as reasonably requested by such Marketing Party and/or CES, as applicable or any party thereto. CTH shall bear its Proportionate Share of any and all costs incurred by such Marketing Party and/or CES associated with such assignment.

ARTICLE III

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

3.1 Release . Except as set forth in Section 3.2 , each Party hereby releases, discharges and forever waives any claims against the other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

3.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 4 , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall CES have any liability under this Agreement or applicable Law, with respect to CES’s provision of the Coal Marketing Contract Services under this Agreement for any claim, damage, loss or liability sustained or incurred in connection with the provision of the Coal Marketing Contract Services or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

3.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, CEI MAKES NO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF THE COAL MARKETING CONTRACT SERVICES OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CEI HEREUNDER.

3.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

5


ARTICLE IV

TERM; TERMINATION

4.1 Term . Unless terminated earlier by express written agreement of the Parties or in accordance with Section 4.2 or Section 4.3 , the term of this Agreement shall commence on the Execution Date and continue in full force and effect for one year (the “ Initial Term ”) and thereafter on a year to year basis (each such year a “ Successive Term ” and each Successive Term together with the Initial Term, the “ Term ”) until terminated by either Party effective upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any Successive Term upon written notice of no less than 180 days prior to the expiration of such Initial Term or Successive Term.

4.2 CTH Termination . CTH may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CES following the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(a) the Bankruptcy of CES; or

(b) an action constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of CES in connection with the performance of the Coal Marketing Contract Services.

4.3 CES Termination . CES may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CTH following the Bankruptcy of CTH.

4.4 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Article 4 , this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect, except for the provisions of Article 3 and Article 5 which, in each case, shall continue in full force and effect. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party from its obligations or liabilities arising hereunder prior to the date of such termination. Upon the termination of this Agreement, CES shall promptly deliver to CTH all documents, files, and books and records received from CTH or generated by CES with respect to the Coal Contracts (collectively, the “ Coal Contract Records ”).

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Assignment; Binding Effect . This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further, that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. No assignment hereunder by any Party shall relieve such Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors and assigns.

 

6


5.2 Notices . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to CES:

CONSOL Energy Sales Company

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Vice President

Email: donaldrush@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

CONSOL Energy Sales Company

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Secretary

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

If to CTH:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: loriritter@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: General Counsel

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 5.2 .

 

7


5.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

5.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.

5.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of either Party, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives, nor any failure by a Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by either Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

5.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, the Operating Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control or (b) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of the Omnibus Agreement, the terms and provisions of the Omnibus Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Operating Agreement or Omnibus Agreement which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict.

5.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

5.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the Laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

 

8


5.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

5.10 Preparation of Agreement . Each of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

5.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to either Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

5.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CES and CTH have executed this Agreement as of the Execution Date.

 

CES :
CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

Name: David M. Khani
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
CTH :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

Each Marketing Party has executed this Agreement as of the Execution Date solely with respect to its covenants and agreements set forth in Section 2.8 .

 

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President and Secretary
CONSOL OF KENTUCKY INC.
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
CNX GAS COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Senior Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Contract Agency Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is Under Common Control With such Person; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership and any subsidiaries of CNX Coal Resources LP, including CTH, shall be deemed not to be “Affiliates” of CES or any Marketing Party.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Texas are generally open for business.

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its debts under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) or any other insolvency Law, or a Person’s filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition; (b) the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or the admission by a Person of its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (c) the expiration of 60 days after the filing or an involuntary petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) seeking an application for the appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person, or an involuntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment of its debts under any other insolvency Law, unless the same shall have been vacated, set aside or stayed within such 60 day period.

CES ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Coal Contract Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 .

Coal Contracts ” means the Existing Coal Contracts and the Future Coal Contracts.

Coal Marketing Contract Services ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .

Conrhein ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

CONSOL Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Contributed Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

CPCC ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

A PPENDIX I


CTH ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Existing Coal Contracts ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Five Year Marketing Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(i) .

Forecast Update ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(ii) .

Future Coal Contracts ” means any and all coal marketing contracts other than the Existing Coal Contracts that any Marketing Party enters into (or that is entered into by CES on behalf of such Marketing Party) from time to time with respect to the coal produced from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex.

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

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Interim Update ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(ii) .

Law ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Marketing Parties ” and “ Marketing Party ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation, the General Partner, the Partnership, and the other parties thereto, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Operating Account ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Operating Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Operational Services ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Owning Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

A PPENDIX I


Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall be a “ Partnership Group Member .”

Party ” and “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

Proportionate Share ” means the undivided percentage interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses comprising the Pennsylvania Mine Complex collectively owned by the CONSOL Parties and CTH as of the relevant date of determination.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Successive Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

 

A PPENDIX I


EXHIBIT A

MARKETING PARTIES

 

Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Vice President and Comptroller

Email: davidkhani@consolenergy.com

CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., a Delaware corporation

CONSOL of Kentucky Inc.

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Vice President

Email: williamgillenwater@consolenergy.com

CNX Gas Company LLC, a Virginia limited liability company

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Gas Contract Administrator

Email: stephenjohnson@consolenergy.com

 

E XHIBIT A


EXHIBIT B

EXISTING COAL CONTRACTS

 

1. Coal Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated November 4, 2011, as amended.

 

2. Coal Purchase Confirmation, dated August 25, 2008, as amended.

 

3. Coal Purchase Confirmation, dated January 1, 2009, as amended.

 

4. Fuel Purchase Agreement, dated March 9, 2015.

 

5. Spot Coal Confirmation, dated March 5, 2014.

 

6. Coal Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 25, 2014.

 

7. Coal Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 25, 2014.

 

8. Fuel Supply Agreement #204, dated June 21, 2007, as amended.

 

9. Coal Marketing and Resale Agreement, dated July, 1, 2012, as amended.

 

10. Coal Sales Agreement, dated July 24, 2013.

 

11. Master Coal Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated November 1, 2006, as amended.

 

  a. Confirmation, dated April 16, 2010.

 

12. Master Agreement for the Supply of Coal, dated October 14, 2010.

 

E XHIBIT B


  a. Sales Confirmation Particulars, dated April 4, 2012.

 

  b. Confirmation, dated December 21, 2011.

 

  c. Confirmation, dated December 21, 2011.

 

13. Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 2, 2013, as amended.

 

14. Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 2, 2013.

 

15. Coal Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 6, 2014, as amended.

 

16. Coal Supply Agreement, dated August 13, 2014.

 

17. Coal Supply Agreement, dated October 10, 2014, as amended.

 

18. Coal Supply Agreement, dated January 1, 2010, as amended.

 

19. Amended and Restated Coal Purchase Agreement, dated January 1, 2013, as amended.

 

20. Coal Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2014.

 

21. Purchase Agreement, dated December 3, 2012, as amended.

 

22. Coal Sales Agreement, dated June 23, 2011, as amended.

 

E XHIBIT B


23. Coal Supply Agreement, by and between Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CONSOL Energy Sales Company, dated October 21, 2014.

 

24. Coal Transaction Confirmation, by and between RED-Rochester, LLC and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, dated June 16, 2014.

 

25. Coal Sales Confirmation, by and between Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Lafarge North America Inc. dated March 12, 2015.

 

26. Coal Purchase Agreement, by and between Transcor Corporation and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, dated February 27, 2015.

 

27. Coal Purchase Order, by and between Integrity Coal Sales, Inc. and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, dated January 9, 2015.

 

28. Coal Sales Agreement, by and among Syracuse Energy Corporation and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, dated January 1, 2005, as amended.

 

E XHIBIT B

Exhibit 10.6

Execution Version

TERMINAL AND THROUGHPUT AGREEMENT

by and between

CNX MARINE TERMINALS, INC.

and

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1   

1.1

 

Defined Terms

     1   

1.2

 

References and Rules of Construction

     1   

ARTICLE II TERMINAL SERVICES

     2   

2.1

 

Terminal Services

     2   

2.2

 

Terminal Services Standard of Care

     2   

2.3

 

Insurance

     2   

ARTICLE III SHIPPER COAL

     3   

3.1

 

Title; Risk of Loss

     3   

3.2

 

Transportation of Shipper Coal; Measurement of Shipper Coal

     3   

3.3

 

Scheduling of Railcar Deliveries; Scheduling of Vessels

     3   

3.4

 

Priority of Service

     3   

ARTICLE IV COMPENSATION AND PAYMENTS

     3   

4.1

 

Terminal Fee

     3   

4.2

 

Terminal Fee Adjustments

     4   

4.3

 

Payment Terms; Disputed Charges

     4   

4.4

 

Audit

     4   

4.5

 

Accounting Arbitrator

     5   

ARTICLE V LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

     5   

5.1

 

Release

     5   

5.2

 

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

     5   

5.3

 

Disclaimer

     6   

5.4

 

Conspicuous

     6   

ARTICLE VI TERM; TERMINATION

     6   

6.1

 

Term

     6   

6.2

 

Owner Termination

     6   

6.3

 

Shipper Termination

     6   

6.4

 

Effect of Termination

     6   

ARTICLE VII FORCE MAJEURE

     7   

7.1

 

Force Majeure

     7   

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

     7   

8.1

 

Assignment; Binding Effect

     7   

8.2

 

Notices

     7   

8.3

 

Further Assurances

     8   

8.4

 

Expenses

     8   

8.5

 

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

     8   

8.6

 

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

     9   

8.7

 

Amendment

     9   

8.8

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     9   

 

i


8.9

Parties in Interest

  9   

8.10

Preparation of Agreement

  9   

8.11

Severability

  9   

8.12

Counterparts

  9   

APPENDIX

Appendix I – Definitions

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – Terminal Services Terms

Exhibit B – Terminal Rules and Regulations

 

ii


TERMINAL AND THROUGHPUT AGREEMENT

THIS TERMINAL AND THROUGHPUT AGREEMENT (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is entered into July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), by and between CNX MARINE TERMINALS, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ Owner ”), and CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Shipper ”). CONSOL and CTH may be referred to collectively as the “ Parties ” or individually as a “ Party .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS , Shipper owns an undivided interest in, and has been designated as the operator of, those certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine and the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ”);

WHEREAS , as the operator of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, Shipper has been delegated authority and charged with overseeing, supervising and managing the handling, transportation and marketing of all coal mined from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex;

WHEREAS , Owner owns and operates a coal terminal facility (the “ Terminal ”) located in Baltimore, Maryland that provides coal transshipment from train rail cars to vessels; and

WHEREAS , Shipper desires to contract with Owner for the option (but not the obligation) to require Owner, as an independent contractor, to provide, directly or indirectly, certain coal terminal, storage and/or transportation services, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the benefits to be derived by each Party and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Appendices, Exhibits, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Appendices, Exhibits, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Appendix, Exhibit, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Appendix, Exhibit, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly

 

1


so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

TERMINAL SERVICES

2.1 Terminal Services .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shipper shall have the option, but not the obligation, to require Owner to provide Terminal Services with respect to Firm Shipper Coal.

(b) In the event Shipper desires to require Owner to provide Terminal Services with regard to Shipper Coal other than Firm Shipper Coal (collectively, “ Excess Shipper Coal ”), Shipper shall provide Owner written notice requesting Owner to provide Terminal Services as to the Excess Shipper Coal and setting forth Shipper’s reasonable estimate of the amount and timing of delivery of such Excess Shipper Coal. Owner shall have the option, but not the obligation, to provide Terminal Services with respect to all or a portion of the Excess Shipper Coal at a mutually agreeable fee and priority.

(c) The Terminal Services shall be performed in accordance with (i) the Terminal Services Terms set forth on Exhibit A , and (ii) the Terminal Rules and Regulations set forth on Exhibit B . In the event of a conflict between the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Exhibit hereto, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in any Exhibit hereto which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict.

2.2 Terminal Services Standard of Care . Owner shall perform, or cause to be performed, the Terminal Services consistent with past practices and in a manner that is not grossly negligent and does not constitute willful misconduct (the “ Services Standard ”).

2.3 Insurance . Owner shall (i) obtain and maintain any and all insurance that is required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider providing the Terminal Services and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have each Owning Party named as additional insureds on such insurance policies (with waivers of subrogation in favor of each Owning Party).

 

2


ARTICLE III

SHIPPER COAL

3.1 Title; Risk of Loss . As between Shipper and Owner, title to all Shipper Coal delivered to the Receipt Point shall at all times remain in Shipper. Except to the extent resulting from a breach of the Services Standard, Shipper shall bear the risk of loss with respect to Shipper Coal at the Terminal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, coal that accumulates in ditches and ponds and ordinary spillage from conveyors, dumpers and other similar equipment, where it is impractical to determine its owner and return it to piles shall be the property of Owner and shall be sold or otherwise disposed of as Owner sees fit.

3.2 Transportation of Shipper Coal; Measurement of Shipper Coal . Shipper shall arrange for transportation at Shipper’s sole risk, cost and expense of the Shipper Coal to the Receipt Point. Owner shall measure the quantity of Shipper Coal received from Shipper at the Receipt Point using scales tested, maintained and calibrated in accordance with the standards issues by the Association of American Railroads (the “ AAR Standards ”), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (the “ NIST Standards ”) and all applicable Laws. Owner shall keep accurate records of the receipt, storage and delivery of the Shipper Coal, including all scale measurement readings, and shall provide Shipper reasonable access to such records (including the right to copy, at Shipper’s expense), during normal business hours and upon reasonable written notice. Owner shall provide Shipper not less than 7 days prior notice of any scale testing or proving activities, and Shipper shall have the right to attend and witness such scale testing and proving activities.

3.3 Scheduling of Railcar Deliveries; Scheduling of Vessels . Shipper shall comply with the nomination and scheduling procedures for Trains and Vessels set forth in the Terminal Services Terms and/or the Terminal Rules and Regulations.

3.4 Priority of Service . Firm Shipper Coal shall be entitled to service with the highest available priority call on capacity of all or any relevant portion of the Terminal, which is not subject to interruption or curtailment except as a result of force majeure (such service, “ Priority Service ”). Without the written consent of Shipper, which consent may be withheld in Shipper’s sole discretion, Owner will not provide Priority Service with respect to any coal other than Firm Shipper Coal and coal received under the Xcoal Agreement. If capacity at the Terminal is insufficient to meet the needs of all shippers, the holders of interruptible service will be curtailed first and the holder of Priority Service will be curtailed last.

ARTICLE IV

COMPENSATION AND PAYMENTS

4.1 Terminal Fee . Shipper shall pay Owner each month in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for Terminal Services provided by Owner an amount equal to the product of (a) the Firm Shipper Coal, stated in tons, delivered by Shipper at the Receipt Point during such month multiplied by (b) $4.00 per net ton (the “ Terminal Fee ”), and, if applicable, all Additional Storage Fees, Coal Re-Handling Fees and Vessel Fees incurred during such month.

 

3


4.2 Terminal Fee Adjustments . The Terminal Fee may be reasonably adjusted by Owner from time to time upon written notice thereof to Shipper no more frequently than quarterly to account for changes in annual volumes of coal shipped, or forecasted to be shipped, through the Terminal and/or changes in operating expenses at the Terminal; provided that no retroactive adjustments to the Terminal Fee will be permitted.

4.3 Payment Terms; Disputed Charges .

(a) No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar month, Owner shall prepare and deliver to Shipper a reasonably detailed invoice setting forth (i) the total volume of Shipper Coal received at the Receipt Point during such calendar month, (ii) the aggregate Terminal Fee for Shipper Coal received a the Receipt Point during such calendar month, (iii) any Additional Storage Fees incurred during such month, (iv) any Coal Re-Handling Fees incurred during such month and (v) any Vessel Fees incurred during such month.

(b) Owner shall provide to Shipper such documentation as Shipper may reasonably request to support each such invoice.

(c) Each invoice delivered by Owner pursuant to this Agreement shall be due and payable no later than 30 days after the receipt of the invoice. All payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds, to the account (or accounts) designated by Owner, from time to time, no later than 1:00 p.m. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania time) on the due date.

(d) In addition to Shipper’s right under Section 4.4 , if Shipper disputes in good faith all or any portion of an invoice delivered by Owner pursuant to this Agreement, Shipper may deliver written notice of such dispute to Owner within 40 days of receipt of such invoice, setting forth in reasonable detail the reasons for such dispute. Notwithstanding the delivery of any such written notice of dispute, Shipper shall pay to Owner the full amount of such invoice (including any disputed portions of such invoice) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that any amount paid by Shipper to Owner was improperly paid, then subject to Section 4.3(e) , Owner shall promptly reimburse Shipper the amount of such improper payment.

(e) If (i) Shipper fails to pay any amount when due or (ii) (A) Owner disputes an invoice hereunder, (B) pays the full amount of such invoice and (C) it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that Owner must reimburse Shipper any portion of the amount of such invoice, then such amount shall bear interest from the due date (or the date the disputed amount was paid by Shipper in case of a reimbursement owed by Owner to Shipper ) to the date such amount is paid by Shipper (or Owner, if applicable) at the Agreed Rate.

4.4 Audit . Shipper, upon reasonable written notice to Owner, shall have the right to audit Owner’s accounts and records relating to the Terminal Services for any calendar year within the 24-month period following the end of such calendar year. Owner shall not bear any portion of Shipper’s audit cost incurred under this Section 4.4 . The audits shall not be conducted more frequently than bi-annually without the prior approval of Owner. Upon the completion of any such audit the results of which evidence an overcharging by Owner for Terminal Services rendered, Shipper may notify Owner of such overcharge and request reimbursement thereof, and

 

4


such notice shall include Shipper’s calculations and reasonable data supporting such reimbursement request. Within 30 days after receipt of Shipper’s reimbursement request, Owner shall notify Shipper if Owner disputes the results of the audit. Owner’s failure to notify Shipper of such dispute within such time period shall be deemed to be agreement with the audit results and the reimbursement request. If Owner timely notifies Shipper that it disputes the audit results, then each of Owner and Shipper shall designate a representative, and, not later than 10 Business Days from such selection, such representatives shall meet in an effort to resolve such disputed audit results. Such representatives shall attempt to agree on a resolution of such dispute within 10 Business Days from meeting. Upon such deadline, if no consensual resolution has been reached, either the Shipper or Owner may cause such dispute to be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 4.5 . This Section 4.4 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of 24 months.

4.5 Accounting Arbitrator . In the event that the Parties cannot reach agreement regarding any disputes regarding amounts invoiced hereunder pursuant to Section 4.3 or Section 4.4 , either Party may refer the remaining matters in dispute to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office of a mutually agreeable nationally recognized accounting firm (the “ Accounting Arbitrator ”) for review and final determination by arbitration. Should such selected firm fail or refuse to agree to serve as Accounting Arbitrator within ten Business Days after receipt of a written request from any Party to serve, and should the Parties fail to agree in writing on another replacement Accounting Arbitrator within five Business Days after the end of that ten-day period, or should no replacement Accounting Arbitrator agree to serve within 30 days after the original written request pursuant to this Section 4.5 , the Accounting Arbitrator shall be a nationally recognized accounting firm appointed by the Philadelphia office of the American Arbitration Association. The Accounting Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 30 days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding on the Parties, without right of appeal. The Accounting Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed matters submitted by the Parties and may not award damages or penalties to the Parties with respect to any matter. Each Party shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The fees, costs and expenses of the Accounting Arbitrator, shall be allocated between the Parties based upon the percentage which the portion of the disputed matters not awarded to such Party bears to the amount actually contested by such Party. The provisions of this Section 4.5 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

5.1 Release . Except as set forth in Section 5.2 , each Party hereby releases, discharges and forever waives any claims against the other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

5.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article VI , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall Owner have any liability under this Agreement or

 

5


applicable Law, with respect to the provision of the Terminal Services under this Agreement for any claim, damage, loss or liability sustained or incurred in connection with the provision of the Terminal Services or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

5.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, OWNER MAKES NO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF THE TERMINAL SERVICES OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OWNER HEREUNDER.

5.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

ARTICLE VI

TERM; TERMINATION

6.1 Term . This Agreement will commence on the Execution Date and will remain in full force and effect for an initial term of seven years (the “ Initial Term ”) and will continue in full force and effect thereafter for successive one year periods (each, an “ Additional Term ”) unless terminated by either Party at the end of the Initial Term or any Additional Term by giving not less than 365 days’ prior written notice, subject in each case to earlier termination in accordance with Section 6.2 or Section 6.3 (such period of time, the “ Term ”).

6.2 Owner Termination . Owner may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Shipper the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(a) the Bankruptcy of Shipper; or

(b) a Shipper Change of Control.

6.3 Shipper Termination . Shipper may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Owner following the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(a) the Bankruptcy of Owner; or

(b) an action constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of Owner in connection with the performance of the Terminal Services.

6.4 Effect of Termination . The terms of Article V , this Article VI and Article VIII shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of any liability or obligation accruing or that had accrued prior to the termination of this Agreement nor deprive a Party not in breach (other than a breach because such Party is rightfully withholding performance in response to a breach by the other Party) of its rights to any remedy otherwise available to such Party.

 

6


ARTICLE VII

FORCE MAJEURE

7.1 Force Majeure . If any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the obligation to make money payments, that Party shall give to the other Party prompt written notice of the Force Majeure with reasonably full particulars concerning it; thereupon, the obligations of the Party giving notice, so far as they are affected by the Force Majeure, shall be suspended during, but no longer than, the continuance of the Force Majeure. The affected Party shall use all reasonable efforts to remove, mitigate and/or remedy the Force Majeure situation as quickly as practicable. The requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other labor difficulty by the Party involved, contrary to its wishes; how all such difficulties shall be handled shall be entirely within the discretion of the Party concerned; provided , however , the foregoing shall not relieve such Party of its obligations to take other measures to remove, mitigate and/or remedy any delay or suspension resulting from such labor difficulties.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Assignment; Binding Effect . This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further, that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. No assignment hereunder by any Party shall relieve such Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

8.2 Notices . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to Owner:

CNX Marine Terminals, Inc.

3800 Newgate Avenue

Baltimore, Maryland 21224-6404

Attention: Mariann E. Palmer

Email: MariannPalmer@consolenergy.com

 

7


with a copy to:

Attention: Patrick E. Mangin

Email: Patrick.Mangin@consolenergy.com

If to Shipper:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: LoriRitter@consolenergy.com

with a copy to:

Attention: General Counsel

Email: MarthaWiegand@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 8.2 .

8.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

8.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.

8.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives, nor any failure by a Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or

 

8


more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

8.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement, constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto or (b) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions the Omnibus Agreement, in each case, the terms and provisions of the Omnibus Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Omnibus Agreement which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict.

8.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

8.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the Laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

8.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

8.10 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

8.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

8.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

 

9


[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Owner and Shipper have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

OWNER :
CNX MARINE TERMINALS, INC.
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
SHIPPER :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

[ Signature Page to Terminal and Throughput Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

AAR Standards ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

Accounting Arbitrator ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5 .

Additional Storage Fees ” shall mean the fees charged by Owner for additional and/or extended coal storage in accordance with Section 4.8 of the Terminal Services Terms.

Additional Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is Under Common Control With, such Person. The term “ Affiliated ” shall have the correlative meaning.

Agreed Rate ” means, on the applicable date of determination, the LIBOR Rate plus an additional two percentage points (or, if such rate is contrary to any applicable Law, the maximum rate permitted by such applicable Law).

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its debts under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) or any other insolvency Law, or a Person’s filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition; (b) the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or the admission by a Person of its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (c) the expiration of 60 days after the filing or an involuntary petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) seeking an application for the appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person, or an involuntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment of its debts under any other insolvency Law, unless the same shall have been vacated, set aside or stayed within such 60 day period.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Coal Re-Handling Fees ” means (a) (i) the Shipper Coal, stated in tons, for which Owner has provided the Re-Handling Services via stacker or reclaimer equipment during a given calendar month multiplied by (ii) $1.40 per net ton, plus (b) (A) the total man hours utilized to perform the Re-Handling Services for Shipper Coal via mobile equipment during a given calendar month multiplied by (B) $150.00 per man hour.

Conrhein ” means Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership.

CONSOL ” means CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

A PPENDIX I


Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

CPCC ” means Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Excess Shipper Coal ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Firm Shipper Coal ” means Shipper Coal delivered by Shipper at the Receipt Point up to but not exceeding the Max Shipper Coal Volume.

Force Majeure ” means an act of God; strike, lockout or other similar disturbance; act of the public enemy; war; blockade; public riot; lightning, fire, storm, flood or other act of nature or the elements; explosion; action, delay or inaction of a Governmental Authority that is reasonably unforeseen or unexpected; unavailable equipment not within the control of the Party claiming suspension; and any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension.

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

Laws ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Losses ” shall mean any and all claims, causes of action, payments, charges, judgments, assessments, liabilities, losses, damages, penalties, fines and costs and expenses, including any attorneys’ fees, legal or other expenses incurred in connection therewith and including liabilities, costs, losses and damages for personal injury or death or property damage or environmental damage or remediation.

Max Shipper Coal Volume ” means an amount equal to 5,000,000 tons of Shipper Coal per calendar year minus the amount of Shipper Coal, stated in tons, for which Owner provides terminal services under the Xcoal Agreement in the applicable calendar year; provided that the Max Shipper Coal Volume for the remainder of calendar year 2015 shall be prorated based on the number of days between the Execution Date and December 31, 2015.

 

A PPENDIX I


NIST Standards ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., General Partner, Partnership and the other parties thereto, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Owner ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Owning Parties ” means CPCC, Conrhein and Shipper.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall be a “ Partnership Group Member .”

Party ” and “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

Priority Service ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 .

Receipt Point ” means the inbound certified scale located at 3800 Newgate Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

Re-Handling Services ” means at the request of Shipper, the movement, transfer or re-handling of Shipper Coal from its initial storage or stockpile locations (other than transporting such Shipper Coal for loading onto Vessels) via (a) stacker and/or reclaimer equipment or (b) mobile equipment.

Services Standard ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .

Shipper ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Shipper Change of Control ” means CONSOL ceases to control, directly or indirectly, the general partner of the Partnership. For purposes of this definition, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the general partner of the Partnership, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Shipper Coal ” means coal owned and/or controlled by Shipper.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such

 

A PPENDIX I


Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Tax ” and “ Taxes ” means all taxes, assessments, charges, duties, fees, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority, including all income, franchise, profits, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, gross receipts, sales, use, transfer, service, occupation, ad valorem, property, excise, severance, windfall profits, premium, stamp, license, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, disability, environmental, alternative minimum, add-on, value-added, withholding and other taxes, assessments, charges, duties, fees, levies, imposts or other similar charges of any kind, and all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, penalties and interest.

Temporary Storage ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Terminal Services.

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Terminal ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Terminal Rules and Regulations ” means the Coal Cargo Shipping Rules and Regulations attached hereto as Exhibit B .

Terminal Services ” means the following (in each case, as more particularly set forth in the Terminal Services Terms and the Terminal Rules and Regulations):

(a) receiving and unloading Shipper Coal from Trains at the Receipt Point;

(b) weighing and sampling Shipper Coal at the Terminal;

(c) if necessary, transporting Shipper Coal from the Receipt Point to temporary storage or stockpile facilities located at the Terminal (the “ Temporary Storage ”);

(d) to the extent requested by Shipper, blending Shipper Coal at the Terminal; and

(e) transporting Shipper Coal from Temporary Storage or the Receipt Point, as applicable, to, and loading Shipper Coal on, the Vessels.

Terminal Services Terms ” means the Coal Cargo Shipping Terminal Services terms attached hereto as Exhibit A .

Trains ” means those rail cars on the Norfolk Southern railroad or the CSX railroad which have been directed by Shipper to deliver Shipper Coal to the Receipt Point.

 

A PPENDIX I


Vessels ” means the ships which have been directed by Shipper to be loaded with Shipper Coal at the Terminal.

Vessel Fees ” means those customary vessel charges and fees as more particularly set forth in Section 5.6 of the Terminal Rules and Regulations.

Xcoal Agreement ” means that certain Coal Cargo Shipping Agreement dated effective December 4, 2013, by and between Owner and Xcoal Energy and Resources.

 

A PPENDIX I


EXHIBIT A

TERMINAL SERVICES TERMS

CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC.

EXHIBIT A

COAL CARGO SHIPPING

TERMINAL SERVICES

APPLICABLE TO

BALTIMORE TERMINAL

LOCATED AT

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

ISSUED BY

CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC.

3800 NEWGATE AVENUE

BALTIMORE, MD 21224 U.S.A.

410-631 -6400

FAX 410-631-6425

 

EXHIBIT A


CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC. (CNX)

BALTIMORE TERMINAL

BALTIMORE, MD, U.S.A.

COAL CARGO SHIPPING - TERMINAL SERVICES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE  

1.0

 

GENERAL

     2   

2.0

 

COAL QUALITY

     2   

3.0

 

TRAIN HANDLING

     3   

4.0

 

STOCKPILING AND STORAGE

     3-4   

5.0

 

CARGO BLENDING

     4   

6.0

 

VESSEL LOADING

     4   

7.0

 

WEIGHING

     4   

8.0

 

SAMPLING

     4   

9.0

 

FORCE MAJEURE

     4   

 

1


1.0. GENERAL

 

  1.1 Scope of Services :

Terminal services for transshipping of coal from rail to water at CNX Marine Terminals Inc. (“CNX”) shall include receiving coal by rail, unloading of rail cars, stockpiling, blending, weighing, sampling, and loading of coal onto vessels (“Terminal Services”).

 

  1.2 Ownership of Coal :

Coal for which CNX provides Terminal Services shall be and shall remain the property of the Shipper.

 

  1.3 Forecasts :

Concurrently with the execution of the Terminal Agreement, Shipper has provided CNX a forecast setting forth Shipper’s good faith estimate of the amount of Shipper Coal Shipper plans to deliver at the Terminal for Owner to provide Terminal Services under this agreement in the following calendar year and a reasonably detailed schedule setting forth the amount of Shipper Coal Shipper expects to deliver on a weekly and monthly basis during such calendar year (the “Annual Forecast”). On a quarterly basis, Shipper shall provide CNX an updated Annual Forecast setting forth any changes to the previous forecast and extending such forecast to provide for the full calendar year following the date Shipper submits such updated Annual Forecast.

Shipper shall forecast the next month’s train permit schedule and provide it to the Terminal 15 days prior to the next month. Shipper shall forecast cargo detail for the next 2 months including cargo I.D.s, 10-day windows, destination, stockpile(s) and cargo tonnage and provide this information to the Terminal 15 days prior to the next month.

 

2.0. COAL QUALITY

 

  2.1 Definition :

Coal as used herein shall mean coal, off grade coal, synfuels, petroleum coke, and/or related coal products.

 

  2.2 Shipper shall provide to CNX a certificate (s) stating the relevant characteristics of the coal in accordance with the latest edition of the “JMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes.”

 

  2.3 Coal arriving at CNX shall be free flowing and substantially free of foreign material, including tramp metal, wood products, and any other extraneous material.

 

  2.4 Coal shall not exceed four (4) inches in any dimension. Coal to be ASTM sampled shall have a maximum size of two (2) inches.

 

  2.5 During periods when the railcars and/or coal are subjected to freezing conditions, it is recommended that the coal be treated with a CNX approved freeze-conditioning agent in the quantity and by a process in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

  2.6 Coal will be stored in non-compacted stockpiles. CNX shall not be responsible for any change in calorific content, moisture content, size consist, loss of weight or any other change in quality specifications, unless caused by the negligence of CNX or its employees.

 

  2.7 Coal arriving at CNX containing high moisture, ash, or fines, or is frozen or affected by other conditions that significantly impair the handling characteristics thereof and cannot be dumped from the railcars or handled by CNX equipment without alteration or significant derating of dumping rates, may be rejected by CNX at its sole option.

 

2


  2.8 Flowability Cost Impact :

Material shall have handling characteristics such that CNX can achieve using Standard Operating Procedures a minimum dumping rate of 3000 TPH. If the actual dumping rate achieved is less than 3000 TPH, the Shipper shall be responsible for additional cost as set forth in the Terminal and Throughput Agreement (the “Terminal Agreement”).

 

3.0. TRAIN HANDLING

 

  3.1 Avoidance of Common Carrier Status

CNX is not a common carrier and does not under these Terminal Service terms or in any other respect hold itself out to the Shipper, any railroad carrier, or any other user of CNX as a provider of common carrier services of any type or as the owner of a public facility.

 

  3.2 Train Size

The size of any train shall not exceed one hundred and thirty cars of approximately one hundred ton capacity per car, unless CNX consents to the handling of alternate train size.

 

  3.3 Train Scheduling

Shipper shall provide to CNX a Monthly train permitting and loading schedule as soon as available, but no later than ten (10) days prior to the 1 51 day of the following month.

 

  3.4 Train permitting and loading schedule shall be coordinated with and comply with the stockpile time allowance as described in these Terminal Service terms.

 

  3.5 Trains shall be scheduled to arrive at CNX a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours prior to vessel loading schedule unless otherwise approved by CNX.

 

  3.6 CNX shall have no liability to Shipper as a consequence of the railroad’s failure to meet any permit and schedule commitments.

 

4.0. STOCKPILING AND STORAGE

 

  4.1 Definition:

Stockpiling is an interim storage service for assembling of cargo at CNX. The time allowance to assemble the cargo shall be as follows:

 

Allowance

   Cargo Size (N.T.)  

21 days

     up to 45,000   

30 days

     over 45,000   

The time allowance shall be measured starting from the first day of the original vessel 10- day window period. If a 10-day window period is not established, then the time allowance shall be measured starting from original vessel ETA or as otherwise agreed to by CNX.

 

  4.2 It shall be specifically understood by the parties that storage of coal in excess of the time allowance set forth above and for purposes other than assembling cargo to meet Shipper’s cargo volumes is not contemplated as part of CNX’s stockpiling services.

 

  4.3 CNX will designate an area in its storage yard for assembling Shipper’s cargo based on the cargo requirements and schedule.

 

  4.4 CNX will segregate Shipper’s cargo from any other coal concurrently in storage.

 

  4.5 CNX shall not be required to shape, compact or re-handle the coal in storage.

 

  4.6 Any representative of Shipper, or a representative of a financial institution providing credit to the Shipper, may at Shipper’s own risk and cost visually inspect and monitor any of its coal under the control of CNX. The cost of any inspection or sampling service provided by CNX shall be payable by the Shipper.

 

3


  4.7 Shipper shall assume all responsibility for any condition of coal heating and/or spontaneous combustion.

 

  4.8 Extended Storage Cost :

Extended storage time exceeding the stockpiling time allowance as described in these Terminal Service terms will be provided as an additional service and at a reasonable cost to Shipper.

 

  4.9 Upon Shipper’s request, CNX Terminal shall issue Warehouse Receipts confirming the quantity of coal Shipper has in storage at CNX Terminal.

 

5.0. CARGO BLENDING

A cargo blending plan and services will be provided for each blended cargo. Based on the information provided by the Shipper, CNX will develop a specific cargo-blending plan for each cargo. It is understood by all parties that CNX shall use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Shipper in providing blending services to achieve the requirements for the total cargo. CNX does not in any way warrant or guarantee the results of the blending services and does not accept responsibility for the final quality of the cargo.

 

6.0. VESSEL LOADING

 

  6.1 Coal Cargo Shipping Rules and Regulations

The applicable terms for scheduling and loading of vessels at CNX shall be as set forth in CNX’s “Coal Cargo Shipping Rules and Regulations”, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

  6.2 Shipper shall be responsible for the nominated and/or performing vessel’s compliance with the applicable Rules and Regulations.

 

7.0. WEIGHING

 

  7.1 CNX shall provide belt scale weight for all inbound and outbound shipments. Belt scales shall be certified and maintained in accordance with applicable codes of railroad, state and federal regulatory agencies.

 

  7.2 CNX fees payable by Shipper shall be based upon CNX’s outbound belt scale weight, unless an alternate means of weighing coal is agreed to by CNX.

 

  7.3 If the inbound belt scale is out of service, CNX will so advise the railroad carrier who shall use its best effort to determine the weight of the coal by other methods such as the use of weigh-in-motion scales. If the railroad carrier cannot provide an alternate weighing method, the weight of the coal shall be determined by some method mutually agreed upon by CNX and the Shipper.

 

  7.4 If the Shipper has agreed to accept the CNX belt scale weight as the official weight for the loaded cargo and if CNX’s belt scale is out of service, CNX will provide a vessel draft weight at no cost to the Shipper.

 

8.0. SAMPLING

 

  8.1 Shipper shall maintain a separate contract with Sampling Associates International (“SAl”) to perform all sampling-related services in accordance with Terminal’s safety standards and procedures. All charges associated with these sampling services shall be charged by SAl directly to Shipper. Shipper must receive written approval from Terminal prior to switching to another sampling company, such approval to not be unreasonably withheld.

 

9.0. FORCE MAJEURE

 

  9.1 CNX and the Shipper agree that the “Force Majeure” clause set forth in Section 7.1 of the Terminal Agreement shall apply with regard to these Terminal Services.

 

4


EXHIBIT B

TERMINAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC.

EXHIBIT B

COAL CARGO SHIPPING

RULES AND REGULATIONS

APPLICABLE TO

BALTIMORE TERMINAL

LOCATED AT

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

ISSUED BY

CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC.

3800 NEWGATE AVENUE

BALTIMORE, MO 21224 U.S.A.

410-631-6400

FAX 410-631-6425

 

EXHIBIT B


CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC. (CNX)

BALTIMORE TERMINAL

BALTIMORE, MD, U.S.A.

COAL CARGO SHIPPING – RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

1.0

VESSEL NOMINATION

  2   

2.0

NOTICE OF READINESS

  3   

3.0

SPECIFICATIONS

  3   

4.0

LOADING AND TRIMMING

  3   

5.0

VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

  4   

6.0

FORCE MAJEURE

  4   

 

1


GENERAL:

The cargo(es) shall be loaded always afloat in the customary manner at the CNX Terminal at Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. (“CNX”). Cargo(es) shall be loaded into vessels, scheduled by Shipper, in accordance with these Rules and Regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither party shall be liable to the other party or make a claim for dispatch earned or demurrage incurred irrespective of any obligation that CNX or Shipper may have with a third party.

 

1.0 VESSEL NOMINATION

 

  1.1 A ten (10) day window shall be established as follows, but not greater than sixty (60) days from date requested.

With at least:

 

  a) Thirty (30) days prior notice, Shipper shall request a ten (I 0) day window starting with an “odd” date of the month

 

  1.2 Definitions:

 

  a) “Arrived” shall mean the vessel is in the Port of Baltimore.

 

  b) The Port of Baltimore to include:

 

  (i) Customary waiting areas in the Port of Baltimore

 

  (ii) Annapolis Anchorage

 

  c) “On-time arrival” shall mean a vessel arriving in the Port of Baltimore within its ten (10) day window.

 

  d) “Early arrival” or “late arrival” shall mean a vessel arriving in the Port of Baltimore outside of its ten (10) day window.

 

  e) “In-inventory” shall mean all coal dumped to ground at CNX -OR- on rail at CNX as agreed to load direct to vessel.

 

  f) “Load-ready” shall mean the vessel has arrived, the coal is in inventory and the vessel is ready in all respects to receive cargo.

 

  1.3 Vessel Arrival Guidelines:

 

  a) Only load-ready vessels will be considered to be placed into the queue.

Exceptions shall be at the discretion of CNX management.

 

  b) Load ready, on-time arrivals shall be called to the berth in the order they enter the queue.

 

  c) Load-ready, earl y arrival s will be called to the berth if the berth is clear and the expected berth occupancy of the early arrival is less than the expected length of time until the next load-ready, on-time arrival. If the berth is not clear, the vessel shall be deemed to enter the queue on the first day of its ten (10) day window.

 

  d) Load-ready, late arrivals will be called to the berth if the berth is clear and the expected berth occupancy of the late arrival is less than the expected length of time until the next load-ready, on-time arrival. If the berth is not clear, the vessel shall enter the queue behind vessel(s) already in the queue at that time

 

  1.4 Nomination of the performing vessel with customary vessel description shall be submitted as soon as available, but no later than four (4) days prior to Elf A at the Port of Baltimore. Another vessel with similar ETA may be substituted for nominated vessel, provided the Terminal is given a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours’ notice of such substitution.

 

2


  1.5 At least four (4) days prior to the performing vessel’s ETA at the Port of Baltimore, Shipper shall provide requirements for vessel loading, including loading and stowage plan, deballasting plan, trimming plan, and any other specific vessel loading requirements.

 

  1.6 The Shipper shall give nominated vessel or substitute, ETA notice I 0, 5, 2, I day (s) in advance of arrival at the Port of Baltimore.

 

  1.7 If official weight is provided by the Terminal, on behalf of Shipper, a certified weight will be determined by certified belt scale as cargo is loaded. If Terminal cannot provide certified belt scale weight, a draft survey weight, provided by a certified surveyor, will be used as the official weight.

 

2.0 NOTICE OF READINESS

 

  2.1 Notice of Readiness may be tendered at any time, day or night SHINC, and Terminal will acknowledge for receipt only. In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, The Terminal will suspend operations from 07:00 every fourth Thursday in November to 07:00 the following day. In observance of the Christmas Holiday, the Terminal will suspend operations from 19:00 hrs. on December 24 th through 17:00 hrs. on December 26 th .

 

  2.2 Notice of Readiness may be given by cable, fax, telex, or e-mail.

 

3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

 

  3.1 The Terminal advises that the specifications for the coal loading berth and loading facilities at Baltimore, MD are:

 

Channel Depth

50 ft.

Berth Depth

50 ft.

Berth Working Length

1150 ft.

Berth Working Width

175 ft.

Air Draft (max)

55 ft - MLLW.

Unrestricted Sailing Draft

47 ft. 0 in. - MLLW

Restricted Sailing Draft (1)

47 ft. 6 in. - MLLW

Loading Rate - Peak

7500 TPH

Loading Rate – Typical Range

4500 – 6500 TPH

Note (1) Draft may be increased subject to Maryland Pilot Association approval & Terminal approval.

 

  3.2 In no way does the Terminal warrant, guarantee, or represent the depth of the channel of the Port of Baltimore and/or the Chesapeake Bay.

 

4.0 LOADING AND TRIMMING

 

  4.1 The coal cargo shall be loaded and spout trimmed in accordance with the Master’s written instructions to the Master’s satisfaction in conformity with the la test edition of the IMO code and applicable regulations. Provided not in default, the Terminal shall not be required to rehandle coal loaded or to load coal in a manner not in conformity with the performance characteristics of the shiploading equipment.

 

  4.2 The coal cargo shall be loaded in such a manner to dispatch the vessel as expeditiously as possible utilizing the full capacity of the shiploading equipment, always provided loading is safe to vessel and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

 

  4.3 Prior to loading, the Shipper shall provide details regarding the nature of the material as required by the latest edition of the IMO code. The Terminal, on behalf of Shipper, will provide a copy of the certificate to the Master.

 

3


5.0 VESSELS

 

  5.1 The performing vessel shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local and port and harbor authority regulations in force.

 

  5.2 Vessel shall present a Marine Surveyor’s certificate that the holds are clean and in all respects ready to receive coal.

 

  5.3 The vessels to be loaded shall be (a) gearless single deck self-trimming bulk carriers; (b) combination vessels; (c) geared single deck self-trimming bulk carriers acceptable to the Terminal.

 

  5.4 The vessel’s master shall be responsible for the safe docking and undocking of the vessel.

Tugboats shall be used for all docking and undocking activity. On-board power and bow thrusters shall not be used alongside berth.

 

  5.5 lf vessel cannot be loaded in accordance to Master’s written stowage/loading plan, or be materially delayed in loading because of vessel’s fault (for instance, not being able to deballast within a reasonable period of time), the Terminal may order the vessel to vacate the berth until such time that such deficiencies are overcome.

Vessel shall provide gangway ladders with safety nets in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

 

  5.6 Customary Vessel Charges

 

  a) Line handling services to include both docking and undocking shall be charged at the rate of $1,500.00 per vessel as of the Effective Date under the Terminal Agreement. Such rate may be adjusted from time to time as reasonably determined by the Terminal.

 

  b) Dockage Charge of $.62 per NRT per vessel effective as of the Effective Date in the Coal Cargo Shipping Agreement. Such Charge may be adjusted from time to time as reasonably determined by the Terminal.

 

  c) Security Fee of $3.03 per linear foot (LOA) will be charged for all vessels docked at the CNX berth effective as of the Effective Date. Such Fee may be adjusted from time to time as reasonably determined by the Terminal.

 

  d) Coal pier and berthing area shall not be used by vessel for any purpose other than cargo loading without the prior approval of the Terminal. Receiving or offloading of any materials, parts, stores or any other items is prohibited without the prior approval of the Terminal.

 

  e) Rubbish, refuse or other materials related to the vessel must be removed; otherwise it will be removed by the Terminal at the expense of the vessel. No rubbish or material of any kind shall be dumped overboard from the vessel.

 

6.0 FORCE MAJEURE

 

  6.1 CNX and the Shipper hereby agree that the “Force Majeure” clause set forth in Section 7.1 of the Terminal Agreement shall apply with regard to these Coal Cargo Shipping Rules and Regulations.

 

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Exhibit 10.7

Execution Version

AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF

MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT

by and among

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC

CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY

(COLLECTIVELY, “COAL PARTY”)

and

CNX GAS COMPANY LLC

(“GAS PARTY”)

and

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

(“CEI”)

and

THE CEI SUBSIDIARIES

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

  2   

1.1

Defined Terms

  2   

1.2

References and Rules of Construction

  2   

ARTICLE II SAFETY AND COOPERATION; STANDARD OF CARE

  2   

2.1

Safety and Cooperation

  2   

2.2

Standard of Care

  2   

2.3

Damage to Property; Liens and Encumbrances

  2   

2.4

Relationship of the Parties

  3   

2.5

Access to Certain Data

  3   

2.6

Unitization

  3   

2.7

Preservation of Certain Leasehold Interests

  3   

ARTICLE III OPERATIONS IN THE PENNSYLVANIA MINE AREA

  3   

3.1

Operations in the Coal Area

  3   

3.2

Operations in the Non-Coal Area

  4   

3.3

Plugging, Relocation, and Shut-In Rights and Expenses

  5   

3.4

Permits

  6   

3.5

Acquisitions in the Pennsylvania Mine Area.

  6   

3.6

As-Built Drawings

  7   

ARTICLE IV COORDINATION COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT PLANS

  8   

4.1

Coordination Committee

  8   

4.2

Development Plans

  8   

4.3

Notices and Updates

  9   

ARTICLE V SURFACE USE

  10   

5.1

Surface Use Rights

  10   

5.2

Surface Easement Requests

  11   

5.3

Reimbursement of Certain Costs

  11   

5.4

Other Surface Facilities

  11   

5.5

License Use Rights

  12   

5.6

License Requests By Gas Party or Coal Party

  13   

5.7

Reimbursement of License Costs

  13   

5.8

Form of Licenses

  13   

ARTICLE VI LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

  13   

6.1

Release.

  13   

6.2

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

  13   

6.3

Disclaimer

  14   

6.4

Conspicuous

  14   

6.5

Subsidence

  14   

 

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ARTICLE VII TERM; TERMINATION

  14   

7.1

Term

  14   

7.2

Termination

  14   

7.3

Effect of Termination

  15   

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

  15   

8.1

Assignment

  15   

8.2

Notices

  15   

8.3

Further Assurances

  16   

8.4

Expenses

  17   

8.5

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

  17   

8.6

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

  17   

8.7

Amendment

  17   

8.8

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

  17   

8.9

Parties in Interest

  17   

8.10

Preparation of Agreement

  17   

8.11

Severability

  18   

8.12

Counterparts

  18   

8.13

Memorandum

  18   

8.14

General Principles—Litigation

  18   

8.15

Confidentiality

  18   

8.16

Amendment and Restatement of Prior Agreement

  19   

8.17

Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction.

  19   

8.18

Coal Severance Notice (52 P.S. 1551)

  20   

8.19

“Red” Coal Notice (52 P.S. 1406.1451

  20   

 

APPENDIX :

Appendix I

Definitions

EXHIBITS :

Exhibit A

Pennsylvania Mine Area

Exhibit B

Insurance Requirements

Exhibit C

Shared Information

Exhibit D

Leasehold Release Provisions

Exhibit E

Non-Protected Wells

Exhibit F

Protected Wells

Exhibit G

Existing Permits/Agreements

SCHEDULES :

Schedule 1

CEI Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.3(a)

Valuation Formula

Schedule 3.6

Drilling Procedures

 

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AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF

MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT (as may be amended, revised, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), is by and between CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”), CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”), CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY , a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ,” and together with CTH and CPCC, “ Coal Party ”), CNX GAS COMPANY LLC , a Virginia limited liability company (“ Gas Party ”), and each party designated as a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy Inc. (“ CEI ”) on Schedule 1 attached hereto (collectively, the “ CEI Subsidiaries ”). All of the foregoing Persons, excluding CEI, are referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Coal Party now owns and operates, and may hereafter acquire, certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine, the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ”);

WHEREAS, Gas Party now owns, controls or operates, and may hereafter acquire, certain oil and gas interests located in or around the Pennsylvania Mine Area, as hereinafter defined (the “ Gas Interests ”);

WHEREAS, Coal Party and Gas Party each acknowledge and agree that they have overlapping interests with respect to the other’s operations in the area in and around the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (such area, as further described on Exhibit A attached hereto, the “ Pennsylvania Mine Area ”) and desire to cooperate with each other, as further provided herein, to maximize coal and gas production from the Pennsylvania Mine Area; and

WHEREAS, the CEI Subsidiaries now own, control or operate, and may hereafter acquire, various surface lands, rights of way, easements, roadways, and other surface rights within the Pennsylvania Mine Area, as hereinafter defined (the “ Subsidiary Surface Rights ”);

WHEREAS, the CEI Subsidiaries desire to make certain of the Subsidiary Surface Rights available for use by Gas Party and Coal Party in connection with their exploration, production, and development of the Gas Interests and the Coal Interests, respectively;

WHEREAS, the safety of each Party’s operations within the Pennsylvania Mine Area is a paramount objective of the Parties in entering into this Agreement.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I or the Contribution Agreement.

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections, and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection, and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement, and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Exhibit, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection, or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Pronouns in masculine, feminine, or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms, and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

SAFETY AND COOPERATION; STANDARD OF CARE

2.1 Safety and Cooperation . In accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, each Party shall comply with its own and, while on any other Party’s property, such other Party’s safety and access policies and shall cause all personnel engaged or directed by such Party and all subcontractors engaged in activities on behalf of such Party to similarly comply with such safety and access policies as required of the Parties themselves. The Parties shall cooperate in good faith to seek to maximize coal and gas production from the Pennsylvania Mine Area. The Parties further agree to comply with the insurance requirements set forth on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time as agreed to by the Parties.

2.2 Standard of Care . Each Party shall conduct its operations in the Pennsylvania Mine Area in a good and workmanlike manner, in accordance with good and safe practices and standards for the type of work being conducted as a reasonably prudent operator operating under similar circumstances and in a manner that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

2.3 Damage to Property; Liens and Encumbrances . Subject to Article III , each Party shall repair any damages it causes by its access, use or operations to the real or personal property of any other Party. No Party shall take any action to encumber or permit any lien on any other Party’s real or personal property.

 

2


2.4 Relationship of the Parties . This Agreement is not intended to create an association, partnership, joint venture, or principal and agency relationship between the Parties. No Party is now, nor will any Party be, an employee, contractor, partner, joint venturer, agent, or representative of any other Party for any purpose under this Agreement.

2.5 Access to Certain Data . In connection with Gas Party’s and Coal Party’s cooperation and safety efforts, upon reasonable prior notice by either such Party (the “ Requesting Party ”), the other Party shall give the Requesting Party access to (a) the results of any core hole samples and desorption tests relating to the Gas Interests, Coal Gas, or coal, as applicable, (b) any title studies, opinions, or reports relating to the Gas Interests, Coal Gas, or coal, as applicable, in the Pennsylvania Mine Area, and (c) any information reasonably requested by the Requesting Party in connection with the drilling of any Protected Well or Non-Protected Well, in each case, to the extent permitted by Existing Permits/Agreements or other confidentiality restrictions of any agreement with a Third Party. Coal Party and Gas Party agree that the information provided hereunder is proprietary and confidential and will be protected as provided in Section 8.15 hereof, and each shall attempt to protect any attorney client privilege of any title studies, opinions, or reports that are made available to it by the other. Gas Party and Coal Party shall each use its commercially reasonable efforts to share, without formal request from the other, the information set forth on Exhibit C with respect to the drilling of any Protected Well or Non-Protected Well.

2.6 Unitization . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Gas Party shall have the right to unitize any Gas Asset as may be (i) established or prescribed by field rules or other regulatory order or (ii) as determined by Gas Party in its sole discretion.

2.7 Preservation of Certain Leasehold Interests . If (i) Coal Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which Gas Party has a Gas Interest or (ii) Gas Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which Coal Party has a Coal Interest, in each case, the Parties agree that the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit D shall apply.

ARTICLE III

OPERATIONS IN THE PENNSYLVANIA MINE AREA

3.1 Operations in the Coal Area . With respect to the land in the Pennsylvania Mine Area that is, with respect to any calendar year, (i) currently being mined by Coal Party or (ii) identified in good faith by Coal Party as land to be mined during the following six (6) calendar years of the then-current Life of Mine Plan (such area, the “ Coal Area ”):

(a) If Coal Party determines, in its sole discretion, that venting of Coal Gas is necessary for mine safety considerations, Coal Party shall have the right to (i) drill, vent, and/or flare holes to vent such Coal Gas; (ii) install any necessary equipment on the surface or subsurface, including pipelines and facilities, to remove such Coal Gas, and/or (iii) cause Gas

 

3


Party to vent, flare, or Capture for processing and sale such Coal Gas from any existing Gas Party Well that is then Capturing Coal Gas from the Coal Gas seam or gob area in the mine at issue. Gas Party shall have the exclusive right to Capture any and all Coal Gas; provided, however , that in the event that Gas Party determines it shall not Capture sealed gob gas, then Coal Party may Capture such sealed gob gas at its discretion and sole risk and expense.

(b) Coal Party shall have the absolute right to Stimulate any coal seam to degas the Pennsylvania Mine Area; provided , however , that Gas Party may elect to Stimulate any coal seam, at its sole cost and expense, upon prior written notice to Coal Party. In the event Gas Party so elects, Gas Party shall employ only standard Stimulation techniques consistent with prudent industry practices for Stimulating coal seams and shall keep Coal Party reasonably informed of any such Stimulation activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Gas Party may employ experimental non-standard Stimulation techniques with respect to any coal seam only with the prior written consent of Coal Party, which consent may be withheld in Coal Party’s sole discretion.

(c) Gas Party shall have the right to locate and drill Wells, and construct pipelines and facilities, attributable to the Gas Interests in the Coal Area, subject to Coal Party’s plugging, relocation, and shut-in rights pursuant to Section 3.3 ; provided, however , that Gas Party shall request the prior written consent of Coal Party with respect to the design and location of any Well prior to the drilling of any such Well, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Upon receiving a request from Gas Party to drill a Well, Coal Party may (i) consent to such Well and such proposed location; (ii) consent to such Well but not consent to such proposed location; or (iii) not consent to such Well and such proposed location. In the case of (i), such Well shall be a “ Protected Well .” In the case of (ii) or (iii), the Parties shall meet to attempt a mutually agreeable solution, and if the Parties are unable to agree, Gas Party may nevertheless drill such Well without obtaining Coal Party’s consent, and such Well shall be a “ Non-Protected Well .”

(d) As of the Execution Date, the existing Wells set forth on Exhibit E shall be deemed Non-Protected Wells.

3.2 Operations in the Non-Coal Area . With respect to the land in the Pennsylvania Mine Area other than the Coal Area (the “ Non-Coal Area ”):

(a) Gas Party shall have the right to locate and drill Wells, and construct midstream pipelines and facilities, attributable to the Gas Interests in the Non-Coal Area, subject to Coal Party’s plugging, relocation, and shut-in rights pursuant to Section 3.3 .

(b) Any Well drilled by Gas Party on a location that was in the Non-Coal Area at the time such Well was permitted shall be deemed a Protected Well. As of the Execution Date, the existing Wells set forth on Exhibit F shall be deemed Protected Wells.

(c) Gas Party and Coal Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other with respect to the location of Gas Party Wells and operations in the Non-Coal Area; provided, however , that if the Parties do not agree on the location of a Well in the Non-Coal Area, Gas Party shall have the right to determine the location of any such Well.

 

4


3.3 Plugging, Relocation, and Shut-In Rights and Expenses .

(a) Protected Wells : Coal Party may require upon reasonable advance notice, but in no event upon less than twelve (12) months’ advance notice, that any Protected Well be (i) plugged and abandoned consistent with mine-through Laws and relocated, in which event Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party for 100% of the costs associated with the plugging and abandoning of such Protected Well and compensate Gas Party for then-current fair market value, as determined by Schedule 3.3(a) , of such Protected Well, taking into account the Gas Reserves (including proved developed and proved undeveloped) lost due to the relocation; provided, however , that at Coal Party’s request, Gas Party shall promptly transfer such Well to Coal Party or its designee for such plugging and abandoning consistent with mine-through Laws, and Coal Party shall compensate Gas Party for the then-current fair market value of such Protected Well, which, taking into account the Gas Reserves and the underlying leases if applicable, shall be determined pursuant to the procedures set forth on Schedule 3.3(a) ; or (ii) shut-in (including temporarily plugging) for a period of time, in which event Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party for any damages reasonably incurred by Gas Party in connection with such shut-in, including any losses (including interest on such amounts) resulting from the delay in Gas Party receiving net revenues from production from such Protected Well caused by such shut-in. In addition, Coal Party shall compensate Gas Party for losses incurred by Gas Party due to any lessor’s claims for damages under this Section 3.3(a) that have been finally determined.

(b) Non-Protected Wells : In the event Coal Party reasonably anticipates needing to mine through, or shut in (including temporarily plugging) to allow mine-by of, a Non-Protected Well, Coal Party may require upon reasonable advance notice, but in no event upon less than twelve (12) months’ advance notice, that any Non-Protected Well be (i) plugged and abandoned consistent with mine-through Laws and relocated, in which event Gas Party shall bear 100% of the costs associated with plugging and abandoning such Non-Protected Well and 100% of the loss of value of such Well; provided, however , at Coal Party’s request, Gas Party shall promptly transfer such Well to Coal Party or its designee for such plugging and abandoning consistent with mine-through Laws, and Gas Party shall reimburse Coal Party for all costs associated with such plugging and abandoning; or (ii) shut in, and Gas Party shall bear 100% of any damages incurred by Gas Party in connection with shutting in, including temporarily plugging, such Non-Protected Well, and if such Well can be reopened, in connection with the reopening of such Well. Coal Party shall not be liable to any other Party for any lost Gas Reserves or lost leases in the exercise of its rights under this Section 3.3(b) . In addition, Gas Party shall compensate Coal Party for losses incurred by Coal Party due to any lessor’s claims for damages under this Section 3.3(b) that have been finally determined.

(c) Non-Well Operations : Coal Party may require at any time that Gas Party relocate (within a reasonable time, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) months following receipt of such notice) an easement, pipeline, facility, or other related equipment (other than a Well and associated Well equipment) (each, a “ Non-Well Facility ”) if any such Non-Well Facility is reasonably expected by Coal Party to interfere with Coal Party’s present or planned operations or uses in, on, or under any of the Coal Interests. Except with respect to the relocation of any Well (discussed above), all costs and expenses of Gas Party associated with a first relocation shall be borne 100% by Gas Party if at the time of construction it was within a Coal Area; otherwise, such costs and expenses shall be borne 50% by Gas Party and 50% by Coal Party. Coal Party may require a second or further relocation with respect to any Non-Well Facility; provided, however , that the costs of any such second or further relocation shall be borne

 

5


solely by Coal Party. With respect to any Non-Well Facility existing in the Pennsylvania Mine Area as of the Execution Date, this Agreement shall govern and supersedes the MCSA, and if such Non-Well Facility was located in the (i) Coal Area at the time it was constructed, relocation costs and expenses shall be borne 100% by Gas Party and (ii) Non-Coal Area at the time it was constructed, relocation costs and expenses shall be borne 50% by Gas Party and 50% by Coal Party.

(d) Replacement Wells : Subject to Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 , Gas Party shall have the right to drill replacement or recompletion Well(s) to Capture the remaining Gas Reserves on any lease(s) that are stranded as the result of a mine-through of a Well. Gas Party shall use reasonable efforts and work with Coal Party to locate the replacement Well or recompletion Well in a coal pillar or other location that will not jeopardize the health and safety of the Persons within any coal mine where operations are taking place. The replacement or recompletion Well will only be drilled after Coal Party’s written consent has been obtained, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned. If the replacement or recompletion Well successfully establishes production from the lease(s), and Gas Party has received compensation from Coal Party under this Agreement, Gas Party shall reimburse Coal Party for the value Gas Party received to the extent production has been restored and Gas Reserves captured by such successful replacement or recompletion.

3.4 Permits . Each Party is responsible for obtaining all permits, title reports, licenses, and bonds related to its operations in and around the Pennsylvania Mine Complex. Provided that such other Party has complied with its obligations under this Agreement, each Party shall support any other Party’s permitting and regulatory activities and agrees it will not object, protest, appeal, or interfere with any applications submitted by the other for permits, approvals, or authorizations required by any federal, state, or local regulatory authority and will timely execute or submit applicable waivers, consents, or other documents as requested by such other Party in accordance with the aforementioned. Applications covered include not only initial applications for a mine permit or Well permit but also amendments or revisions to existing applications, renewals, six month map filings, or similar submissions after an original application; provided, however , that such supporting Party shall not be required to incur any costs in connection therewith other than as set forth herein. Each Party agrees, as applicable, to comply in all material respects with all applicable Existing Permits/Agreements burdening the Coal Interests and Gas Interests and to maintain its roads, pipelines and facilities to the extent that such Party’s failure to so comply or maintain would result in an adverse effect on any other Party.

3.5 Acquisitions in the Pennsylvania Mine Area .

(a) Gas Party’s Option to Purchase . Subject to and to the extent not prohibited by or covered under Existing Permits/Agreements, Coal Party grants to Gas Party the sole, exclusive, and irrevocable right and option (“ Gas Party Option ”) to purchase and acquire any Gas Interests to the extent such Gas Interest (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Coal Gas contained in any coal seam) is purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired by Coal Party after the Execution Date within the Pennsylvania Mine Area. Coal Party shall provide written notice to Gas Party not more than thirty (30) Business Days after Coal Party’s purchase, lease, or other acquisition of any Gas Interests within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (“ Coal Notice ”), and, at Gas Party’s written election delivered to Coal Party within thirty (30) Business Days after Gas

 

6


Party’s receipt of a Coal Notice, the Parties shall enter into an agreement for the purchase of such interests in a mutually agreeable form. The purchase price to be paid to Coal Party shall be determined by a good faith allocation of the consideration paid by Coal Party for each of the estates purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired, and the consideration allocated to such Gas Interests shall be the purchase price; provided, however , that if no consideration is paid, a good faith estimate of such consideration paid shall be utilized in the allocation; provided further , that to the extent such Gas Interests are not freely conveyable, assignable, or transferrable, Coal Party shall promptly offer to provide, the beneficial ownership of such Gas Interests to Gas Party, and Coal Party and Gas Party agree to attempt to negotiate in good faith a mutually acceptable means by which Gas Party will reimburse Coal Party for not more than Coal Party’s fair share of the costs associated with obtaining such Gas Interests.

(b) Coal Party’s Option to Purchase . Subject to and to the extent not prohibited by or covered under Existing Permits/Agreements, Gas Party and the CEI Subsidiaries grant to Coal Party the sole, exclusive, and irrevocable right and option (“ Coal Party Option ”) to purchase and acquire any coal seam and/or associated mining rights purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired by Gas Party or any of the CEI Subsidiaries after the Execution Date within the Pennsylvania Mine Area. Gas Party or the applicable CEI Subsidiary, as applicable, shall provide written notice to Coal Party not more than thirty (30) Business Days after such Party’s purchase, lease, or other acquisition of any seam and/or mining rights within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (“ Gas Notice ”), and, at Coal Party’s written election delivered to such Party within thirty (30) Business Days after Coal Party’s receipt of a Gas Notice, the applicable Parties shall enter into an agreement for the purchase of such coal seam and/or mining rights in a mutually agreeable form. The purchase price to be paid to Gas Party or the CEI Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be determined by a good faith allocation of the consideration paid by such Party for each of the estates purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired, and the consideration allocated to such coal seams and/or mining rights shall be the purchase price; provided, however , that if no consideration is paid, a good faith estimate of such consideration paid shall be utilized in the allocation; provided further , that to the extent such coal seams and/or mining rights are not freely conveyable, assignable, or transferrable, Gas Party or the CEI Subsidiary, as applicable, shall promptly offer to provide the beneficial ownership of such coal seam and/or mining rights to Coal Party, and Gas Party (or the CEI Subsidiary) and Coal Party agree to attempt to negotiate in good faith a mutually acceptable means by which Coal Party will reimburse Gas Party (or the CEI Subsidiary) for not more than such Party’s fair share of the costs associated with obtaining such coal seam and/or mining rights.

3.6 As-Built Drawings; Drilling Procedures . In the event any new surface facilities are constructed or surface real property improvements made by a Party, the constructing Party shall promptly provide any other Party with As-Built Construction Drawings showing the nature and location of such new construction or improvement as are available to the constructing Party. The procedures set forth in Schedule 3.6 will be followed when drilling Wells in the Pennsylvania Mine Area after the Execution Date.

 

7


ARTICLE IV

COORDINATION COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT PLANS

4.1 Coordination Committee .

(a) To facilitate cooperation and coordination of operations between the Parties, there is hereby established a coordination committee composed of representatives of the Parties (the “ Coordination Committee ”). Coal Party shall be entitled to appoint one operational representative to the Coordination Committee (the “ Coal Party Representative ”), and Gas Party shall be entitled to appoint one operational representative to the Coordination Committee (the “ Gas Party Representative ”). Each Party shall have the right to change its representative serving on the Coordination Committee at any time by giving notice of such change to the other Parties.

(b) The Coordination Committee shall have only the powers and duties expressly ascribed to it in this Agreement.

(c) The representative of a Party shall be authorized to represent and bind such Party with respect to any matter that is within the powers of the Coordination Committee hereunder and is properly brought before the Coordination Committee. On all matters coming before the Coordination Committee, the Coal Party Representative and the Gas Party Representative shall each have an equal vote.

(d) Unless otherwise agreed by the members of the Coordination Committee, the Coordination Committee shall meet at least once per calendar quarter to review and discuss (i) the then-current Gas Development Plan, the then-current Life of Mine Plan, the Annual Gas Development Plan, and the Annual Coal Development Plan, (ii) any updates to such plans provided by the Parties since the previous Coordination Committee meeting, (iii) any suggestions of the Operating Committee with respect to the operations of Coal Party and Gas Party and (iv) such other matters as may be reasonably proposed by Coal Party or Gas Party. All meetings shall be held during normal business hours, with the time and place of each meeting to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties, or if not mutually agreed to, then the selection of the time and place of each such meeting shall alternate between representatives. Members of the Coordination Committee shall be allowed to participate telephonically (or, to the extent available, by video conference) in any such meeting. Each Party may call a special meeting of the Coordination Committee on reasonable prior written notice.

(e) To the fullest extent permitted by Law and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no member of the Coordination Committee, in his or her capacity as a member of the Coordination Committee, shall have any duty, fiduciary or otherwise, to the Parties that did not appoint such member in connection with any act or omission by such member under this Agreement. Each Party agrees and acknowledges that each member of the Coordination Committee shall be entitled to determine whether or not to take any action under this Agreement by only considering the interests of the Party that designated such member to the Coordination Committee and not the interests of any other Party.

4.2 Development Plans .

(a) No later than sixty (60) days following the execution of this Agreement, (i) Coal Party shall provide Gas Party with a plan setting forth the mining operations anticipated by Coal Party in good faith to be conducted by Coal Party during the life of the mine and the Coal Area (as updated from time to time, the “ Life of Mine Plan ”) and (ii) Gas Party shall provide Coal Party with a three year plan generally describing the anticipated drilling and

 

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development activities of Gas Party (as approved annually, the “ Gas Development Plan ”). The Parties acknowledge and agree that for the period from the Execution Date until the date Gas Party receives Coal Party’s Life of Mine Plan, the Parties shall continue their operations under the coal mining plan set forth under that certain Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, by and between CEI and CNX Gas Corporation, dated August 1, 2005, as amended, including by Amendment No. 1 to the Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated May 30, 2008 (the “ MCSA ”).

(b) Other than with respect to calendar year 2015, on or before November 1st of each calendar year:

(i) Coal Party will submit to the Coordination Committee (A) an update to the Life of Mine Plan to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any updates with respect to the calendar years already included in the Life of Mine Plan and (B) a plan for the anticipated mining activities of Coal Party during the following calendar year, which shall include, with respect to each mine, an accurate map of its current and completed mining areas, line projections to designate its planned and proposed mining development headings and full extraction mining areas, and the proposed timing of such mining activities within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (the “ Annual Coal Development Plan ”);

(ii) Gas Party will submit to the Coordination Committee (A) an update to the Gas Development Plan to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any updates with respect to the calendar years already included in the Gas Development Plan and (B) a plan generally describing the anticipated drilling and development activities of Gas Party during the following calendar year, which shall include an accurate map of its current active and inactive Wells and its proposed pad locations for proposed Wells that it plans to drill within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (the “ Annual Gas Development Plan ”); and

(iii) Coal Party and Gas Party shall jointly prepare and develop a composite map of each such Party’s anticipated activities, which shall include identification, where possible, of locations for proposed Wells in mains, longwall gate pillars, barriers, and/or other locations acceptable to Coal Party determined by them in good faith and in accordance with prudent mining activities to minimize conflicts between the Parties, and locations for Systems in locations reasonably likely to minimize the likelihood of any required relocation.

Each member of the Coordination Committee shall review and provide suggestions with respect to the coordination of the proposed drilling and development plans and the updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan. No later than December 1st of each calendar year immediately preceding the relevant calendar year, the Coordination Committee shall meet to finalize an Annual Coal Development Plan and an Annual Gas Development Plan; provided, however , that the final Annual Coal Development Plan and the Annual Gas Development Plan shall be in the sole discretion of Coal Party and Gas Party, respectively.

4.3 Notices and Updates .

(a) Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide periodic updates, including at the Coordination Committee meetings, to the information, reports, and forecasts used in

 

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preparing the updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan, as applicable, and shall prepare and submit to the Coordination Committee additional updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan promptly upon (i) a material change that impacts the operations related to the Life of Mine Plan and the Gas Development Plan and/or (ii) upon reasonable request of the Coordination Committee.

(b) Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide periodic notice to the other with respect to its anticipated development activities in the Coal Area and Non-Coal Area, and, in the event such activities are anticipated to differ materially from the activities contemplated under the Annual Gas Development Plan or Annual Coal Development Plan, as applicable, a detailed explanation of such activities.

(c) Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide notices, as promptly as possible with respect to any written Claim or communication from a Governmental Authority that may impact the other’s operations.

ARTICLE V

SURFACE USE

5.1 Surface Use Rights . Each Party shall have the right, on a non-exclusive basis and, except as provided below, free of charge, to use and access any other Party’s surface rights to the extent reasonably necessary for such Parties’ operations (“ Surface Use Rights ”) within the Pennsylvania Mine Area or outside the Pennsylvania Mine Area, including, with respect to Gas Party, the right to transport Third Party Gas or the right to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, or any of its joint ventures. The Parties shall comply with reasonable requirements with respect to operations or activities that utilize Surface Use Rights. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Party may sell any Surface Use Rights held by such Party; provided, however , such Party shall provide the other Parties with written notice of such intention on or before forty-five (45) days prior to the date such sale is to be consummated (a “ Surface Sale Notice ”). Each Surface Sale Notice shall include a description of those portions of the Surface Use Rights that will be sold pursuant to such proposed sale. Within thirty (30) days of its receipt of a Surface Sale Notice, each Party shall have the right to deliver a Surface Easement Request to the Representative of the Party proposing such sale with respect to the Surface Use Right that is subject to such Surface Sale Notice. Following its receipt of a Surface Easement Request pursuant to this Section 5.1 , the Party proposing such sale shall use its reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine (prior to the date such Surface Use Right is to be sold) if such Surface Easement Request (i) is sufficiently specific in nature and (ii) would not materially impair the value of the Surface Use Right which is subject to such proposed sale. Should such Party be satisfied that both clause (i)  and clause (ii)  of this Section 5.1 are satisfied by such requested easement, and subject to (A) any restrictions under an applicable Existing Permit/Agreement and (B) the other terms of this Agreement, then such Party shall prepare and deliver such easement to the requesting Party prior to the date such Surface Use Right is sold.

 

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5.2 Surface Easement Requests .

(a) A Party may submit written requests to any other Party for specific easements and rights of way across the Surface Use Rights as reasonably necessary for such Party to develop its operations (“ Surface Easement Request ”), which such Surface Easement Request shall include (i) a description of the surface easement being requested, including its specific purpose, (ii) a plat showing the approximate location, scope, and length of such surface easement, and (iii) a description of the Surface Use Rights that would be affected by such surface easement.

(b) Following its receipt of a Surface Easement Request, not later than forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt thereof, the Party receiving such Surface Easement Request shall use reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine if such Surface Easement Request (i) is sufficiently specific in nature and (ii) would not materially impair the value of the surface right or other asset which is subject to such Surface Easement Request. Should the Party receiving such Surface Easement Request be satisfied that both clause (i) and clause (ii) of this Section 5.2(b) be satisfied by such Surface Easement Request, and subject to any restrictions under applicable Existing Permits/Agreements and the other terms of this Agreement, such Party shall prepare and deliver such surface easement to the requesting Party; provided, however , such surface easement shall contain language that it is subject to (i) any applicable restrictions under any Existing Permits/Agreements, (ii) the other terms of this Agreement, and (iii) any applicable Laws.

(c) Any surface easement delivered to a Party pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be in recordable form and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the requesting Party. Any surface easement granted pursuant to this Section 5.2(c) shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon the Parties’ respective successors and assigns in accordance with its terms, which easement shall contain language that it is non-exclusive and revocable and subject to (i) any applicable restrictions under any Existing Permits/Agreements, (ii) any applicable terms of this Agreement, including a granting Party’s right to require relocation in accordance with this Agreement; provided, however , granting Party shall have no right to require relocation of, and the terms and conditions of any easements granted shall not include relocation provisions for, any slope, shaft, impoundment, overland belt, or substation easements granted to Coal Party, and (iii) any applicable Laws.

5.3 Reimbursement of Certain Costs . A Party granted Surface Use Rights (the “ Grantee ”) by any other Party (“ Grantor ”) shall (a) reimburse Grantor for certain maintenance and third party costs attributable to Grantee’s exercise of such Surface Use Rights, including, Third Party consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, and governmental and regulatory taxes and fees and (b) pay for any costs incurred with respect to Grantee’s usage of services arising out of such Surface Use Rights, including actual power used or fluid disposal costs. If the Surface Use Rights to be granted are on surface acquired by Grantor after the Execution Date, Grantee shall, prior to delivery of the Easement, pay to Grantor fair market value of the surface that is associated with the Surface Use Rights to be granted to Grantee.

5.4 Other Surface Facilities . The Parties shall cooperate to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement regarding the use of all other surface facilities.

 

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5.5 License Use Rights . The following non-exclusive, revocable licenses are granted, as set forth in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.5(b) , below (collectively, such revocable licenses, the “ License Use Rights ”), to the extent such License Use Rights are reasonably necessary in connection with Gas Party’s operations with respect to its Gas Rights within the Pennsylvania Mine Area or Gas Party’s operations with respect to its Gas Interests or Gas operations outside of the Pennsylvania Mine Area, or with respect to Section 5.5(b) to the extent such License Use Rights are reasonably necessary in connection with Coal Party’s operations with respect to its Coal Rights within the Pennsylvania Mine Area, and the exercise of such License Use Rights will be subject to and limited by (i) the terms of this Agreement and all applicable Laws and (ii) the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements.

(a) Disposal or Storage of Fluids . Subject to Article III herein and only to the extent such disposal or storage is permitted by applicable Laws, the terms of the instruments creating the Coal Interests, and the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements, Coal Party grants to Gas Party a license for the purpose of disposing of (i) any fluid or liquid from any Well or System within the Pennsylvania Mine Area, or (ii) any fluid or liquid from any other Gas Well or System outside of the Pennsylvania Mine Area in which such Well or System Gas Party has an interest or control, in each case, into any void owned or controlled by any Coal Party that is located in any mine in the Pennsylvania Mine Area where the underground areas thereof have been permanently closed and where such disposal or storage will not, in Coal Party’s sole, reasonable discretion, determined in good faith in accordance with prudent mining activities, affect ongoing mining operations in any way. Coal Party agrees not to object to any permit or other regulatory filing or application of Gas Party with respect to the use of any such void, including cooperation on the resolution of all regulatory proceedings and litigation. Coal Party further agrees not to object to any permit or other regulatory filing or application of Gas Party with respect to the use of a void and to timely execute any waiver or consent with respect to such permit, regulatory filing, or application upon the written request of Gas Party; and in any event, to execute such waiver or consent not less than three (3) Business Days from Coal Party’s receipt of such written request for a written waiver or consent.

(b) Power Lines and Substations . Gas Party or Coal Party may access and draw electrical power from any power line or substation of the other when necessary or convenient for operations related to its rights hereunder but only if and to the extent a power line or substation owned, constructed, or controlled by the other in the Pennsylvania Mine Area has surplus power or has the capacity to provide surplus power, and to the extent permitted by all applicable Laws and the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements; provided, however , that, upon demand, accessing Party shall reimburse at cost the other Party for any usage of power in connection with the foregoing. To the extent not already accomplished in other documents, Coal Party and Gas Party hereby grant to the other a license to access and draw electrical power from other’s power lines and substations consistent with the foregoing for the term of this Agreement. Gas Party and Coal Party shall, upon demand, pay to the other its ratable share of all operating expenses and, with respect to any power line or substation constructed after the Execution Date, Gas Party’s ratable share of all capital costs relating to power lines and substations owned, constructed, or controlled by Coal Party and benefiting Gas Party or Gas Party and benefiting Coal Party.

 

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5.6 License Requests By Gas Party or Coal Party . In order for Gas Party or Coal Party to exercise its License Use Rights, it shall request from the other specific, revocable licenses (each such revocable license, a “ License ”). Each such request (a “ License Request ”) made pursuant to this Section 5.6 shall be made in writing and shall include (i) a description of the License being requested, including its specific purpose, and (ii) a description of the surface rights or other assets, as applicable, that would be affected by such License. Following the receipt of a License Request pursuant to this Section 5.6 the Party receiving such License Request shall use reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine if such License Request (x) is sufficiently specific in nature and (y) would not materially impair the value of the surface right or other asset which is subject to such License Request. Should the Party receiving such License Request be satisfied that both clause (x) and clause (y) of this Section 5.6 be satisfied by such requested License, and subject to any restrictions under applicable Existing Permits/Agreements and the other terms of this Agreement, such Party shall prepare and deliver, without cost or fees to the other, such License; provided, however, such License shall contain language that it is non-exclusive and revocable and subject to (A) any applicable restrictions under any Existing Permits/Agreements, (B) the other terms of this Agreement, and (C) any applicable Laws.

5.7 Reimbursement of License Costs . With respect to any License Use Rights, Gas Party and Coal Party will reimburse the other for any costs (i) associated with the maintenance of that portion of the other assets pertaining to such License Use Rights (on the basis of usage or other allocation methodology reasonably calculated to reflect Gas Party’s use of such portion of the other assets held by Coal Party in proportion to the total use of such asset), (ii) any direct or Third Party costs payable under permits and/or any Third Party agreement burdening such portion of the other assets pertaining to the exercise of such License Use Rights, and (iii) any Third Party consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, governmental and regulatory taxes and fees, and other reasonable Third Party expenses paid by Coal Party to the extent directly attributable to Gas Party’s use of the other assets.

5.8 Form of Licenses . Any License delivered to Gas Party or Coal Party pursuant to Section 5.6 shall be in recordable form and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Party to which it was delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, any License granted pursuant to Section 5.6 shall be non-exclusive and revocable and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon the granting Party’s respective successors and assigns in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE VI

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

6.1 Release. Except as set forth in Section 6.2 , each Party hereby releases, discharges, and forever waives any claims against any other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

6.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article VII , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with

 

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respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall any Party have any liability under this Agreement or applicable Law for any claim, damage, loss, or liability sustained or incurred in connection with its operations with respect to the Pennsylvania Mine Area or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

6.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, NO PARTY MAKES ANY, AND EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF ITS OPERATIONS OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SUCH PARTY HEREUNDER.

6.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

6.5 Subsidence . Coal Party shall not be liable to Gas Party for any damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties, or other amounts resulting from damage to Gas Party’s operations where such damage is caused by mine subsidence; provided, however , Coal Party shall be liable to Gas Party for all damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties, or other amounts resulting from mine subsidence damage to (a) any Protected Well, and the provisions of Section 3.3(a) shall be utilized to determine the damages due to Gas Party as compensation for the damaged Protected Well; and (b) any surface easements or Systems, including surface facilities, for which Gas Party has paid for its relocation as set forth in Section 3.3(c) .

ARTICLE VII

TERM; TERMINATION

7.1 Term . Unless terminated earlier by express written agreement of the Parties, except for those provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive expiration or termination hereof and except for the rights and obligations under any surface easements and/or licenses granted prior to any termination pursuant to this Article VII , the term of this Agreement shall commence on the Execution Date and continue in full force and effect for as long as Coal Party and Gas Party each own and control any Coal Interests or Gas Interests, respectively, within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (the “ Term ”).

7.2 Termination . Gas Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Coal Party and the CEI Subsidiaries following the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (a) a Change of Control of CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership; (b) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of CTH; (c) a Change of Control of Gas Party; or (d) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Gas Party. Gas Party or Coal Party may terminate this Agreement if, within the Pennsylvania Mine Area, there are (i) no active mining operations by Coal Party and (ii) no active gas operations by Gas Party.

 

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7.3 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Article VII , this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect, except for the provisions of Sections 6.1 , 6.2 , 6.3 , and 7.2 , which, in each case, shall continue in full force and effect. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any Party from its obligations or liabilities arising hereunder prior to the date of such termination.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Assignment . (a) Neither Coal Party nor any of the CEI Subsidiaries may Assign this Agreement or any rights or interests hereunder without the prior written consent of Gas Party, which consent may be withheld in Gas Party’s sole discretion and (b) Gas Party may not Assign this Agreement or any rights or interests hereunder without the prior written consent of Coal Party, which consent may be withheld in Coal Party’s sole discretion, unless such Assignment is in connection with the Assignment of all or substantially all of the assets of Gas Party; provided, however, that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further, that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. Any such permitted Assignment will not relieve the assigning Party of any liability hereunder. Any Assignment of this Agreement made in contravention of this Section 8.1 shall be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 8.1 shall not be construed as limiting and shall not limit any Party’s right to freely Assign any of the property interests held by such Party in the Pennsylvania Mine Area, subject, however, to Section 3.5 and Section 5.1 .

8.2 Notices . For purposes of this Section 8.2 , (a) each of CPCC and Conrhein hereby appoint CTH as representative for Coal Party and to act in the name and on behalf of each of CPCC and Conrhein, and (b) each of the CEI Subsidiaries hereby appoints CNX Land LLC as representative for the CEI Subsidiaries and to act in the name and on behalf of each of the CEI Subsidiaries, in each case, with respect to the receipt and delivery of any notice or communication hereunder. All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to Coal Party:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: loriritter@consolenergy.com

 

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With a copy to:

Attention: General Counsel

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

If to Gas Party:

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Alex Reyes

Email: alexreyes@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: Stephanie Gill

Email: stephaniegill@consolenergy.com

If to any CEI Subsidiary:

CNX Land LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Alex Reyes

Email: alexreyes@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: Stephanie Gill

Email: stephaniegill@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 8.2 .

8.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered,

 

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any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

8.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs, and expenses.

8.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or its respective officers, employees, agents, or representatives, nor any failure by any Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

8.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, the other Related Agreements, and the documents to be executed hereunder and thereunder, constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements, or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto or (b) subject to the following sentence, the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Pennsylvania Mine Complex Agreement, in each case, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control; provided , however , that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Related Agreements which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Agreement or the Contribution Agreement and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement or Contribution Agreement, as applicable, shall control.

8.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

8.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

8.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any Claim, cause of action, remedy, or right of any kind.

 

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8.10 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

8.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

8.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

8.13 Memorandum . Upon request, the Parties shall execute and deliver a memorandum with respect to this Agreement which shall be filed in the real property records of the counties in which the assets covered by this Agreement are located. From and after such filing, upon request from any Party, each other Party shall execute and deliver any additions, deletions, modifications, or supplements to such memorandum that a proposing Party may reasonably request from time to time to cover any additions, deletions, modifications, or supplements to this Agreement or the assets covered by this Agreement.

8.14 General Principles—Litigation . Coal Party and Gas Party anticipate that legal issues and litigation hearings, proceedings, and appeals may arise involving Coal Interests and Coal Gas, including ownership issues, lease interpretation issues, title issues, and regulatory issues related thereto, all of which are contemplated by this Section 8.14 . Therefore, the basic principles set forth below shall be followed to the extent, and only to the extent, that Coal Party and Gas Party have a joint and not adverse interest with respect to such Coal Interests and Coal Gas.

(a) Notice . Coal Party shall promptly notify Gas Party, and Gas Party shall notify Coal Party, of any challenge or threat to the title of its lessor(s), or claim of ownership to any Coal Gas, regardless of whether such challenge or claim is oral or written.

(b) No Compromise . Gas Party shall not release, terminate, exchange, assign, or in any manner compromise Coal Party’s claims to Coal Interests in the Pennsylvania Mine Area without the prior written approval of Coal Party. Coal Party shall not release, terminate, exchange, assign, or in any manner compromise Gas Party’s claims to Coal Gas within the Pennsylvania Mine Area without the prior written approval of Gas Party.

8.15 Confidentiality. Each Party shall keep confidential all information obtained from any other Party which information is nonpublic and confidential or proprietary in nature (including any information any Party specifically designates as confidential), except as provided

 

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below, and use such information only in connection with their respective capacities under this Agreement and for the purposes contemplated hereby. Each Party shall be permitted to disclose such information (i) to any Affiliates, outside legal counsel, accountants, and other professional advisors who need to know such information in connection with the administration and enforcement of this Agreement, or to any Person who is a prospective purchaser of an interest that may be subject to this Agreement, including any Coal Interest or Gas Interest, subject to agreement of such Persons to maintain the confidentiality thereof, (ii) to the extent required by applicable Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, or in connection with any investigation or proceeding arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) if it becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or becomes available from a source not known to be subject to confidentiality restrictions, (iv) in connection with the exercise, preservation, or protection of any right or remedy hereunder, applicable Law, or equity, or (v) if such other Party shall have consented to such disclosure, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned.

8.16 Amendment and Restatement of Prior Agreement . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the MCSA is hereby amended and restated in its entirety, to the extent and only to the extent of the Pennsylvania Mine Area. Except as otherwise expressly amended and restated herein as to the Pennsylvania Mine Area, the MCSA remains in full force and effect as to all other areas outside the Pennsylvania Mine Area.

8.17 Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction .

(a) To resolve disputes other than those disputes governed by Schedule 3.3(a) , the Parties shall comply with the dispute resolution procedures in this Section 8.17 . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. The Parties shall inform one another promptly following the occurrence or discovery of any item or event that shall reasonably be expected to result in a dispute in connection with this Agreement. The Parties will attempt to resolve any such matters prior to submitting them to Senior Officers as contemplated by Section 8.17(b) .

(b) Should a dispute arise that the Parties cannot resolve pursuant to Section 8.17(a) within ten (10) days after being informed thereof, a Party may deliver to the other Party written notice of the dispute with supporting documentation as to the circumstances leading to the dispute (“ Notice of Dispute ”). The Notice of Dispute shall include a schedule of the availability of the notifying Party’s senior officers duly authorized to settle the dispute, subject to any necessary company approvals that may be needed (“ Senior Officers ”), during the 30-day period following the delivery of the Notice of Dispute. Within seven (7) days after delivery of the Notice, the other Party shall provide a schedule of the availability of such other Party’s Senior Officers during the remainder of the 30-day period following the delivery of the Notice of Dispute. Following delivery of the Senior Officers’ schedules of availability, the Senior Officers shall meet and confer as often as they deem reasonably necessary during the remainder of the 30-day period in good faith negotiations to resolve the dispute amicably. The Parties in their sole discretion may also agree to utilize the service of a mediator pursuant to a joint engagement.

 

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(c) If the Parties cannot resolve any dispute or claim arising under this Agreement within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the Notice of Dispute, then no earlier than ten (10) days, nor more than sixty (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 8.17 , the mediator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties to the dispute or claim and the mediation shall be conducted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the dispute or claim. All costs and expenses of the mediator appointed pursuant to this Section 8.17 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 8.17 . In the mediation, each Party to the dispute or claim shall be represented by one or more Senior Officers. If a dispute or claim has not been resolved within thirty (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.

(d) Subject to Section 8.17(c) , to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Party agrees that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether in tort or contract or at law or in equity, exclusively in any federal or state courts located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in such courts, (iii) waives any objection that such courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over it, and (iv) agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, service of process upon it may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to it at its address specified in Section 8.2 . The foregoing consents to jurisdiction and service of process shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, constitute general consents to service of process in the State of Pennsylvania for any purpose except as provided herein and shall not be deemed to confer rights on any Person other than the Parties.

8.18 Coal Severance Notice (52 P.S. 1551). NOTICE —This Agreement may not sell, convey, transfer, include, or insure the title to the coal and right of support underneath the surface land described or referred to herein, and the owner or owners of such coal may have the complete legal right to remove all of such coal and, in that connection, damage may result to the surface of the land and any house, building, or other structure on or in such land. The inclusion of this notice does not enlarge, restrict, or modify any legal rights or estates otherwise created, transferred, excepted, or reserved by this Agreement. THIS NOTICE IS INSERTED HEREIN TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT of July 17, 1957, P.L. 984, § 1 as Amended 1965, Sept. 10, P.L. 505, No. 255, § 1.

8.19 “Red” Coal Notice (52 P.S. 1406.1451) .

NOTICE

EACH GAS PARTY KNOWS THAT IT MAY NOT BE OBTAINING THE RIGHT OF PROTECTION AGAINST SUBSIDENCE RESULTING FROM COAL MINING

 

20


OPERATIONS AND THAT THE SURFACE USE RIGHTS AND LICENSE USE RIGHTS, AND SURFACE EASEMENTS AND LICENSES MAY BE PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE DUE TO MINE SUBSIDENCE BY A PRIVATE CONTRACT WITH THE OWNERS OF THE ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN THE COAL. THIS NOTICE IS INSERTED HEREIN TO COMPLY WITH THE BITUMINOUS MINE SUBSIDENCE AND LAND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1966, AS AMENDED 1980, OCT. 10, P.L. 874, NO. 156 § 1.

[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Agreement has been signed by each of the Parties on the Execution Date.

 

GAS PARTY :
CNX GAS COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Senior Vice President
COAL PARTY :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary
CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President and Secretary
CEI SUBSIDIARIES :
CNX GAS CORPORATION
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

 

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


CONSOL AMONATE FACILITY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL AMONATE MINING COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL BUCHANAN MINING COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL MINING COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL MINING HOLDING COMPANY LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
R&PCC LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


CNX LAND LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CNX RCPC LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CNX MARINE TERMINALS INC.
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

Name: David M. Khani
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
CNX WATER ASSETS LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Secretary
CONSOL OF KENTUCKY INC.
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


HELVETIA COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
ISLAND CREEK COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
LAUREL RUN MINING COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
LEATHERWOOD, INC.
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
MTB LLC
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
TERRA FIRMA COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


WINDSOR COAL COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
WOLFPEN KNOB DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
CONSOL OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA LLC
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
CONSOL OF OHIO LLC
By:

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title: Vice President
CNX FUNDING CORPORATION
By:

/s/ Steven T. Aspinall

Name: Steven T. Aspinall
Title: Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer
CONSOL FINANCIAL INC.
By:

/s/ Lorraine L. Ritter

Name: Lorraine L. Ritter
Title: Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


CONSOL OF CANADA INC.
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President
CONSOL ENERGY CANADA LTD.
By:

/s/ David M. Khani

Name: David M. Khani
Title: Vice President
CARDINAL STATES GATHERING COMPANY
By:

/s/ Timothy C. Dugan

Name: Timothy C. Dugan
Title: Representative
By:

/s/ J. Michael Onifer

Name: J. Michael Onifer
Title: Representative
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary
CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary
CNX COAL RESOURCES OPERATING LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


The Party set forth below hereby executes this Agreement as of the Execution Date solely with respect to its acknowledgement and agreement with the provisions of Section 8.16 .

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

Affiliate ” as to Gas Party shall mean any entity, excluding CONE Gathering LLC, the CEI Subsidiaries, Coal Party, CPCC, Conrhein, CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, and CNX Coal Resources Operating LLC (i) which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Gas Party, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds ten percent (10%) or more of any class of the voting or other equity interests of Gas Party, or (iii) in which ten percent (10%) or more of any class of the voting or other equity interests is beneficially owned or held, directly or indirectly, by Gas Party. For purposes of this definition, “ 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. “ Affiliate ” as to Coal Party shall mean CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, and CNX Coal Resources Operating LLC. “ Affiliate ” as to the CEI Subsidiaries shall mean any of the CEI Subsidiaries.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Annual Coal Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b)(i) .

Annual Gas Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b)(ii) .

As-Built Construction Drawings ” shall mean drawings prepared at the end of a construction project depicting the structures, facilities, or improvements as actually built and/or installed.

Assignment ” means any sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment, lease, sublease, mortgage, encumbrance, or other disposition of interest, whether voluntarily or indirectly by operation of Law or otherwise (including by merger or sale of equity interests); provided, however , “Assignment” shall not include an encumbrance created pursuant to any borrowing arrangement entered into by a Party with an unaffiliated Third Party. The term “Assign” shall be construed accordingly.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Capture ” shall mean to collect, use, produce, treat (if necessary), process (if necessary), transport, store (if necessary), market, and sell Gas that is available from any Well.

CEI ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

CEI Subsidiaries ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Change of Control ” means CEI ceases to control, directly or indirectly, as to the Person at issue. For purposes of this definition, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the general partner of the Person at issue, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

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Claim ” shall mean any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, taxes, penalties, interest, judgments, losses, costs, charges, and expenses (including reasonable out-of-pocket fees and attorneys’ fees), whether direct or indirect, arising out of or as a consequence of a given transaction or occurrence.

Coal Area ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .

Coal Gas ” shall mean occluded methane gas and all associated natural gas and other hydrocarbons of whatever quality or quantity produced or emitted from coalbeds or coal formations and seams and any related, associated, or adjacent rock material or strata. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Coal Gas” shall expressly include all substances commonly known as “coalbed methane,” “coal mine methane,” and “gob gas.”

Coal Interest s” shall mean all of Coal Party’s interests in the Pennsylvania Mine Area, whether acquired prior to or after the Execution Date.

Coal Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a) .

Coal Party ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Coal Party Option ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b) .

Coal Party Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

Conrhein ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution Agreement by and among CPCC, Conrhein, and CTH, dated as of June 22, 2015.

Coordination Committee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

CPCC ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

CTH ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Existing Permits/Agreements ” means those (i) permits issued by any Governmental Authority and/or agreements that create and/or burden any of the Coal Interests, including any listed on or described in Exhibit G attached hereto; (ii) all instruments of record, including any coal, mining, gas, midstream, and surface use rights or easements heretofore granted pursuant to any of the agreements referenced on or described in Exhibit G attached hereto and as such agreement may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the parties to such agreements; (iii) any coal, mining, gas, midstream and surface use rights or easements heretofore

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 2


granted to or exercised by any Person pursuant to any of the agreements referenced on or described in Exhibit G attached hereto and as such agreements may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the parties to such agreements, whether or not such rights or easements are recorded; and (iv) any other coal, mining, gas, midstream, and surface use rights heretofore granted, excepted, or leased that are apparent on an inspection of the property overlying the Pennsylvania Mine Area or recited in prior agreements, plans, or instruments, whether or not recorded.

Gas ” shall mean any natural gas and constituents thereof that can be extracted and produced from a Well by conventional or unconventional means and includes Coal Gas. For purposes of this Agreement, “Gas” shall include oil and any other liquid or liquefiable hydrocarbons produced from a Well.

Gas Assets ” shall mean the Gas Units, Wells, Well sites, and all associated facilities, including Gas Reserves and Systems within the Pennsylvania Mine Area.

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

Gas Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b) .

Gas Party ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Gas Party Option ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a) .

Gas Party Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

Gas Reserves ” shall mean and include proved developed oil and gas reserves and proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves as defined by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10(a), or any replacement or modification thereof.

Gas Unit ” shall mean a “drilling unit,” as that term is commonly used in the Gas business, within the Pennsylvania Mine Area (i) established or prescribed by field rules or other regulatory order or (ii) otherwise designated by Gas Party.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal, or other government; any governmental, regulatory, or administrative agency, commission, body, or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory, or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority, having or asserting jurisdiction.

Grantee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3 .

Grantor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3 .

Law ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 3


License ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6 .

License Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6 .

License Use Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5 .

MCSA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) .

Mediation Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.17(c) .

Non-Coal Area ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

Non-Protected Well ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).

Non-Well Facility ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c) .

Notice of Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.17(b) .

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation, the CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CNX Coal Resources LP and the other parties thereto, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Operating Agreement ” means that certain Operating Agreement dated as of the Execution Date by and among CTH, CPCC, and Conrhein, as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Operating Committee ” has the meaning set forth in that certain Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement by and among CPCC, Conrhein, and CTH, dated as of the Execution Date.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall be a “ Partnership Group Member .”

Party ” or “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Pennsylvania Mine Area ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority, or any other entity.

Protected Well ” has the meanings set forth in Section 3.1(c) .

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 4


Related Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in the Omnibus Agreement.

Requesting Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 .

Senior Officers ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.17(b) .

Stimulate ” or “ Stimulation ” shall mean the artificial fracture or stimulation of geological zones or strata to enhance Gas production.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Subsidiary Surface Rights ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Surface Easement Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a) .

Surface Sale Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

Surface Use Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

System ” shall mean all equipment within the Pennsylvania Mine Area that is necessary to Capture Gas produced from any Well, including compressors, treating facilities, storage facilities, processing plants, and gathering or transportation lines, but excluding equipment needed merely to vent Gas.

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .

Third Party ” means any Person which is not an Affiliate of a Party.

Well ” shall mean a Gas Party well that is, or will be, drilled and permitted, or later permitted, at Gas Party’s discretion for the commercial production of Gas by conventional or unconventional means.

 

A PPENDIX I

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Exhibit A

Pennsylvania Mine Area

 

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E XHIBIT A – P AGE 1


Exhibit B

Insurance Requirements

 

G ENERAL L IABILITY

(Comprehensive or Commercial Insurance)

For bodily injury and property damage, including, without limitation, Products/Completed Operations, Independent Contractors, Contractual Liability, and Property Operations:
$1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

W ORKERS ’ C OMPENSATION

Workers Compensation insurance for statutory limits or evidence that a party is a qualified self-insurer in accordance with the applicable jurisdiction, and employer’s liability insurance with limits of:
$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Accident each Accident
$1,000,000 Policy Limit for Bodily Injury by Disease
$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease each Employee

C OMMERCIAL A UTOMOBILE

For bodily injury and property damage covering owned, non-owned and hired automobiles with at least:
$1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

U MBRELLA /E XCESS L IABILITY

For (bodily injury and property damage) with contractual liability insurance to cover liability assumed under this Agreement, with at least
$9,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence,
Which must extend over and above the required Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability, Employer’s Liability, and Automobile Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability limits

ADDITIONAL INSURED(S)

Gas Party shall be named as additional insureds on all liability insurance specified above required of Coal Party, and Coal Party shall be named as additional insured on all liability insurance specified above required of the Gas Party.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

All insurance policies shall be (i) primary and non-contributory, with the exception of the Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage; (ii) include a waiver of subrogation against any other Party where permitted by Law; (iii) maintained without interruption from the Execution Date until the end of the Term; and (iv) issued by insurance companies having an A.M. Best rating of at least A-VII or better, or equivalent rating from other financial rating organizations, and authorized to do business in the state

 

E XHIBIT B – P AGE 1


where the property is located. All policies of insurance shall include a written undertaking from the insurer to notify all insureds and additional insureds in accordance with policy provisions prior to cancellation of coverage.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Upon request, the Gas Party shall issue to Coal Party and Coal Party shall issue to Gas Party certificates of insurance or evidence of self-insurance (only to the extent permitted above) satisfying the foregoing insurance requirements and any self-insurance. The certificates of insurance, both current and renewals, shall be provided to the respective Parties from time to time upon request.

 

E XHIBIT B – P AGE 2


Exhibit C

Shared Information

Gas Party will make well related data from drilling and completion operations for both protected and non-protected wells available to Coal Party. Gas Party may acquire any of the following data that is provided through commercially available oil and gas services:

 

    Deviation surveys.

 

    Mud logs.

 

    Cement bond logs

 

    Commercially available logs that may or may not include gamma ray, neutron density, induction, image, sonic, latter, spontaneous potential, and specialty logs.

 

    Geosteering logs and reports.

 

    Core that may be acquired by rotary sidewall or full coring.

 

    Vertical seismic profile.

 

    Diagnostic fracture injection tests.

 

    Pressure build up tests.

 

    Microseismic data and interpreted reports.

 

    2D or 3D seismic across the drilling area.

 

E XHIBIT C – P AGE 1


Exhibit D

Leasehold Release Provisions

If Coal Party or Gas Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which the other has an interest, such Party shall provide forty-five (45) days prior written notice to the other Party prior to such release, surrender, or termination of any Third Party leasehold or prior to permitting the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold. The Party receiving notice (the “ Receiving Party ”) of such release, surrender, termination or expiration shall have forty-five (45) days from its receipt of such notice to elect to have the other Party (i) assign its interest in such Third Party leasehold (if such Third Party leasehold is assignable) or (ii) maintain, extend, renew or otherwise preserve such interest as permitted under the applicable instruments, and if the Receiving Party elects either (i) or (ii), such Receiving Party shall assume in writing all obligations with respect to such interest at its sole risk, cost and expense. If the Receiving Party fails to respond within such forty-five (45) day period following its receipt of such notice, such Party shall have waived its right to, and shall be deemed to have elected not to, have such Third Party leasehold interest assigned or maintained, extended, renewed or otherwise preserved.

 

E XHIBIT D – P AGE 1


Exhibit E

Non-Protected Wells

 

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E XHIBIT E – P AGE 1


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E XHIBIT E – P AGE 2


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E XHIBIT E – P AGE 3


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Exhibit F

Protected Wells

 

 

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Exhibit G

Existing Permits/Agreements

 

A. Existing Agreements

 

  1. Surface Use Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, Braxton-Clay Land and Minerals, Inc., CNX Land LLC (successor-by-merger to CNX Land Resources Inc.), CNX Marine Terminals Inc., Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Company, McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., and Southern Ohio Coal Company), Fairmont Supply Company, Helvetia Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, Leatherwood, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), R&PCC LLC (successor-by-merger to Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company), Terra Firma Company, Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Windsor Coal Company, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, and CONE Gathering LLC.

 

  a. First Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective October 26, 2013.

 

  b. Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

 

  c. Corrective Addendum to Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

(such Surface Use Agreement, as amended and corrected, the “ CONE SUA ”)

 

  2. Surface Use Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, Braxton-Clay Land and Minerals, Inc., CNX Land LLC (successor-by-merger to CNX Land Resources Inc.), CNX Marine Terminals Inc., Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Company, McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., and Southern Ohio Coal Company), Fairmont Supply Company, Helvetia Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, Leatherwood, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), R&PCC LLC (successor-by-merger to Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company), Terra Firma Company, Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Windsor Coal Company, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, and Noble Energy, Inc.

 

  a. First Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective October 26, 2013.

 

  b. Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

 

  c. Corrective Addendum to Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

 

E XHIBIT G – P AGE 1


(such Surface Use Agreement, as amended and corrected, the “ CNX/NBL SUA ”)

 

  3. Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation and CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (successor in interest to Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, as a signatory and successor-by-merger to Nineveh Coal Company and Greenon Coal Company).

 

  a. Majorsville-Heard Storage Complex Letter Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Consolidation Coal Company, Enlow Fork Mining Company, and Conrhein Coal Company, and Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation.

 

  b. Amendment to the Agreement, dated July 27, 2009, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company, Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, CNX Gas Company LLC, and NiSource Energy Venture, LLC.

 

  c. Storage Complex Agreement, dated December 19, 2014, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (f/n/a Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company), CNX Gas Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CONSOL Energy Inc., and Murray Energy Corporation.

 

  d. Reference to this Agreement includes any additional agreement(s) between any or all of the parties hereto on or prior to the date of this Amended and Restated Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement.

 

  4. Surface Use Agreement, dated and effective December 5, 2013, between CNX Land LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Laurel Run Mining Company, CNX RCPC LLC, R&PCC LLC, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, CONSOL Mining Company LLC, Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., Consolidation Coal Company, McElroy Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Mon River Towing, Inc., Twin Rivers Towing Company, CCC RCPC LLC and CCC Land Resources LLC (the “ MEC SUA ”).

 

  5. Joint Cooperation Agreement, dated January 20, 2011, between Dominion Transmission, Inc. and CONSOL Energy Inc. and its coal mining subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

  6. Agreement with Respect to Mine through of Existing and New CBM Wells, dated January 16, 2009, between CONSOL Energy Inc. and CNX Gas Company LLC.

 

  7. Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of CONE Gathering LLC, dated September 30, 2011, between CNX Gas Company and Noble Energy, Inc.

 

E XHIBIT G – P AGE 2


  8. Confidential Settlement Agreement, dated December 20, 2006, between Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P., Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, in its own right and as successor by merger to Greenon Coal Company, Conrhein Coal Company.

 

  a. Amendment to Confidential Settlement Agreement, dated December 18, 2007.

 

  9. Confidential Settlement Agreement, dated January 20, 2005, between Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P., Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, in its own right and as successor by merger to Greenon Coal Company, Conrhein Coal Company.

 

  a. Mining Restriction Covenant, dated February 2, 2005.

 

  b. First Amendment to Confidential Settlement Agreement, dated December 15, 2015.

 

  10. Confidential Settlement Agreement, dated November 12, 1997, between Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company.

 

  11. Agreement (Martinez #1H), dated December 7, 2011, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  12. Agreement (Martinez #2H), dated December 7, 2011, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  13. Agreement (Woodruff #1H), dated May 4, 2011, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (f/k/a Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company) and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  14. Agreement (Woodruff #2H), dated July 12, 2013, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (f/k/a Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company) and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  15. Well Agreement (Doman #1H), dated September 28, 2011, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  16. Undated Well Agreement (Doman #2H) between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Trans Energy, Inc.

 

  17. Substation and Power Line Agreement, dated and effective December 5, 2013, between Consolidation Coal Company and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC.

 

  18. 13 Conservation Easement Agreements, each dated February 12, 2015, between First Pennsylvania Resource, L.L.C., and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, formerly Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company and successor-by-merger to each of Greenon Coal Company and Rheinbraun U.S. Corporation.

 

E XHIBIT G – P AGE 3


  19. Subordination Agreement (CONE), dated February 18, 2015, between CNX Gas Company LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONE Gathering LLC, CONE Midstream DevCo I LP, and First Pennsylvania Resource, L.L.C.

 

  20. Settlement Agreement and Release, dated March 8, 2013, between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection, and CONSOL Energy Inc., and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC.

 

  21. Subordination Agreement (NOBLE), dated February 12, 2015, between (a) CNX Gas Company LLC, Braxton-Clay Land and Minerals, Inc., CNX Land LLC (successor-by-merger to CNX Land Resources Inc.), CNX Marine Terminals Inc., CNX Water Assets LLC, CONE Gathering LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Helvetia Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, Leatherwood, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), R&PCC LLC (successor-by-merger to Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company), Terra Firma Company, Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Windsor Coal Company, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor-in-interest to Former CONSOL Entities), (b) Noble Energy, Inc., and (c) First Pennsylvania Resource, L.L.C.

 

  22. Master Subsidence Agreement, dated effective July 1, 2011, between Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), and CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company).

 

  23. Rail Crossing and Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreement, dated July 1, 2011, between CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), and Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC.

 

  24. Master Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, among CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation, Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation, River Processing Corporation, and CNX Gas Company LLC (the “ Foundation Master Agreement ”).

 

E XHIBIT G – P AGE 4


  25. Closing Land Letter Agreement (MEC), dated December 5, 2013, between CONSOL Energy Inc., Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., Consolidation Coal Company and Murray Energy Corporation.

 

  26. Mining and Oil and Gas Rights Cooperation Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, by and among CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, Leatherwood, Inc., and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation and Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation (the “ Foundation Cooperation Agreement ”).

 

  27. Adverse Coal Tracts Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, between CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation and Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation, and CNX Gas Company LLC (the “ Foundation Adverse Coal Tract Agreement ”).

 

  28. Memorandum of Understanding (Pennsylvania), dated May 22, 2009, between Consol Energy Inc. and Columbia Gas Transmission.

 

  29. Memorandum of Understanding (West Virginia), dated November 29, 2010, between Consol Energy Inc. and Columbia Gas Transmission.

 

  30. Unexecuted Conservation Easement, between Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

 

B. Existing Permits

The permits shall include those permits specifically set forth on this Exhibit G, as well as any other active, submitted, pending, and proposed or amended oil and gas Well permits or other permits for other activities or operations within the Pennsylvania Mine Area, including those of Third Parties, as of the Execution Date.

 

E XHIBIT G – P AGE 5


Schedule 1

CEI Subsidiaries

CNX Gas Corporation

CONSOL Amonate Facility LLC

CONSOL Amonate Mining Company LLC

CONSOL Buchanan Mining Company LLC

CONSOL Mining Company LLC

CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC

R&PCC LLC

CNX Land LLC

CNX RCPC LLC

CNX Marine Terminals Inc.

CONSOL Energy Sales Company

CNX Water Assets LLC

CONSOL of Kentucky Inc.

Helvetia Coal Company

Island Creek Coal Company

Laurel Run Mining Company

Leatherwood, Inc.

MTB LLC

Terra Firma Company

Windsor Coal Company

Wolfpen Knob Development Company

CONSOL of Central Pennsylvania LLC

CONSOL of Ohio LLC

CNX Funding Corporation

CONSOL Financial Inc.

CONSOL of Canada Inc.

CONSOL Energy Canada Ltd.

Cardinal States Gathering Company

CNX Coal Resources LP

CNX Coal Resources GP LLC

CNX Coal Resources Operating LLC

 

S CHEDULE 1 – P AGE 1


Schedule 3.3(a)

Valuation Formula

Part I - Lost Reserves Producing Well:

 

  1) Wells that are classified as a Protected Well will utilize a valuation amount based on the present value, discounted at eight percent (8%) from the most recent Reserves Database prior to the Protected Well being taken out of production (the “ Producing Well Valuation Amount ”). This will be based on the current forecast along with current future pricing at current operating costs with a three percent (3%) escalation and will have a valuation date equal to the first calendar day of the first month after the month in which such Protected Well is taken off production.

 

  2) The commodity pricing to be used in determining the Producing Well Valuation Amount shall be the most current NYMEX Strip for gas and oil. The price for condensate liquids and natural gas liquids will be eighty percent (80%) and fifty percent (50%), respectively of the NYMEX Strip Oil Pricing. The NYMEX Strip Pricing is used for five (5) years and escalated at three percent (3%) thereafter, and adjusted for basis and hydrocarbon quality (gas BTU/Mcf).

Part II – Underlying Lease / Undeveloped Well:

The Parties agree that Gas Party shall be entitled to compensation with respect to a lease or leases underlying a Protected Well which is required to be plugged and abandoned pursuant to Section 3.3 if, and only if, the following conditions are met (the “ Lease Compensation Conditions ”):

 

  1) The lease(s) underlying such Protected Well which is to be plugged and abandoned pursuant to Section 3.3(a) , will, even after making any available delay rentals or shut-in payments, be lost due to such plugging and abandonment (such lease(s), the “ Underlying Lease(s) ”);

 

  2) Gas Party is not able to drill another Well, paid for by the Coal Party, on the Underlying Lease which would hold such Underlying Lease while Coal Party’s operations are preventing Gas Party from conducting operations on such Underlying Lease (such period of time, the “ P&A Period ”);

 

  3) Gas Party is not able to pool all or any portion of such Underlying Lease with any adjacent lands and/or an adjacent unit in order to hold the Underlying Lease by production during the P&A Period; and

 

  4) The Underlying Lease is actually lost as a result of the plugging and abandonment of the related Protected Well pursuant to Section 3.3(a).

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( A ) – P AGE 1


If the Lease Compensation Conditions are met with respect to an Underlying Lease, Coal Party which requested the relocation of the Protected Well located on such Underlying Lease shall compensate Gas Party for such Underlying Lease through the payment to such Gas Party of the mutually agreed fair market value of such Underlying Lease (the “ Lease Compensation Amount ”).

The Gas Party will calculate the Lease Compensation Amount as outlined below.

 

  1) Leases lost as a result of a Protected Well being plugged and abandoned will utilize a valuation amount based on the present value, discounted at twelve percent (12%) from the most recent type curves (the “ Underlying Lease Valuation Amount ”). The type curves will be utilized for all potential formations at a seven thousand foot lateral length. The Underlying Lease Valuation Amount will be based on current future pricing at current operating costs with a three percent (3%) escalation.

 

  2) Valuation date equal to the first calendar day of the first month after the month in which such Protected Well is taken off production. Production and cashflows will begin assuming the well is turned-in-iine 2 years after the valuation date.

 

  3) Capital estimates will be based upon the most recent budget update associated with the seven thousand foot type curve for the area and formations.

 

  4) The commodity pricing to be used in determining the Underlying Lease Valuation Amount shall be the most current NYMEX Strip for gas and oil. The price for condensate liquids and natural gas liquids will be eighty percent (80%) and fifty percent (50%), respectively of the NYMEX Strip Oil Pricing. The NYMEX Strip Pricing is used for five (5) years and escalated at three percent (3%) thereafter, and adjusted for basis and hydrocarbon quality (gas BTU/Mcf).

 

  5) The Underlying Lease Valuation Amount as calculated from the above steps will be divided by the appropriate drainage area as defined by the type curves. This allows a determination of the per acre Lease Compensation Amount. The net acres for the lost lease is then multiplied by the per acre Lease Compensation Amount to determine a total Lease Compensation Amount.

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( A ) – P AGE 2


Schedule 3.6

Drilling Procedures

The following procedures will be followed when drilling Wells in the Coal Area:

(a) Gas Party will plan and execute drilling operations in accordance with applicable Laws.

(b) Gas Party will immediately notify Coal Party should drilling operations lose circulation, have significant loss of pressure, have a casing failure, or suffer any other catastrophic event that occurs during drilling operations or during the life of the Well.

(c) Gas Party will provide Coal Party with written notification at least 5 business days prior to the commencement of Well drilling activities to provide sufficient time for Coal Party to verify that the surveyed location of the proposed Well is the same as the permitted location.

(d) Gas Party and Coal Party shall establish and maintain a base survey control to assure that Well drilling activities are conducted at the proper location in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Gas Party will notify Coal Party of the Well location prior to commencement of the Well drilling activities. Gas Party and Coal Party will each be responsible for the associated costs of their respective surveying work.

(e) For Well drilling operations in the Coal Area, Gas Party will use water, water sprays, drilling soap, or other drilling fluids approved by Coal Party while drilling from the surface casing, if surface casing is installed in the Well, until the coal protection casing is effectively installed and cemented to the surface.

(f) Upon completion of drilling at 30 feet above the top of the coal seam, Gas Party will perform a deviation survey that includes gyroscopic reading within 100 feet of the top of the coal formation by an independent, qualified well service provider, which will determine the approximate location of the bottom of the wellbore. Gas Party will notify Coal Party of the deviation survey results before continuation of drilling.

(g) In the active mine area only, should the well deviation survey determine that the well is within 1% of the required area, Coal Party will notify Gas Party that all personnel have exited the mine area before drilling resumes. After notification is received that all personnel have exited the mine, Gas Party may continue drilling down to and through the active coal seam to a minimum of 10 feet below the bottom of the coal formation.

(h) In the active mine area, Gas Party will cease drilling operations should drilling lose circulation within the range of 30 feet above to 10 feet below the coal formation, and plug the Well with cement to surface. Gas Party will provide all records and certified results of the deviation survey to the Coal Party.

 

S CHEDULE 3.6– P AGE 1


(i) In the active mine area, Gas Party will execute operations within the Well to correct deviation greater than 1%, as determined by the deviation survey, to assure the Well penetrates through the coal formation within the required 1% deviation. If Gas Party is unable to drill the Well through the coal formation within the 1% deviation limit, Gas Party will plug the Well with cement to surface.

(j) Gas Party will perform methane testing every 20 minutes while drilling within the range of 30 feet above to 10 feet below the coal formation. Drilling operations will cease should methane levels exceed 1% and procedures to reduce methane levels below 1% will commence.

 

S CHEDULE 3.6– P AGE 2

Exhibit 10.8

Execution Version

WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

by and between

CNX WATER ASSETS LLC

and

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

dated as of

July 7, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1   

1.1

 

Defined Terms

     1   

1.2

 

References and Rules of Construction

     1   

ARTICLE II WATER SUPPLY SERVICES; WATER TREATMENT SERVICES

     2   

2.1

 

Water Supply Services

     2   

2.2

 

Water Treatment Services

     3   

2.3

 

Water Treatment Facility Services

     3   

2.4

 

Water Services Standard of Care

     4   

2.5

 

Access Rights

     4   

2.6

 

Insurance

     4   

2.7

 

Payment Terms; Disputed Charges

     4   

2.8

 

Audit

     5   

2.9

 

Arbitrator

     6   

2.10

 

Permits

     6   

2.11

 

Notices

     6   

ARTICLE III LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

     7   

3.1

 

Release

     7   

3.2

 

Omnibus Agreement Indemnities

     7   

3.3

 

Disclaimer

     7   

3.4

 

Conspicuous

     7   

ARTICLE IV TERM; TERMINATION

     7   

4.1

 

Term

     7   

4.2

 

CONSOL Termination

     7   

4.3

 

CTH Termination

     7   

4.4

 

Effect of Termination

     8   

ARTICLE V FORCE MAJEURE

     8   

5.1

 

Force Majeure

     8   

ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS

     8   

6.1

 

Assignment

     8   

6.2

 

Notices

     8   

6.3

 

Further Assurances

     9   

6.4

 

Expenses

     10   

6.5

 

Waiver; Rights Cumulative

     10   

6.6

 

Entire Agreement; Conflicts

     10   

6.7

 

Amendment

     10   

6.8

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     10   

6.9

 

Parties in Interest

     10   

6.10

 

Preparation of Agreement

     10   

6.11

 

Severability

     11   

6.12

 

Counterparts

     11   

 

i


APPENDIX

Appendix I – Definitions

 

ii


WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT (as may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), is by and between CNX WATER ASSETS LLC , a West Virginia limited liability company (“ CONSOL ”), and CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”). CONSOL and CTH may be referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

RECITALS

WHEREAS , CTH owns an undivided interest in, and has been designated as the operator of, those certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine and the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant (the “ Pennsylvania Mine Complex ”);

WHEREAS , as the operator of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, CTH has been delegated authority and charged with overseeing, supervising and managing the day-to-day operations associated with or conducted at the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, which include acquiring water necessary to support mining operations at the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (the “ Mine Operations Water ”) and arranging for the handling, treatment, transportation and disposal of produced water and fluids from the Pennsylvania Mine Complex (the “ Mine Produced Water ”); and

WHEREAS , CTH desires to contract with CONSOL for the option (but not the obligation) for CONSOL, as an independent contractor, to provide, directly or indirectly, certain services with respect to Mine Operations Water and Mine Produced Water, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2 References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Appendix, Article, Section, subsection and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Appendix, Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The word “including” (in

 

1


its various forms) means “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

WATER SUPPLY SERVICES; WATER TREATMENT SERVICES

2.1 Water Supply Services .

(a) CTH shall have the option, but not the obligation, upon reasonable advance prior notice to acquire from CONSOL Mine Operations Water in an amount designated by CTH in accordance with Section 2.1(c) not to exceed the maximum amount set forth in the then-current Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permit, which is 600 gallons per minute as of the Execution Date (such Mine Operations Water for which CTH has elected to acquire, the “ Purchased Water ”) and to receive from CONSOL the Supply Services with respect to such Purchased Water.

(b) All Purchased Water received by CTH at a Delivery Point shall be measured by a suitable measurement device located at or near any such Delivery Point to be furnished and installed (or caused to be furnished and installed) by CTH and subsequently kept in repair (or caused to be kept in repair) by CTH, in each case, at CTH’s sole cost and expense. All such measurement devices shall be installed and operated in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Subject to the foregoing, CTH shall be responsible for the operation, recording and proving of all measurement devices. CTH shall test and prove all such measurement devices periodically and upon the reasonable request of CONSOL. CONSOL shall have the right to have witnesses present at all testing and proving procedures performed by CTH, and CTH shall provide CONSOL written notice at least five Business Days prior to performing any such procedures. CONSOL, at its sole cost, shall have the right to install check meters upstream of CTH’s measurement devices.

(c) Contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, CTH has provided CONSOL with its nominations for the remainder of the quarter in which the Execution Date occurs. On or before 10 Business Days prior to the beginning of each quarter of each Term Year, CTH shall provide CONSOL written notice nominating the average daily volumes of Purchased Water CTH estimates it will acquire during the applicable quarter (the “ Nominated Volume ”). If CTH fails to timely provide written notice of its nominations for the applicable quarter, CTH’s Nominated Volume for the immediately preceding quarter shall apply to such quarter.

(d) CTH shall pay CONSOL each month in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for Supply Services provided by CONSOL an amount equal to the product of (i) the

 

2


amount equal to the sum of (A) the aggregate volume of Purchased Water, stated in gallons, received by CTH during such month and (B) the Shortfall Volumes (if any) multiplied by (ii) the Supply Fee. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the Supply Fee will be the applicable fee for the Supply Services during the Initial Term. The Supply Fee applicable to the Supply Services during each Additional Term (if any) will be as mutually agreed by the Parties based on then-current market conditions; provided that if the Parties are unable to agree on the Supply Fee applicable to the Supply Services during an Additional Term, then CONSOL shall be under no obligation to provide the Supply Services.

(e) All Purchased Water delivered by CONSOL shall be subject to, and comply with, any water quality standards imposed by any applicable permits, contracts and/or Law.

(f) Title to any Purchased Water shall remain with CONSOL until acceptance of such Purchased Water by CTH at the Delivery Point.

2.2 Water Treatment Services .

(a) CTH shall have the option, but not the obligation, upon reasonable advance prior notice to receive from CONSOL the Treatment Services with respect to Treatment Water delivered to the Receipt Point.

(b) CTH shall pay CONSOL each month in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for Treatment Services provided by CONSOL an amount equal to the product of (i) the aggregate volume of Treatment Water, stated in gallons, delivered by CTH to CONSOL during such month multiplied by (ii) the Treatment Fee. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the Treatment Fee will be the fee for the Treatment Services during the first Term Year. The Treatment Fee applicable to the Treatment Services during each succeeding Term Year following will be as mutually agreed by the Parties based on then-current market conditions and operating costs of the Water Treatment Facility, which for the avoidance of doubt shall include maintenance expenses but shall not include any Capital Expenses. In the event the Parties are unable to agree on the Treatment Fee applicable to the Treatment Services with regard to a Term Year following the first Term Year then such Treatment Fee shall default to the fair market rate based on the actual costs of CONSOL in providing the Treatment Services, including a reasonable amount of overhead costs; provided that if the Parties are unable to agree upon the default rate, such default rate shall be determined through arbitration in accordance with Section 2.9 .

(c) CONSOL shall treat all Treatment Water to the standards required by Law, including the standards contained in the applicable National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.

2.3 Water Treatment Facility Services . CONSOL shall oversee, supervise and manage the day-to-day operations associated with the Water Treatment Facility and perform all acts necessary to maintain and operate the Water Treatment Facility in compliance with applicable Law, including taking and providing water samples to Governmental Authorities, and any instructions provided by CTH from time to time (the “ Operational Services ”). All capital expenditures related to or required in connection with the Water Treatment Facility and/or any pipelines related to, or measurement facilities at or upstream of, the Water Treatment Facility (collectively, the “ Capital Expenses ”) shall be the sole responsibility of CTH.

 

3


2.4 Water Services Standard of Care . CONSOL shall perform the Water Services consistently with past practices and in a manner that, individually or in the aggregate, is not grossly negligent and does not constitute willful misconduct; provided that , for the avoidance of doubt, the total number of applicable permit violations by CONSOL during the Term shall be considered in determining whether CONSOL has acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

2.5 Access Rights .

(a) CTH shall provide CONSOL access to and use of those certain assets and facilities owned or controlled by CTH, including the Water Treatment Facility, the Dam Supply Pipeline, the Discharge Pipelines and the Water Sources (the “ CTH Facilities ”) to the extent necessary for CONSOL (i) to perform the Water Services and (ii) at its sole cost and expense, to take and market water to Third Parties and/or to provide services to Third Parties; provided that CTH’s right to Water Services under this Agreement shall have priority over any services provided by CONSOL to Third Parties and CONSOL shall not curtail the Water Services provided to CTH hereunder without first curtailing all services provided to Third Parties to the extent CONSOL is utilizing CTH Facilities to provide such services.

(b) Subject to terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, CONSOL shall have the sole and exclusive right to market and/or sell water obtained from a Water Source and/or the CTH Facilities to Third Parties.

(c) CONSOL shall defend, indemnify and holds harmless the CTH Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Losses arising out of, resulting from or relating to CONSOL’s use of the CTH Facilities, EVEN IF SUCH LIABILITIES ARISE OUT OF OR RESULT FROM, SOLELY OR IN PART, THE SOLE, ACTIVE, PASSIVE, CONCURRENT OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT OR VIOLATION OF LAW OF OR BY A MEMBER OF THE CTH INDEMNIFIED PARTIES, EXCEPTING ONLY LOSSES ACTUALLY RESULTING ON THE ACCOUNT OF THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF A MEMBER OF THE CTH INDEMNIFIED PARTIES.

2.6 Insurance . CONSOL shall (i) obtain and maintain any and all insurance that is required by applicable Laws or that would otherwise be required by a reasonable, prudent service provider providing the Water Services and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to name each Owning Party as additional insureds on such subcontractors’ insurance policies (with waivers of subrogation in favor of each Owning Party).

2.7 Payment Terms; Disputed Charges .

(a) No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar month, CONSOL shall prepare and deliver to CTH, an invoice for the Supply Fee, the Treatment Fee and, if applicable, the Shortfall Fee, in each case, incurred during such calendar month (or, in the case of the Shortfall Fee, the applicable quarter).

 

4


(b) CONSOL shall provide to CTH such documentation as CTH may reasonably request to support each such invoice.

(c) Each invoice delivered by CONSOL pursuant to this Agreement shall be due and payable no later than 30 days after the receipt of the invoice. All payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds, to the account (or accounts) designated by CONSOL, from time to time, no later than 1:00 p.m. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania time) on the due date.

(d) In addition to CTH’s right under Section 2.8 , if CTH disputes in good faith all or any portion of an invoice delivered by CONSOL pursuant to this Agreement, CTH may deliver written notice of such dispute to CONSOL within 40 days of receipt of such invoice, setting forth in reasonable detail the reasons for such dispute. Notwithstanding the delivery of any such written notice of dispute, CTH shall pay to CONSOL the full amount of such invoice (including any disputed portions of such invoice) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that any amount paid by CTH to CONSOL was improperly paid, then subject to Section 2.7(e) , CONSOL shall promptly reimburse CTH the amount of such improper payment.

(e) If (i) CTH fails to pay any amount when due or (ii) (A) CTH disputes an invoice hereunder, (B) pays the full amount of such invoice and (C) it is determined by the Parties or otherwise that CONSOL must reimburse CTH any portion of the amount of such invoice, then such amount shall bear interest from the due date (or the date the disputed amount was paid by CTH in case of a reimbursement owed by CONSOL to CTH ) to the date such amount is paid by CTH (or CONSOL, if applicable) at the Agreed Rate.

(f) The Parties acknowledge and agree that CONSOL has or may enter into Water Sales Agreements and that, in exchange for the access rights provided under Section 2.5 with respect to such Water Sales Agreements, CTH shall receive a credit against all amounts and fees due and payable by CTH under this Agreement in an amount equal to the Water Sales Credit. CONSOL shall track, and each invoice submitted by CONSOL under this Agreement shall reflect, all Water Sales Credits to which CTH is entitled. If, for any given month, the amount of any Water Sales Credits owed by CONSOL to CTH exceed the amount of fees and expenses owed by CTH under this Agreement during such month, the excess Water Sales Credits shall be applied to the following month(s). Any credits owed to CTH under this Section 2.7 shall not expire until termination of this Agreement, at which time any accumulated credits shall expire without any additional compensation owed by CONSOL to CTH.

2.8 Audit . CTH, upon reasonable written notice to CONSOL, shall have the right to audit CONSOL’s accounts and records relating to the Water Services for any Term Year within the 24-month period following the end of such Term Year. CONSOL shall not bear any portion of CTH’s audit cost incurred under this Section 2.8 . The audits shall not be conducted more frequently than bi-annually without the prior approval of CONSOL. Upon the completion of any such audit the results of which evidence an overcharging by CONSOL for Water Services rendered or any inaccuracies in any Water Sales Credits, CTH may notify CONSOL of such overcharge or inaccuracy and request reimbursement or other compensation thereof, and such notice shall include CTH’s calculations and reasonable data supporting such overcharge or

 

5


inaccuracy. Within 30 days after receipt of CTH’s notice under this audit provision, CONSOL shall notify CTH if CONSOL disputes the results of the audit. CONSOL’s failure to notify CTH of such dispute within such time period shall be deemed to be agreement with the audit results. If CONSOL timely notifies CTH that it disputes the audit results, then each of CONSOL and CTH shall designate a representative, and, not later than 10 Business Days from such selection, such representatives shall meet in an effort to resolve such disputed audit results. Such representatives shall attempt to agree on a resolution of such dispute within 10 Business Days from meeting. Upon such deadline, if no consensual resolution has been reached, either Party may cause such dispute to be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 2.9 . This Section 2.8 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of 24 months.

2.9 Arbitrator . In the event that the Parties cannot reach agreement regarding any disputes regarding (i) amounts invoiced hereunder pursuant to Section 2.7 or Section 2.8 or (ii) the Treatment Fee or Water Sales Credit applicable to the Treatment Services or any Water Sales Agreement during each succeeding Term Year following the initial Term Year, either Party may refer the remaining matters in dispute to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office of a mutually agreeable nationally recognized accounting firm (the “ Arbitrator ”) for review and final determination by arbitration. Should such selected firm fail or refuse to agree to serve as Arbitrator within ten Business Days after receipt of a written request from any Party to serve, and should the Parties fail to agree in writing on another replacement Arbitrator within five Business Days after the end of that ten-day period, or should no replacement Arbitrator agree to serve within 30 days after the original written request pursuant to this Section 2.9 , the Arbitrator shall be a nationally recognized accounting firm appointed by the Philadelphia office of the American Arbitration Association. The Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 30 days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding on the Parties, without right of appeal. The Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed matters submitted by the Parties and may not award damages or penalties to the Parties with respect to any matter. Each Party shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The fees, costs and expenses of the Arbitrator, shall be allocated between the Parties based upon the percentage which the portion of the disputed matters not awarded to such Party bears to the amount actually contested by such Party. The provisions of this Section 2.9 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

2.10 Permits . Subject to Section 2.11 , CTH shall be responsible for obtaining and/or maintaining all permits required by Law and necessary for CONSOL to provide the Water Services.

2.11 Notices . In the event either Party receives (a) a notice of non-compliance with, or violation of, any permit related to the Water Services, (b) a notice or information related to Treatment Water being discharged that is not in compliance with quality standards imposed by any applicable permit, contract or Law, or (c) any other notice or information related to the Water Services or terms of this Agreement (collectively, “ Notices ”), the receiving Party shall, as soon as reasonably practical, forward such Notice to the other Party. To the extent, CONSOL provides CTH any Notice related to the discharge of Treatment Water, CTH shall be responsible for complying with all self-reporting requirements in accordance with all applicable permits, contracts and/or Laws.

 

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ARTICLE III

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

3.1 Release . Except as set forth in Section 3.2 and Section 2.4(b) , each Party hereby releases, discharges and forever waives any claims against the other Party with respect to any breach of this Agreement.

3.2 Omnibus Agreement Indemnities . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, except for the rights of the Parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article IV and as set forth in Section 2.5(c) , the indemnities set forth under the Omnibus Agreement shall be the Parties’ exclusive remedies with respect to any breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, in no event shall CONSOL have any liability under this Agreement or applicable Law, with respect to the provision of the Water Services under this Agreement for any claim, damage, loss or liability sustained or incurred in connection with the provision of the Water Services or any breach of any provision of this Agreement.

3.3 Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, CONSOL MAKES NO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF THE WATER SERVICES OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CONSOL HEREUNDER.

3.4 Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

ARTICLE IV

TERM; TERMINATION

4.1 Term . This Agreement will commence on the Execution Date and will remain in full force and effect for an initial term of five years (the “ Initial Term ”) and will continue in full force and effect thereafter for successive one year periods (each, an “ Additional Term ”) unless terminated by either Party at the end of the Initial Term or any Additional Term by giving not less than 30 days’ prior written notice, subject in each case to earlier termination in accordance with Section 4.2 or Section 4.3 (such period of time, the “ Term ”).

4.2 CONSOL Termination . CONSOL may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CTH upon the Bankruptcy of CTH.

4.3 CTH Termination . CTH may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to CONSOL following the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(a) the Bankruptcy of CONSOL; or

(b) an action constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of CONSOL in connection with the performance of the Water Services.

 

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4.4 Effect of Termination . The terms of Article III , this Article IV and Article VI shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of any liability or obligation accruing or that had accrued prior to the termination of this Agreement nor deprive a Party not in breach (other than a breach because such Party is rightfully withholding performance in response to a breach by the other Party) of its rights to any remedy otherwise available to such Party.

ARTICLE V

FORCE MAJEURE

5.1 Force Majeure . If any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the obligation to make money payments, that Party shall give to the other Party prompt written notice of the Force Majeure with reasonably full particulars concerning it; thereupon, the obligations of the Party giving notice, so far as they are affected by the Force Majeure, shall be suspended during, but no longer than, the continuance of the Force Majeure. The affected Party shall use all reasonable efforts to remove, mitigate and/or remedy the Force Majeure situation as quickly as practicable. The requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other labor difficulty by the Party involved, contrary to its wishes; the method by which all such difficulties shall be handled shall be entirely within the discretion of the affected Party; provided , however , the foregoing shall not relieve such Party of its obligations to take other measures to remove, mitigate and/or remedy any delay or suspension resulting from such labor difficulties.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that any Partnership Group Member may freely pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of the Partnership Group, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations pursuant to one or more credit agreements, security agreements, and other security instruments with the administrative agent, collateral agent or other agent party thereto for the benefit of the lenders of the Partnership Group; provided, further, that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Partnership Group Member from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Partnership Group Member as a party hereto. No assignment hereunder by any Party shall relieve such Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

6.2 Notices . All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written

 

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confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to CONSOL:

CNX Water Assets LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Director Water Marketing

Email: marshallroberts@consolenergy.com

with a copy to:

Attention: Vice President

Email: stevejohnson@consolenergy.com

If to CTH:

CNX Thermal Holdings LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: LoriRitter@consolenergy.com

with a copy to:

Attention: General Counsel

Email: MarthaWiegand@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 6.2 .

6.3 Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

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6.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.

6.5 Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives, nor any failure by a Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

6.6 Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement, constitute the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of any Appendix hereto or (b) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions the Omnibus Agreement, in each case, the terms and provisions of the Omnibus Agreement shall govern and control; provided, however, that the inclusion of any terms and conditions in the Appendix hereto or the Omnibus Agreement which are not addressed in this Agreement shall not be deemed a conflict.

6.7 Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification.

6.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the Laws of another state. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Section 6.2(b) of the Omnibus Agreement shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis .

6.9 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

6.10 Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

 

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6.11 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

6.12 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed by each of the Parties on the Execution Date.

 

CONSOL :
CNX WATER ASSETS LLC
By:

/s/ Stephen W. Johnson

Name: Stephen W. Johnson
Title: Vice President

 

CTH :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Martha A. Wiegand

Name: Martha A. Wiegand
Title: General Counsel and Secretary

 

[ Signature Page to Water Supply and Services Agreement ]


APPENDIX I

Definitions

Arbitrator ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9 .

Additional Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is Under Common Control With such Person; provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement, General Partner, the Partnership and any subsidiaries of the Partnership, including CTH, shall be deemed not to be “Affiliates” of CONSOL.

Agreed Rate ” means, on the applicable date of determination, the LIBOR Rate plus an additional two percentage points (or, if such rate is contrary to any applicable Law, the maximum rate permitted by such applicable Law).

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its debts under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) or any other insolvency Law, or a Person’s filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition; (b) the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or the admission by a Person of its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (c) the expiration of 60 days after the filing or an involuntary petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or corresponding provisions of future Laws) seeking an application for the appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person, or an involuntary petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment of its debts under any other insolvency Law, unless the same shall have been vacated, set aside or stayed within such 60 day period.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

CONSOL ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

CTH ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

CTH Facilities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) .

CTH Indemnified Parties ” means CTH and its Affiliates, and all of its and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, agents and representatives.

Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled ” and “ Under Common Control With ”) means with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

 

A PPENDIX I


Dam Supply Pipeline ” means CTH’s water supply pipeline that connects the Washington Dam to the Farmer’s Lane Tank.

Delivery Point ” means the Farmers Lane Delivery Point or such other mutually agreeable delivery points as reasonably designated in advance by CTH.

Discharge Pipelines ” means CTH’s water discharge pipelines downstream of the Water Treatment Facility.

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Farmers Lane Delivery Point ” means the point of delivery of Purchased Water at the Farmers Lane Tank located at 40.091928, -80.29067.

Force Majeure ” means an act of God; strike, lockout or other similar disturbance; act of the public enemy; war; blockade; public riot; lightning, fire, storm, flood or other act of nature or the elements; explosion; action, delay or inaction of a Governmental Authority that is reasonably unforeseen or unexpected; unavailable equipment not within the control of the Party claiming suspension; and any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Party claiming suspension.

General Partner ” means CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.

Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Laws ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Losses ” shall mean any and all claims, causes of action, payments, charges, judgments, assessments, liabilities, losses, damages, penalties, fines and costs and expenses, including any attorneys’ fees, legal or other expenses incurred in connection therewith and including liabilities, costs, losses and damages for personal injury or death or property damage or environmental damage or remediation.

Mine Operations Water ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Mine Produced Water ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Nominated Volume ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c) .

 

A PPENDIX I


Non-Acquired Volumes ” means, with respect to a quarter, an amount equal to (i) 90% of the Nominated Volumes, stated in gallons, during such quarter minus (ii) the aggregate volume of Purchased Water, stated in gallons, actually received by CTH during such quarter.

Notices ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.11 .

Omnibus Agreement ” means that certain Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Execution Date, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., General Partner, Partnership and the other parties thereto, as the same may be amended, revised, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Owning Parties ” means collectively, CTH, Conrhein Coal Company and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, and each of their successors and assigns.

Partnership ” means CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall be a “ Partnership Group Member .”

Party ” and “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

Purchased Water ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) .

Receipt Points ” means the point of receipt of Treatment Water at the Water Treatment Facility or such other mutually agreeable receipt points as reasonably designated in advance by CTH, and “ Receipt Point ” means any of them.

Shortfall Volumes ” means, the amount of Non-Acquired Volumes (if any) for which CONSOL could reasonably have provided water supply services to Third Parties under a then-existing contract or spot sales arrangement (or any contract or spot sales arrangement that CONSOL could potentially have entered into) but for the existence of this Agreement and the commitments hereunder; provided, however, if CONSOL did not have the ability to sell to viable purchasers all of its available water supply on commercially reasonable terms for such quarter then the Shortfall Volumes shall be deemed to be zero.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one

 

A PPENDIX I


or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Supply Fee ” means $0.0035 per gallon, as may be amended from time to time by the Parties pursuant to Section 2.1(d) .

Supply Services ” means the delivery of such Purchased Water to the Delivery Point(s).

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 .

Term Year ” means, as applicable, the period of time from the Execution Date until the one year anniversary of the Execution Date or any annual period thereafter.

Third Party ” means any Person other than a Party to this Agreement or an Affiliate of a Party to this Agreement.

Treatment Fee ” means $0.00191 per gallon, as may be amended from time to time by the Parties pursuant to Section 2.2(b) .

Treatment Services ” means the receipt at the Receipt Point(s), handling, treatment (including sampling and testing to ensure any discharged Treatment Water complies with the standards set forth in any applicable permit), transportation and disposal of Mine Produced Water.

Treatment Water ” means any such Mine Produced Water with respect to which CTH elects for CONSOL to provide the Treatment Services.

Water Services ” means, collectively, the Supply Services, the Treatment Services and the Operational Services.

Water Source ” means any source of water owned and/or operated by CTH.

Water Sales Agreements ” means any agreement entered into by CONSOL for the marketing and/or sale of water obtained from a Water Source and/or the CTH Facilities (but excluding water obtained from any interconnection with the Dam Supply Pipeline installed by CONSOL), including (a) that certain Water Sales Agreement dated September 4, 2014, by and between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC and CNX Gas Company LLC and (b) that certain Water Sales Agreement dated August 21, 2014, by and between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC and Rice Energy Inc.

Water Sales Credit ” means a credit equal to 20% of the net profits received under the Water Sales Agreements.

Water Treatment Facility ” means that certain water treatment facility commonly referred to as the 18-H Water Treatment Facility and located at 39.8726, -80.5473.

 

A PPENDIX I

Exhibit 10.9

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1. Purpose of the Plan .

This CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) has been adopted by CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), the general partner of CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”). The Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Partnership and the Company by providing incentive compensation awards denominated in or based on Units to Employees, Consultants and Directors to encourage superior performance. The Plan is also intended to enhance the ability of the Partnership, the Company and their Affiliates to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for the growth and profitability of the Partnership, the Company and their Affiliates and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing the business of the Partnership, the Company and their Affiliates.

SECTION 2. Definitions .

As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

ASC Topic 718 ” means Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation , or any successor accounting standard.

Award ” means an Option, Restricted Unit, Phantom Unit, DER, Substitute Award, Unit Appreciation Right, Unit Award, Profits Interest Unit or Other Unit-Based Award granted under the Plan.

Award Agreement ” means the written or electronic agreement by which an Award shall be evidenced and which agreement may include a separate plan, policy, agreement or other written document.

Board ” means the board of directors or board of managers, as the case may be, of the Company.

Cause ” means, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Company and the applicable Participant, a finding by the Committee, before or after the Participant’s termination of Service, of: (i) any material failure by the Participant to perform the Participant’s duties and responsibilities under any written agreement between the Participant and the Company or its Affiliate(s); (ii) any act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation by the Participant relating to the Company, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates; (iii) the Participant’s commission of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (iv) any gross negligence or intentional misconduct on the part of the Participant in the


conduct of the Participant’s duties and responsibilities with the Company or any Affiliate(s) of the Company or which adversely affects the image, reputation or business of the Company, the Partnership or their Affiliates; or (v) any material breach by the Participant of any agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Participant on the other. The findings and decision of the Committee with respect to such matter, including those regarding the acts of the Participant and the impact thereof, will be final for all purposes.

Change in Control ” means, and shall be deemed to have occurred upon one or more of the following events:

(i) any “person” or “group” within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, other than the Company, CONE or CONSOL or an Affiliate of the Company, CONE or CONSOL (as determined immediately prior to such event), shall become the beneficial owner, by way of merger, acquisition, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or otherwise, of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the equity interests in the Company, the Partnership or CONE;

(ii) the limited partners of the Partnership approve, in one or a series of transactions, a plan of complete liquidation of the Partnership;

(iii) the sale or other disposition by either the Company or the Partnership of all or substantially all of the Company’s or the Partnership’s assets, respectively, in one or more transactions to any Person other than the Company, the Partnership, CONE or CONSOL or an Affiliate of the Company, the Partnership, CONE or CONSOL;

(iv) a transaction resulting in a Person other than the Company, CONE or CONSOL or an Affiliate of the Company, CONE or CONSOL (as determined immediately prior to such event) being the sole general partner of the Partnership; or

(v) a “Change in Control” as defined in the CONSOL Energy Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective May 1, 2012).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for the deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A or such compensation otherwise would be subject to Section 409A, the transaction or event described in subsection (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above with respect to such Award must also constitute a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5), and as relates to the holder of such Award, to the extent required to comply with Section 409A.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee ” means the Board, except that it shall mean such committee of the Board as may be appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, or as necessary to comply with applicable legal requirements or listing standards.

CONE ” means CONE Gathering LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or its successor.

 

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CONSOL ” means CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation, or its successor.

Consultant ” means an individual who renders consulting services to the Company, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates.

DER ” means a distribution equivalent right, representing a contingent right to receive an amount in cash, Units, Restricted Units and/or Phantom Units equal in value to the distributions made by the Partnership with respect to a Unit during the period such Award is outstanding.

Director ” means a member of the board of directors or board of managers, as the case may be, of the Company, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates who is not an Employee or a Consultant (other than in that individual’s capacity as a Director).

Disability ” means, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Company, the Partnership or one of their Affiliates and the applicable Participant, as determined by the Committee in its discretion exercised in good faith, a physical or mental condition of a Participant that would entitle him or her to payment of disability income payments under the Company’s, the Partnership’s or one of their Affiliates’ long-term disability insurance policy or plan, as applicable, for employees as then in effect; or in the event that a Participant is not covered, for whatever reason, under any such long-term disability insurance policy or plan for employees of the Company, the Partnership or one of their Affiliates or the Company, the Partnership or one of their Affiliates does not maintain such a long-term disability insurance policy, “Disability” means a total and permanent disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code; provided, however, that if a Disability constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for the deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A or such compensation otherwise would be subject to Section 409A, then, to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, the Participant must also be considered “disabled” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(C) of the Code. A determination of Disability may be made by a physician selected or approved by the Committee and, in this respect, Participants shall submit to an examination by such physician upon request by the Committee.

Employee ” means an employee of the Company, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Fair Market Value ” means, as of any given date, the closing sales price on such date during normal trading hours (or, if there are no reported sales on such date, on the last date prior to such date on which there were sales) of the Units on the New York Stock Exchange or, if not listed on such exchange, on any other national securities exchange on which the Units are listed or on an inter-dealer quotation system, in any case, as reported in such source as the Committee shall select. If there is no regular public trading market for the Units, the Fair Market Value of the Units shall be determined by the Committee in good faith and, to the extent applicable, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A.

Option ” means an option to purchase Units granted pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan.

 

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Other Unit-Based Award ” means an award granted pursuant to Section 6(f) of the Plan.

Participant ” means an Employee, Consultant or Director granted an Award under the Plan and any authorized transferee of such individual.

Partnership Agreement ” means the Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, as it may be amended or amended and restated from time to time.

Person ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

Phantom Unit ” means a notional interest granted under the Plan that, to the extent vested, entitles the Participant to receive a Unit or an amount of cash equal to the Fair Market Value of a Unit, as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

Profits Interest Unit ” means to the extent authorized by the Partnership Agreement, an interest in the Partnership that is intended to constitute a “profits interest” within the meaning of the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and any published guidance by the Internal Revenue Service with respect thereto.

Restricted Period ” means the period established by the Committee with respect to an Award during which the Award remains subject to forfeiture and is either not exercisable by or payable to the Participant, as the case may be.

Restricted Unit ” means a Unit granted pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Plan that is subject to a Restricted Period.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor thereto.

Section 409A ” means Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be amended or issued after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 9 below).

Service ” means service as an Employee, Consultant or Director. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to terminations of Service, including, without limitation, the questions of whether and when a termination of Service occurred and/or resulted from a discharge for Cause, and all questions of whether particular changes in status or leaves of absence constitute a termination of Service. The Committee, in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of any applicable Award Agreement, may determine that a termination of Service has not occurred in the event of (a) a termination where there is simultaneous commencement by the Participant of a relationship with the Partnership, the Company or any of their Affiliates as an Employee, Director or Consultant or (b) a termination which results in a temporary severance of the service relationship.

 

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Substitute Award ” means an award granted pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Plan.

Unit ” means a Common Unit of the Partnership.

Unit Appreciation Right ” or “ UAR ” means a contingent right that entitles the holder to receive the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the exercise date of the UAR over the exercise price of the UAR.

Unit Award ” means an award granted pursuant to Section 6(d) of the Plan.

SECTION 3. Administration .

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, subject to subsection (b) below; provided, however, that in the event that the Board is not also serving as the Committee, the Board, in its sole discretion, may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan. The governance of the Committee shall be subject to the charter, if any, of the Committee as approved by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of Units to be covered by Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, or forfeited; (vi) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an Award made under the Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (viii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or an Award Agreement in such manner and to such extent as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the Company, the Partnership, any of their Affiliates, any Participant and any beneficiary of any Participant.

(b) To the extent permitted by applicable law and the rules of any securities exchange on which the Units are listed, quoted or traded, the Board or Committee may from time to time delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant or amend Awards or to take other administrative actions pursuant to Section 3(a); provided, however, that in no event shall an officer of the Company be delegated the authority to grant awards to, or amend awards held by, the following individuals: (i) individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) officers of the Company (or Directors) to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder; provided, further, that any delegation of administrative authority shall only be permitted to the extent that it is permissible under applicable provisions of the Code and applicable securities laws and the rules of any securities exchange on which the Units are listed, quoted or traded.

 

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Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to such restrictions and limitations as the Board or Committee, as applicable, specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Board or Committee, as applicable, may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee. At all times, the delegatee appointed under this Section 3(b) shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Board and the Committee.

SECTION 4. Units .

(a) Limits on Units Deliverable . Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c), the number of Units that may be delivered with respect to Awards under the Plan is 2,300,000. If any Award is forfeited, cancelled, exercised, paid, or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of Units pursuant to such Award (for the avoidance of doubt, except after the 10 th anniversary of the Effective Date, the grant of Restricted Units is not a delivery of Units for this purpose unless and until such Restricted Units vest and any restrictions placed upon them under the Plan lapse), the Units subject to such Award that are not actually delivered pursuant to such Award shall again be available for Awards under the Plan. To the extent permitted by applicable law and securities exchange rules, Substitute Awards and Units issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity (including an existing Affiliate of the Partnership) that is (or whose securities are) acquired in any form by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof shall not be counted against the Units available for issuance pursuant to the Plan. There shall not be any limitation on the number of Awards that may be paid in cash.

(b) Sources of Units Deliverable Under Awards . Any Units delivered pursuant to an Award shall consist, in whole or in part, of Units acquired in the open market, from the Partnership, any Affiliate thereof or any other Person, or Units otherwise issuable by the Partnership, or any combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

(c) Anti-dilution Adjustments .

(i) Equity Restructuring . With respect to any “equity restructuring” event (within the meaning of ASC Topic 718) that could result in an additional compensation expense to the Company or the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718 if adjustments to Awards with respect to such event were discretionary, the Committee shall equitably adjust the number and type of Units covered by each outstanding Award and the terms and conditions, including the exercise price and performance criteria (if any), of such Award to equitably reflect such event and shall adjust the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan after such event. With respect to any other similar event that would not result in an ASC Topic 718 accounting charge if the adjustment to Awards with respect to such event were subject to discretionary action, the Committee shall have complete discretion to adjust Awards and the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan in such manner as it deems appropriate with respect to such other event.

(ii) Other Changes in Capitalization . In the event of any non-cash distribution, Unit split, combination or exchange of Units, merger, consolidation or distribution

 

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(other than normal cash distributions) of Partnership assets to unitholders, or any other change affecting the Units of the Partnership, other than an “equity restructuring,” the Committee may make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to (A) the aggregate number and kind of Units that may be issued under the Plan; (B) the number and kind of Units (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards; (C) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); and (D) the grant or exercise price per Unit for any outstanding Awards under the Plan.

SECTION 5. Eligibility .

Any Employee, Consultant or Director shall be eligible to be designated a Participant and receive an Award under the Plan.

SECTION 6. Awards .

(a) Options and UARs . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and Directors to whom Options and/or UARs shall be granted, the number of Units to be covered by each Option or UAR, the exercise price therefor, the Restricted Period and other conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the Option or UAR, including the following terms and conditions and such additional terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine, that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan. Options which are intended to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(A) and UARs which are intended to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(B) or, in each case, any successor regulation, may be granted only if the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iii), or any successor regulation, are satisfied. Options and UARs that are otherwise exempt from or compliant with Section 409A may be granted to any eligible Employee, Consultant or Director.

(i) Exercise Price . The exercise price per Unit purchasable under an Option or subject to a UAR shall be determined by the Committee at the time the Option or UAR is granted but, except with respect to a Substitute Award, may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Unit as of the date of grant of the Option or UAR.

(ii) Time and Method of Exercise . The Committee shall determine the exercise terms and any applicable Restricted Period with respect to an Option or UAR, which may include, without limitation, provisions for accelerated vesting upon the achievement of specified performance goals and/or other events, and the method or methods by which payment of the exercise price with respect to an Option or UAR may be made or deemed to have been made, which may include, without limitation, cash, check acceptable to the Company, withholding Units having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the relevant exercise price from the Award, a “cashless” exercise through procedures approved by the Company, or any combination of the foregoing methods.

 

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(iii) Exercise of Options and UARs on Termination of Service . Each Option and UAR Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to exercise the Option or UAR following a termination of the Participant’s Service. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the Participant’s Service is terminated for Cause, the Participant’s right to exercise the Option or UAR shall terminate as of the start of business on the effective date of the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, to the extent the Option or UAR is not vested and exercisable as of the termination of Service, the Option or UAR shall terminate when the Participant’s Service terminates.

(iv) Term of Options and UARs . The term of each Option and UAR shall be stated in the Award Agreement, provided , that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof.

(b) Restricted Units and Phantom Units . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and Directors to whom Restricted Units and/or Phantom Units shall be granted, the number of Restricted Units or Phantom Units to be granted to each such Participant, the applicable Restricted Period, the conditions under which the Restricted Units or Phantom Units may become vested or forfeited and such other terms and conditions, including, without limitation, restrictions on transferability, as the Committee may establish with respect to such Awards.

(i) Payment of Phantom Units . The Committee shall specify, or permit the Participant to elect in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, the conditions and dates or events upon which the cash or Units underlying an award of Phantom Units shall be issued, which dates or events shall not be earlier than the date on which the Phantom Units vest and become nonforfeitable and which conditions and dates or events shall be subject to compliance with Section 409A (unless the Phantom Units are exempt therefrom).

(ii) Vesting of Restricted Units . Upon or as soon as reasonably practicable following the vesting of each Restricted Unit, subject to satisfying the tax withholding obligations of Section 8(b), the Participant shall be entitled to have the restrictions removed from his or her Unit certificate (or book-entry account, as applicable) so that the Participant then holds an unrestricted Unit.

(c) DERs . The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Employees, Consultants and/or Directors to whom DERs are granted, whether such DERs are tandem or separate Awards, whether the DERs shall be paid directly to the Participant, be credited to a bookkeeping account (with or without interest in the discretion of the Committee), any vesting restrictions and payment provisions applicable to the DERs, and such other provisions or restrictions as determined by the Committee in its discretion, all of which shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreements. Distributions in respect of DERs shall be credited as of the distribution dates during the period between the date an Award is granted to a Participant and the date such Award vests, is exercised, is distributed or expires, as determined by the Committee. Such DERs shall be converted to cash, Units, Restricted Units and/or Phantom Units by such

 

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formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee. Tandem DERs may be subject to the same or different vesting restrictions as the tandem Award, or be subject to such other provisions or restrictions as determined by the Committee in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, DERs shall only be paid in a manner that is either exempt from or in compliance with Section 409A.

(d) Unit Awards . Awards of Units may be granted under the Plan (i) to such Employees, Consultants and/or Directors and in such amounts as the Committee, in its discretion, may select, and (ii) subject to such other terms and conditions, including, without limitation, restrictions on transferability, as the Committee may establish with respect to such Awards.

(e) Profits Interest Units . Any Award consisting of Profits Interest Units may be granted to an Employee, Consultant or Director for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership (i) in the Participant’s capacity as a partner of the Partnership, (ii) in anticipation of the Participant becoming a partner of the Partnership, or (iii) as otherwise determined by the Committee. At the time of grant, the Committee shall specify the date or dates on which the Profits Interest Units shall vest and become nonforfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate. Profits Interest Units shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may impose.

(f) Other Unit-Based Awards . Other Unit-Based Awards may be granted under the Plan to such Employees, Consultants and/or Directors as the Committee, in its discretion, may select. An Other Unit-Based Award shall be an award denominated or payable in, valued in or otherwise based on or related to Units, in whole or in part. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any Other Unit-Based Award. Upon vesting, an Other Unit-Based Award may be paid in cash, Units (including Restricted Units) or any combination thereof as provided in the Award Agreement.

(g) Substitute Awards . Awards may be granted under the Plan in substitution of similar awards held by individuals who are or who become Employees, Consultants or Directors in connection with a merger, consolidation or acquisition by the Partnership or an Affiliate of another entity or the securities or assets of another entity (including in connection with the acquisition by the Partnership or one of its Affiliates of additional securities of an entity that is an existing Affiliate of the Partnership). Such Substitute Awards that are Options or UARs may have exercise prices less than the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the date of the substitution if such substitution complies with Section 409A and other applicable laws and securities exchange rules.

(h) General .

(i) Award Agreements . Each Award shall be evidenced in writing in an Award Agreement that shall reflect any vesting conditions or restrictions imposed by the Committee covering a period of time specified by the Committee and shall also contain such other terms, conditions and limitations as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Where signature or electronic acceptance of the Award Agreement by the Participant is required, any such Awards for which the Award Agreement is not signed or electronically accepted shall be forfeited.

 

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(ii) Forfeitures . Except as otherwise provided in the terms of an Award Agreement, upon termination of a Participant’s Service for any reason during an applicable Restricted Period, all outstanding, unvested Awards held by such Participant shall be automatically forfeited by the Participant. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part such forfeiture with respect to any such Award; provided , that any such waiver shall be effective only to the extent that such waiver will not cause (i) any Award intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A to fail to satisfy such requirements or (ii) any Award intended to be exempt from Section 409A to become subject to and to fail to satisfy such requirements.

(iii) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together . Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any other Award granted under the Plan or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or awards granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.

(iv) Limits on Transfer of Awards .

(A) Except as provided in paragraph (C) below, each Option and UAR shall be exercisable only by the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative in the case of the Participant’s Disability or incapacitation) during the Participant’s lifetime, or by the person to whom the Participant’s rights shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

(B) Except as provided in paragraph (C) below, no Award and no right under any such Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company, the Partnership or any Affiliate.

(C) The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement or in its discretion that an Award may, on such terms and conditions as the Committee may from time to time establish, be transferred by a Participant without consideration to any “family member” of the Participant, as defined in the instructions to use of the Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act, as applicable, or any other transferee specifically approved by the Committee after taking into account any state, federal, local or foreign tax and securities laws applicable to transferable Awards. In addition, vested Units may be transferred to the extent permitted by the Partnership Agreement and not otherwise prohibited by the Award Agreement or any other agreement or policy restricting the transfer of such Units.

 

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(v) Term of Awards . Subject to Section 6(a)(iv) above, the term of each Award, if any, shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee.

(vi) Unit Certificates . Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or required by any applicable law, rule or regulation, neither the Company nor the Partnership shall deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Units issued in connection with any Award and instead such Units shall be recorded in the books of the Partnership (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or equity plan administrator). All certificates for Units or other securities of the Partnership delivered under the Plan and all Units issued pursuant to book entry procedures pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and/or other requirements of the SEC, any securities exchange upon which such Units or other securities are then listed, and any applicable federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be inscribed on any such certificates or book entry to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

(vii) Consideration for Grants . To the extent permitted by applicable law, Awards may be granted for such consideration, including services, as the Committee shall determine.

(viii) Delivery of Units or other Securities and Payment by Participant of Consideration . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, subject to compliance with Section 409A, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates or make any book entries evidencing Units pursuant to the exercise or vesting of any Award, unless and until the Board or the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance of such Units is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Units are listed or traded, and the Units are covered by an effective registration statement or applicable exemption from registration. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Board or the Committee may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Board or the Committee, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the delivery of Units pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award may be deferred for any period during which, in the good faith determination of the Committee, the Company is not reasonably able to obtain or deliver Units pursuant to such Award without violating applicable law or the applicable rules or regulations of any governmental agency or authority or securities exchange. No Units or other securities shall be delivered pursuant to any Award until payment in full of any amount required to be paid pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement (including, without limitation, any exercise price or tax withholding) is received by the Company.

 

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SECTION 7. Amendment and Termination; Certain Transactions .

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law:

(a) Amendments to the Plan . Except as required by applicable law or the rules of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which the Units are traded and subject to Section 7(b) below, the Board or the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan in any manner at any time for any reason or for no reason without the consent of any partner, Participant, other holder or beneficiary of an Award, or any other Person. The Board shall obtain securityholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law or securities exchange listing standards or rules.

(b) Amendments to Awards . Subject to Section 7(a) above, the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter any Award theretofore granted, provided that no change, other than pursuant to Section 7(c) below, in any Award shall materially reduce the rights or benefits of a Participant with respect to an Award without the consent of such Participant.

(c) Actions Upon the Occurrence of Certain Events . Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, any transaction or event described in Section 4(c) above, any change in applicable laws or regulations affecting the Plan or Awards hereunder, or any change in accounting principles affecting the financial statements of the Company or the Partnership, the Committee, in its sole discretion, without the consent of any Participant or holder of an Award, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, which need not be uniform with respect to all Participants or all Awards, may take any one or more of the following actions:

(i) provide for either (A) the termination of any Award in exchange for a payment in an amount, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under such Award (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of such transaction or event, the Committee determines in good faith that no amount would have been payable upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Committee in its sole discretion having an aggregate value not exceeding the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested;

(ii) provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor entity, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or be exchanged for similar options, rights or awards covering the equity of the successor or survivor, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of equity interests and prices;

(iii) make adjustments in the number and type of Units (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, the number and kind of outstanding Awards, the terms and conditions of (including the exercise price), and/or the vesting and performance criteria included in, outstanding Awards;

 

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(iv) provide that such Award shall vest or become exercisable or payable, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement; and

(v) provide that the Award cannot be exercised or become payable after such event and shall terminate upon such event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) with respect to an above event that constitutes an “equity restructuring” that would be subject to a compensation expense pursuant to ASC Topic 718, the provisions in Section 4(c) above shall control to the extent they are in conflict with the discretionary provisions of this Section 7, provided, however , that nothing in this Section 7(c) or Section 4(c) above shall be construed as providing any Participant or any beneficiary of an Award any rights with respect to the “time value,” “economic opportunity” or “intrinsic value” of an Award or limiting in any manner the Committee’s actions that may be taken with respect to an Award as set forth in this Section 7 or in Section 4(c) above; and (ii) no action shall be taken under this Section 7 which shall cause an Award to result in taxation under Section 409A, to the extent applicable to such Award.

SECTION 8. General Provisions .

(a) No Rights to Award . No Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants, including the treatment upon termination of Service or pursuant to Section 7(c). The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.

(b) Tax Withholding . Unless other arrangements have been made that are acceptable to the Company, the Company or any Affiliate thereof is authorized to deduct or withhold, or cause to be deducted or withheld, from any Award, from any payment due or transfer made under any Award, or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash or Units, including Units that would otherwise be issued pursuant to such Award or other property) of any applicable taxes payable in respect of an Award, including its grant, its exercise, the lapse of restrictions thereon, or any payment or transfer thereunder or under the Plan, and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy its withholding obligations for the payment of such taxes. In the event that Units that would otherwise be issued pursuant to an Award are used to satisfy such withholding obligations, the number of Units which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Units which have a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income.

(c) No Right to Employment or Services . The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company, the

 

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Partnership or any of their Affiliates, or to continue to serve as a Consultant or a Director, as applicable. Furthermore, the Company, the Partnership and/or an Affiliate thereof may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or consulting free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, any Award Agreement or other written agreement between any such entity and the Participant.

(d) No Rights as Unitholder . Except as otherwise provided herein, a Participant shall have none of the rights of a unitholder with respect to Units covered by any Award unless and until the Participant becomes the record owner of such Units.

(e) Section 409A . To the extent that the Committee determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall be drafted with the intention to include the terms and conditions required by Section 409A. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date (as defined in Section 9 below), the Committee determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A, the Committee may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), and/or take any other actions that the Committee determines are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the Award, including without limitation, actions intended to (i) exempt the Award from Section 409A, or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that nothing herein shall create any obligation on the part of the Committee, the Partnership, the Company or any of their Affiliates to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action, nor shall the Committee, the Partnership, the Company or any of their Affiliates have any liability for failing to do so. If any termination of Service constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for the deferral of compensation and is subject to Section 409A, such termination of Service must also constitute a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the time of payment with respect to any Award that is subject to Section 409A shall not be accelerated, except as permitted under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4). Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A as of the date of such Participant’s termination of Service and the Company determines that immediate payment of any amounts or benefits under this Plan would cause a violation of Section 409A, then any amounts or benefits which are payable under this Plan upon the Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A that: (i) are subject to the provisions of Section 409A; (ii) are not otherwise exempt under Section 409A; and (iii) would otherwise be payable during the first six-month period following such separation from service, shall be paid, without interest, on the first business day following the earlier of: (1) the date that is six months and one day following the date of termination; or (2) the date of the Participant’s death. Each payment or amount due to a Participant under this Plan shall be considered a separate payment, and a Participant’s entitlement to a series of payments under this Plan is to be treated as an entitlement to a series of separate payments.

(f) Lock-Up Agreement . Each Participant shall agree, if so requested by the Company or the Partnership and any underwriter in connection with any public offering of

 

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securities of the Partnership or any Affiliate, not to directly or indirectly offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Units held by it for such period, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of the relevant registration statement filed under the Securities Act in connection with such public offering, as such underwriter shall specify reasonably and in good faith. The Company or the Partnership may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such 180-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 180-day period may be extended for up to such number of additional days as is deemed necessary by such underwriter or the Company or Partnership to continue coverage by research analysts in accordance with FINRA Rule 2711 or any successor rule.

(g) Compliance with Laws . The Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under the Plan and the issuance and delivery of Units and the payment of money under the Plan or under Awards granted or awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state, federal and foreign securities law and margin requirements), the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Units are listed, quoted or traded, and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company or the Partnership, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the Person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company or the Partnership, provide such assurances and representations to the Company or the Partnership as the Company or the Partnership may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. In the event an Award is granted to or held by a Participant who is employed or providing services outside the United States, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, modify the provisions of the Plan or of such Award as they pertain to such Participant to comply with applicable foreign law or to recognize differences in local law, currency or tax policy. The Committee may also impose conditions on the grant, issuance, exercise, vesting, settlement or retention of Awards in order to comply with such foreign law and/or to minimize the Company’s or the Partnership’s obligations with respect to tax equalization for Participants employed outside their home country.

(h) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.

(i) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes, or is deemed to be, invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable law or, if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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(j) Other Laws . The Committee may refuse to issue or transfer any Units or other consideration under an Award if, in its sole discretion, it determines that the issuance or transfer of such Units or such other consideration might violate any applicable law or regulation, the rules of the principal securities exchange on which the Units are then traded, or entitle the Partnership or an Affiliate to recover the same under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and any payment tendered to the Company by a Participant, other holder or beneficiary in connection with the exercise of such Award shall be promptly refunded to the relevant Participant, holder or beneficiary.

(k) No Trust or Fund Created . Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates, on the one hand, and a Participant or any other Person, on the other hand. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any general unsecured creditor of the Partnership or any participating Affiliate of the Partnership.

(l) No Fractional Units . No fractional Units shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Units or whether such fractional Units or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.

(m) Headings . Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision hereof.

(n) No Guarantee of Tax Consequences . None of the Board, the Committee, the Company or the Partnership provides or has provided any tax advice to any Participant or any other Person or makes or has made any assurance, commitment or guarantee that any federal, state, local or other tax treatment will (or will not) apply or be available to any Participant or other Person and assumes no liability with respect to any tax or associated liabilities to which any Participant or other Person may be subject.

(o) Clawback . To the extent required by applicable law or any applicable securities exchange listing standards, or as otherwise determined by the Committee, Awards and amounts paid or payable pursuant to or with respect to Awards shall be subject to the provisions of any clawback policy implemented by the Company or the Partnership, which clawback policy may provide for forfeiture, repurchase and/or recoupment of Awards and amounts paid or payable pursuant to or with respect to Awards. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Company and the Partnership reserve the right, without the consent of any Participant, to adopt any such clawback policies and procedures, including such policies and procedures applicable to this Plan or any Award Agreement with retroactive effect.

(p) Unit Retention Policy . The Committee may provide in its sole and absolute discretion, subject to applicable law, that any Units received by a Participant in connection with an Award granted hereunder shall be subject to a unit ownership, unit retention or other policy restricting the sale or transfer of units, as the Committee may determine to adopt, amend or terminate in its sole discretion from time to time.

 

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(q) Limitation of Liability . No member of the Board or the Committee or Employee to whom the Board or the Committee has delegated authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Plan shall be liable for anything done or omitted to be done by him or her by any member of the Board or the Committee or by any Employee in connection with the performance of any duties under this Plan, except for his or her own willful misconduct or as expressly provided by statute.

(r) Facility Payment . Any amounts payable hereunder to any Person under legal disability or who, in the judgment of the Committee, is unable to manage properly his or her financial affairs, may be paid to the legal representative of such Person, or may be applied for the benefit of such Person in any manner that the Committee may select, and the Partnership, the Company and all of their Affiliates shall be relieved of any further liability for payment of such amounts.

SECTION 9. Term of the Plan .

The Plan shall be effective on the date on which the Plan is adopted by the Board (the “ Effective Date ”) and shall continue until the date terminated by the Board. However, any Award granted prior to such termination, and the authority of the Board or the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under such Award, shall extend beyond such termination date.

 

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Exhibit 10.10

BORROWER CUSIP #12635CAA9

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY CUSIP #12635CAB7

 

 

 

$400,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

CREDIT AGREEMENT

by and among

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

and

THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME

and

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO

and

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Syndication Agent

and

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC and

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

Dated as of July 7, 2015

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
1.   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS   
  1.1    Certain Definitions      1   
  1.2    Construction      45   
  1.3    Accounting Principles      45   
  1.4    Valuations      46   
  1.5    Letter of Credit Amounts      46   
2.   REVOLVING CREDIT AND SWING LOAN FACILITIES   
  2.1    Commitments      47   
     2.1.1    Revolving Credit Loans      47   
     2.1.2    Swing Loans      47   
  2.2    Nature of Lenders’ Obligations with Respect to Revolving Credit Loans      47   
  2.3    Commitment Fees      47   
  2.4    Voluntary Commitment Reduction      48   
  2.5    Loan Requests      48   
     2.5.1    Revolving Credit Loan Requests      48   
     2.5.2    Swing Loan Requests      48   
  2.6    Making and Repayment of Loans      49   
     2.6.1    Making Revolving Credit Loans      49   
     2.6.2    Presumptions by the Administrative Agent      49   
     2.6.3    Making Swing Loans      49   
     2.6.4    Repayment of Loans      50   
  2.7    Notes         50   
     2.7.1    Revolving Credit Notes      50   
     2.7.2    Swing Loan Note      50   
  2.8    Use of Proceeds      50   
  2.9    Letters of Credit      50   
     2.9.1    Issuance of Letters of Credit      50   
     2.9.2    Letter of Credit Fees      52   
     2.9.3    Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement      52   
     2.9.4    Repayment of Participation Advances      53   
     2.9.5    Documentation      54   
     2.9.6    Determinations to Honor Drawing Requests      54   
     2.9.7    Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations      54   
     2.9.8    Indemnity      55   
     2.9.9    Liability for Acts and Omissions      56   
     2.9.10    Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date      57   
     2.9.11    Issuing Lender Reporting Requirements      57   
     2.9.12    Resigning Issuing Lenders      57   
  2.10    Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans      58   
  2.11    Incremental Facilities      58   
  2.12    Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments      61   
  2.13    Defaulting Lenders      63   

 

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3. RESERVED   

4.

INTEREST RATES

4.1

Interest Rate Options   65   
4.1.1 Interest Rate Options; Swing Line Interest Rate   65   
4.1.2 Rate Quotations   65   

4.2

Interest Periods   66   

4.3

Interest After Default   66   

4.4

LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available   66   
4.4.1 Unascertainable   66   
4.4.2 Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available   67   
4.4.3 Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights   67   

4.5

Selection of Interest Rate Options   67   

5.

PAYMENTS

5.1

Payments   68   

5.2

Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders   68   

5.3

Sharing of Payments by Lenders   68   

5.4

Presumptions by Administrative Agent   69   

5.5

Interest Payment Dates   69   

5.6

Prepayments   70   
5.6.1 Right to Prepay   70   
5.6.2 Replacement of a Lender   70   
5.6.3 Designation of a Different Lending Office   71   
5.6.4 Mandatory Prepayments   72   

5.7

Increased Costs   72   
5.7.1 Increased Costs Generally   72   
5.7.2 Capital Requirements   73   
5.7.3 Certificates for Reimbursement; Repayment of Outstanding Loans; Borrowing of New Loans   73   
5.7.4 Delay in Requests   73   

5.8

Taxes   73   
5.8.1 Payments Free of Taxes   73   
5.8.2 Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower   74   
5.8.3 Indemnification by the Borrower   74   
5.8.4 Evidence of Payments   74   
5.8.5 Status of Lenders   74   
5.8.6 Refunds   76   
5.8.7 Definition of Lender   76   

5.9

Indemnity   76   

5.10

Settlement Date Procedures   77   

6.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

6.1

Organization and Qualification   78   

6.2

[Reserved]   78   

6.3

Subsidiaries   78   

6.4

Power and Authority   78   

6.5

Validity and Binding Effect   78   

 

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6.6 No Conflict   78   

6.7

Litigation   79   

6.8

Title to Properties   79   

6.9

Financial Statements   79   

6.10

Use of Proceeds   80   

6.11

Liens in the Collateral   80   

6.12

Full Disclosure   81   

6.13

Taxes   81   

6.14

Consents and Approvals   81   

6.15

No Event of Default; Compliance with Instruments   81   

6.16

Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Permits, Etc.   81   

6.17

Solvency   82   

6.18

Real Property   82   

6.19

Insurance   82   

6.20

Compliance with Laws   82   

6.21

Material Contracts; Burdensome Restrictions   82   

6.22

Investment Companies; Regulated Entities   82   

6.23

ERISA Compliance   83   

6.24

Employment Matters; Coal Act; Black Lung Act   83   

6.25

Environmental Matters   84   

6.26

Anti-Terrorism Laws   84   

7.

CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT

7.1

First Loans and Letters of Credit   85   
7.1.1 Deliveries   85   
7.1.2 Payment of Fees   87   
7.1.3 PATRIOT Act   87   
7.1.4 No Debt or Preferred Stock Outstanding   87   
7.1.5 Transactions   87   

7.2

Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit   88   

8.

COVENANTS

8.1

Affirmative Covenants   88   
8.1.1 Preservation of Existence, Etc.   88   
8.1.2 Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc.   89   
8.1.3 Maintenance of Insurance   89   
8.1.4 Maintenance of Properties   90   
8.1.5 Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc.   90   
8.1.6 Visitation Rights   90   
8.1.7 Keeping of Records and Books of Account   90   
8.1.8 Further Assurances   91   
8.1.9 Additional Guarantors   91   
8.1.10 Compliance with Laws   91   
8.1.11 Use of Proceeds   91   
8.1.12 Subordination of Intercompany Loans   92   
8.1.13 Anti-Terrorism Laws; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act   92   
8.1.14 Compliance with Certain Contracts   92   
8.1.15 [Reserved]   92   
8.1.16 ERISA Compliance   92   

 

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8.1.17 Collateral   93   
8.1.18 Title   96   
8.1.19 Maintenance of Permits   96   
8.1.20 Post-Closing Matters   96   

8.2

Negative Covenants   96   
8.2.1 Indebtedness   96   
8.2.2 Liens   98   
8.2.3 Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries   98   
8.2.4 Loans and Investments   99   
8.2.5 Restricted Payments   101   
8.2.6 Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions   102   
8.2.7 Dispositions   103   
8.2.8 Affiliate Transactions   104   
8.2.9 Change in Business   106   
8.2.10 Fiscal Year   106   
8.2.11 Amendments to Certain Documents; Prepayments of Certain Indebtedness   106   
8.2.12 Swaps   107   
8.2.13 Financial Covenants   107   
8.2.14 Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries   108   
8.2.15 Negative Pledge Agreements   109   
8.3 Reporting Requirements   111   
8.3.1 Quarterly Financial Statements   111   
8.3.2 Annual Financial Statements   112   
8.3.3 SEC Website   112   
8.3.4 Certificate of the Borrower   112   
8.3.5 Notice of Default   112   
8.3.6 Certain Events   113   
8.3.7 Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information   113   

9.

DEFAULT
9.1 Events of Default   114   
9.1.1 Payments Under Loan Documents   114   
9.1.2 Breach of Warranty   114   
9.1.3 Breach of Certain Covenants   114   
9.1.4 Breach of Other Covenants   114   
9.1.5 Defaults in Other Agreements or Indebtedness   115   
9.1.6 Final Judgments or Orders   115   
9.1.7 Loan Document Unenforceable   115   
9.1.8 Inability to Pay Debts   115   
9.1.9 ERISA   115   
9.1.10 Change of Control   116   
9.1.11 Operating Agreement   116   
9.1.12 Involuntary Proceedings   116   
9.1.13 Voluntary Proceedings   116   
9.1.14 Material Contracts   116   
9.2 Consequences of Event of Default   116   
9.2.1 Events of Default Other Than Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings   116   
9.2.2 Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings   117   

 

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9.2.3 Set-off   117   
9.2.4 [Reserved]   117   
9.2.5 Application of Proceeds   117   
9.2.6 Collateral Agent   119   
9.2.7 Other Rights and Remedies   119   
9.3 Notice of Sale   119   

10.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
10.1 Appointment and Authority   119   
10.2 Rights as a Lender   119   
10.3 Exculpatory Provisions   120   
10.4 Reliance by Agents   121   
10.5 Delegation of Duties   121   
10.6 Resignation of Agents   121   
10.7 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders   122   
10.8 No Other Duties, Etc.   122   
10.9 Administrative Agent’s Fee   123   
10.10 Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors   123   
10.11 No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program   123   
10.12 Withholding Tax   123   

11.

MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Modifications, Amendments or Waivers   124   
11.1.1 Required Consents   124   
11.1.2 Certain Amendments   125   
11.1.3 Amendments Affecting the Administrative Agent, Etc.   126   
11.1.4 Non-Consenting Lenders   126   
11.1.5 Defaulting Lenders   126   
11.2 No Implied Waivers; Cumulative Remedies   126   
11.3 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver   126   
11.3.1 Costs and Expenses   126   
11.3.2 Indemnification by the Borrower   127   
11.3.3 Reimbursement by Lenders   127   
11.3.4 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.   128   
11.3.5 Payments   128   

11.4

Holidays   128   

11.5

Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication   128   
11.5.1 Notices Generally   128   
11.5.2 Electronic Communications   129   
11.5.3 Change of Address, Etc.   129   

11.6

Severability   129   

11.7

Duration; Survival   129   

11.8

Successors and Assigns   130   
11.8.1 Successors and Assigns Generally   130   
11.8.2 Assignments by Lenders   130   
11.8.3 Register   131   
11.8.4 Participations   132   
11.8.5 Limitations upon Participant Rights   132   
11.8.6 Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally   133   

 

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11.9 Confidentiality   133   
11.9.1 General   133   
11.9.2 Sharing Information With Affiliates of the Lenders   133   
11.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness   133   
11.11 Governing Law, Etc.   134   
11.11.1 Governing Law   134   
11.11.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION   134   
11.11.3 WAIVER OF VENUE   134   
11.11.4 SERVICE OF PROCESS   135   
11.11.5 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL   135   
11.12 Certain Collateral Matters   135   
11.13 USA PATRIOT Act Notice   135   
11.14 No Fiduciary Duty   136   

11.15

No General Partner’s Liability   136   

LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.1(A) Pricing Grid
Schedule 1.1(B) Commitments of Lenders
Schedule 6.1 Qualifications To Do Business
Schedule 6.3 Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.11 Pledged Securities
Schedule 6.19 Insurance Policies
Schedule 6.25 Environmental Matters
Schedule 7.1.1(i) Lien Searches
Schedule 8.1.18 Title Requirements
Schedule 8.1.20 Post-Closing Matters
Schedule 8.2.1 Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 8.2.2 Existing Liens
Schedule 8.2.4 Existing Investments
Schedule 8.2.14 Existing Restrictions on Subsidiaries
Schedule 8.2.15 Existing Negative Pledge Agreements
Schedule 11.5.1 Notice Information

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit 1.1(A) Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) Guarantor Joinder
Exhibit 1.1(G)(2) Guaranty Agreement
Exhibit 1.1(I)(1) Indemnity
Exhibit 1.1(I)(2) Intercompany Subordination Agreement
Exhibit 1.1(M) Mortgage
Exhibit 1.1(N)(1) Revolving Credit Note
Exhibit 1.1(N)(2) Swing Loan Note
Exhibit 1.1(P)(1) Perfection Certificate
Exhibit 1.1(P)(2) Perfection Certificate Supplement
Exhibit 2.5.1 Loan Request
Exhibit 2.5.2 Swing Loan Request

 

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Exhibit 5.8.5 United States Tax Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 8.2.6 Acquisition Certificate
Exhibit 8.3.4 Quarterly Compliance Certificate

 

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CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is dated as of July 7, 2015 and is made by and among CNX COAL RESOURCES LP , a Delaware limited partnership (“ CNX Coal ” or the “ Borrower ”), EACH OF THE GUARANTORS (as hereinafter defined), the LENDERS (as hereinafter defined), PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

The Borrower has requested the Lenders to provide a revolving credit facility to the Borrower. In consideration of their mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

  1.1 Certain Definitions .

In addition to words and terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context hereof clearly requires otherwise:

Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

Additional Credit Extension Amendment ” shall mean an amendment to this Agreement (which may, at the option of the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower, be in the form of an amendment and restatement of this Agreement) providing for any Incremental Facilities pursuant to Section 2.11 [Incremental Facilities], Extended Term Loans and/or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments], which shall be consistent with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the parties thereto. Each Additional Credit Extension Amendment shall be executed by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and/or the Swingline Lender (to the extent Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] would require the consent of Issuing Lenders and/or the Swingline Lender, respectively, for the amendments effected in such Additional Credit Extension Amendment), the Loan Parties and the other parties specified in the applicable Section of this Agreement (but not any other Lender not specified in the applicable Section of this Agreement), but shall not effect any amendments that would require the consent of each affected Lender or all Lenders pursuant to the proviso in Section 11.1.1 [Required Consents]. Any Additional Credit Extension Amendment may include conditions for delivery of customary opinions of counsel and other documentation consistent with the conditions in Section 7.1.1 [Deliveries] and certificates confirming satisfaction of conditions consistent with Section 7.2 [Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit], all to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the other parties to such Additional Credit Extension Amendment.

Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

Administrative Agent’s Fee ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10.9 [Administrative Agent’s Fee].

Administrative Agent’s Letter ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10.9 [Administrative Agent’s Fee].

Affiliate ” of any specified Person shall mean any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes


of this definition, “ control ,” as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms “ controlling ,” “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ” have correlative meanings.

Affiliate Transaction ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.8 [Affiliate Transactions].

Agreement ” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

Anti-Terrorism Laws ” shall mean any Laws relating to terrorism, trade sanctions programs and embargoes, import/export licensing, money laundering or bribery, and any regulation, order, or directive promulgated, issued or enforced pursuant to such Laws, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

Applicable Letter of Credit Fee Rate ” shall mean the percentage rate per annum based on the Total Leverage Ratio according to the pricing grid on Schedule 1.1(A) below the heading “LIBOR Loans.”

Applicable Margin ” shall mean, as applicable:

(1) the percentage spread to be added to the Base Rate applicable to Revolving Credit Loans under the Base Rate Option based on the Total Leverage Ratio according to the pricing grid on Schedule 1.1(A) below the heading “Base Rate Loans,” or

(2) the percentage spread to be added to the LIBOR Rate applicable to Revolving Credit Loans under the LIBOR Rate Option based on the Total Leverage Ratio according to the pricing grid on Schedule 1.1(A) below the heading “LIBOR Loans.”

Approved Fund ” shall mean any fund that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Asset Contribution Agreement ” shall mean the Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, among the Co-Owners and the Operator.

Assignment and Assumption Agreement ” shall mean an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee permitted under Section 11.8 [Successors and Assigns], in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(A) .

Authorized Officer ” shall mean, with respect to any Loan Party, the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer of such Loan Party or such other individuals, designated by written notice to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower, authorized to execute notices, reports and other documents on behalf of the Loan Parties required hereunder. The Borrower may amend such list of individuals from time to time by giving written notice of such amendment to the Administrative Agent.

Available Cash ” shall mean “Available Cash” as defined in the Partnership Agreement.

 

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Average Life ” shall mean, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing

(1) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Baltimore Dock Facility ” shall mean that certain terminal, storage, loading and dock facility, including all facilities and equipment supporting such facility, located in Baltimore, Maryland owned as of the Closing Date by CNX Marine Terminals, Inc., including all related easements, rights of way and the similar interests used in connection with such facility.

Base Rate ” shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Open Rate, plus 0.5%, (b) the Prime Rate, and (c) the Daily LIBOR Rate, plus 100 basis points (1.0%). Any change in the Base Rate (or any component thereof) shall take effect at the opening of business on the day such change occurs.

Base Rate Option ” shall mean the option of the Borrower to have Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms set forth in Section 4.1.1(a)(i) [Revolving Credit Base Rate Option].

Black Lung Act ” shall mean, collectively, the Black Lung Benefits Revenue Act of 1977, as amended and the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977, as amended.

Board of Directors ” shall mean (a) with respect to the Borrower, the board of directors of the General Partner or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board and (b) with respect to any other Person, (i) if the Person is a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board or a similar governing body, (ii) if the Person is a partnership, the board of directors of the general partner of the partnership or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board or a similar governing body and (iii) with respect to any other Person, the functional equivalent of the foregoing.

Board Resolution ” shall mean a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the General Partner acting on behalf of the Borrower to have been duly adopted by its Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

Borrower ” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

Borrowing Date ” shall mean, with respect to any Loan, the date for the making thereof or the renewal or conversion thereof at or to the same or a different Interest Rate Option, which shall be a Business Day.

Borrowing Tranche ” shall mean specified portions of Loans outstanding as follows: (i) any Loans to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies which become subject to the same Interest Rate Option under the same Loan Request by the Borrower and which have the same Interest Period shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche, and (ii) all Loans to which a Base Rate Option applies shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche.

 

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Buchanan Mine ” shall mean the underground coal mining complex situated in Mavisdale, Virginia, commonly known as the Buchanan Mine.

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed for business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and if the applicable Business Day relates to any Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, such day must also be a day on which dealings are carried on in the Relevant Interbank Market.

Capital Lease Obligation ” shall mean an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lease (whether entered into before or after the Closing Date) that would have been classified as an operating lease pursuant to GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date will be deemed not to represent a Capital Lease Obligation.

Capital Stock ” of any Person shall mean (1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock; (2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or membership interests; and (4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Capital Stock, whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.

Cardinal States Gathering System ” shall mean the gathering system, commonly known as the Cardinal States Gathering System, comprising approximately 110 miles of pipeline and associated assets located in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia and located near the Buchanan Mine.

Cash Collateralize ” shall mean to pledge and deposit with or deliver to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of each applicable Issuing Lender, as collateral for the Letter of Credit Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and each applicable Issuing Lender (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). Such cash collateral shall be maintained in blocked deposit accounts at the Administrative Agent. At the option of the applicable Issuing Lender, in lieu of cash collateral, the applicable Letter of Credit Obligations may be supported by one or more back-to-back letters of credit in form and from institutions reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Lender, and such arrangement shall also be within the meaning of Cash Collateralize. The term “Cash Collateral” shall have a correlative meaning.

Cash on Hand ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Temporary Cash Investments of the Loan Parties as of such date plus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash and Temporary Cash Investments of the Loan Parties pledged to the Collateral Agent in favor of the Secured Parties to secure the Obligation as of such date.

Casualty Event ” shall mean, with respect to any assets of any Loan Party, any damage to or destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking (including by any Official Body) of, any such assets that occurs after the Closing Date for which the Borrower or any other Loan Party receives insurance proceeds or proceeds of a condemnation award or any other compensation; provided , however , no such event or series of related events shall constitute a Casualty Event if such proceeds or other compensation

 

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in respect thereof is less than the Threshold Amount in the aggregate with respect to such event or series of related events. Casualty Event shall include but not be limited to any taking of all or any part of any real property of the Borrower or any other Loan Party in or by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings pursuant to any Law, or by reason of the temporary requisition or the use or occupancy of all or any part of any real property by any Official Body, civil or military.

CEI ” shall mean CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation.

CEI Credit Agreement ” shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2014 and as amended as of May 22, 2015, by and among CEI, certain of its Subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as syndication agent, and PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).

CFC ” shall mean a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined in Section 957 of the Code.

CFC Holdco ” shall mean a Subsidiary that owns no material assets other than Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs.

Change in Law ” shall mean the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any Law, (b) any change in any Law or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Official Body or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of Law) by any Official Body; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith (whether or not having the force of Law) and (y) all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities (whether or not having the force of Law), in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law,” regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued, promulgated or implemented.

Change of Control ” shall mean:

(1) CEI shall cease, directly or indirectly, to own and control legally and beneficially greater than 50% of the Equity Interests in the General Partner;

(2) CEI shall cease, directly or indirectly to have the power to vote or direct the voting of Equity Interests in the General Partner having a majority of the ordinary voting power for the election of the Board of Directors of the General Partner;

(3) the Borrower shall cease, directly or indirectly, to own and control legally and beneficially all of the Equity Interests in the Operator;

(4) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower (including Equity Interests of Restricted Subsidiaries) and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(5) a “change of control” or similar event occurred under any agreement governing any Permitted Unsecured Notes.

 

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CIP Regulations ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.11 [No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program].

Class ” means (i) with respect to any Commitment, its character as an Revolving Credit Commitment, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, Extended Revolving Credit Commitment, commitment to provide Term Loans or Extended Term Commitment (whether established by way of new Commitments or by way of conversion or extension of existing Commitments or Loans) designated as a “Class” in an Additional Credit Extension Amendment and (ii) with respect to any Loans, its character as a Revolving Credit Loan made pursuant to the Revolving Credit Commitment, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment or Extended Revolving Credit Commitment, a Term Loan or Extended Term Loan or a Swing Loan (whether made pursuant to new Commitments or by way of conversion or extension of existing Loans) designated as a “Class” in an Additional Credit Extension Amendment; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the borrowing and repayment of Revolving Credit Loans shall be made on a pro rata basis across all Classes of Revolving Credit Loans (except to the extent that any applicable Additional Credit Extension Amendment pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments] provides that the Class of Revolving Credit Loans established thereunder shall be entitled to less than pro rata repayments), and any termination of Revolving Credit Commitments shall be made on a pro rata basis across all Classes of Revolving Credit Commitments (except to the extent that any applicable Additional Credit Extension Amendment pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments] provides that the Class of Revolving Credit Commitments established thereunder shall be entitled to less than pro rata treatment). Commitments or Loans that have different maturity dates, pricing (other than upfront fees) or other terms shall be designated separate Classes.

Closing Date ” shall mean the date of this Agreement.

Closing Date Distribution ” shall mean payment of a cash distribution by the Borrower on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed the net proceeds received by the Borrower from the Qualified IPO, any concurrent private placement of common units representing limited partner interests and the initial borrowings hereunder.

CNX Coal ” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

Coal ” shall mean all types of solid naturally occurring hydrocarbons (other than oil shale or Gilsonite), including bituminous and sub-bituminous coal, and lignite.

Coal Act ” shall mean the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefits Act of 1992, as amended.

Coal Gas ” shall mean occluded methane gas and all associated natural gas and other hydrocarbons of whatever quality or quantity, whether known or unknown, that are, can be, or historically have been produced or emitted from coalbeds, coal formations, coal seams, mined out areas, gob areas, or any related, associated, or adjacent rock material or strata, together with all substances produced with each of the foregoing or refined therefrom. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Coal Gas” shall expressly include all substances commonly known as “coalbed methane,” “coal mine methane,” and “gob gas.”

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

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Collateral ” shall mean the property of whatever kind and nature subject or purported to be subject from time to time to a Lien under any Security Document, but shall not include any asset that shall have been released, pursuant to Section 10.10 [Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors] or Section 11.1.1(d) [Required Consents], from the Liens created under such Security Document.

Collateral Agent ” shall mean PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.

Commercial Letter of Credit ” shall mean any letter of credit which is a commercial letter of credit issued in respect of the purchase of goods or services by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

Commitment ” shall mean as to any Lender its Revolving Credit Commitment, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, commitment to provide Term Loans, Extended Revolving Credit Commitment or Extended Term Commitment or any combination thereof (as the context requires), and “ Commitments ” shall mean the aggregate Commitments of the appropriate Class or any combinations thereof (as the context requires) of all of the Lenders.

Commitment Fee ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.3 [Commitment Fees].

Commitment Fee Rate ” shall mean 0.50% per annum.

Commodity Exchange Act ” shall mean the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Compliance Certificate ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.3.4 [Certificate of the Borrower].

Conrhein ” shall mean Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership.

Consideration ” shall mean, with respect to any acquisition, without duplication, the aggregate of (i) the cash paid by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the seller in connection therewith, (ii) the Indebtedness assumed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection therewith and (iii) any other consideration given by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection therewith.

Consolidated Cash Interest Expense ” shall mean, for any period, Consolidated Interest Expense for such period paid or payable in cash.

Consolidated EBITDA ” shall mean, for any period, the sum of Consolidated Net Income, plus (a) other than in the case of clause (8), to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense, net of interest income;

(2) provision for taxes based on income or profits (including state franchise taxes accounted for as income taxes in accordance with GAAP) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;

(3) depletion, depreciation and impairment charges and expenses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;

 

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(4) amortization expense (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;

(5) losses for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness;

(6) non-recurring transaction costs expensed (in accordance with GAAP) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions;

(7) non-cash charges related to pension liabilities; and

(8) net cash proceeds of insurance received, or recognized as a receivable in accordance with GAAP, for such period in respect of a casualty event (to the extent such amount is reducing an expense on the statement of operations of the Borrower for such period relating to such casualty event) or business interruption; provided that to the extent such amount is actually not received in cash, the amount not received that increased Consolidated EBITDA shall be deducted from Consolidated EBITDA in the period in which it is determined that such amount has not been or is not likely to be received;

minus (b) to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, gains for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness. Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Indebtedness ” shall mean (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the type referenced under the first instances of clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the definition of “Indebtedness” outstanding on such date, after giving effect to all incurrences and repayments of such Indebtedness occurring on such date; provided that (x) all obligations under undrawn standby letters of credit (whether or not issued under this Agreement) issued with respect to performance obligations under sales contracts, mine reclamation, black lung benefit liabilities, workers compensation and other employee benefit liabilities shall be excluded from this clause (a) and (y) the face amount of all other letters of credit (other than to the extent Cash Collateralized) shall be included in this clause (a), whether or not drawn minus (b) the lesser of (x) Cash on Hand as of such date after giving effect to all transactions occurring on such date and (y) $10,000,000.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” shall mean, for any period, the total interest expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding (i) write-off of deferred financing costs and (ii) accretion of interest charges on future plugging and abandonment obligations, future retirement benefits and other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness), plus, to the extent not included in such total interest expense, and to the extent incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, without duplication:

(1) interest expense attributable to Capital Lease Obligations;

(2) capitalized interest;

(3) non-cash interest expense; and

(4) net costs (including amortization of fees and up-front payments) associated with interest rate caps and other interest rate and currency options that, at the time entered into, resulted in such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries being net payees as to future payouts under such caps or options, and interest rate and currency swaps and forwards for which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has paid a premium;

 

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provided that “Consolidated Interest Expense” shall not include any amortization of costs relating to original debt issuances other than the amortization of debt discount related to the issuance of zero coupon securities or other securities with an original issue price of not more than 90% of the principal thereof. Consolidated Interest Expense shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Net Income ” shall mean the aggregate net income (loss) attributable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:

(1) any net income of any other Person if such other Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that:

(a) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (4) of this definition, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of such other Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such other Person during such period to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) of this definition); and

(b) the Borrower’s equity in a net loss of any such other Person for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(2) any net income of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Borrower, except that:

(a) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (3) below, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause); and

(b) the Borrower’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(3) any income or loss attributed to discontinued operations;

(4) any extraordinary gains or losses, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses;

(5) any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses, on Dispositions outside the ordinary course of business;

 

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(6) any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of performance shares, stock, stock options or other equity-based awards;

(7) unrealized losses and gains under derivative instruments included in the determination of Consolidated Net Income, including those resulting from the application of FASB ASC 815;

(8) any non-cash asset impairment or write-downs (other than of any current assets) under GAAP or SEC guidelines; provided that any reversal or other benefit of any such impairment or write-down in any future period shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income in such future period; and

(9) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles.

Contract Agency Agreement ” shall mean the Contract Agency Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between Consol Energy Sales Company and the Operator.

Contractual Requirement ” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.6 [No Conflict].

Contribution Agreements ” shall mean the Asset Contribution Agreement and the Equity Contribution Agreement.

Co-Owners ” shall mean, collectively, CPCC and Conrhein.

Covered Entity ” shall mean (a) the Borrower, each of Borrower’s Subsidiaries, all Guarantors and all pledgors of Collateral, and (b) each Person that, directly or indirectly, is an Affiliate of a Person described in clause (a) above.

CPCC ” shall mean Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CTA ” shall mean, at any time, the amount which, in accordance with GAAP, would be set forth under the caption “Total Assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, excluding the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries and all assets that are considered to be intangible assets under GAAP, as of (unless otherwise specified) the end of the latest fiscal period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] or 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] at or prior to such time.

Currency Agreement ” shall mean in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

Current Lender ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a)(i) [No Obligation to Increase].

Customary Recourse Exceptions ” shall mean, with respect to any Non-Recourse Debt of any Person, exclusions from the exculpation provisions with respect to such Non-Recourse Debt for the voluntary bankruptcy of such Person, fraud, misapplication of cash, environmental claims, waste, willful destruction and other circumstances customarily excluded by lenders from exculpation provisions or included in separate indemnification agreements in non-recourse financings.

 

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Daily LIBOR Rate ” shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent by dividing (x) the Published Rate by (y) a number equal to 1.00 minus the LIBOR Reserve Percentage on such day.

Defaulting Lender ” shall mean any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Loans or (iii) pay over to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within two Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Loans under this Agreement; provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon the Administrative Agent’s or the Borrower’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, as the case may be or (d) has become the subject of a Bankruptcy Event.

As used in this definition and in Section 2.13 [Defaulting Lenders], the term “ Bankruptcy Event ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company becoming the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or having had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment; provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of (i) any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company by an Official Body or instrumentality thereof if, and only if, such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Person (or such Official Body or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person or (ii) the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official by a supervisory authority or regulator with respect to a Person or a Person’s direct or indirect parent company under the Dutch Financial Supervision Act 2007 (as amended from time to time and including any successor legislation) if applicable law prohibits the public disclosure of such appointment and so long as such appointment has in fact not been publicly disclosed.

Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” shall mean the Fair Market Value of non-cash Consideration received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in connection with a Disposition that is so designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to an officers’ certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation and executed by the chief financial officer and one other officer of the Borrower, less the amount of cash or Temporary Cash Investments received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-Cash Consideration.

 

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Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” shall mean the sale, conveyance, assignment, lease, sale and leaseback, abandonment or other transfer or disposal of, voluntarily or involuntarily, of any property or assets, tangible or intangible, including the sale, assignment, discount or other disposition of Accounts, equipment or general intangibles with or without recourse, the issuance or sale of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary or granting of options or rights of first refusal in such assets. In the case of the grant of an option or right of first refusal with respect to any asset, the date of such grant shall be deemed to be the date of Disposition of such asset.

Disqualified Stock ” shall mean any Equity Interests of a Person or any Restricted Subsidiary that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in either case at the option of the holder thereof) or otherwise (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (b) is or may become redeemable or repurchaseable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part or (c) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, on or prior to the earlier of, in the case of clause (a), (b) or (c), (i) 91 days after the then Latest Maturity Date and (ii) upon Payment In Full ( provided that only the portion of Equity Interests which is mandatorily redeemable or matures or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Stock), in each case other than in exchange for Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Stock).

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence:

(1) any Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Borrower to repurchase such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset disposition will not constitute Disqualified Stock if such Equity Interests provide that the issuer thereof will not redeem any such Equity Interests pursuant to such provisions prior to the repayment in full of the Obligations (other than unasserted contingent obligations);

(2) any Equity Interests issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations; and

(3) any Equity Interests held by any future, current or former employee, director, manager or consultant (or their respective trusts, estates, investment funds, investment vehicles or immediate family members) of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case upon the termination of employment or death of such person pursuant to any stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

Dollars ,” “ U.S. Dollars ” and the symbol “ $ ” shall mean lawful money of the United States of America.

Eligibility Date ” shall mean, with respect to each Loan Party and each Swap, the date on which this Agreement or any other Loan Document becomes effective with respect to such Swap (for the avoidance of doubt, the Eligibility Date shall be the effective date of such Swap if this Agreement or any other Loan Document is then in effect with respect to such Loan Party, and otherwise it shall be the Closing Date).

Eligible Contract Participant ” shall mean an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and regulations thereunder.

 

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Employee Services Agreement ” means the Employee Services Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Operator and CPCC.

Environment ” shall mean ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface and sub-surface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

Environmental Laws ” shall mean any and all applicable current and future federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or other governmental restrictions or common law causes of action relating to (a) protection of the Environment or to emissions, discharges, Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials, (b) human health as affected by Hazardous Materials, or (c) mining operations and activities to the extent relating to protection of the Environment or reclamation, including the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act or to occupational or miner health and safety, provided that “Environmental Laws” do not include any laws relating to worker or retiree benefits, including benefits arising out of occupational diseases.

Environmental Liability ” shall mean any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any other Loan Party directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Equity Contribution Agreement ” shall mean the Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, CNX Operating LLC, CEI and the General Partner.

Equity Interests ” of any Person shall mean (1) any and all Capital Stock of such Person and (2) all rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such Capital Stock of such Person, but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Equity Interests, regardless of whether such debt securities include any right of participation with Equity Interests.

ERISA ” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as from time to time in effect.

ERISA Affiliate ” shall mean, at any relevant time, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event ” shall mean (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or in reorganization within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or experienced a mass withdrawal within the meaning of Section

 

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4219 of ERISA; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan, or the treatment of a plan amendment as a termination of a Pension Plan or a Multiemployer Plan under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, respectively; (e) the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) the determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan within the meaning of Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA; (h) Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate is informed that any Multiemployer Plan to which Borrower or the ERISA Affiliate contributes is in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA; (i) the failure by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to meet all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of a Pension Plan, whether or not waived, or a failure by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; or (j) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

European Interbank Market ” shall mean the European interbank market for Euro operating in Participating Member States.

Event of Default ” shall mean any of the events described in Section 9.1 [Events of Default] and referred to therein as an “Event of Default.”

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Assets ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.1.17(b) [Collateral].

Excluded Subsidiaries ” shall mean (a) each Unrestricted Subsidiary, (b) each CFC and each CFC Holdco, (c) each Immaterial Subsidiary and (d) each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Borrower; provided that (i) a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party shall not become an Excluded Subsidiary by virtue of a transfer of a portion of the equity in such Restricted Subsidiary (except pursuant to a bona fide joint venture transaction permitted hereunder) until a majority of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary are Disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments] or Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions] and (ii) in no event shall the Operator or any Subsidiary of the Borrower that owns Equity Interests in the Operator be an Excluded Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Person that is an obligor or guarantor under any Permitted Unsecured Notes shall not be an Excluded Subsidiary and, if not already a Guarantor, shall become a Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.1.9 [Additional Guarantors].

Excluded Swap Obligation ” shall mean, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder (after giving effect to Section 22 of the Guaranty Agreement and any and all other Guaranties of such Guarantor’s Swap Obligations by the Borrower and any other Guarantor) at the time the Guaranty of such Guarantor or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps of such Guarantor for which such Guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

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Excluded Taxes ” shall mean, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by such recipient’s net income or profits (however denominated), and franchise Taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income Taxes), by a jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) as a result of such recipient being organized or having its principal office located or, in the case of any Lender, applicable lending office in such jurisdiction or that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) any branch profits Taxes imposed under section 884(a) of the Code, or any similar Tax, imposed by any jurisdiction described in clause (a), (c) in the case of a Lender, any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender pursuant to a Law in effect at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new lending office), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, immediately prior to the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding Tax pursuant to Section 5.8.1 [Payments Free of Taxes], (d) any withholding Tax attributable to a Lender’s failure to comply with Section 5.8.5 [Status of Lenders] and (e) any U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed pursuant to FATCA.

Existing Class ” shall mean a Class of Existing Term Loans or a Class of Existing Revolving Credit Commitments.

Existing Revolving Credit Commitments ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(b) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Existing Term Loans ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extended Class ” shall mean a Class of Extended Term Loans or a Class of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments.

Extended Revolving Credit Commitments ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(b) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extended Term Commitment ” shall mean as to any Lender its commitment to provide Extended Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extended Term Loans ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extending Lender ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extension Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extension Election ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Extension Request ” shall mean a Revolving Extension Request or a Term Extension Request.

 

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Fair Market Value ” shall mean the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Borrower in the case of amounts of $50,000,000 or more and otherwise by a Responsible Officer, any such determination being conclusive for all purposes under this Agreement.

FATCA ” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as of the date hereof (and any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to current Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code (and any amended or successor version described above), and any intergovernmental agreements (and any related laws or official administrative guidance) implementing the foregoing.

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” for any day shall mean the rate per annum (based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed and rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any successor) on such day as being the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions arranged by federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, as computed and announced by such Federal Reserve Bank (or any successor) in substantially the same manner as such Federal Reserve Bank computes and announces the weighted average it refers to as the “Federal Funds Effective Rate” as of the date of this Agreement; provided , if such Federal Reserve Bank (or its successor) does not announce such rate on any day, the “Federal Funds Effective Rate” for such day shall be the Federal Funds Effective Rate for the last day on which such rate was announced.

Federal Funds Open Rate ” for any day shall mean the rate per annum (based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) which is the daily federal funds open rate as quoted by ICAP North America, Inc. (or any successor) as set forth on the Bloomberg Screen BTMM for that day opposite the caption “OPEN” (or on such other substitute Bloomberg Screen that displays such rate), or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Screen BTMM (or any substitute screen), as set forth on such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate as selected by the Administrative Agent (for the purposes of this definition only, an “ Alternate Source ”) or if such rate for such day does not appear on the Bloomberg Screen BTMM (or any substitute screen) or on any Alternate Source, or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Screen BTMM (or any substitute screen) or any Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Administrative Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); provided , however , that if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Open Rate for such day shall be the “open” rate on the immediately preceding Business Day. If and when the Federal Funds Open Rate changes, the rate of interest with respect to any advance to which the Federal Funds Open Rate applies will change automatically without notice to the Borrower, effective on the date of any such change.

Finance Co. ” shall mean any direct, wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower incorporated to become or otherwise serving as a co-issuer or co-borrower of Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement, which Subsidiary meets the following conditions at all times: (a) the provisions of Section 8.1.9 [Additional Guarantors] have been complied with in respect of such Subsidiary, and such Subsidiary is a Restricted Subsidiary and a Loan Party, (b) such Subsidiary shall be a domestic Subsidiary that is a corporation, and (c) such Subsidiary does not (i) incur, directly or indirectly any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than Indebtedness of the Borrower for which it serves as co-issuer or co-borrower, (ii) engage in any business, activity or transaction, or own any property, assets or Equity Interests, other than (A) performing its obligations and activities incidental to the coissuance or co-borrowing of Indebtedness of the Borrower and (B) other activities incidental to the maintenance of its existence, including legal, tax and accounting administration, (iii) consolidate with or merge with or into any Person, or (iv) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons.

 

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Financial Covenants ” shall mean the covenants set forth in Section 8.2.13 [Financial Covenants].

Financial Projections ” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 6.9(b) [Financial Projections].

Flood Laws ” shall mean (i) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1994 (which comprehensively revised the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973) as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (ii) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (iii) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, and (iv) all other applicable Laws relating to policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders relating to flood matters, in each case, as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.

Foreign Lender ” shall mean any Lender that is not a “United States person” as defined in section 7701 of the Code.

Foreign Subsidiaries ” shall mean, for any Person, each Subsidiary of such Person that is incorporated or organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as are in effect from time to time, subject to the provisions of Section 1.3 [Accounting Principles], and applied on a consistent basis both as to classification of items and amounts.

General Partner ” shall mean the general partner of the Borrower under, and pursuant to, the Partnership Agreement.

Guarantor ” shall mean each of the parties to this Agreement that is designated as a “Guarantor” on the signature page hereof and each other Person that joins this Agreement as a Guarantor after the date hereof, in each case, until such Person ceases to be a Guarantor in accordance with this Agreement.

Guarantor Joinder ” shall mean a joinder by a Person as a Guarantor under the Loan Documents in the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) .

Guaranty ” of any Person shall mean any obligation of such Person guarantying or in effect guarantying any liability or obligation of any other Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any agreement to indemnify or hold harmless any other Person, any performance bond or other suretyship arrangement and any other form of assurance against loss, including Letters of Credit issued for the account of Persons other than Loan Parties, except endorsement of negotiable or other instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.

Guaranty Agreement ” shall mean the Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(2) executed and delivered by each of the Guarantors.

 

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Hazardous Materials ” shall mean (i) any explosive substances or wastes and (ii) any chemicals, pollutants or contaminants, substances, materials or wastes, in any form, regulated under, or that could reasonably be expected to give rise to liability under, any applicable Environmental Law, including, without limitation, asbestos and asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea-formaldehyde insulation, gasoline or petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum products or any Coal Gas, coal ash, coal combustion by-products or waste, boiler slag, scrubber residue or flue desulphurization residue.

Hedging Contract ” shall mean any puts, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, forward contract, commodity Swap Agreement, commodity option agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement in respect of Hydrocarbons to be used, produced, processed or sold by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that are customary in the Permitted Business and designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in or manage exposure to Hydrocarbon prices and not for speculative purposes.

Hedging Obligations ” of any Person shall mean the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Hedging Contract, Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.

Historical Statements ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.9(a) [Historical Statements].

Hydrocarbons ” shall mean coal, oil, natural gas, casing head gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all constituents, elements or compounds thereof and products refined or processed therefrom.

Immaterial Subsidiary ” shall mean as of any date, any Subsidiary of the Borrower that had (1) assets having an aggregate book value, as of the end of the fiscal year most recently ended, not exceeding $1,000,000 and (2) Consolidated Net Income not exceeding $1,000,000 for such fiscal year, in each case, as shown in the most recently delivered combined or consolidated quarterly financial statements of the Borrower; provided that a Restricted Subsidiary will not be considered to be an Immaterial Subsidiary if it, directly or indirectly, Guaranties or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Borrower.

Increase Period ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.13(b) [Financial Covenants].

Incremental Facilities ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a) [Incremental Facilities].

Incremental Lender ” shall mean any Person that provides an Incremental Facility.

Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a) [Incremental Facilities].

Indebtedness ” shall mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

(1) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of (a) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable;

 

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(2) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(3) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property (which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of taking delivery of title to such property), including all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);

(4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, bankers’ acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (1) through (3) of this paragraph) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit);

(5) Hedging Obligations;

(6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of this paragraph of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons with respect to Preferred Stock and Disqualified Stock for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guaranty; and

(7) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) of this paragraph of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such first-mentioned Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such first-mentioned Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the Fair Market Value of such property or assets or the amount of the obligation so secured.

The “amount” or “principal amount” of any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or other Preferred Stock outstanding at any time of determination as used herein shall be as set forth below or, if not set forth below, determined in accordance with GAAP:

(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount;

(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness;

(3) in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the specified Person, the lesser of: (a) the Fair Market Value of such assets at the date of determination; and (b) the amount of the Indebtedness of the other Person;

(4) in the case of any Capital Lease Obligation, the amount determined in accordance with the definition thereof;

(5) in the case of any Preferred Stock, (a) if other than Disqualified Stock, the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed redemption price or repurchase price or (b) if Disqualified Stock, as specified in the definition thereof;

(6) in the case of any Interest Rate Agreements permitted by Section 8.2.1(f) [Indebtedness], zero;

 

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(7) in the case of all other unconditional obligations, the amount of the liability thereof determined in accordance with GAAP;

(8) in the case of all other contingent obligations, the maximum liability at such date of such Person; and

(9) in the case of a Qualified Receivables Transaction, solely the aggregate amount of cash borrowings thereunder.

For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness, Guaranties of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such amount shall not also be included. If Indebtedness is secured by a letter of credit that serves only to secure such Indebtedness, then the total amount deemed incurred shall be equal to the greater of (a) the principal of such Indebtedness and (b) the amount that may be drawn under such letter of credit.

None of the following shall constitute Indebtedness:

(1) Indebtedness arising from agreements providing for indemnification or adjustment of purchase price or from Guaranties securing any obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to such agreements, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than Guaranties or similar credit support by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

(2) obligations to pay accrued expenses, any trade payables or other similar liabilities to trade creditors and other accrued current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business as the deferred purchase price of property;

(3) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(4) obligations to pay royalties and other amounts due in the ordinary course of business to royalty and working interest owners;

(5) obligations arising from Guaranties to suppliers, lessors, licensees, contractors, franchisees or customers incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(6) obligations (other than express Guaranties of Indebtedness for borrowed money) in respect of Indebtedness of other Persons arising in connection with (a) trade acceptances and (b) endorsements of instruments for deposit in the ordinary course of business;

(7) obligations arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided that such obligation is extinguished within two Business Days of its incurrence;

(8) obligations in respect of any obligations under workers’ compensation laws and similar legislation;

(9) [reserved];

 

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(10) any unrealized losses or charges in respect of Hedging Obligations (including those resulting from the application of FASB ASC 815);

(11) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in customary amounts consistent with the operations and business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(12) any repayment or reimbursement obligation of such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to Customary Recourse Exceptions, unless and until an event or circumstance occurs that triggers the Person’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s direct repayment or reimbursement obligation (as opposed to contingent or performance obligations) to the lender or other Person to whom such obligation is actually owed, in which case the amount of such direct payment or reimbursement obligation shall constitute Indebtedness; and

(13) earn-out obligations in respect of Consideration in an acquisition permitted hereunder until such obligations would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP ( provided that the amount of such earn-out obligations reflected on a balance sheet shall be counted in the Consideration at such time).

Indemnified Taxes ” shall mean (a) all Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitee ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower].

Indemnity ” shall mean the Regulated Substances Certificate and Indemnity Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(I)(1) , executed and delivered by each of the Loan Parties to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Information ” shall mean all information received from the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries relating to the Loan Parties or any of such Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries.

Insolvency Proceeding ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (a) a case, action or proceeding with respect to such Person (i) before any court or any other Official Body under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect, or (ii) for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of any Loan Party or otherwise relating to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or relief of such Person, or (b) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, composition, marshaling of assets for creditors, or other, similar arrangement in respect of such Person’s creditors generally or any substantial portion of its creditors; undertaken under any Law.

Intercompany Subordination Agreement ” shall mean the Subordination Agreement among the Loan Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries, dated as of the Closing Date, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(I)(2) , executed and delivered by the Loan Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Interest Coverage Ratio ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, in each case, for the latest period of four fiscal quarters ended prior to the date of determination.

 

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Interest Period ” shall mean the period of time selected by the Borrower in connection with (and to apply to) any election permitted hereunder by the Borrower to have Revolving Credit Loans bear interest under the LIBOR Rate Option. Subject to the last sentence of this definition, such period shall be two weeks or one, two, three or six Months; provided that if a period of two weeks is selected, the LIBOR Rate for such period shall be the LIBOR Rate that is applicable to a period of one Month. Such Interest Period shall commence on the effective date of such Interest Rate Option, which shall be the Borrowing Date. Notwithstanding the second sentence hereof: (a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a date which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, and (b) the Borrower shall not select, convert to or renew an Interest Period for any portion of any Loans that would end after the Maturity Date of such Loans.

Interest Rate Agreement ” shall mean any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement relating to fluctuations in interest rates.

Interest Rate Option ” shall mean any LIBOR Rate Option or Base Rate Option.

Investment ” in any Person shall mean any (1) direct or indirect advance, loan or other extensions of credit (including by way of Guaranty or similar arrangement) or capital contribution to (including any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others but excluding (a) advances to customers and contract miners or joint interest partners in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the lender, and (b) trade payables and extensions of trade credit on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices), (2) all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet or (3) any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar securities issued by such Person. Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the amount of an Investment shall be its Fair Market Value at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value. If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise Disposes of any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any Restricted Subsidiary issues any Capital Stock, in either case, such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Capital Stock of and all other Investments in such Restricted Subsidiary retained.

For purposes of Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments] with respect to Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries:

(1) “Investment” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Borrower’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of any Subsidiary of the Borrower at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; and upon a redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the aggregate amount of Investments outstanding under Section 8.2.4(h) [Loans and Investments] shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Borrower’s proportionate interest in such Subsidiary immediately following such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer.

IRS ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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ISP ” shall mean, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit).

Issuer Documents ” shall mean with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the applicable Issuing Lender and any Loan Party or in favor of the applicable Issuing Lender and relating to such Letter of Credit.

Issuing Lenders ” shall mean (a) each Lender (or Affiliate thereof) listed as an “Issuing Lender” on its executed signature page to this Agreement in its capacity as the issuer of a Letter of Credit and (b) any other Lender (or Affiliate thereof) to the extent that such Lender (or Affiliate thereof) agrees to act as an Issuing Lender hereunder at the request of the Borrower and provides notice to the Administrative Agent of such agreement. References to the “Issuing Lender” shall be to the applicable Issuing Lender(s).

Joint Venture ” shall mean any Person that is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary makes any equity Investment.

Labor Contracts ” shall mean all employment agreements, employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements and other agreements among the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and its employees.

Latest Maturity Date ” shall mean, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, including after giving effect to any extension pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Law ” shall mean any law (including common law), constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule, ordinance, opinion, issued guidance, release, ruling, order, executive order, injunction, writ, decree, bond, judgment, authorization or approval, lien or award of or any settlement arrangement, by agreement, consent or otherwise, with any Official Body, foreign or domestic.

LC Disbursement ” shall mean a payment made by an Issuing Lender pursuant to a Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender.

Lead Arrangers ” shall mean PNC Capital Markets LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, in their capacities as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners of the revolving credit facility hereunder.

Lenders ” shall mean the financial institutions named on Schedule 1.1(B) and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a Lender. For the purpose of any grant in any Loan Document of a security interest or other Lien to the Lenders or to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as security for the Obligations, “Lenders” shall include any Affiliate of a Lender to which such Obligation is owed.

Letter of Credit ” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.9.1(a) [Issuance of Letters of Credit].

Letter of Credit Aggregate Sublimit ” shall mean, at any time, the lesser of (i) $150,000,000 and (ii) the Revolving Credit Commitments at such time.

 

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Letter of Credit Fee ” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees].

Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimit ” shall mean (i) with respect to PNC, the lesser of (x) $100,000,000 and (y) two-thirds of (A) the Letter of Credit Aggregate Sublimit minus (B) the sum of the Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimits of the other Issuing Lenders (if any) pursuant to clause (iii) of this definition, (ii) with respect to Bank of America, N.A., the lesser of (x) $50,000,000 and (y) one-third of (A) the Letter of Credit Aggregate Sublimit minus (B) the sum of the Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimits of the other Issuing Lenders (if any) pursuant to clause (iii) of this definition and (iii) for any other Issuing Lender, an amount equal to such Issuing Lender’s (or its designated Affiliate’s) Ratable Share of the Letter of Credit Aggregate Sublimit; provided that any Issuing Lender may increase its own Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimit by written notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit Maturity Date ” shall mean the date which is 10 Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.

Letter of Credit Obligations ” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit on such date (if any Letter of Credit shall increase in amount automatically in the future, such aggregate amount available to be drawn shall currently give effect to any such future increase) plus the aggregate outstanding Reimbursement Obligations on such date. The Letter of Credit Obligations of any Lender at any time shall be its Ratable Share of the total Letter of Credit Obligations at such time. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.5 [Letter of Credit Amounts]. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

LIBOR Rate ” shall mean, with respect to the Loans comprising any Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies for any Interest Period, the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (i) the rate which appears on the Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or on such other substitute Bloomberg page that displays rates at which US dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market), or the rate which is quoted by another source selected by the Administrative Agent as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying rates at which US dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market (an “ LIBOR Alternate Source ”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period as the Relevant Interbank Market offered rate for U.S. Dollars for an amount comparable to such Borrowing Tranche and having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such Interest Period (or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or any substitute page) or any LIBOR Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Administrative Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error)), by (ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the LIBOR Reserve Percentage. LIBOR may also be expressed by the following formula:

 

LIBOR Rate =

London interbank offered rates quoted by Bloomberg or appropriate successor as shown on Bloomberg Page BBAM1

1.00 - LIBOR Reserve Percentage

 

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The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted with respect to any Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies that is outstanding on the effective date of any change in the LIBOR Reserve Percentage as of such effective date. The Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower of the LIBOR Rate as determined or adjusted in accordance herewith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the LIBOR Rate be less than 0.00%.

LIBOR Rate Option ” shall mean the option of the Borrower to have Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms set forth in Section 4.1.1(a)(ii) [Revolving Credit LIBOR Rate Option].

LIBOR Reserve Percentage ” shall mean as of any day the maximum percentage in effect on such day, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve requirements (including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve requirements) with respect to eurocurrency funding.

Lien ” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, charge or other similar encumbrance or security arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including any conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security and any filed financing statement or other notice of any of the foregoing (whether or not a lien or other encumbrance is created or exists at the time of the filing), but shall not include any operating lease.

LLC Interests ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.3 [Subsidiaries].

Loan Documents ” shall mean this Agreement, the Administrative Agent’s Letter, the Guaranty Agreement, the Indemnity, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, the Notes, the Security Documents and amendments, supplements, joinders or assignments to the foregoing and any other instruments, certificates or documents (expressly excluding any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product, any Specified Swap Agreements or any other Swap Agreements) delivered or contemplated to be delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, and Loan Document shall mean any of the Loan Documents.

Loan Parties ” shall mean the Borrower and the Guarantors.

Loan Request ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.5.1 [Revolving Credit Loan Requests].

Loans ” shall mean the loans made to the Borrower under this Agreement.

Material Acquisition/Disposition ” shall mean any Investment, Permitted Acquisition or Disposition that involves (a) an acquisition or disposition of assets, the Fair Market Value of which assets exceeds $25,000,000 or (b) a change in Consolidated EBITDA that exceeds $10,000,000 per four fiscal quarter period.

Material Adverse Change ” shall mean any set of circumstances or events that (a) has or would reasonably be expected to have any material adverse effect whatsoever upon the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (b) is or would reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to the business, properties, assets, financial condition, or results of operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, (c) impairs materially or would reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of the Loan Parties taken as a whole to duly and punctually pay their Indebtedness under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (d) impairs materially or would reasonably be expected to impair materially the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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Material Contract ” shall mean any contract, agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes party, the termination, breach or non-renewal of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Specified Material Contracts.

Material Permitted Acquisition ” shall mean (i) a Permitted Acquisition or (ii) increase in the ownership percentage of the Undivided Interests held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, in either case of clause (i) or (ii), the requirements of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Material Acquisition/Disposition” are satisfied.

Maturity Date ” shall mean (a) with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitments, the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, (b) with respect to Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, the maturity date applicable to such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments and (c) with respect to Term Loans, the maturity date applicable to such Term Loans.

Maximum Facility Amount ” shall mean $600,000,000.

Month ,” with respect to an Interest Period under the LIBOR Rate Option, shall mean the interval between the days in consecutive calendar months numerically corresponding to the first day of such Interest Period. If any LIBOR Rate Interest Period begins on a day of a calendar month for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which such Interest Period is to end, the final month of such Interest Period shall be deemed to end on the last Business Day of such final month.

Moody’s ” shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.

Mortgages ” shall mean collectively, (i) the mortgages or deeds of trust with respect to Real Property in which a security interest has been granted on the Closing Date and (ii) the mortgages or deeds of trust with respect to Real Property in which a security interest is granted after the Closing Date in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(M) , in each case, executed and delivered by the applicable Loan Parties to the Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and “ Mortgage ” shall mean, individually, any of the Mortgages.

Multiemployer Plan ” shall mean any employee benefit plan which is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or, within the preceding five plan years, has made or had an obligation to make such contributions or has any ongoing obligation with respect to withdrawal liability (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA).

Non-Consenting Lender ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.1.4 [Non-Consenting Lenders].

Non-Recourse Debt ” shall mean, with respect to Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture, Indebtedness:

(1) as to which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, except for Customary Recourse Exceptions and except by the pledge of (or a Guaranty limited in recourse solely to) the Equity Interests of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture; and

(2) as to which the lenders will not have any recourse to the Capital Stock or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Equity Interests of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture), except for Customary Recourse Exceptions.

 

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Notes ” shall mean Revolving Credit Notes, the Swing Loan Notes and, if any Term Loans are made hereunder, promissory notes of the Borrower evidencing such Term Loans in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Obligation ” shall mean any obligation or liability of any of the Loan Parties, howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, now or hereafter existing, or due or to become due (including interest, fees and other monetary obligations accruing and/or incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), under or in connection with (i) this Agreement, the Loans, the Notes, the Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent’s Letter or any other Loan Document whether to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any Issuing Lender, any of the Lenders or their Affiliates or other persons provided for under such Loan Documents, (ii) any Specified Swap Agreement (other than, with respect to any Guarantor that is not a Qualified ECP Loan Party, Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor) or (iii) any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product.

Officers’ Certificate ” shall mean a certificate signed by an officer of the Borrower or an officer of the General Partner acting on behalf of the Borrower.

Official Body ” shall mean the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or in each case any political subdivision thereof, whether state, local, county, provincial or otherwise, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and any group or body charged with setting financial accounting or regulatory capital rules or standards (including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing).

Omnibus Agreement ” shall mean the Omnibus Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the General Partner, the Borrower, the Co-Owners, CEI and certain other Subsidiaries of CEI party thereto.

Operating Agreement ” shall mean the Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Co-Owners and the Operator; provided that if any Permitted Other Undivided Interest is acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, the operating agreement for such Permitted Other Undivided Interest shall also be included in the definition of “Operating Agreement.”

Operator ” shall mean the “Operator” under, and pursuant to, the Operating Agreement; provided that if any Permitted Other Undivided Interest is acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, the “operator” under, and pursuant to, the operating agreement for such Permitted Other Undivided Interest shall also be included in the definition of “Operator.”

Order ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.9.9(b) [Liability for Acts and Omissions].

 

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Other Connection Taxes ” shall mean, with respect to any recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to and/or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Note or Loan Document).

Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product ” shall mean agreements or other arrangements under which the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Affiliate of the Administrative Agent or a Lender provides any of the following products or services to any of the Loan Parties: (a) credit cards, (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase cards, (e) ACH transactions, (f) cash management, including controlled disbursement, accounts or services, or (g) foreign currency exchange.

Other Taxes ” shall mean all present or future stamp or documentary Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

Participant ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.8.4 [Participations].

Participating Member State ” shall mean any member State of the European Communities that adopts or has adopted the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Community relating to Economic and Monetary Union.

Participation Advance ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.9.4(a) [Repayment of Participation Advances].

Partnership Agreement ” shall mean the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CNX Coal Resources LP, dated as of the Closing Date, among the General Partner, CEI and the other parties thereto.

Partnership Interests ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.3 [Subsidiaries].

Payment Date ” shall mean the first Business Day of each calendar quarter after the date hereof and on the Maturity Date for the applicable Loans or Commitments or upon termination of the Commitments.

Payment In Full ” and “ Paid in Full ” shall mean the payment in full in cash of the Loans and other Obligations (other than contingent indemnity obligations not then due) under the Loan Documents, termination of the Commitments and expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (or with respect to any Letter of Credit with an expiration date that extends beyond the Revolving Maturity Date, the pledge of Cash Collateral for such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.9.10 [Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date]).

PBGC ” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any successor.

Pennsylvania Mine Complex ” shall mean those certain coal mines in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania and Marshall County, West Virginia, commonly known as the Bailey Mine, the Enlow Fork Mine, the Harvey Mine, and the related preparation plant commonly known as the Bailey preparation plant.

 

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Pension Funding Rules ” shall mean the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in Sections 412 and 430 of the Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA.

Pension Plan ” shall mean any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any times during the immediately preceding five plan years.

Perfection Certificate ” shall mean a certificate in the form of Exhibit 1.1(P)(1) or any other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Perfection Certificate Supplement ” shall mean a certificate supplement in the form of Exhibit 1.1(P)(2) or any other form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Permitted Acquisition ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.6(b) [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions].

Permitted Business ” shall mean the businesses conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions) and any activity that is ancillary or complementary to or necessary or desirable for, or otherwise reasonably related to, such businesses. For the avoidance of doubt, ownership and operation of any of the Specified Other Assets shall be a Permitted Business.

Permitted Liens ” shall mean:

(1) Liens existing on the Closing Date and described on Schedule 8.2.2 ;

(2) Liens securing the Obligations in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;

(3) Liens on cash or Temporary Cash Investments securing Letter of Credit Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit that have an expiration date that extends beyond the Letter of Credit Maturity Date in favor of the applicable Issuing Lender of such Letters of Credit;

(4) Liens in favor of (a) the Borrower or a Guarantor or (b) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor in favor of any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;

(5) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations in respect of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(i) [Indebtedness]; provided that such Liens shall be subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations pursuant to an intercreditor agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(6) Liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges not yet delinquent or the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, promptly instituted and diligently conducted, and for which adequate reserves have been established to the extent required by GAAP as in effect at such time, and which proceedings (or orders entered in connection with such proceedings) have the effect of suspending the enforcement or collection of such Liens;

 

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(7) Liens incurred to secure appeal bonds and judgment Liens not constituting an Event of Default or Potential Default, in each case in connection with litigation or legal proceedings that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(8) Liens upon real or personal property other than the Collateral, including any attachment of personal property or real property or other legal process prior to adjudication of a dispute on the merits, (a) if the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted so long as levy and execution thereon have been stayed or bonded and continue to be stayed or bonded, (b) if a final judgment is entered and such judgment is discharged within thirty (30) days of entry, or (c) the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible) by insurance;

(9) [Reserved];

(10) Liens securing Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, equipment leases, purchase money obligations or other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(d) [Indebtedness]; provided that such Liens shall attach only to the property (a) acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness or (b) which is the subject of such Capital Lease Obligations;

(11) [Reserved];

(12) Liens on the Equity Interests of a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary to secure obligations of such Person;

(13) claims, Liens or encumbrances upon, and defects of title to, real or personal property, including any attachment of personal or real property or real property or other legal process prior to adjudication of a dispute on the merits, (a) if the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted so long as levy and execution thereon have been stayed and continue to be stayed, (b) if a final judgment is entered and such judgment is discharged within thirty (30) days of entry, or (c) the payment of which is covered in full (subject to customary deductible) by insurance;

(14) precautionary filings under the UCC by a lessor with respect to personal property leased to such Person;

(15) Liens on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings;

(16) Liens on Receivables and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction permitted by Section 8.2.1(j) [Indebtedness];

(17) Liens on cash or Temporary Cash Investments arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness permitted hereunder;

(18) [Reserved];

(19) other Liens not otherwise permitted hereunder with respect to Indebtedness or other obligations that do not in the aggregate exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 2.5% of CTA at such time;

 

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(20) Liens to renew, extend, refinance or refund a Lien referred to in clause (1) above; provided that (i) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property (including future improvements thereon and accessions thereto) subject to the original Lien and (ii) the obligations secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the amount permitted by Refinancing Indebtedness;

(21) statutory and common law banker’s Liens and rights of setoff on bank deposits;

(22) option agreements and rights of first refusal granted with respect to assets that are permitted to be Disposed of pursuant to the terms of Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions];

(23) [Reserved];

(24) any leases of assets permitted by Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions];

(25) [Reserved];

(26) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary use of such property;

(27) pledges, deposits or bonds made in the ordinary course of business to secure payment of reclamation liabilities or workmen’s compensation, or to participate in any fund in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security programs (including pledges or deposits of cash securing Letters of Credit that secure payment of such workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security programs);

(28) Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, carriers, or other like Liens (including any other statutory nonconsensual or common law Liens), securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not yet due and payable and Liens of landlords securing obligations to pay lease payments that are not yet due and payable or in default (including pledges or deposits of cash securing Letters of Credit that secure such Liens of landlords securing obligations to make lease payments that are not yet due and payable or in default) or, with respect to any of the foregoing, that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP and which proceedings (or orders entered in connection with such proceedings) have the effect of suspending the enforcement or collection of such Liens;

(29) good-faith pledges or deposits made or other Liens granted in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of the aggregate amount due thereunder or other amounts as may be customary, or to secure statutory obligations, or surety, appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the ordinary course of business (including pledges or deposits of cash securing Letters of Credit that secure such performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of the aggregate amount due thereunder or other amounts as may be customary, or that secure such statutory obligations, or such surety, appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the ordinary course of business);

 

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(30) Liens on cash and Temporary Cash Investments securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1(f) in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding; and

(31) deposits and escrows of cash pursuant to customary purchase price adjustment, indemnity or similar obligations under agreements related to acquisitions and Dispositions permitted hereunder.

Permitted Other Undivided Interests ” shall mean undivided co-ownership interests in any of the Specified Other Assets; provided that the terms and conditions of such co-ownership shall be substantially similar to the terms and conditions of the Undivided Interests set forth in the Specified Material Contracts, including that (i) a Loan Party shall be the operator of such Specified Other Asset on terms and conditions substantially similar to those set forth in the Operating Agreement, (ii) the Loan Parties shall have the benefit of services substantially similar to those set forth in the Employee Services Agreement and, in the case of the Buchanan Mine, the Water Agreement, (iii) title to personal property (other than inventory and accounts receivable) relating to such Specified Other Asset will be transferred to, or acquired by, the Loan Parties, and the other co-owners will retain the right to use such assets, (iv) the other co-owner(s) of such Specified Other Asset shall agree not to encumber or permit any Lien on its (or their) undivided co-ownership interest other than certain limited liens consistent with the negative pledge in the Operating Agreement, (v) the Operator will solely control the disposition of the undivided interest owned by it, subject to the limitation on disposition of related personal property consistent with the Operating Agreement, (vi) any transferee of the undivided interest from the other co-owners shall be subject to the same obligations as the other co-owners with respect to such undivided interest except that any “right of first offer” will not apply to the transferee and (vii) the material contracts related to such undivided interest shall not restrict the ability of the Loan Parties to pledge their interests in such material contracts to secure the Obligations and any refinancings thereof.

Permitted Unsecured Notes ” shall mean any unsecured notes issued by the Borrower and/or Finance Co. in one or more transactions; provided that (i) no payment of principal in respect of such notes shall be required prior to six months after the Latest Maturity Date in effect at the time of issuance (except for customary offers to purchase with proceeds of asset sales or upon the occurrence of a change of control), (ii) such notes shall not include any financial maintenance covenants, and the covenants and events of default shall be customary for high yield debt securities but in any event shall not be more restrictive than the covenants and events of default hereunder, taken as a whole, and (iii) no Subsidiary of the Borrower shall Guaranty such notes unless such Subsidiary is (or concurrently with any such Guaranty becomes) a Guarantor hereunder.

Person ” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, joint venture, Official Body, or any other entity.

Pledged Securities ” shall mean all of the property described as “Pledged Securities” in the Security Agreement.

Pledgor ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

PNC ” shall mean PNC Bank, National Association, its successors and assigns.

Potential Default ” shall mean any event or condition which with notice or passage of time, or any combination of the foregoing, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

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Preferred Stock ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, Capital Stock of such Person of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

Prime Rate ” shall mean the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent at its Principal Office as its then prime rate, which rate may not be the lowest or most favorable rate then being charged to commercial borrowers or others by the Administrative Agent. Any change in the Prime Rate shall take effect at the opening of business on the day such change is announced.

Principal Office ” shall mean the main banking office of the Administrative Agent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pro Forma Basis ” shall mean:

(1) any Material Acquisition/Disposition and any dividend or distribution on, or repurchases or redemptions of, Capital Stock of the Borrower made or to be made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during the applicable reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the date of determination will be given pro forma effect as if it had occurred on the first day of the applicable reference period;

(2) any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the date of determination will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such reference period;

(3) any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the date of determination will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such reference period;

(4) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect to incurrences and repayments of Indebtedness (other than ordinary course working capital borrowings and repayments under revolving credit facilities) during the applicable reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the date of determination to the extent in connection with any transaction referred to in clause (1) above as if it had occurred on the first day of the applicable reference period; and

(5) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the calculation date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account the effect on such interest rate of any Specified Swap Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness).

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and in a manner consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, as set forth in a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (with supporting calculations) and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility (to the extent required to be computed on a pro forma basis) shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Borrower may designate.

 

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Properties ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.25(b) [Environmental Matters].

Published Rate ” shall mean the rate of interest published each Business Day in The Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” listing under the caption “London Interbank Offered Rates” for a one month period (or, if no such rate is published therein for any reason, then the Published Rate shall be the rate at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market for a one month period as published in another publication selected by the Administrative Agent).

Qualified ECP Loan Party ” shall mean each Loan Party that on the Eligibility Date is (a) a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust, or other entity other than a “commodity pool” as defined in Section 1a(10) of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations thereunder that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000, or (b) an Eligible Contract Participant that can cause another person to qualify as an Eligible Contract Participant on the Eligibility Date under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act by entering into or otherwise providing a “letter of credit or keepwell, support, or other agreement” for purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Qualified IPO ” shall mean the initial offer and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of the Borrower in an underwritten public offering for cash pursuant to the Registration Statement; provided , however , that immediately after such offering, the Borrower is treated as a publicly traded limited partnership for United States federal income tax purposes.

Qualified Receivables Transaction ” shall mean any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in which the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary may sell, contribute, convey or otherwise transfer to (1) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower) and (2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any Receivables (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and any related assets, including all collateral securing such Receivables, all contracts and all Guaranties or other obligations in respect of such Receivables, proceeds of such Receivables and other assets (including contract rights) which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving Receivables.

Ratable Share ” shall mean (a) the proportion that a Lender’s Commitment bears to the Commitments of all of the Lenders or (b) as such term is used in the definition of “Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimit,” the proportion that a Lender’s Commitment bears to the Commitments of all of the Issuing Lenders; provided that in the case of Section 2.13 [Defaulting Lenders] when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Ratable Share” shall mean the percentage of the aggregate Commitments (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Ratable Shares shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.

Real Property ” shall mean, individually as the context requires, real property that is owned or leased by any Loan Party, including, but not limited to, the surface, Coal, methane gas and other mineral rights, interests and coal leases associated with such property, and “ Real Properties ” shall mean, collectively, as the context requires, all of the foregoing. In determining whether the $20,000,000 threshold in Section 8.1.17(a)(iii) [Collateral] is met, a subsurface interest of a Loan Party shall be deemed part of the same Real Property as other subsurface interests of such Loan Party or other Loan Parties when such subsurface interest is, or could reasonably be, part of the same operating complex as such other subsurface interests.

 

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Receivable Obligor ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, the Person obligated to make payments pursuant to the contract relating to such Receivable.

Receivables ” shall mean any Indebtedness and other payment obligations owed to the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Receivables Subsidiary, whether constituting an account, chattel paper, payment intangible, instrument or general intangible, in each case arising in connection with the sale of Coal and related inventory in the ordinary course of business.

Receivables Subsidiary ” shall mean a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (or another Person formed for the purpose of engaging in a Qualified Receivables Transaction with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary makes an Investment and to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary transfers Receivables) that engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Receivables, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual or other), collateral and other assets, in each case, relating to such Receivables, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and that is designated by the Borrower’s Board of Directors (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary and

(1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which:

(a) is Guarantied by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding Guaranties of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and performance guarantees customarily entered into in connection with accounts receivables financings);

(b) is recourse to or obligates the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any way other than pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities customarily entered into in connection with accounts receivables financings; or

(c) subjects any property or asset of the Borrower or of any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities customarily entered into in connection with accounts receivables financings and limited to assets financed thereunder;

(2) with which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Borrower, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing Receivables; and

(3) with which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any obligation to maintain or preserve such Receivables Subsidiary’s financial condition (other than customary requirements for the maintenance of a minimum net worth) or cause such Receivables Subsidiary to achieve certain levels of operating results.

Any designation of a Receivables Subsidiary by the Borrower’s Board of Directors after the Closing Date shall be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by delivering to the Administrative Agent a Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions.

 

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Recipient ” shall mean (i) the Administrative Agent, (ii) any Lender and (iii) any Issuing Lender, as applicable.

Refinance ” shall mean, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, replace, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. “ Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

Refinancing Indebtedness ” shall mean Indebtedness that Refinances any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Closing Date or incurred in compliance with this Agreement, including Indebtedness that Refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that:

(1) such Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

(2) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

(3) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an aggregate principal amount (or if incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount (or if incurred with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding (plus fees and expenses, including any premium and defeasance costs) under the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

(4) if the refinanced Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations or the Guaranties thereof, as the case may be, then such Refinancing Indebtedness, by its terms, is subordinate in right of payment to the Obligations or the Guaranties thereof, as the case may be, at least to the same extent as the refinanced Indebtedness; and

(5) if the refinanced Indebtedness is purchase money obligations, (a) the holders of such Refinancing Indebtedness agree that they will look solely to the fixed assets so acquired which secure such Refinancing Indebtedness, and neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary (i) is directly or indirectly liable for such Refinancing Indebtedness or (ii) provides credit support, including any undertaking, Guaranty, agreement or instrument, related to such Refinancing Indebtedness that would constitute Indebtedness (other than the grant of a Lien on such acquired fixed assets) and (b) no default or event of default with respect to such Refinancing Indebtedness would cause, or permit (after notice or passage of time or otherwise), any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Guarantor to declare a default or event of default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to any scheduled principal payment, scheduled sinking fund payment or maturity;

provided further , however , that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include:

(a) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of the Borrower; or

(b) Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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Registration Statement ” shall mean the Registration Statement number 333-203165 on Form S-1, under the Exchange Act, of the Borrower filed with the SEC, as amended prior to the Closing Date.

Regulation U ” shall mean Regulation U, T or X as promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended from time to time.

Reimbursement Date ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.9.3(b) [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement].

Reimbursement Obligation ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.9.3(b) [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement].

Related Parties ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Related Security ” shall mean, with respect to any Receivable subject to a Qualified Receivables Transaction:

(1) all of the Loan Parties’ interests in any goods (including returned goods), and documentation of title evidencing the shipment or storage of any goods (including returned goods), relating to any sale giving rise to such Receivable,

(2) all instruments and chattel paper that may evidence such Receivable,

(3) all other security interests or liens and property subject thereto from time to time purporting to secure payment of such Receivable, whether pursuant to the contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, together with all UCC financing statements or similar filings relating thereto, and

(4) all of the Loan Parties’ rights, interests and claims under the contracts and all guaranties, indemnities, insurance and other agreements (including the related contract) or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of such Receivable or otherwise relating to such Receivable, whether pursuant to the contract related to such Receivable or otherwise.

Release ” shall mean any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharge, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing or migration into the Environment, or into, from or through any building or structure.

Relevant Interbank Market ” shall mean in relation to Euro, the European Interbank Market, and, in relation to any other currency, the London interbank market or other applicable offshore interbank market.

Removal Effective Date ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.6 [Resignation of Agents].

Reportable Compliance Event ” shall mean that any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint or similar charging instrument, arraigned, or custodially detained in connection with any Anti-Terrorism Law or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law, or has knowledge of facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely that any aspect of its operations is in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

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Reportable Event ” shall mean a reportable event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and regulations thereunder with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan.

Required Lenders ” shall mean Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender) having more than 50% of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) or, after the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments, the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Ratable Share of Letter of Credit Obligations of the Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender).

Required Permits ” shall mean all permits, licenses, authorizations, plans, approvals and bonds necessary under the applicable Laws for the Loan Parties to continue to conduct coal mining and related operations on, in or under such parties’ real property, and any and all other mining properties owned or leased by the Borrower or any such Loan Party (collectively “ Mining Property ”) substantially in the manner as such operations had been authorized immediately prior to such Loan Party’s acquisition of its interests in such real property and as may be necessary for such Loan Party to conduct, in all material respects, coal mining and related operations on, in or under the Mining Property as described in any plan of operation.

Required Share ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.10 [Settlement Date Procedures].

Resigning Issuing Lender ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.9.12 [Resigning Issuing Lenders].

Responsible Officer ” shall mean each of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer and assistant treasurer of each Loan Party or of the General Partner acting on behalf of such Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party or of the General Partner acting on behalf of a Loan Party or Loan Parties shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Payment ” shall mean:

(1) the declaration or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders of such Equity Interests, other than:

(a) dividends or distributions payable solely in Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Stock);

(b) dividends or distributions payable solely to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; and

(c) pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a Restricted Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation);

 

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(2) the purchase, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary held by any other Person (other than any acquisition or retirement for value from, or payment to, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary); or

(3) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Subordinated Obligations of the Borrower or any Guarantor (other than (a) any intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary and (b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations acquired in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition).

Restricted Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revolving Credit Commitment ” shall mean, as to any Lender at any time, the amount initially set forth opposite its name on Schedule 1.1(B) in the column labeled “Amount of Commitment,” as such Commitment is thereafter assigned pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, increased pursuant to Section 2.11 [Incremental Facilities], extended pursuant to Section 2.12 [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments] or decreased pursuant to Section 2.4 [Voluntary Commitment Reduction], and “ Revolving Credit Commitments ” shall mean the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all of the Lenders.

Revolving Credit Loans ” shall mean collectively and “ Revolving Credit Loan ” shall mean separately all Revolving Credit Loans or any Revolving Credit Loan made by the Lenders or one of the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.1 [Revolving Credit Loans] or Section 2.9.3 [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement].

Revolving Credit Notes ” shall mean collectively and “ Revolving Credit Note ” shall mean separately all the promissory notes of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit 1.1(N)(1) evidencing the Revolving Credit Loans.

Revolving Exposure ” shall mean, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Loans and its Letter of Credit Obligations and Swingline Exposure at such time.

Revolving Extension Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(b) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Revolving Facility Usage ” shall mean at any time the sum of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, the outstanding Swing Loans, and the Letter of Credit Obligations.

Revolving Lender ” shall mean a Lender with a Revolving Credit Commitment or, if the Revolving Credit Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

 

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Revolving Maturity Date ” shall mean the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Commitments or the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as the case may be.

Sanctioned Country ” shall mean a country subject to a sanctions program maintained under any Anti-Terrorism Law.

Sanctioned Person ” shall mean any individual person, group, regime, entity or thing listed or otherwise recognized as a specially designated, prohibited, sanctioned or debarred person, group, regime, entity or thing, or subject to any limitations or prohibitions (including but not limited to the blocking of property or rejection of transactions), under any Anti-Terrorism Law.

SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Official Body succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Secured Parties ” shall mean collectively, the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, the Issuing Lenders, the Lenders and any provider of a Specified Swap Agreement or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933.

Security Agreement ” shall mean the Security Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, executed and delivered by each of the Loan Parties to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Security Documents ” shall mean, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and each other security document or pledge agreement delivered in accordance with applicable local Law to grant a valid, perfected security interest in any property as Collateral for the Obligations, and all UCC or other financing statements or instruments of perfection required by this Agreement or any other such security document or pledge agreement to be filed with respect to the security interests in property and fixtures created pursuant to any document or instrument utilized to pledge or grant or purport to pledge or grant a security interest or lien on any property as Collateral for the Obligations, and amendments, supplements or joinders to the foregoing.

Settlement Date ” shall mean the Business Day on which the Administrative Agent elects to effect settlement pursuant to Section 5.10 [Settlement Date Procedures].

Solvent ” shall mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, taking into account such right of reimbursement, contribution or similar right available to such Person from other Persons, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. In computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such liabilities will be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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S&P ” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Specified Material Contracts ” shall mean (i) the Partnership Agreement, (ii) the Contribution Agreements, (iii) the Omnibus Agreement, (iv) the Operating Agreement, (v) the Contract Agency Agreement, (vi) the Employee Services Agreement, and (vii) the Water Agreement.

Specified Other Assets ” shall mean (i) the Baltimore Dock Facility, (ii) the Buchanan Mine and (iii) the Cardinal States Gathering System.

Specified Swap Agreement ” shall mean any Swap Agreement between (a) any Loan Party and (b) any counterparty that is, or was at the Closing Date or at the time such Swap Agreement was entered into, the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of an entity that is the Administrative Agent or an entity that is a Lender.

Standby Letter of Credit ” shall mean a Letter of Credit issued to support obligations of one or more of the Loan Parties, contingent or otherwise, which finance the working capital and business needs of the Loan Parties.

Stated Maturity ” shall mean, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred).

Step-Up ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.13(b) [Financial Covenants].

Subordinated Obligation ” shall mean any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Closing Date or thereafter incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to, in the case of the Borrower, the Obligations or, in the case of a Guarantor, its Guaranty of the Obligations pursuant to a written agreement to that effect.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by:

(1) such Person;

(2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or

(3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

Subsidiary Shares ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.3 [Subsidiaries].

Swap ” shall mean any “swap” as defined in Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act and regulations thereunder, other than (a) a swap entered into, or subject to the rules of, a board of trade designated as a contract market under Section 5 of the Commodity Exchange Act, or (b) a commodity option entered into pursuant to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regulation 32.3(a).

 

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Swap Agreement ” shall mean (i) any interest or currency rate swap, rate cap, rate floor, rate collar, exchange transaction, put or call option, forward agreement, foreign exchange or other exchange or rate protection agreement or any option with respect to any such transaction and (ii) any cap, floor, collar, exchange transaction, hedging contract, forward contract, swap agreement, futures contract, call or put option or any other similar agreement or other exchange or protection agreement relating to Hydrocarbons or any option with respect to any such transaction, in either case entered into for the purpose of hedging risk related to commodity prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, securities prices or financial market conditions (specifically excluding contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business for the future sale and delivery of commodities, including but not limited to take-or-pay contracts).

Swap Obligation ” shall mean, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a Swap.

Swingline Cap ” shall mean, at any time, the lesser of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) the Revolving Credit Commitments at such time.

Swingline Exposure ” shall mean, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swing Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Ratable Share of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

Swingline Lender ” shall mean the Administrative Agent in its capacity as the lender of Swing Loans.

Swing Loan Note ” shall mean a promissory note of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit 1.1(N)(2) evidencing the Swing Loans.

Swing Loan Request ” shall mean a request for Swing Loans made in accordance with Section 2.5.2 [Swing Loan Requests].

Swing Loans ” shall mean collectively and “ Swing Loan ” shall mean separately all Swing Loans or any Swing Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.6.3 [Making Swing Loans].

Taxes ” shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Official Body, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto. “ Taxation ” shall have a correlative meaning.

Temporary Cash Investments ” shall mean any of the following:

(1) any Investment in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency thereof or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof;

(2) Investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within one year of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States, and which bank or trust company has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $250.0 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and has outstanding debt which is rated “A-” (or such similar equivalent rating) or higher by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act) or any money-market fund sponsored by a registered broker dealer or mutual fund distributor whose assets consist of obligations of the types described in clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this definition;

 

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(3) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1) of this definition entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (2) of this definition;

(4) Investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 180 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a Person (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “P-2” (or higher) according to Moody’s or “A-2” (or higher) according to S&P or “R-1” (or higher) by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited or Canadian Bond Rating Service, Inc. (in the case of a Canadian issuer);

(5) Investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-2” by Moody’s;

(6) Investments in asset-backed securities maturing within one year of the date of acquisition thereof with a long-term rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “A” (or higher) by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited or Canadian Bond Rating Service, Inc. (in the case of a Canadian issuer);

(7) obligations of any foreign government or obligations that possess a guaranty of the full faith and credit of any foreign government;

(8) obligations of United States government-sponsored enterprises, Federal agencies, and Federal financing banks that are not otherwise authorized including, but not limited to, (i) United States government-sponsored enterprises such as instrumentalities of the Federal Credit System (Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Land Banks), Federal Home Loan Banks and Federal National Mortgage Association and (ii) Federal agencies such as instrumentalities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association), Export-Import Bank, Farmers Home Administration and Tennessee Valley Authority;

(9) debt obligations (other than commercial paper obligations) of domestic or foreign corporations;

(10) preferred stock obligations with a floating rate dividend that is reset periodically at auction;

(11) Investments in repurchase agreements collateralized by any of the above securities eligible for outright purchase; provided that the collateral is delivered to a bank custody account in accordance with the terms of a written repurchase agreement with a dealer or bank; and

(12) Investments in shares of institutional mutual funds whose investment policies are essentially in agreement with the type and criteria for Investments otherwise set forth in this definition,

 

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provided that Investments described in clauses (7) through (12) of this definition are restricted to obligations rated no lower than “A3” or “P-1” by Moody’s or “A-” or “A-1” by S&P.

Term Extension Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a) [Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments].

Term Loans ” shall mean term loans established pursuant to Section 2.11 [Incremental Facilities].

Threshold Amount ” shall mean $20,000,000.

Total Leverage Ratio ” shall mean, on any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Indebtedness to (2) Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for the most recent four-quarter period ended prior to the date of determination for which internal financial statements are available.

Transactions ” shall mean, collectively, (1) the execution and delivery of the Specified Material Contracts, and the other Material Contracts contemplated by the Registration Statement to be effective as of the Closing Date, by the parties thereto, (2) the contribution of the Contributed Assets (as defined in the Asset Contribution Agreement) to the Operator pursuant to the Asset Contribution Agreement, (3) the contribution of all of the Equity Interests in CNX Operating LLC, which owns all of the Equity Interests in the Operator, to the Borrower pursuant to the Equity Contribution Agreement, (4) the Qualified IPO (including any issuance and sale of additional common units of the Borrower pursuant to the underwriters’ “green shoe” option), (5) the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to be entered into as of the Closing Date by the parties thereto, (6) the Closing Date Distribution and any distribution pursuant to Section 8.2.5(a)(ii) [Restricted Payments], and (7) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing.

UCP ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.11.1 [Governing Law].

Undivided Interests ” shall mean the undivided co-ownership interests in the Pennsylvania Mine Complex.

Uniform Commercial Code ” or “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction or other applicable Law entitled to all the rights, benefits and priorities provided by the Uniform Commercial Code or such Law.

United States Tax Compliance Certificate ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.8.5(b)(i)(C) [Status of Lenders].

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution in accordance with Section 8.2.3 [Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries]; provided that in no event shall the Operator or any Subsidiary of the Borrower that owns Equity Interests in the Operator be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary. All Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

USA PATRIOT Act ” shall mean the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be, renewed, extended, amended or replaced.

 

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Voting Stock ” of a Person shall mean all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.

Water Agreement ” shall mean the Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated as of Closing Date, between CNX Water Assets LLC and the Operator.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” shall mean, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any specified Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests or other ownership interest of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) will at that time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

  1.2 Construction .

Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise clearly requires, the following rules of construction shall apply to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents: (i) references to the plural include the singular, the plural, the part and the whole and the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”; (ii) the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereto” and similar terms in this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document as a whole; (iii) article, section, subsection, clause, schedule and exhibit references are to this Agreement or other Loan Document, as the case may be, unless otherwise specified; (iv) reference to any Person includes such Person’s permitted successors and assigns; (v) unless otherwise provided, reference to any agreement, including this Agreement and any other Loan Document together with the schedules and exhibits hereto or thereto, document or instrument, order, declaration, understanding or other arrangement means such agreement, document, instrument, order, declaration, understanding or other arrangement as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, refunded, superseded, substituted for, replaced, refinanced or increased in whole or in part, from time to time; (vi) any reference to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such Law and any reference to any Law shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such Law as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time; (vii) relative to the determination of any period of time, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding,” and “through” means “through and including”; (viii) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights; (ix) section headings herein and in each other Loan Document are included for convenience and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or such Loan Document; (x) unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time and (xi) references to the “date hereof” or “date of this Agreement” shall be to the Closing Date.

 

  1.3 Accounting Principles .

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all computations and determinations as to accounting or financial matters and all financial statements to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be made and prepared in accordance with GAAP (including principles of consolidation where appropriate),

 

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and all accounting or financial terms shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms by GAAP; provided , however , that all accounting terms used in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants] (and all defined terms used in the definition of any accounting term used in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants] shall have the meaning given to such terms (and defined terms) under GAAP as in effect on the date hereof applied on a basis consistent with those used in preparing the Historical Statements referred to in Section 6.9(a) [Historical Statements]. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

 

  1.4 Valuations .

Whenever this Agreement requires the determination of the monetary value of “other consideration,” a Guaranty, “other obligations” or an Investment and the computation method to determine such monetary value is not already addressed by GAAP, (i) the monetary value of “other consideration” or an Investment of tangible property shall be calculated as the Fair Market Value of such consideration or tangible property, (ii) the monetary value of any Guaranty at any time of a fixed monetary obligation shall be the amount of such fixed monetary obligation at such time, (iii) the monetary value of any Guaranty of a fixed stream of monetary obligations at any time shall be the present value of the remaining amounts of such stream of monetary obligations at such time discounted at a rate equal to the Borrower’s cost of funds at such time, (iv) the monetary value of a Guaranty of performance or of contingent liabilities at any time shall be the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, represent the amount which would reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured monetary obligation or liability of the Person making such Guaranty determined by such Person in good faith, or (v) the monetary value of “other obligations,” contingent or otherwise, at any time shall be the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, represent the amount which would reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured monetary obligation or liability of the Person who is obligated for such “other obligations.”

 

  1.5 Letter of Credit Amounts .

Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided , however , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such times.

 

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2. REVOLVING CREDIT AND SWING LOAN FACILITIES

 

  2.1 Commitments .

 

  2.1.1 Revolving Credit Loans .

Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and relying upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, each Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower at any time or from time to time on or after the date hereof to the Revolving Maturity Date; provided that after giving effect to each such Loan, (i) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (ii) the Revolving Facility Usage shall not exceed the Revolving Credit Commitments. Within such limits of time and amount and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow pursuant to this Section 2.1.1 [Revolving Credit Loans].

 

  2.1.2 Swing Loans .

Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and relying upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, and in order to facilitate loans and repayments between Settlement Dates, the Swingline Lender may, at its option, cancelable at any time for any reason whatsoever, make swing loans (the “ Swing Loans ”) to the Borrower at any time or from time to time after the date hereof to, but not including, the Revolving Maturity Date, in an aggregate principal amount up to but not in excess of the Swingline Cap; provided that, after giving effect to each such Loan, the Revolving Facility Usage shall not at any time exceed the Revolving Credit Commitments. Within such limits of time and amount and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow pursuant to this Section 2.1.2 [Swing Loans].

 

  2.2 Nature of Lenders’ Obligations with Respect to Revolving Credit Loans .

Each Lender shall be obligated to participate in each request for Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to Section 2.5 [Loan Requests] in accordance with its Ratable Share. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several. The failure of any Lender to perform its obligations hereunder shall not affect the Obligations of the Borrower to any other party nor shall any other party be liable for the failure of such Lender to perform its obligations hereunder. The Lenders shall have no obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans hereunder on or after the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

  2.3 Commitment Fees .

Accruing from the date hereof until the Revolving Maturity Date, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender, as consideration for such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder, a nonrefundable commitment fee (the “ Commitment Fee ”) equal to the Commitment Fee Rate (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) on the average daily difference between the amount of (a) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment as the same may be constituted from time to time and (b) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure (for purposes of this computation, Swing Loans shall not be deemed to be borrowed amounts under its Revolving Credit Commitment); provided , however , that any Commitment Fee accrued with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitment of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender except to the extent that such Commitment Fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided further that no Commitment Fee shall accrue with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitment of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Subject to the proviso in the directly preceding sentence, all Commitment Fees shall be payable in arrears on each Payment Date.

 

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  2.4 Voluntary Commitment Reduction .

The Borrower shall have the right any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty, upon three (3) Business Days’ prior written, irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent to permanently reduce, in whole multiples of $5,000,000, or terminate the Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that any such reduction or termination shall be accompanied by (a) the payment in full of any Commitment Fee then accrued on the amount of such reduction or termination and (b) the prepayment of the Revolving Credit Loans, together with the full amount of interest accrued on the principal sum to be prepaid (and all amounts referred to in Section 5.9 [Indemnity] hereof), to the extent that the Revolving Facility Usage exceeds the Revolving Credit Commitment as so reduced or terminated; and provided further that the Revolving Credit Commitments may not be reduced below the Revolving Facility Usage. Each reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments shall ratably reduce the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Lenders, except as otherwise provided in an Additional Credit Extension Amendment as permitted in the definition of “Class.” From the effective date of any such reduction or termination, the obligations of the Borrower to pay the Commitment Fee pursuant to Section 2.3 [Commitment Fees] shall correspondingly be reduced or cease.

 

  2.5 Loan Requests .

 

  2.5.1 Revolving Credit Loan Requests .

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower may from time to time prior to the Revolving Maturity Date request the Lenders to make Revolving Credit Loans, or renew or convert the Interest Rate Option applicable to existing Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to Section 4.2 [Interest Periods], by delivering to the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m., (i) three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of Revolving Credit Loans to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies or the conversion to or the renewal of the LIBOR Rate Option for any Loans; and (ii) the same Business Day of the proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of a Revolving Credit Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies or the last day of the preceding Interest Period with respect to the conversion to the Base Rate Option for any Loan, of a duly completed request therefor substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.5.1 or a request by telephone immediately confirmed in writing in such form and delivered by facsimile or email (in “pdf,” “tif” or similar format) (each, a “ Loan Request ”); it being understood that the Administrative Agent may rely on the authority of any individual making such a telephonic request without the necessity of receipt of such written confirmation. Each Loan Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify or certify, as applicable (i) the proposed Borrowing Date; (ii) the aggregate amount of the proposed Loans comprising each Borrowing Tranche, which amount shall be in (x) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 for each Borrowing Tranche under the LIBOR Rate Option and (y) an integral multiple of $50,000 and not less than the lesser of $500,000 or the maximum amount available for Borrowing Tranches to which the Base Rate Option applies; (iii) whether the LIBOR Rate Option or Base Rate Option shall apply to the proposed Loans comprising the applicable Borrowing Tranche; and (iv) in the case of a Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, an appropriate Interest Period for the Loans comprising such Borrowing Tranche.

 

  2.5.2 Swing Loan Requests .

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower may from time to time prior to the Revolving Maturity Date request the Swingline Lender to make Swing Loans by delivery to the Swingline Lender not later than 2:00 p.m. on the proposed Borrowing Date of a duly completed request

 

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therefor substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.5.2 hereto or a request by telephone immediately confirmed in writing in such form and delivered by facsimile or email (in “pdf,” “tif” or similar format) (each, a “ Swing Loan Request ”); it being understood that the Swingline Lender may rely on the authority of any individual making such a telephonic request without the necessity of receipt of such written confirmation. Each Swing Loan Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify the proposed Borrowing Date and the principal amount of such Swing Loan, which shall be in integral multiples of $50,000 and shall be not less than $100,000.

 

  2.6 Making and Repayment of Loans .

 

  2.6.1 Making Revolving Credit Loans .

The Administrative Agent shall, promptly after receipt by it of a Loan Request pursuant to Section 2.5.1 [Revolving Credit Loan Requests], notify the Lenders of its receipt of such Loan Request specifying the information provided by the Borrower and the apportionment among the Lenders of the requested Revolving Credit Loans as determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.2 [Nature of Lenders’ Obligations with Respect to Revolving Credit Loans]. Each Lender shall remit the principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan to the Administrative Agent such that the Administrative Agent is able to, and the Administrative Agent shall, to the extent the Lenders have made funds available to it for such purpose and subject to Section 7.2 [Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit], fund such Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower in U.S. Dollars and immediately available funds at the Principal Office prior to 2:00 p.m. on the applicable Borrowing Date; provided that if any Lender fails to remit such funds to the Administrative Agent in a timely manner, the Administrative Agent may elect in its sole discretion to fund with its own funds the Revolving Credit Loans of such Lender on such Borrowing Date, and such Lender shall be subject to the repayment obligation in Section 2.6.2 [Presumptions by the Administrative Agent].

 

  2.6.2 Presumptions by the Administrative Agent .

Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to 1:00 p.m. on the proposed date of any Loan that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Loan, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.6.1 [Making Revolving Credit Loans] and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Loan available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Loans under the Base Rate Option. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Loan to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

  2.6.3 Making Swing Loans .

So long as the Swingline Lender elects to make Swing Loans, the Swingline Lender shall, after receipt by it of a Swing Loan Request pursuant to Section 2.5.2 [Swing Loan Requests], fund such Swing Loan to the Borrower in U.S. Dollars and immediately available funds at the Principal Office prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Borrowing Date.

 

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  2.6.4 Repayment of Loans .

The Borrower shall repay all Loans together with all outstanding interest thereon on the Maturity Date. On each date that a Revolving Credit Loan is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swing Loans then outstanding.

 

  2.7 Notes .

 

  2.7.1 Revolving Credit Notes .

If requested by any Lender, the obligation of the Borrower to repay the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans made to it by such Lender, together with interest thereon, shall be evidenced by a Revolving Credit Note payable to the order of such Lender in a face amount equal to the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender. The Revolving Credit Loans shall mature, and the Borrower unconditionally agrees to pay in full the unpaid principal amount and all amounts outstanding and unpaid in respect of the Revolving Credit Loans to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender, on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

  2.7.2 Swing Loan Note .

The obligation of the Borrower to repay the unpaid principal amount of the Swing Loans made to it by the Swingline Lender together with interest thereon shall be evidenced by a Swing Loan Note payable to the order of the Swingline Lender in a face amount equal to the Swingline Cap.

 

  2.8 Use of Proceeds .

The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans will be used in accordance with Section 8.1.11 [Use of Proceeds].

 

  2.9 Letters of Credit .

 

  2.9.1 Issuance of Letters of Credit .

(a) The Borrower or any Loan Party may at any time prior to the Letter of Credit Maturity Date request the issuance of a letter of credit (each, a “ Letter of Credit ”), for its own account or the account of another Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, or the amendment or extension of an existing Letter of Credit, by delivering or transmitting by facsimile or email (in “pdf,” “tif” or similar format), or having such other Loan Party or such Subsidiary deliver or transmit by facsimile or email (in “pdf,” “tif” or similar format) to an Issuing Lender selected by the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) a completed application for letter of credit, or request for such amendment or extension, as applicable, in such form as such Issuing Lender may specify from time to time by no later than 10:00 a.m. at least five (5) Business Days, or such shorter period as may be agreed to by such Issuing Lender, in advance of the proposed date of issuance. The Borrower or any Loan Party shall authorize and direct each Issuing Lender to name the Borrower or such other Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof as the “Applicant” or “Account Party” of each Letter of Credit. Promptly after receipt of any letter of credit application, such Issuing Lender shall confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit application and if not, such Issuing Lender will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Letters of Credit may be issued in the form of a

 

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Standby Letter of Credit or a Commercial Letter of Credit. Letters of Credit shall be issued only in U.S. Dollars. For the avoidance of doubt, the Loan Parties acknowledge that each Letter of Credit issued for the account of Persons other than the Loan Parties (even though the Borrower is a co-applicant thereon) shall constitute an Investment and Guaranty in an amount equal to the face amount of such Letter of Credit, without duplication, and shall be subject to the limitations set forth herein.

(b) Unless an Issuing Lender has received notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one day prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions in Section 7 [Conditions of Lending and Issuance of Letters of Credit] is not satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof and in reliance on (among other things) the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.9, such Issuing Lender or any of such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates will issue the proposed Letter of Credit or agree to such amendment or extension; provided that after giving effect thereto:

(i) no Letter of Credit shall expire later than the earlier of (x) subject to Section 2.9.1(c), twelve (12) months from the date of issuance or extension, unless the applicable Issuing Lender agrees, and (y) the Letter of Credit Maturity Date, unless the applicable Issuing Lender agrees and the Borrower complies with the requirements of Section 2.9.10 [Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date]; and

(ii) in no event shall (x) the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Obligations exceed the Letter of Credit Aggregate Sublimit at any one time outstanding, (y) the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding by any Issuing Lender exceed its Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimit at any one time (unless otherwise agreed to by such Issuing Lender) or (z) the Revolving Facility Usage exceed, at any one time, the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Each request for the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that it shall be in compliance with the preceding sentence and with Section 7 [Conditions of Lending and Issuance of Letters of Credit] after giving effect to the requested issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit. Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to the beneficiary thereof, the applicable Issuing Lender will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

(c) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable request for a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Lender may, in its discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the Issuing Lender to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the Issuing Lender, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the Issuing Lender for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Revolving Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the Issuing Lender to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Maturity Date; provided , however , that the Issuing Lender shall not permit any such extension if (A) the Issuing Lender has determined that it would not be permitted to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof, or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any

 

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Revolving Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 7.2 [Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit] is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the Issuing Lender not to permit such extension.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 2.9.1(a), no Issuing Lender shall be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if (i) any order, judgment or decree of any Official Body or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Lender from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such Issuing Lender or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Official Body with jurisdiction over such Issuing Lender shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Lender refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Lender with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Lender is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Lender any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which such Issuing Lender in good faith deems material to it, or (ii) the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Lender applicable to letters of credit generally.

 

  2.9.2 Letter of Credit Fees .

The Borrower shall pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders a fee (the “ Letter of Credit Fee ”) equal to the Applicable Letter of Credit Fee Rate on the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit, and (ii) to each Issuing Lender for its own account a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender. All Letter of Credit Fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed and shall be payable in arrears on each Payment Date following issuance of each Letter of Credit; provided , however , that fronting fees on commercial or trade Letters of Credit shall be payable at the time of issuance. The Borrower shall also pay to each Issuing Lender for such Issuing Lender’s sole account such Issuing Lender’s then in effect customary fees and administrative expenses payable with respect to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender as such Issuing Lender may generally charge or incur from time to time in connection with the issuance, maintenance, extension, renewal, amendment (if any), assignment or transfer (if any), negotiation, and administration of Letters of Credit.

 

  2.9.3 Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement .

(a) Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from such Issuing Lender a participation in such Letter of Credit and each drawing thereunder in an amount equal to such Lender’s Ratable Share of the maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit and the amount of such drawing, respectively.

(b) In the event of any request for a drawing under a Letter of Credit by the beneficiary or transferee thereof, the applicable Issuing Lender will promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Provided that it shall have received such notice, the Borrower shall reimburse (such obligation to reimburse such Issuing Lender shall sometimes be referred to as a “ Reimbursement Obligation ”) such Issuing Lender prior to 12:00 noon on the next Business Day following each date that an amount is paid by such Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit (each such date, a “ Reimbursement Date ”) by paying to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender an amount equal to the amount so paid by such Issuing Lender plus interest at the interest rate applicable to Loans under the Base Rate Option from the date on which the amount was paid by such Issuing Lender to the date such Issuing Lender is reimbursed, unless otherwise required by the Administrative Agent or such Issuing

 

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Lender. In the event the Borrower fails to reimburse such Issuing Lender (through the Administrative Agent) for the full amount of any drawing under any Letter of Credit by 12:00 noon on the Reimbursement Date, the Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender thereof of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and each such Lender’s Ratable Share of the amount of such drawing. Any notice given by the Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9.3(b) may be oral if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

(c) Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.9.3(b) make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Issuing Lender immediately available funds equal to its Ratable Share of the amount of the drawing, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. If any Lender so notified fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender the amount of such Lender’s Ratable Share of such amount by no later than 2:00 p.m. on the Reimbursement Date, then interest shall accrue on such Lender’s obligation to make such payment, from the Reimbursement Date to the date on which such Lender makes such payment (i) at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate during the first three (3) days following the Reimbursement Date and (ii) at a rate per annum equal to the rate applicable to Revolving Credit Loans under the Base Rate Option on and after the fourth day following the Reimbursement Date. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.9.3, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this Section 2.9.3(c) to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lender and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9.3(c) to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement. The Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Lender will promptly give notice (as described in Section 2.9.3(b) above) of the occurrence of the Reimbursement Date, but failure of the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Lender to give any such notice on the Reimbursement Date or in sufficient time to enable any Lender to effect such payment on such date shall not relieve such Lender from its obligation under this Section 2.9.3(c).

(d) If the Issuing Lender shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full as set forth in Section 2.9.3(b), the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the first Business Day after receipt of notice to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to Loans under the Base Rate Option; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to Section 2.9.3(b), then Section 4.3(b) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Lender, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to Section 2.9.3(b) to reimburse the Issuing Lender shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 

  2.9.4 Repayment of Participation Advances .

(a) Upon (and only upon) receipt by the Administrative Agent for the account of an Issuing Lender of immediately available funds from the Borrower (i) in reimbursement of any payment made by such Issuing Lender under the Letter of Credit with respect to which any Lender has made a payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9.3 (each such payment by a Lender, a “ Participation Advance ”) to the Administrative Agent, or (ii) in payment of interest on such a payment made by such Issuing Lender under such a Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent on behalf of such Issuing Lender will pay to each Lender, in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent, the amount of such Lender’s Ratable Share of such funds, except the Administrative Agent shall retain for the account of such Issuing Lender the amount of the Ratable Share of such funds of any Lender that did not make a Participation Advance in respect of such payment by such Issuing Lender.

 

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(b) If an Issuing Lender or the Administrative Agent is required at any time to return to any Loan Party, or to a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian, or any official in any Insolvency Proceeding, any portion of any payment made by any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section in reimbursement of a payment made under any Letter of Credit or interest or fees thereon, each Lender shall, on demand of the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Lender, forthwith return to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Lender the amount of its Ratable Share of any amounts so returned by the Administrative Agent plus interest thereon from the date such demand is made to the date such amounts are returned by such Lender to the Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect from time to time.

 

  2.9.5 Documentation .

Each Loan Party agrees to be bound by the terms of each Issuing Lender’s Issuer Documents and written regulations and customary practices relating to letters of credit, though such interpretation may be different from such Loan Party’s own. In the event of a conflict between an Issuer Document and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern. It is understood and agreed that, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct, no Issuing Lender shall be liable for any error, negligence and/or mistakes, whether of omission or commission, in following any Loan Party’s instructions or those contained in the Letters of Credit or any modifications, amendments or supplements thereto.

 

  2.9.6 Determinations to Honor Drawing Requests .

In determining whether to honor any request for drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the applicable Issuing Lender shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they substantially comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit.

 

  2.9.7 Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations .

Each Lender’s obligation in accordance with this Agreement to make Participation Advances, as contemplated by Section 2.9.3 [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement] and the Obligations of the Borrower to reimburse each respective Issuing Lender upon a draw under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.9 [Letters of Credit] under all circumstances, including the following circumstances:

(a) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the applicable Issuing Lender or any of its Affiliates, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, or which any Loan Party may have against the applicable Issuing Lender or any of its Affiliates, any Lender or any other Person for any reason whatsoever;

(b) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

(c) any claim of breach of warranty that might be made by any Loan Party or any Lender against any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit, or the existence of any claim, set-off, recoupment, counterclaim, crossclaim, defense or other right which any Loan Party or any Lender may have at any time against a beneficiary, successor beneficiary any transferee or assignee of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof (or any Persons for whom any such transferee may be

 

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acting), any Issuing Lender or its Affiliates or any Lender or any other Person or, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between any Loan Party or Subsidiaries of a Loan Party and the beneficiary for which any Letter of Credit was procured);

(d) the lack of power or authority of any signer of (or any defect in or forgery of any signature or endorsement on) or the form of or lack of validity, sufficiency, accuracy, enforceability or genuineness of any draft, demand, instrument, certificate or other document presented under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, or any fraud or alleged fraud in connection with any Letter of Credit, or the transport of any property or provisions of services relating to a Letter of Credit, in each case even if such Issuing Lender or any of such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates has been notified thereof;

(e) payment by such Issuing Lender or any of its Affiliates under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document which does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit;

(f) the solvency of, or any acts or omissions by, any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, or any other Person having a role in any transaction or obligation relating to a Letter of Credit, or the existence, nature, quality, quantity, condition, value or other characteristic of any property or services relating to a Letter of Credit;

(g) any failure by such Issuing Lender or any of such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates to issue any Letter of Credit in the form requested by any Loan Party, unless such Issuing Lender has received written notice from such Loan Party of such failure within three (3) Business Days after such Issuing Lender shall have furnished such Loan Party and the Administrative Agent a copy of such Letter of Credit and such error is material and no drawing has been made thereon prior to receipt of such notice;

(h) any adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(i) any breach of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by any party thereto;

(j) the occurrence or continuance of an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Loan Party;

(k) the fact that an Event of Default or a Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(l) the fact that the Revolving Maturity Date shall have passed or this Agreement or the Commitments hereunder shall have been terminated; and

(m) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

 

  2.9.8 Indemnity .

The Borrower hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless each Issuing Lender and any of its Affiliates that has issued a Letter of Credit from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, taxes, penalties, interest, judgments, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including

 

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reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel) which such Issuing Lender or any of such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of the issuance of any Letter of Credit issued by it, other than as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Lender as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

  2.9.9 Liability for Acts and Omissions .

(a) As between any Loan Party and an Issuing Lender, or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates, such Loan Party assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, no Issuing Lender shall be responsible for any of the following including any losses or damages to any Loan Party or other Person or property relating therefrom: (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document (including all sight drafts, certificates and all other instruments) submitted by any party in connection with the application for an issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged (even if such Issuing Lender or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates shall have been notified thereof); (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) the failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit, or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred, to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit or any other claim of any Loan Party against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, or any such transferee, or any dispute between or among any Loan Party and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any such transferee; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of such Issuing Lender or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates, as applicable, including any acts of any Official Body, and none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any of such Issuing Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates rights or powers hereunder. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall relieve the Issuing Lender from liability for such Issuing Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with actions or omissions described in clauses (i) through (viii) of such sentence, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. In no event shall any Issuing Lender or any Issuing Lender’s Affiliates be liable to any Loan Party for any indirect, consequential, incidental, punitive, exemplary or special damages or expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees), or for any damages resulting from any change in the value of any property relating to a Letter of Credit.

(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Issuing Lender and each of its Affiliates (i) may rely on any oral or other communication believed in good faith by such Issuing Lender or such Affiliate to have been authorized or given by or on behalf of the applicant for a Letter of Credit or any beneficiary, transferee, or assignee of proceeds thereof, (ii) may honor any presentation if the documents presented appear on their face substantially to comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant Letter of Credit; (iii) may honor a previously dishonored presentation under a Letter of Credit, whether such dishonor was pursuant to a court order, to settle or compromise any claim of wrongful dishonor, or otherwise, and shall be entitled to reimbursement to the same extent as if such presentation had initially been honored, together with any interest paid by such Issuing Lender or its Affiliate; (iv) may honor any drawing that is payable upon presentation of a statement advising negotiation or payment, upon receipt of such statement (even if such statement indicates that a draft or other document is being delivered

 

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separately), and shall not be liable for any failure of any such draft or other document to arrive, or to conform in any way with the relevant Letter of Credit; (v) may pay any paying or negotiating bank claiming that it rightfully honored under the laws or practices of the place where such bank is located; and (vi) may settle or adjust any claim or demand made on such Issuing Lender or its Affiliate in any way related to any order issued at the applicant’s request to an air carrier, a letter of guarantee or of indemnity issued to a carrier or any similar document (each, an “ Order ”) and honor any drawing in connection with any Letter of Credit that is the subject to such Order, notwithstanding that any drafts or other documents presented in connection with such Letter of Credit fail to conform in any way with such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the specific provisions set forth above, any action taken or omitted by such Issuing Lender or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates under or in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it, the Issuer Documents or any documents and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not put such Issuing Lender or such Issuing Lender’s Affiliates under any resulting liability to the Borrower or any Lender, unless such action taken or omitted is found in a final and nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

  2.9.10 Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date .

If the Borrower or any other Loan Party requests the issuance, extension or renewal of any Letter of Credit and such Letter of Credit would have an expiration date which is after the Letter of Credit Maturity Date, no Issuing Lender shall be required to issue, extend or renew such Letter of Credit, but may elect to do so if the requirements of this Section 2.9.10 are satisfied. The Borrower shall, on or before the issuance, extension or renewal of such Letter of Credit, deposit and pledge Cash Collateral for each such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to 105% of the face value of such outstanding Letter of Credit plus the amount of fees that would be due under such Letter of Credit through the expiry date of such Letter of Credit. Such Cash Collateral shall be deposited pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Lender and the Borrower and shall be maintained in blocked deposit accounts at such Issuing Lender. The Borrower hereby grants to the applicable Issuing Lender a security interest in all Cash Collateral pledged to such Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section or otherwise under this Agreement. The Cash Collateral related to a particular Letter of Credit shall be released by the applicable Issuing Lender upon termination or expiration of such Letter of Credit and the reimbursement by the Loan Parties of all amounts drawn thereon and the payment in full of all fees accrued thereon through the date of such expiration or termination. After the Revolving Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay any and all fees associated with any such Letter of Credit with an expiration date that extends beyond the Revolving Maturity Date directly to the applicable Issuing Lender.

 

  2.9.11 Issuing Lender Reporting Requirements .

Each Issuing Lender shall, on the first Business Day of each month, provide to Administrative Agent and Borrower a schedule of the Letters of Credit issued by it, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, showing the date of issuance of each Letter of Credit, the account party, the original face amount (if any), and the expiration date of any Letter of Credit outstanding at any time during the preceding month, and any other information relating to such Letter of Credit that the Administrative Agent may request.

 

  2.9.12 Resigning Issuing Lenders .

Upon an assignment pursuant to Section 11.8.2 [Assignments by Lenders] by an Issuing Lender of all of its Revolving Credit Commitments, such Issuing Lender (a “ Resigning Issuing Lender ”) may resign as an Issuing Lender hereunder. In the event of any such resignation, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor “Issuing Lender” hereunder (to the extent such

 

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Lender agrees to act as an Issuing Lender); provided , however , that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of any such Resigning Issuing Lender. Such successor Issuing Lender or another Issuing Lender shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit issuing by the Resigning Issuing Lender, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the Resigning Issuing Lender to effectively assume the obligations of the Resigning Issuing Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit. The Resigning Issuing Lender shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of an Issuing Lender with respect to all Letters of Credit issued by it that remain outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as Issuing Lender and all Letter of Credit Obligations with respect thereto, including the right to require the Lenders to make Participation Advances pursuant to Section 2.9.3 [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement]. Upon such assignment, such successor Issuing Lender or other Issuing Lender shall succeed to all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the Resigning Issuing Lender and the Resigning Issuing Lender shall be discharged from all of its respective duties and obligations as Issuing Lender hereunder.

 

  2.10 Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans .

The Swingline Lender may, at its option, exercisable at any time for any reason whatsoever, demand repayment of the Swing Loans, and each Lender shall make a Revolving Credit Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Ratable Share of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Swing Loans, plus, if the Swingline Lender so requests, accrued interest thereon; provided that no Lender shall be obligated in any event to make Revolving Credit Loans in excess of the amount that would cause its Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Credit Commitment. Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall bear interest at the Base Rate Option and shall be deemed to have been properly requested in accordance with Section 2.5.1 [Revolving Credit Loan Requests] without regard to any of the requirements of that provision. The Administrative Agent on behalf of the Swingline Lender shall provide notice to the Lenders (which may be telephonic or written notice by letter, facsimile or email (in “pdf,” “tif” or similar format)) no later than 11:00 a.m. on any Business Day that such Revolving Credit Loans are to be made under this Section 2.10 [Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans] and of the apportionment among the Lenders, and the Lenders shall be unconditionally obligated to fund such Revolving Credit Loans (whether or not the conditions specified in Section 2.5 [Loan Requests] or Section 7.2 [Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit] are then satisfied) to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Swingline Lender, no later than 3:00 p.m. on the Settlement Date.

 

  2.11 Incremental Facilities .

(a) Establishment of Incremental Facilities . The Borrower may by written notice to the Administrative Agent elect to seek (1) commitments to increase the Revolving Credit Commitments of any Class (any such increase, an “ Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment ”) and/or (2) commitments for the establishment of a Class of Term Loans or, following the establishment of any Class of Term Loans hereunder, increase the principal amount of such Class of Term Loans (any such new Class or increase, a “ Term Loan ” and, together with any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, the “ Incremental Facilities ”); provided that the establishment of any Incremental Facility shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i) No Obligation to Increase . No Person that is a Lender prior to such establishment (a “ Current Lender ”) shall be obligated to provide an Incremental Facility, and any commitment of any Current Lender to provide an Incremental Facility shall be in the sole discretion of such Current Lender;

(ii) Borrowing Conditions . Each of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 [Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit] shall be satisfied, and the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative

 

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Agent a certificate dated as of the effective date of such Incremental Facility signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that, before and after giving effect to such Incremental Facility (and assuming full utilization thereof), (x) the representations and warranties contained in Section 6 [Representations and Warranties] and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except that (I) any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified and (II) representations and warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein, except that for purposes of this Section 2.11, the representations and warranties contained in Sections 6.9(a), (b) and (c) [Financial Statements] shall be deemed to refer to the most recent financial statements furnished pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] and 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements], as applicable), (y) no Potential Default or Event of Default exists and (z) the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Covenants recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower for which financial statements have been or were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] or 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements];

(iii) Amount of Incremental Facilities . The amount of any Incremental Facility is at least $25,000,000, and after giving effect to such Incremental Facility, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments and all Term Loans outstanding shall not exceed the Maximum Facility Amount;

(iv) Resolutions; Opinion; Mortgage Amendments . The Loan Parties shall deliver to the Administrative Agent on or before the effective date of such Incremental Facility the following documents in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent: (1) certifications of their corporate secretaries with attached resolutions certifying that the Incremental Facility has been approved by the Loan Parties, (2) opinions of counsel, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders addressing the authorization, execution and enforceability of the Loan Documents executed in connection with such Incremental Facility, and (3) amendments to the Mortgages executed and delivered by the applicable Loan Parties to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to reflect the Incremental Facility, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, together with (A) a “Life-of-Loan” flood hazard determination with respect to each Mortgage, and evidence of flood insurance in compliance with the Flood Laws, as applicable, and (B) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders providing the Incremental Facility, local counsel opinions regarding the due authorization, execution, delivery, and enforceability of such mortgage amendments. The Loan Parties shall cause the amendments described in clause (3) to be properly recorded and/or filed in the applicable filing or recording offices.

(v) Notes . The Borrower shall execute and deliver (1) to each Current Lender with an Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment that requests a Revolving Credit Note a replacement Revolving Credit Note reflecting the new amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment after giving effect to its Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment (and the prior Note issued to such Lender shall be deemed to be canceled and shall be returned to the Borrower as soon as practicable), (2) to each new Lender with an Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment that requests a Revolving Credit Note, a Revolving Credit Note reflecting the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (3) to each Lender that requests a note evidencing its Term Loans, a note reflecting the amount of such Lender’s Term Loans;

 

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(vi) Approval of Incremental Lenders . Each Incremental Lender shall be subject to the consents specified in Section 11.8.2(c) [Required Consents] as if the Incremental Facility were an assignment;

(vii) Documentation . Each Incremental Facility shall be documented by an Additional Credit Extension Amendment executed by the Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Facility (and the other Persons specified in the definition of Additional Credit Extension Amendment but no other existing Lender), and the Additional Credit Extension Amendment may provide for such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.11, including, in the case of an Incremental Facility that is a Class of Term Loans, such clarifying and/or conforming changes to reflect that a Class of Term Loans is being added to this Agreement and to clarify that certain provisions of this Agreement that are specific to revolving credit facilities do not apply to Term Loans.

(b) Syndication . In the event that the Borrower elects to request an Incremental Facility, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree to mutually develop a syndication strategy, including timelines for commitments.

(c) Treatment of Outstanding Loans and Letters of Credit .

(i) Repayment of Outstanding Revolving Credit Loans; Borrowing of New Revolving Credit Loans . On the effective date of each Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, the Borrower shall (x) repay the Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding to each of the Current Lenders to the extent necessary so that after giving effect to the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments each Current Lender will have its Ratable Share of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, subject to the Borrower’s indemnity obligations under Section 5.9 [Indemnity] and (y) borrow Revolving Credit Loans from Incremental Lenders to the extent necessary so that after giving effect to the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, each such Lender will have its Ratable Share of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans. To facilitate the foregoing, the Borrower may, subject to its compliance with the other terms of this Agreement, borrow new Revolving Credit Loans on the effective date of such increase. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to update Schedule 1.1(B) to reflect the increase in Revolving Credit Commitments.

(ii) Outstanding Letters of Credit; Repayment of Outstanding Revolving Credit Loans; Borrowing of New Revolving Credit Loans . On the effective date of each Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, (a) each Current Lender shall be deemed to have sold its existing participation in each then outstanding Letter of Credit and purchased a participation in each then outstanding Letter of Credit equal to its Ratable Share of such Letters of Credit, and (b) each Incremental Lender will be deemed to have purchased a participation in each then outstanding Letter of Credit equal to its Ratable Share of such Letter of Credit. All fees shall accrue and be paid on the Letters of Credit based upon each Lender’s participation therein over the relevant period of time. To the extent necessary to enable each of the Current Lenders and the Incremental Lenders to own a Ratable Share of the Participation Advances after any increase in the Revolving Credit Commitments, (a) the Current Lenders will sell a portion of its Participation Advances, and (b) the Incremental Lenders will acquire Participation Advances (and will pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each selling Lender, in immediately available funds, an amount) equal to its Ratable Share of all outstanding Participation Advances. All fees and interest on Participation Advances shall be allocated based upon each Lender’s ownership therein from time to time.

 

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(d) Term Loans .

(i) Any Term Loans (i) shall not have a final maturity date earlier than the Maturity Date, (ii) shall amortize in a manner customary in the market for term loans of such type, (iii) may be subject to mandatory prepayment provisions that are customary in the market for term loans of such type, (iv) may have the benefit of customary “most favored nation” pricing provisions if any additional Class of Term Loans is established, (v) shall not receive credit support from any Persons other than the Loan Parties, (vi) shall not be secured by any assets other than the Collateral and (vii) shall otherwise be on terms to be mutually agreed between the lenders providing such Term Loans and the Borrower.

(ii) On the effective date of any Term Loans, each Incremental Lender with a commitment to provide such Term Loans shall make a Term Loan to the Borrower in a principal amount equal to such Incremental Lender’s commitment.

(e) This Section 2.11 shall supersede any provisions in Section 5.2 [Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders], Section 5.3 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders], Section 9.2.5 [Application of Proceeds] or Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] to the contrary.

 

  2.12 Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments .

(a) The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Term Loans of any Class (the Loans of such applicable Class, the “ Existing Term Loans ”) be converted into a new Class of Term Loans (the Loans of such applicable Class, the “ Extended Term Loans ”) with terms consistent with this Section 2.12. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (a “ Term Extension Request ”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established, which shall be identical to those applicable to the Existing Term Loans from which such Extended Term Loans are to be converted except that:

(i) the maturity date of the Extended Term Loans shall be later than the maturity date of the Existing Term Loans and the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Extended Term Loans shall be longer than the then remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Existing Term Loans;

(ii) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Existing Term Loans;

(iii) (A) the interest rates (including through fixed interest rates), interest margins, rate floors, upfront fees, funding discounts, original issue discounts and premiums with respect to the Extended Term Loans may be different than those for the Existing Term Loans and (B) additional fees and/or premiums may be payable to the Extending Lenders providing such Extended Term Loans in addition to any of the items contemplated by the preceding clause (A);

(iv) the Extended Term Loans may have optional prepayment terms (including call protection and prepayment premiums) and mandatory prepayment terms as may be agreed between the Borrower and the Extending Lenders so long as such Extended Term Loans do not participate on a greater than pro rata basis in any such mandatory prepayments as compared to Lenders of existing Term Loans; and

(v) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may be subject to covenants and other terms for the benefit of the Extending Lenders that apply only after the Latest Maturity Date (before giving effect to the Extended Term Loans).

 

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(b) The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of any Class (the Commitments of such applicable Class, the “ Existing Revolving Credit Commitments ”) be converted into a new Class of Revolving Credit Commitments (the Commitments of such applicable Class, the “ Extended Revolving Credit Commitments ”) with terms consistent with this Section 2.12(b). In order to establish any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (a “ Revolving Extension Request ”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments to be established, which terms shall be identical to those applicable to the Existing Revolving Credit Commitments except that:

(i) the maturity date of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments shall be later than the maturity date of the Existing Revolving Credit Commitments;

(ii) (A) the interest rates, interest margins, rate floors, upfront fees, funding discounts, OID and premiums with respect to the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments may be different than those for the Existing Revolving Credit Commitments and/or (B) additional fees and/or premiums may be payable to the Extending Lenders in addition to or in lieu of any of the items contemplated by the preceding subclause (A) and/or (C) the undrawn revolving credit commitment fee rate with respect to the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments may be different than those for the Existing Revolving Credit Commitments; and

(iii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may be subject to covenants and other terms for the benefit of the Extending Lenders that apply only after the Latest Maturity Date (before giving effect to the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments).

(c) Each Extension Request shall specify the date (the “ Extension Effective Date ”) on which the Borrower proposes that the conversion of any Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments into Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, shall be effective, which shall be a date reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender of Loans of an Existing Class that are requested to be extended shall be offered the opportunity to convert its Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments into Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, on the same basis as each other Lender of Loans of the same Existing Class. Any Lender (to the extent applicable, an “ Extending Lender ”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments subject to such Extension Request converted into Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, shall notify the Administrative Agent (an “ Extension Election ”) on or prior to the date specified in such Extension Request of the amount of its Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments subject to such Extension Request that it has elected to convert into Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable. In the event that the aggregate portion of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments subject to Extension Elections exceeds the amount of the Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, requested pursuant to the Extension Request, the portion of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments converted shall be allocated on a pro rata basis based on the amount of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, included in each such Extension Election. Notwithstanding the conversion of any Existing Revolving Credit Commitment into an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment, such Extended Revolving Credit Commitment shall be treated identically with all Existing Revolving Credit Commitments for purposes of the obligations of a Revolving Lender in respect of Swing Loans under Section 2.10 [Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans] and Letters of Credit under Section 2.9 [Letters of Credit], except that the applicable Additional Credit Extension Amendment may provide that the maturity date for Swing Loans and/or the Letters of Credit may be extended and the related obligations to make Swing Loans and issue Letters of Credit may be continued so long as the Swingline Lender and/or the applicable Issuing Lender, as applicable, have consented to such extensions in their sole discretion (it being understood that no consent of any other Lender shall be required in connection with any such extension).

 

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(d) An Extended Class shall be established pursuant to an Additional Credit Extension Amendment executed by the Extending Lenders (and the other Persons specified in the definition of Additional Credit Extension Amendment but no other existing Lender). No Additional Credit Extension Amendment shall provide for any Class of (x) Extended Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount that is less than $10,000,000 or (y) Extended Revolving Credit Commitments in an aggregate principal amount that is less than $5,000,000. In addition to any terms and changes required or permitted by Section 2.12(a), the Additional Credit Extension Amendment shall amend the scheduled amortization payments with respect to the Existing Term Loans from which the Extended Term Loans were converted to reduce each scheduled principal repayment amounts for the Existing Term Loans in the same proportion as the amount of Existing Term Loans to be converted pursuant to such Additional Credit Extension Amendment.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, on the Extension Effective Date, (i) the principal amount of each Existing Term Loan shall be deemed reduced by an amount equal to the principal amount converted into an Extended Term Loan, (ii) the amount of each Existing Revolving Credit Commitment shall be deemed reduced by an amount equal to the amount converted into an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment and (iii) if, on any Extension Effective Date, any Loans of any Extending Lender are outstanding under the applicable Existing Revolving Credit Commitments, such Loans (and any related participations) shall be deemed to be converted into Loans (and related participations) made pursuant to the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments in the same proportion as such Extending Lender’s Existing Revolving Credit Commitments are converted to Extended Revolving Credit Commitments.

(f) This Section 2.12 shall supersede any provisions in Section 5.2 [Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders], Section 5.3 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders], Section 9.2.5 [Application of Proceeds] or Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] to the contrary. Each Extended Class shall be documented by an Additional Credit Extension Amendment executed by the Extending Lenders providing such Extended Class (and the other persons specified in the definition of Additional Credit Extension Amendment but no other existing Lender), and the Additional Credit Extension Amendment may provide for such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.12.

 

  2.13 Defaulting Lenders .

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(i) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.3 [Commitment Fees];

(ii) the Commitment and outstanding Loans of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers]); provided , that this clause (ii) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

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(iii) if any Swing Loans are outstanding or any Letter of Credit Obligations exist at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then:

(A) all or any part of the outstanding Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations of such Defaulting Lender shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Ratable Shares but only to the extent that (x) the Revolving Facility Usage does not exceed the total of all non-Defaulting Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitments, and (y) no Potential Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at such time;

(B) if the reallocation described in clause (A) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within one Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such outstanding Swing Loans, and (y) second, Cash Collateralize for the benefit of the Issuing Lenders (ratably among the Issuing Lenders) the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (A) above) in a deposit account held at the Administrative Agent for so long as such Letter of Credit Obligations are outstanding;

(C) if the Borrower Cash Collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations pursuant to clause (B) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees] with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations during the period such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations are cash collateralized;

(D) if the Letter of Credit Obligations of the non-Defaulting Lenders are reallocated pursuant to clause (A) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees] shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Ratable Share; and

(E) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations are neither reallocated nor Cash Collateralized pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Lender or any other Lender hereunder, all Letter of Credit Fees payable under Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees] with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Obligations shall be payable to the Issuing Lenders ((ratably among them) and not to such Defaulting Lender) until and to the extent that such Letter of Credit Obligations are reallocated and/or Cash Collateralized; and

(iv) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, (x) no Issuing Lender shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless such Issuing Lender is satisfied that the related exposure and the Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations will be 100% covered by the Revolving Credit Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.13(a)(iii)(B), and (y) participating interests in any newly made Swing Loan or any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.13(a)(iii)(A) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

(b) In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Lenders agree in writing that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties

 

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hereto, and the Ratable Share of the Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment, and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swing Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Ratable Share.

3. RESERVED

4. INTEREST RATES

 

  4.1 Interest Rate Options .

The Borrower shall pay interest in respect of the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the Loans as selected by it from the Base Rate Option or LIBOR Rate Option set forth below applicable to the Loans, it being understood that, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may select different Interest Rate Options and different Interest Periods to apply simultaneously to the Loans comprising different Borrowing Tranches and may convert to or renew one or more Interest Rate Options with respect to all or any portion of the Loans comprising any Borrowing Tranche; provided that (i) there shall not be at any one time outstanding more than ten (10) Borrowing Tranches in the aggregate among all of the Loans and (ii) if an Event of Default or Potential Default exists and is continuing, the Borrower may not request, convert to, or renew the LIBOR Rate Option for any Loans and the Required Lenders may demand that all existing Borrowing Tranches bearing interest under the LIBOR Rate Option shall be converted immediately to the Base Rate Option, subject to the obligation of the Borrower to pay any indemnity under Section 5.9 [Indemnity] in connection with such conversion. If at any time the designated rate applicable to any Loan made by any Lender exceeds such Lender’s highest lawful rate, the rate of interest on such Lender’s Loan shall be limited to such Lender’s highest lawful rate.

 

  4.1.1 Interest Rate Options; Swing Line Interest Rate .

(a) The Borrower shall have the right to select from the following Interest Rate Options applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans:

(i) Revolving Credit Base Rate Option : A fluctuating rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, such interest rate to change automatically from time to time effective as of the effective date of each change in the Base Rate; or

(ii) Revolving Credit LIBOR Rate Option : A rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) equal to the LIBOR Rate as determined for each applicable Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin.

(b) Subject to Section 4.3 [Interest After Default], only the Base Rate Option applicable to Revolving Credit Loans shall apply to Swing Loans.

 

  4.1.2 Rate Quotations .

The Borrower may call the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which a Loan Request is to be delivered to receive an indication of the rates then in effect, but it is acknowledged that such projection shall not be binding on the Administrative Agent or the Lenders nor affect the rate of interest which thereafter is actually in effect when the election is made.

 

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  4.2 Interest Periods .

At any time when the Borrower shall select, convert to or renew a LIBOR Rate Option, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such LIBOR Rate Option by delivering a Loan Request. The notice shall specify an Interest Period during which such Interest Rate Option shall apply. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the following provisions shall apply to any selection of, renewal of, or conversion to a LIBOR Rate Option:

(a) each Borrowing Tranche of Loans under the LIBOR Rate Option shall be in integral multiples of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000; and

(b) in the case of the renewal of a LIBOR Rate Option at the end of an Interest Period, the first day of the new Interest Period shall be the last day of the preceding Interest Period, without duplication in payment of interest for such day.

 

  4.3 Interest After Default .

To the extent permitted by Law, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and until such time such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, and upon written demand by the Required Lenders to the Administrative Agent:

(a) the Letter of Credit Fees and the rate of interest for each Loan otherwise applicable pursuant to Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees] or Section 4.1 [Interest Rate Options], respectively, shall be increased by 2.0% per annum; and

(b) each other Obligation hereunder if not paid when due shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the rate of interest applicable under the Base Rate Option plus an additional 2.0% per annum from the time such Obligation becomes due and payable and until it is paid in full.

The Borrower acknowledges that the increase in rates referred to in this Section 4.3 reflects, among other things, the fact that such Loans or other amounts have become a substantially greater risk given their default status and that the Lenders are entitled to additional compensation for such risk; and all such interest shall be payable by the Borrower upon demand by the Administrative Agent.

 

  4.4 LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available .

 

  4.4.1 Unascertainable .

If on any date on which a LIBOR Rate would otherwise be determined, the Administrative Agent shall have determined that:

(a) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining such LIBOR Rate, or

(b) a contingency has occurred which materially and adversely affects the Relevant Interbank Market relating to the LIBOR Rate,

the Administrative Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 4.4.3 [Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights].

 

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  4.4.2 Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available .

If at any time any Lender shall have determined that:

(a) the making, maintenance or funding of any Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies has been made impracticable or unlawful by compliance by such Lender in good faith with any Law or any interpretation or application thereof by any Official Body or with any request or directive of any such Official Body (whether or not having the force of Law), or

(b) such LIBOR Rate Option will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lender of the establishment or maintenance of any such Loan, or

(c) after making all reasonable efforts, deposits of the relevant amount in Dollars for the relevant Interest Period for a Loan, or to banks generally, to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies, respectively, are not available to such Lender with respect to such Loan, or to banks generally, in the interbank eurodollar market,

then the Administrative Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 4.4.3 [Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights].

 

  4.4.3 Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights .

In the case of any event specified in Section 4.4.1 [Unascertainable] above, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Lenders and the Borrower thereof, and in the case of an event specified in Section 4.4.2 [Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available] above, such Lender shall promptly so notify the Administrative Agent and endorse a certificate to such notice as to the specific circumstances of such notice, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly send copies of such notice and certificate to the other Lenders and the Borrower. Upon such date as shall be specified in such notice (which shall not be earlier than the date such notice is given), the obligation of (A) the Lenders, in the case of such notice given by the Administrative Agent, or (B) such Lender, in the case of such notice given by such Lender, to allow the Borrower to select, convert to or renew a LIBOR Rate Option shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall have later notified the Borrower, or such Lender shall have later notified the Administrative Agent, of the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, determination that the circumstances giving rise to such previous determination no longer exist. If at any time the Administrative Agent makes a determination under Section 4.4.1 [Unascertainable] and the Borrower has previously notified the Administrative Agent of its selection of, conversion to or renewal of a LIBOR Rate Option and such Interest Rate Option has not yet gone into effect, such notification shall be deemed to provide for selection of, conversion to or renewal of the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loans. If any Lender notifies the Administrative Agent of a determination under Section 4.4.2 [Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], the Borrower shall, subject to the Borrower’s indemnification Obligations under Section 5.9 [Indemnity], as to any Loan of the Lender to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies, on the date specified in such notice either convert such Loan to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loan or prepay such Loan in accordance with Section 5.6 [Prepayments]. Absent due notice from the Borrower of conversion or prepayment, such Loan shall automatically be converted to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such Loan upon such specified date.

 

  4.5 Selection of Interest Rate Options .

If the Borrower fails to select a new Interest Period to apply to any Borrowing Tranche of Loans under the LIBOR Rate Option at the expiration of an existing Interest Period applicable to such

 

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Borrowing Tranche in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.2 [Interest Periods], the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month, commencing upon the last day of the existing Interest Period.

5. PAYMENTS

 

  5.1 Payments .

All payments and prepayments to be made in respect of principal, interest, Commitment Fees, Letter of Credit Fees, Administrative Agent’s Fee or other fees or amounts due from the Borrower hereunder shall be payable prior to 1:00 p.m. on the date when due without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and without set-off, counterclaim or other deduction of any nature, and an action therefor shall immediately accrue. Such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at the Principal Office for the account of PNC with respect to the Swing Loans and for the ratable accounts of the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available funds, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute such amounts to the Lenders in immediately available funds; provided that in the event payments are received by 1:00 p.m. by the Administrative Agent with respect to the Loans and such payments are not distributed to the Lenders on the same day received by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall pay the Lenders interest at the Federal Funds Effective Rate with respect to the amount of such payments for each day held by the Administrative Agent and not distributed to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent’s and each Lender’s statement of account, ledger or other relevant record shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive as the statement of the amount of principal of and interest on the Loans and other amounts owing under this Agreement and shall be deemed an “account stated.”

 

  5.2 Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders .

Each Borrowing Tranche shall be allocated to each Lender according to its Ratable Share, and each selection of, conversion to or renewal of any Interest Rate Option and each payment or prepayment by the Borrower with respect to principal, interest, Commitment Fees, Letter of Credit Fees, or other fees (except for the Administrative Agent’s Fee and the fees payable to the Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 2.9.2 [Letter of Credit Fees]) or amounts due from the Borrower hereunder to the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitments and the Loans, shall (except as otherwise may be provided with respect to a Defaulting Lender and except as provided in Section 4.4.3 [Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights] in the case of an event specified in Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender] or Section 5.7 [Increased Costs]) be payable ratably among the Lenders entitled to such payment in accordance with the amount of principal, interest, Commitment Fees, Letter of Credit Fees, and other fees or amounts then due to such Lender as set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, each borrowing or payment or prepayment by the Borrower of principal, interest, fees or other amounts from the Borrower with respect to Swing Loans shall be made by or to the Swingline Lender according to Section 2.10 [Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans].

 

  5.3 Sharing of Payments by Lenders .

If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff, counterclaim or banker’s lien, by receipt of voluntary payment, by realization upon security, or by any other non-pro rata source, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations greater than the pro rata share of the amount such Lender is entitled    

 

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thereto, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

(i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, together with interest or other amounts, if any, required by Law (including court order) to be paid by the Lender or the holder making such purchase; and

(ii) the provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by the Loan Parties pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of the Loan Documents or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or Participation Advances to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section 5.3 shall apply).

Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against each Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of each Loan Party in the amount of such participation.

 

  5.4 Presumptions by Administrative Agent .

Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Lender hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the Issuing Lender, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

  5.5 Interest Payment Dates .

Interest on Loans to which the Base Rate Option applies shall be due and payable in arrears on each Payment Date. Interest on Loans to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies shall be due and payable on the last day of each Interest Period for those Loans and, if such Interest Period is longer than three (3) Months, also on each date that falls every three (3) Months after the beginning of such Interest Period. Interest on the principal amount of each Loan or other monetary Obligation shall be due and payable on demand after such principal amount or other monetary Obligation becomes due and payable (whether on the stated Maturity Date, upon acceleration or otherwise).

 

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  5.6 Prepayments .

 

  5.6.1 Right to Prepay .

So long as the Borrower has repaid any unreimbursed LC Disbursements, the Borrower shall have the right at its option from time to time to prepay the Loans in whole or part, without premium or penalty (except as provided in Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender] below, in Section 5.7 [Increased Costs] and Section 5.9 [Indemnity]). Whenever the Borrower desires to prepay any part of the Loans, it shall provide a prepayment notice to the Administrative Agent by 1:00 p.m. at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date of prepayment of the Revolving Credit Loans to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies or no later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of prepayment of Swing Loans and Revolving Credit Loans to which the Base Rate Option applies, setting forth the following information:

(a) the date, which shall be a Business Day, on which the proposed prepayment is to be made;

(b) a statement indicating the application of the prepayment between the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Loans;

(c) a statement indicating the application of the prepayment between Loans to which the Base Rate Option applies and Loans to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies; and

(d) the total principal amount of such prepayment, which shall not be less than the lesser of (x) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans or (y) $100,000 for any Swing Loan or $5,000,000 for any Revolving Credit Loan and increments of $5,000,000 in excess thereof.

All prepayment notices shall be irrevocable. The principal amount of the Loans for which a prepayment notice is given, together with interest on such principal amount, shall be due and payable on the date specified in such prepayment notice as the date on which the proposed prepayment is to be made. Except as provided in Section 4.4.3 [Administrative Agent’s and Lender’s Rights], if the Borrower prepays a Loan but fails to specify the applicable Borrowing Tranche which the Borrower is prepaying, the prepayment shall be applied (i) first to Swing Loans and then to Revolving Credit Loans; and (ii) after giving effect to the allocations in clause (i) above first to Loans to which the Base Rate Option applies, then to Loans to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies. Any prepayment hereunder shall be subject to the Borrower’s obligation to indemnify the Lenders under Section 5.9 [Indemnity].

 

  5.6.2 Replacement of a Lender .

In the event any Lender (a) gives notice under Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], (b) requests compensation under Section 5.7 [Increased Costs], or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amount to any Lender or any Official Body for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], (c) is a Defaulting Lender, or (d) is a Non-Consenting Lender referred to in Section 11.1.4 [Non-Consenting Lenders], then in any such event the Borrower may, at its sole expense, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, either:

(a) prepay the Loans and Participation Advances of such Lender in whole, together with all interest accrued thereon and any accrued fees and all other amounts payable to such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 5.9 [Indemnity]), and terminate such Lender’s Commitment; or

 

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(b) at its sole expense, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.8 [Successors and Assigns]), all of its interests, rights (other than existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 5.7 [Increased Costs] or 5.8 [Taxes]) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(i) the Borrower or such assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 11.8 [Successors and Assigns];

(ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and Participation Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 5.9 [Indemnity]) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.7.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(iv) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Law.

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each Lender agrees that, if the Borrower elects to replace such Lender in accordance with this Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender], it shall promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption Agreement to evidence the assignment and shall deliver to the Administrative Agent any Note (if Notes have been issued in respect of such Lender’s Loans) subject to such Assignment and Assumption Agreement; provided that the failure of any such Lender to execute an Assignment and Assumption Agreement shall not render such assignment invalid, and such assignment shall be recorded in the register if all other requirements of such assignments have been satisfied.

 

  5.6.3 Designation of a Different Lending Office .

If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.7 [Increased Costs], or the Borrower is or will be required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Official Body for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], then such Lender shall (at the request of the Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 5.7 [Increased Costs] or Section 5.8 [Taxes], as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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  5.6.4 Mandatory Prepayments .

(a) If at any time the Revolving Facility Usage is in excess of the Revolving Credit Commitments (as used in this Section 5.6.4(a), a “ deficiency ”), the Borrower shall immediately make a principal payment on the Loans sufficient to cause the principal balance of the Loans then outstanding to be equal to or less than the Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect. If a deficiency cannot be eliminated pursuant to this Section 5.6.4(a) by prepayment of the Revolving Credit Loans as a result of outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, the Borrower shall also deposit cash collateral with the Administrative Agent, to be held by the Administrative Agent to secure such outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations.

(b) All prepayments required pursuant to this Section 5.6.4 shall first be applied among the Interest Rate Options to the principal amount of the Loans subject to the Base Rate Option, then to Loans subject to a LIBOR Rate Option. In accordance with Section 5.9 [Indemnity], the Borrower shall indemnify the Lenders for any loss or expense, including loss of margin, incurred with respect to any such prepayments applied against Loans subject to a LIBOR Rate Option on any day other than the last day of the applicable Interest Period.

 

  5.7 Increased Costs .

 

  5.7.1 Increased Costs Generally .

If any Change in Law shall:

(a) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR Rate) or the Issuing Lender;

(b) subject any Lender or the Issuing Lender to any Tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option made by it, or change the basis of Taxation of payments to such Lender or the Issuing Lender in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes indemnifiable under Section 5.8 [Taxes] and any Excluded Taxes); or

(c) impose on any Lender, the Issuing Lender or the Relevant Interbank Market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or any Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the Issuing Lender or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, the Issuing Lender, or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the Issuing Lender, the Borrower will pay to such Lender, the Issuing Lender or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

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  5.7.2 Capital Requirements .

If any Lender or the Issuing Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the Issuing Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Lender or such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Lender or such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

  5.7.3 Certificates for Reimbursement; Repayment of Outstanding Loans; Borrowing of New Loans .

A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in Sections 5.7.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or Section 5.7.2 [Capital Requirements] and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

  5.7.4 Delay in Requests .

Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 5.7 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section 5.7 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine (9) months prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine (9) month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

  5.8 Taxes .

 

  5.8.1 Payments Free of Taxes .

Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes; provided that if any Loan Party or any other applicable withholding agent shall be required by applicable Law to deduct any Taxes from such payments, then (i) if the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.8) each Lender (or, in the case of a payment made to the Administrative Agent for its own account, the Administrative Agent) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions and (iii) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Official Body in accordance with applicable Law.

 

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  5.8.2 Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower .

Without limiting the provisions of Section 5.8.1 [Payments Free of Taxes] above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Official Body in accordance with applicable Law.

 

  5.8.3 Indemnification by the Borrower .

The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 5.8) paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Official Body. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

  5.8.4 Evidence of Payments .

As soon as practicable after any payment of any Taxes by the Borrower to an Official Body, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Official Body evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

  5.8.5 Status of Lenders .

(a) Each Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to any payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders any such documentation (including any specific documentation required below in this Section 5.8.5) obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal ineligibility to do so. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to deliver to the Borrower and to any successor Administrative Agent any documentation provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 5.8.5.

 

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(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) Each Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(A) two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States of America is a party,

(B) two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),

(C) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.8.5 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and that no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with such Foreign Lender’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (a “ United States Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) two duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms),

(D) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Foreign Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Foreign Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY or any other required information (or any successor forms) from each beneficial owner that would be required under this Section 5.8.5 [Status of Lenders] if such beneficial owner were a Lender, as applicable ( provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership (and not a participating Lender) and one or more direct or indirect partners are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Foreign Lender on behalf of such direct or indirect partner(s)), or

(E) two (2) duly completed valid originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding Tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Law to permit the Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

(ii) Each Lender that is a “United States person” as defined in section 7701 of the Code shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) two (2) originals of an IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding.

(iii) If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the

 

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applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Sections 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their FATCA obligations, to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s FATCA obligations and to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.8.5, a Lender shall not be required to deliver any documentation that such Lender is not legally eligible to deliver.

 

  5.8.6 Refunds .

If the Administrative Agent or any Lender receives a refund of any Indemnified Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.8, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section 5.8 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes imposed with respect to such refund) of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Official Body with respect to such refund); provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Official Body) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Official Body. This Section 5.8 shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.

 

  5.8.7 Definition of Lender .

For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Lender” shall, for purposes of this Section 5.8, include any Issuing Lender.

 

  5.9 Indemnity .

In addition to the compensation or payments required by Section 5.7 [Increased Costs] or Section 5.8 [Taxes], the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages or expenses (including loss of anticipated profits, any foreign exchange losses and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan, from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained or from the performance of any foreign exchange contract) which such Lender sustains or incurs as a consequence of any:

(a) payment, prepayment, conversion or renewal of any Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies on a day other than the last day of the corresponding Interest Period (whether or not such payment or prepayment is mandatory, voluntary or automatic and whether or not such payment or prepayment is then due),

 

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(b) attempt by the Borrower to revoke (expressly, by later inconsistent notices or otherwise) in whole or part any Loan Requests under Section 2.5 [Loan Requests] or Section 4.2 [Interest Periods] or notice relating to prepayments under Section 5.6 [Prepayments],

(c) default by the Borrower in the performance or observance of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including any failure of the Borrower to pay when due (by acceleration or otherwise) any principal, interest, Commitment Fee or any other amount due hereunder, or

(d) the assignment of any Revolving Credit Loans under the LIBOR Rate Option other than on the last day of the Interest Period as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender]; provided , however , that with respect to this clause (d), the Borrower shall not be required to indemnify any Defaulting Lender whose Revolving Credit Loans are being replaced as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender].

If any Lender sustains or incurs any such loss or expense, it shall from time to time notify the Borrower of the amount determined in good faith by such Lender (which determination may include such assumptions, allocations of costs and expenses and averaging or attribution methods as such Lender shall deem reasonable) to be necessary to indemnify such Lender for such loss or expense. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such determination. Such amount shall be due and payable by the Borrower to such Lender ten (10) Business Days after such notice is given.

 

  5.10 Settlement Date Procedures .

In order to minimize the transfer of funds between the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Swing Loans and PNC may make Swing Loans as provided in Section 2.1.2 [Swing Loans] hereof during the period between Settlement Dates. The Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of its Ratable Share of the total of the Revolving Credit Loans and the Swing Loans (each a “ Required Share ”). On such Settlement Date, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent the amount equal to the difference between its Required Share and its Revolving Credit Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall pay to each Lender its Ratable Share of all payments made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans. The Administrative Agent shall also effect settlement in accordance with the foregoing sentence on the proposed Borrowing Dates for Revolving Credit Loans and on dates on which mandatory prepayments are due under Section 5.6.4 [Mandatory Prepayments] and may at its option effect settlement on any other Business Day. These settlement procedures are established solely as a matter of administrative convenience, and nothing contained in this Section 5.10 shall relieve the Lenders of their obligations to fund Revolving Credit Loans on dates other than a Settlement Date pursuant to Section 2.1.2 [Swing Loans]. The Administrative Agent may at any time at its option for any reason whatsoever require each Lender to pay immediately to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s Ratable Share of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and each Lender may at any time require the Administrative Agent to pay immediately to such Lender its Ratable Share of all payments made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent with respect to the Revolving Credit Loans.

 

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6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders as follows:

 

  6.1 Organization and Qualification .

Each Loan Party is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (if the concept of “good standing” is recognized under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction with respect to such Loan Party) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization. Each Loan Party has the lawful power to own or lease its properties and to conduct its business in which it is currently engaged, except where the failure to have such power would not reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change. Each Loan Party is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction listed on Schedule 6.1 and in all other jurisdictions where the property owned or leased by it or the nature of the business transacted by it or both makes such licensing or qualification necessary except to the extent that the failure to be so duly licensed or qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.2 [ Reserved ].

 

  6.3 Subsidiaries .

As of the Closing Date, Schedule 6.3 states the name of each Subsidiary of the Borrower, its jurisdiction of incorporation, the issued and outstanding shares (referred to herein as the “ Subsidiary Shares ”) and the owners thereof if it is a corporation, its outstanding partnership interests (the “ Partnership Interests ”) if it is a partnership, its outstanding limited liability company interests, interests assigned to managers thereof and the voting rights associated therewith (the “ LLC Interests ”) if it is a limited liability company, identifies each Subsidiary as either a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary and for each Restricted Subsidiary whether or not it is a Guarantor. There are no options, warrants or other rights outstanding to purchase any such Subsidiary Shares, Partnership Interests or LLC Interests except as indicated on Schedule 6.3 .

 

  6.4 Power and Authority .

Each Loan Party has full power to enter into, execute, deliver and carry out this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, to incur the Indebtedness contemplated by the Loan Documents and to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and all such actions have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on its part.

 

  6.5 Validity and Binding Effect .

This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and each other Loan Document which any Loan Party is required to execute and deliver has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party which is a party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability of any of such Loan Document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally or limiting the right of specific performance.

 

  6.6 No Conflict .

Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to which it is a party by any Loan Party nor the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or thereof by any of them will conflict with, constitute a default under or result in any breach of (i) the terms and conditions of the certificate of incorporation,

 

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bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents of any Loan Party, (ii) any material Law, instrument, order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree to which any Loan Party is a party or by which it is bound or to which it is subject, or result in the creation or enforcement of any Lien, charge or encumbrance whatsoever upon any property (now or hereafter acquired) of any Loan Party (other than Liens granted under the Loan Documents) or (iii) the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any Lien upon any material property or assets of such Loan Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Liens created under the Loan Documents and Liens permitted hereunder) pursuant to the terms of any material indenture, loan agreement, lease agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, agreement or other instrument to which such Loan Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets is bound (any such term, covenant, condition or provision, a “ Contractual Requirement ”), except that certain consents may be required under various contracts and agreements in connection with any attempt to assign such various contracts and agreements pursuant to the assertion of remedies under the Loan Documents.

 

  6.7 Litigation .

There are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of any Responsible Officer of the Borrower, threatened against any Loan Party at law or equity before any Official Body or arbitrator that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change. To the knowledge of any Responsible Officer of the Borrower, none of the Loan Parties is in violation of any order, writ, injunction or any decree of any Official Body that would reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.8 Title to Properties .

Each Loan Party has good and marketable title to or valid leasehold interest in all properties, assets and other rights, which it purports to own or lease or which are reflected as owned or leased on its books and records, free and clear of all Liens and encumbrances except Permitted Liens, and subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable leases or conveyance instrument, except to the extent that the failure to hold such title or interest, either alone or together with all other title defects, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.9 Financial Statements .

(a) Historical Statements . The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of (i) audited combined year-end financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the fiscal years then ended of its predecessor and (ii) the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of the Borrower as of March 31, 2015 and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (the “ Historical Statements ”). The Historical Statements were compiled from the books and records maintained by management of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, are correct and complete in all material respects and fairly represent the combined financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of their dates and their results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal periods specified and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except that the unaudited financial statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments.

(b) Financial Projections . The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent financial projections (including balance sheets and statements of operation and cash flows) for the period 2015 through 2019 derived from various assumptions of the Borrower’s management (the “ Financial Projections ”). The Financial Projections have been prepared in good faith based upon reasonable assumptions;

 

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it being understood that such Financial Projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Borrower’s control, and that no assurance can be given that the Financial Projections will be realized.

(c) Accuracy of Financial Statements . Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liabilities, contingent or otherwise, or forward or long-term commitments that are not disclosed in the Historical Statements or in the notes thereto, and except as disclosed therein there are no unrealized or anticipated losses from any commitments of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 2014, no event, circumstance or condition has occurred or exists that has resulted in or could be reasonably expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.10 Use of Proceeds .

The Loan Parties intend to use the proceeds of the Loans in accordance with Section 8.1.11 [Use of Proceeds].

 

  6.11 Liens in the Collateral .

(a) Security Interests . Except to the extent that the Loan Parties are not required to perfect Liens in certain Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents or any other Loan Document, the Liens and security interests granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Security Agreement in the Collateral (of the type that can be perfected by filing under the Uniform Commercial Code), subject to the actions described in the following sentence, constitute and will continue to constitute first-priority security interests, subject to Permitted Liens, under the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction or other applicable Law entitled to all the rights, benefits and priorities provided by the Uniform Commercial Code or such Law. Upon the due filing of financing statements relating to said security interests in each office and in each jurisdiction where required in order to perfect the security interests described above and taking possession of any stock certificates or other certificates evidencing the Pledged Securities, all such action as is necessary or advisable to perfect the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral described above will have been taken except to the extent that the Loan Parties are not required to perfect Liens in certain Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents or any other Loan Document. All filing fees and other expenses in connection with each such action have been or will be paid by the Borrower.

(b) Mortgage Liens . Subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth expressly in the Mortgages, the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to each Mortgage constitute a valid first priority Lien on the Real Property under applicable law, subject only to Permitted Liens.

(c) Pledged Securities . All Equity Interests included in the Pledged Securities to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement are or will be upon issuance validly issued and nonassessable and owned beneficially and of record by the pledgor free and clear of any Lien or restriction on transfer, except for nonconsensual Permitted Liens, Liens contemplated by clause (5) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” and inchoate Permitted Liens that do not have priority over the Liens granted under the Loan Documents and as otherwise provided by the Security Agreement and except as the right of the Lenders to Dispose of such Equity Interests may be limited by the Securities Act and the regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder and by applicable state securities laws. There are no shareholder or other agreements or understandings other than partnership agreements, limited liability company agreements or operating agreements, with respect to the Equity Interests included in the Pledged Securities, except as described on Schedule 6.11 . The Loan Parties have delivered true and correct copies of such partnership agreements and limited liability company agreements to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 7.1.1(b)(iii).

 

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  6.12 Full Disclosure .

Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, nor any certificate, statement, agreement or other documents furnished to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection herewith or therewith, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. There is no fact known to any Loan Party which materially adversely affects the business, property, assets, financial condition, or results of operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole that has not been set forth in this Agreement or in the certificates, statements, agreements or other documents furnished in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to or at the date hereof in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

  6.13 Taxes .

All material federal, state, local and other Tax returns required to have been filed with respect to each Loan Party have been filed, and payment or adequate provision has been made for the payment of all material Taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental charges (including in its capacity as withholding agent), except to the extent that such Taxes, fees, assessments and other charges are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made. There are no agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of limitations applicable to any material federal income Tax return of any Loan Party for any period.

 

  6.14 Consents and Approvals .

Except for the filings or recordings required pursuant to Section 7.1.1(c) [Delivery of Loan Documents], no consent, approval, exemption, order or authorization of, or a registration or filing with, any Official Body or any other Person is necessary to authorize or permit the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or for the validity or enforceability hereof or thereof.

 

  6.15 No Event of Default; Compliance with Instruments .

No event has occurred and is continuing and no condition exists or will exist after giving effect to the borrowings or other extensions of credit to be made on the Closing Date under or pursuant to the Loan Documents which constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default. None of the Loan Parties is in violation of (i) any term of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents or (ii) any material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be subject or bound where such violation would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.16 Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Permits, Etc .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries own or possess all the material patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, registrations, franchises, Required Permits and rights, without known or actual conflict with the rights of others, necessary for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to own and operate their properties and to carry on their businesses

 

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as presently conducted and planned to be conducted by them, except where the failure to so own or possess with or without such conflict would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.17 Solvency .

The Loan Parties, taken as a whole, are Solvent. On the Closing Date, at the time of each borrowing of the Loans, the issuance of the Letters of Credit (including extensions, renewals and amendments thereof) and at the time of selection of, renewal of or conversion to an Interest Rate Option, the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, shall be Solvent after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and any incurrence of Indebtedness and all other Obligations.

 

  6.18 Real Property .

Schedule 3 to the Perfection Certificate sets forth a complete and accurate list as of the Closing Date of all Real Properties of any Loan Party, indicating which have a “Building” (as defined by the Flood Laws) on them and which Real Properties are subject to Mortgages.

 

  6.19 Insurance .

Schedule 6.19 lists all material insurance policies of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, all of which are valid and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date. Such policies provide adequate insurance coverage from reputable and financially sound insurers in amounts sufficient to insure the assets and risks of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with prudent business practice in the industry of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

  6.20 Compliance with Laws .

The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws (other than Environmental Laws which are specifically addressed in Section 6.25 [Environmental Matters]) in all jurisdictions in which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is presently or will be doing business, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.21 Material Contracts; Burdensome Restrictions .

The exhibit list to the Registration Statement sets forth all Material Contracts (other than the Asset Contribution Agreement) to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or is contemplated to be a party as of the Closing Date. Except to the extent that the failure to be in full force and effect or such default would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, (i) none of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is in default under a Material Contract and (ii) all Material Contracts are in full force and effect. None of the Loan Parties is bound by any contractual obligation, or subject to any restriction in any organization document, or any requirement of Law which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.22 Investment Companies; Regulated Entities .

None of the Loan Parties is an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under the “control” of an “investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 and shall not become such an “investment company” or under such “control.” None of the Loan Parties is subject to any other Law limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for borrowed money.

 

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  6.23 ERISA Compliance .

Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change:

(a) each Pension Plan and Multiemployer Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws (except that with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, such representation is deemed made only to the knowledge of the Borrower);

(b) the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have met all applicable minimum funding requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of each Pension Plan, and no waiver of the minimum funding standards under the Pension Funding Rules has been applied for or obtained;

(c) as of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430(d)(2) of the Code and Section 303(d)(2) of ERISA) is 80% or higher and neither the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate knows of any facts or circumstances which would cause the funding target attainment percentage for any such plan to drop below 80% as of the most recent valuation date;

(d) with respect to any Multiemployer Plan to which the Borrower or its ERISA Affiliates contribute, the Borrower has not been notified of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code) or that application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made;

(e) there has been no nonexempt “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA) or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Pension Plan;

(f) no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; and

(g) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

 

  6.24 Employment Matters; Coal Act; Black Lung Act .

Each of the Loan Parties is in compliance with the Labor Contracts and all applicable federal, state and local labor and employment Laws including those related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, labor relations, minimum wage, overtime, child labor, medical insurance continuation, worker adjustment and relocation notices, immigration controls and worker and unemployment compensation, except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change. There are no outstanding grievances, arbitration awards or appeals therefrom arising out of the Labor Contracts or current or threatened strikes, picketing, handbilling or other work stoppages or slowdowns at facilities of any of the Loan Parties which in any case would constitute a Material Adverse Change. The Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries and its “related persons” (as defined in the Coal Act) are in compliance in all material respects with the Coal Act and none of the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries or its related persons has any liability under the Coal Act except with respect to premiums or other payments required thereunder which have been paid when due and except to the extent that the liability thereunder would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the Black Lung Act, and neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability under the Black Lung Act except with

 

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respect to premiums, contributions or other payments required thereunder which have been paid when due and except to the extent that the liability thereunder would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  6.25 Environmental Matters .

Except as set forth in Schedule 6.25 or as otherwise could not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change:

(a) The Borrower and its Subsidiaries, their operations, facilities and properties are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws.

(b) The facilities and properties currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (the “ Properties ”) do not contain any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (i) constitute or constituted a violation of, or (ii) could reasonably be expected to give rise to liability for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under, any applicable Environmental Law.

(c) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental matters or compliance with Environmental Laws, including any with regard to their activities at any of the Properties or the business currently or formerly operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any prior business for which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has retained liability under any Environmental Law.

(d) Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of from the Properties in violation of, or in a manner or to a location which could reasonably be expected to give rise to liability for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under, any applicable Environmental Law, nor have any Hazardous Materials been generated, treated, stored or disposed of by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at, on or under any of the Properties in violation of, or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to give rise to liability under, any applicable Environmental Law for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

  6.26 Anti-Terrorism Laws .

(i) No Covered Entity, nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any directors, officers or employees of any Covered Entity, is a Sanctioned Person, and (ii) no Covered Entity, nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any directors, officers or employees of any Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, (a) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (b) does business in or with, or derives any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (c) engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

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7. CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT

The obligation of each Lender to make Loans, of an Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, and of the Swingline Lender to make Swing Loans is subject to the following conditions:

 

  7.1 First Loans and Letters of Credit .

 

  7.1.1 Deliveries .

On the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

(a) Officers’ Certificate . A certificate of each of the Loan Parties signed by a Responsible Officer, dated the Closing Date stating that (i) each of the representatives and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Section 6 [Representations and Warranties] and in the other Loan Documents are true and accurate on and as of the Closing Date (except representations and warranties which relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein), (ii) no Event of Default or Potential Default exists, (iii) since December 31, 2014, no event, circumstance or condition has occurred or exists that has resulted in or could be reasonably expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change and (iv) the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1.4 [No Debt or Preferred Stock Outstanding] and 7.1.5 [Transactions] are satisfied.

(b) Secretary’s Certificate . A certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each of the Loan Parties, certifying:

(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of such Loan Party (or its managing general partner, managing member or equivalent) authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such person is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect on the Closing Date;

(ii) the names of the officer or officers authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the true signatures of such officer or officers and specifying the Authorized Officers permitted to act on behalf of such Loan Party for purposes of this Agreement and the true signatures of such officers, on which the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders, and each Lender may conclusively rely; and

(iii) copies of its organizational documents, including its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, and limited liability company agreement as in effect on the Closing Date, recently certified by the appropriate state official where such documents are filed in a state office, together with recently dated certificates from the appropriate state officials as to the continued existence and good standing of such Loan Party in each state where organized.

(c) Delivery of Loan Documents . Subject to Section 8.1.20 [Post-Closing Matters], this Agreement, each of the other Loan Documents and the Perfection Certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of each of the Loan Parties party thereto, and to the extent required under applicable requirements of Law, the Security Documents shall be properly recorded or filed with the applicable recording or filing offices and be in proper form for such recording; provided that Mortgages (and related documents and instruments) on Real Property that is not, prior to the Closing Date, mortgaged to secure the obligations under the CEI Credit Agreement shall be permitted to be delivered within 60 days after the Closing Date (or such later date as the Administrative

 

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Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) so long as the Borrower shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver such Mortgages (and related documents and instruments) by the Closing Date.

(d) Opinion of Counsel .

(i) A written opinion of in-house counsel for the Loan Parties (who may rely on the opinions of such other counsel as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent), dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent substantially in the form provided to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date.

(ii) A written opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties (who may rely on the opinions of such other counsel as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent), dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent substantially in the form provided to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date.

(iii) Written opinions of counsel covering matters under the laws of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, who shall be selected by the Loan Parties and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent substantially in the form provided to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date.

(e) Legal Details . All legal details and proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, and the Administrative Agent shall have received all such other counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such documents and proceedings in connection with such transactions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request.

(f) Insurance . Evidence that adequate insurance, including flood insurance, if applicable, required to be maintained under the Loan Documents is in full force and effect, and evidence that the Loan Parties have taken all actions required under the Flood Laws and reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to assist in ensuring that each Lender is in compliance with the Flood Laws applicable to the Collateral, including delivering to the Administrative Agent a completed “Life-of-Loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each Real Property which is to be encumbered by a Mortgage and which has a “Building” (as such term is defined in the Flood Laws) on it, together with a notice about special flood hazard area status and flood disaster assistance executed by the applicable Loan Party and, to the extent required, obtaining flood insurance in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for such property, structures and contents prior to such property, structures and contents becoming Collateral.

(g) Evidence of Filing . UCC financing statements in appropriate form for filing under the UCC and such other documents under applicable requirements of Law in each jurisdiction as may be necessary or appropriate or, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, desirable to perfect the Liens created, or purported to be created, by the Security Documents.

(h) CEI Indebtedness . All documents and instruments required to (i) evidence the discharge of the Liens under the CEI Credit Agreement on any Collateral and (ii) evidence the release of the Guaranties of the Loan Parties of all Indebtedness of CEI and its Subsidiaries (other than the Borrower and its Subsidiaries).

 

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(i) Lien Searches . The lien searches listed on Schedule 7.1.1(i) , and the Administrative Agent shall be satisfied with the results thereof.

(j) Pledged Securities . Except as set forth on Schedule 8.1.20 , all certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing the Pledged Securities accompanied by instruments of transfer and stock powers undated and endorsed in blank have been delivered to the Collateral Agent.

(k) Other Documentation . All other certificates, agreements, including instruments necessary to perfect the Collateral Agent’s security interest (to the extent required by the Security Documents) in all Chattel Paper, Instruments and Investment Property (as each such term is defined in the Security Agreement) of each Loan Party have been delivered or assigned to the Collateral Agent.

(l) Solvency Certificate . A certificate of the chief financial officer of the General Partner on behalf of the Borrower stating that, after giving effect to the Transactions, the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

(m) Co-Owners’ Acknowledgment . An agreement of the Co-Owners and CEI, acknowledged by the Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit 3 to the Security Agreement.

 

  7.1.2 Payment of Fees .

The Borrower shall have paid or caused to be paid to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to the extent not previously paid, all fees payable on or before the Closing Date (including upfront fees) and, to the extent invoiced at least one Business Day prior to the Closing Date, all costs and expenses for which the Administrative Agent is entitled to be reimbursed, including the reasonable fees and expenses of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP.

 

  7.1.3 PATRIOT Act .

The Administrative Agent shall have received, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date (or such later date satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including but not restricted to the USA PATRIOT Act to the extent requested at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

 

  7.1.4 No Debt or Preferred Stock Outstanding .

The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall have no Indebtedness for borrowed money or Preferred Stock outstanding, other than (i) Capital Lease Obligations and (ii) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 8.2.1 .

 

  7.1.5 Transactions .

The transactions described in clauses (1) through (4) of the definition of “Transactions” shall have been consummated (other than issuance and sale and redemption of units of the Borrower pursuant

 

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to the “underwriters’ exercise of the “green shoe” option). The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent fully executed copies of the Material Contracts to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or is contemplated to be a party as of the Closing Date, which shall be consistent with the forms filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, and no default or termination, or any waiver or amendment materially adverse to the Lenders, shall have occurred with respect thereto. The aggregate principal amount of Loans made on the Closing Date shall not exceed $250,000,000.

 

  7.2 Each Additional Loan or Letter of Credit .

At the time of making any Loans or issuing any Letters of Credit (or amendments or extensions thereto) and after giving effect to the proposed extensions of credit:

(a) the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Section 6 [Representations and Warranties] and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of the making of any Loan Request, any Swing Loan Request and the making of such additional Loan or the issuance such Letter of Credit (or amendments or extensions thereto) with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except that (i) any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified and (ii) representations and warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein);

(b) no Event of Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(c) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a duly executed and completed Loan Request or to the applicable Issuing Lender the Issuer Documents for a Letter of Credit, as the case may be.

8. COVENANTS

 

  8.1 Affirmative Covenants .

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations, and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, and satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations under the Loan Documents and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties shall comply at all times with the following affirmative covenants:

 

  8.1.1 Preservation of Existence, Etc .

Each of Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain its legal existence as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company and its license or qualification and good standing in each jurisdiction in which its failure to so qualify, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, except as otherwise expressly permitted by Section 8.2.6 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions].

 

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  8.1.2 Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc .

Each of Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall duly pay and discharge all liabilities to which it is subject or which are asserted against it, promptly as and when the same shall become due and payable (including extensions), including all Taxes, assessments and governmental charges upon it or any of its properties, assets, income or profits, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, except to the extent that such liabilities, including Taxes, assessments or charges, are being contested in good faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made, but only to the extent that failure to pay or discharge any such liabilities would not result in any additional liability which would adversely affect to a material extent the financial condition of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or which would materially and adversely affect the Collateral; provided that the Loan Parties will pay all such liabilities forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to enforce any Lien which may have attached as security therefor or take other action as is required to suspend such enforcement action unless such Lien otherwise qualifies as a Permitted Lien.

 

  8.1.3 Maintenance of Insurance .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall insure their properties and assets against loss or damage by fire and such other insurable hazards (including flood, fire, property damage, workers’ compensation and public liability insurance) and against other risks, and in such amounts as similar properties and assets, as are commonly insured by prudent companies in similar circumstances carrying on similar businesses, and with reputable and financially sound insurers, including self-insurance to the extent customary. At the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) annually an original certificate of insurance signed by its independent insurance broker describing and certifying as to the existence of the insurance on the Collateral required to be maintained by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with a copy of the endorsement described in the next sentence attached to such certificate and (y) from time to time a summary schedule indicating all commercial insurance then in force with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries. Such policies of insurance shall contain the necessary endorsements or policy language, which shall (i) specify the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as an additional insured on the liability policies and mortgagee and lender loss payee as their interests may appear on the property policies, with the understanding that any obligation imposed upon the insured (including the liability to pay premiums) shall be the sole obligation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and not that of the additional insured, (ii) provide that the interest of the Lenders, under the lender’s loss payable endorsement in a form similar to the form provided on the Closing Date or pursuant to Section 8.1.20 [Post-Closing Matters], shall be insured regardless of any breach or violation by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any warranties, declarations or conditions contained in such policies or any action or inaction of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) provide a waiver of any right of the insurers to set off or counterclaim or any other deduction, whether by attachment or otherwise (to the extent that the Loan Parties are able on a commercially reasonable efforts basis to obtain such waiver from the insurers), (iv) provide that no cancellation of such policies for any reason (including non-payment of premium) nor any change therein shall be effective until at least ten (10) days after notification to the Administrative Agent of such cancellation or change, (v) be primary without right of contribution of any other liability insurance carried by or on behalf of any additional insureds with respect to their respective interests in the Collateral, and (vi) provide that inasmuch as any liability policy covers more than one insured, all terms, conditions, insuring agreements and endorsements (except limits of liability) shall operate as if there were a separate policy covering each insured. Each Loan Party shall take all actions required under the Flood Laws to assist in ensuring that each Lender is in compliance with the Flood Laws applicable to the Collateral, including, but not limited to, (i) maintaining such flood insurance in full force and effect and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Laws and

 

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(ii) delivering to the Administrative Agent evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. If a Casualty Event occurs, the Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such event and the estimated (or actual, if available) amount of such loss.

 

  8.1.4 Maintenance of Properties .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall (x) maintain in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) in accordance with the general practice of other businesses of similar character and size, all of those material properties useful or necessary to their businesses and (y) make or cause to be made, in a reasonably diligent fashion, all appropriate repairs, renewals or replacements thereof, in each case if the failure to so maintain, repair, renew or replace the same would reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.1.5 Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain in full force and effect all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the ownership and operation of their properties and business if the failure so to maintain the same would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.1.6 Visitation Rights .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall permit any of the officers or authorized employees or representatives of the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s expense) to visit and inspect their properties during normal business hours and to examine (including, without limitation, any field examinations) and make excerpts from their books and records and discuss their business affairs, finances and accounts with their officers, all in such detail and at such times and as often as any of the Lenders may reasonably request; provided that each Lender shall provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with reasonable notice prior to any visit or inspection, all such visits and inspections shall be made in accordance with the standard safety, visit, and inspection procedures of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and no such visit or inspection shall interfere with their normal business operation. In the event any Lender desires to conduct an audit of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, such Lender shall make a reasonable effort to conduct such audit contemporaneously with any audit to be performed by the Administrative Agent.

 

  8.1.7 Keeping of Records and Books of Account .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain and keep proper books of record and account which enable the Borrower to issue financial statements in accordance with GAAP and as otherwise required by applicable Laws, and in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in all material respects of all their dealings and business and financial affairs. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain adequate allowances on their books in accordance with GAAP for (i) future costs associated with any lung disease claim alleging pneumoconiosis or silicosis or arising out of exposure or alleged exposure to coal dust or the coal mining environment, (ii) future costs associated with retiree and health care benefits, (iii) future costs associated with reclamation of disturbed acreage, removal of facilities and other closing costs in connection with its mining activities and (iv) future costs associated with other potential Environmental Liabilities.

 

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  8.1.8 Further Assurances .

Each Loan Party shall, from time to time, at its expense, faithfully preserve and protect the Lien on the Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties as a continuing first priority perfected Lien, subject only to Permitted Liens, and shall do such other acts and things as the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion may deem necessary or advisable from time to time in order to preserve, perfect and protect the Liens granted under the Loan Documents and to exercise and enforce the Collateral Agent’s rights and remedies thereunder with respect to the Collateral.

 

  8.1.9 Additional Guarantors .

If (i) the Borrower forms or acquires, directly or indirectly, any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) or (ii) any Subsidiary that was an Excluded Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, the Borrower shall cause such Subsidiary to join this Agreement within (x) 30 days after the date of acquisition or formation of such Subsidiary or within 30 days after the date any Subsidiary that was an Excluded Subsidiary pursuant to clause (b) or (d) of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiaries” ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary and (y) within 15 days after the date any Subsidiary that was an Excluded Subsidiary pursuant to clause (a) or (c) of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiaries” ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary (in each case, or such longer period as the Collateral Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) as a Guarantor by delivering to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as applicable, (A) a signed Guarantor Joinder, (B) documents in the forms described in Sections 7.1.1(b), (c), (d) (if requested by the Administrative Agent), (f) (other than with respect to flood insurance, if requested by the Administrative Agent), (g), (i) and (j) [Deliveries], and 8.1.17 [Collateral], modified as appropriate, and (C) documents necessary to grant and perfect Liens to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Collateral held by such Subsidiary.

 

  8.1.10 Compliance with Laws .

The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall comply with all applicable Laws, including all Environmental Laws, in all material respects, except where the failure to so comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.1.11 Use of Proceeds .

(a) The Loan Parties will use the Letters of Credit and the proceeds of the Loans only as follows: (i) to fund a portion of the Closing Date Distribution, (ii) to pay fees and expenses related to the Revolving Credit Commitments and Revolving Credit Loans, and (iii) to provide for general company purposes of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including working capital and capital expenditures of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, purchases of the Co-Owners’ retained Undivided Interests, Permitted Acquisitions and the payment of cash distributions by the Borrower as permitted hereunder.

(b) None of the Loan Parties engages or will engage principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U). No part of the proceeds of any Loan has been or shall be used for any purpose which entails a violation of or which is inconsistent with the provisions of the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Borrower shall assist the Lenders, as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, with the Lenders’ compliance with Regulation U as such compliance relates to the Borrower and the Loans, including by providing the Administrative Agent with all documents, forms and certificates reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in relation thereto.

 

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  8.1.12 Subordination of Intercompany Loans .

Each Loan Party shall cause any Indebtedness, loans or advances owed by any Loan Party to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to be subordinated pursuant to the terms of the Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

 

  8.1.13 Anti-Terrorism Laws; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act .

(a) No Covered Entity, nor to the knowledge of the Borrower, any directors, officers or employees of any Covered Entity, will become a Sanctioned Person, (b) no Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, nor to the knowledge of the Borrower, any of a Covered Entity’s directors, officers or employees, will (i) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (ii) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (iii) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (iv) use the Loans or Letters of Credit to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person or in any manner that would cause a violation of the Anti-Terrorism Laws by any party to this Agreement, (c) the funds used to repay the Obligations will not be derived from any unlawful activity, (d) each Covered Entity shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws in all material respects and (e) the Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.

(b) No part of the proceeds of any Loans shall be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

  8.1.14 Compliance with Certain Contracts .

(a) The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall comply with the terms and conditions of all Specified Material Contracts and enforce its rights under each such Specified Material Contract, except to the extent non-compliance or non-enforcement could not reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the Lenders.

(b) The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall comply with the terms and conditions of all Material Contracts (other than Specified Material Contracts) and enforce its rights under each such Material Contract, except, in each case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.1.15 [ Reserved ].

 

  8.1.16 ERISA Compliance .

The Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its ERISA Affiliates to: (a) maintain each Pension Plan in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and (b) make all required contributions to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan when due, except in the case of each of the foregoing clauses, to the extent such failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

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  8.1.17 Collateral .

(a) Pursuant to the Loan Documents, the Loan Parties shall grant, or cause to be granted, to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a first priority lien and security interest, subject only to Permitted Liens:

(i) on the date hereof and, with respect to any Equity Interests acquired after the Closing Date, not later than 30 days (or such longer period as reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) after the acquisition of the Equity Interests, in all Equity Interests owned by the Loan Parties;

(ii) [Reserved];

(iii) (a) on the Closing Date, in all Real Property owned or leased by a Loan Party, including as-extracted collateral from each Loan Party’s present and future coal operations, regardless of whether such mineral interests are presently owned, and all other minerals extracted from the ground and all accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, chattel paper, general intangibles and investment property, and proceeds and products of the foregoing, including (x) all Undivided Interests held by the Loan Parties and (y) the rights of the Loan Parties in the Material Contracts and (b) after the Closing Date, (w) in any Undivided Interests acquired by any Loan Party after the Closing Date, (x) in any Specified Other Asset and any Permitted Other Undivided Interests acquired by any Loan Party after the Closing Date, (y) rights of Loan Parties in any Material Contracts entered into after the Closing Date and (z) in all Real Property (other than any Undivided Interests, any Specified Other Asset or any Permitted Other Undivided Interests) having a Fair Market Value of over $20,000,000 acquired (including by lease) by a Loan Party after the Closing Date, and in the case of clauses (w), (x), and (z) in this Section 8.1.17 (a)(iii)(b), the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such acquisition, and within 30 days of such acquisition (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its discretion) the applicable Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Mortgage or an amendment to an existing Mortgage with respect thereto, local counsel opinions with respect thereto as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, a “Life-of-Loan” flood hazard determination with respect thereto, and evidence of flood insurance in compliance with the Flood Laws, as applicable; and

(iv) on the date hereof and with respect to any Loan Party formed or acquired after the Closing Date, not later than 30 days (or such longer period as reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) after the acquisition or formation of such Loan Party, in all of the other assets of the Loan Parties in which a security interest is perfected by the filing of a UCC-1 financing statement with the secretary of state or similar agency in the applicable Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization (except as excluded or limited above or below or as excluded or limited in any other Loan Document) (including without limitation all accounts receivable (other than accounts receivable subject to a Qualified Receivables Transaction), inventory, chattel paper, general intangibles, equipment, and investment property whether owned on the Closing Date or subsequently acquired).

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Liens will not be required on any of the following (collectively, the “ Excluded Assets ”):

(i) any cash in the “Operating Account” (as defined in the Operating Agreement) to the extent constituting property of the Co-Owners;

 

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(ii) any right, title and interests in and to any Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Laws);

(iii) buildings and structures as defined in the Flood Laws that are immaterial as reasonably determined by the Borrower and agreed to in writing (which may be by e-mail) by the Administrative Agent;

(iv) leased motor vehicles (including bulldozers and other heavy equipment);

(v) except to the extent the security interest in such assets can be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement, owned motor vehicles (including bulldozers and other heavy equipment) and other assets the ownership of which is evidenced by certificates of title, to the extent the Fair Market Value thereof does not exceed $15,000,000 in the aggregate or $2,000,000 individually;

(vi) except to the extent the security interest in such assets can be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement, Letter-of-Credit Rights (as defined in the UCC in the State of New York);

(vii) Commercial Tort Claims (as defined in the UCC) that do not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate for all Pledgors;

(viii) assets owned by any Pledgor on the Closing Date or hereafter acquired and any proceeds thereof that are subject to a Lien permitted by clause (10) in the definition of “Permitted Liens” to the extent and for so long as the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted (or the documentation providing for the Capital Lease Obligations, equipment lease, purchase money obligation or substantially similar obligation subject to such Lien) validly prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such assets and proceeds;

(ix) those assets over which the granting of security interests in such assets would be prohibited by contract in effect on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 8.2.15 (or, as to any assets acquired after the Closing Date, in effect at the time of acquisition thereof and not entered into in contemplation thereof), applicable law or regulation or to the extent that such security interests would require obtaining the consent of any governmental or regulatory authority;

(x) any intent-to-use trademark application to the extent and for so long as creation by a Pledgor of a security interest therein would result in the loss by such Pledgor of any material rights therein;

(xi) any Equity Interests in any Person that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower to the extent not permitted by the terms of such Person’s organizational or joint venture documents;

(xii) any Voting Stock of any Foreign Subsidiary or CFC Holdco in excess of 65% of the total voting power of all outstanding Voting Stock of such Subsidiary, it being understood that any Equity Interests constituting “stock entitled to vote” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.956-2(c)(2) shall be treated as Voting Stock for purposes of this clause (xii);

(xiii) assets owned by any Pledgor on the Closing Date or hereafter acquired and any proceeds thereof as to which the Borrower reasonably determines (and the Collateral Agent agrees in writing (which may be by e-mail)) that the cost of obtaining such a security interest or perfection thereof are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Secured Parties of the security to be afforded thereby;

 

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(xiv) any lease, permit, license or other agreement permitted to be entered into under this Agreement, in each case, only to the extent and for so long as a grant of a security interest therein in favor of the Administrative Agent would violate or invalidate such permit, license or agreement, cause the acceleration or the termination thereof or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto (other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries);

(xv) (A) any rights, title and interests in and to any Receivables that have been transferred to (or subject to a security interest in favor of) a Receivables Subsidiary pursuant to a Qualified Receivables Transaction, (B) all rights to, but not the obligations under, all Related Security, (C) all monies due or to become due with respect to any of the foregoing set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above, (D) all books and records related to any of the foregoing set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above, (E) all collections and other Proceeds (as defined in the UCC) of any of the foregoing set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above that are or were received by any Loan Party, including all funds which either are received by such Loan Party from or on behalf of the Receivable Obligors in payment of any amounts owed (including invoice price, finance charges, interest and all other charges) in respect of Receivables, or are applied to such amounts owed by the Receivable Obligors (including insurance payments that such Loan Party applies in the ordinary course of its business to amounts owed in respect of any Receivable) and net proceeds of sale or other disposition of repossessed goods or other collateral or property of the Receivable Obligors or any other parties directly or indirectly liable for payment of such Receivables;

(xvi) all locomotives, rail cars and rolling stock now or hereafter leased by the Loan Parties;

(xvii) any right, title and interests in and to any ship, boat or other vessel; and

(xviii) the Loan Parties’ timber to be cut other than to the extent encumbered by any Mortgage;

provided that clauses (viii), (ix), (xi) and (xiv) shall be after giving effect to applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction or other applicable law, and shall not include proceeds and receivables of assets described in such clauses, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction notwithstanding the prohibition described in such clause.

(c) No actions shall be required to perfect security interests in locomotive, rail cars and rolling stock owned by the Loan Parties until the aggregate Fair Market Value of such assets exceeds $5,000,000.

(d) No actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or required by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required to be taken (x) to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S. or (y) to perfect or make enforceable any security interests in any assets (other than delivery of Equity Interests pursuant to Section 8.1.17(a)(i)) (it being understood that no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required).

(e) No Loan Party shall effect any change (i) in any Loan Party’s legal name, (ii) in the location of any Loan Party’s chief executive office, (iii) in any Loan Party’s identity or organizational structure, (iv) in any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification

 

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number, if any, or (v) in any Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization (in each case, including by merging with or into any other entity, reorganizing, dissolving, liquidating, reorganizing or organizing in any other jurisdiction), until (A) it shall have given the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent not less than 5 days’ prior written notice, or such lesser notice period agreed to by the Collateral Agent, of its intention so to do, clearly describing such change and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (B) it shall have taken all action reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Collateral, if applicable. Each Loan Party agrees to promptly provide the Collateral Agent with certified organizational documents reflecting any of the changes described in the preceding sentence.

 

  8.1.18 Title .

The Loan Parties shall comply with the requirements set forth on Schedule 8.1.18 .

 

  8.1.19 Maintenance of Permits .

The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain all Required Permits in full force and effect in accordance with their terms except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.1.20 Post-Closing Matters .

The Loan Parties will execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent the documents and complete the tasks set forth on Schedule 8.1.20 , within the time frames set forth therein, unless otherwise waived or extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

  8.2 Negative Covenants .

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations hereunder and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties shall comply with the following negative covenants:

 

  8.2.1 Indebtedness .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, incur, assume or otherwise become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, “ incur ”) any Indebtedness, and the Borrower will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any Preferred Stock, except:

(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

(b) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 8.2.1 , and Refinancing Indebtedness of such Indebtedness;

(c) Indebtedness owed by (i) a Loan Party to another Loan Party, (ii) a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, (iii) a Restricted Subsidiary to a Loan Party and (iv) any Loan Party to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; provided that (x) any Indebtedness pursuant to clause (iii) is permitted by Section 8.2.4(h) or (l) [Loans and Investments] and (y) any Indebtedness pursuant to clause (iv) is subordinated to the extent required by, and in accordance with, Section 8.1.12 [Subordination of Intercompany Loans];

 

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(d) Indebtedness represented by mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other Indebtedness, in each case incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the price or cost of design, construction, installation, development, repair or improvement of plant, property or equipment used in the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and Capital Lease Obligations, and Refinancing Indebtedness of any of the foregoing, in an aggregate amount, when taken together with the outstanding amount of all other Indebtedness or Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (d), not to exceed at any time outstanding under this clause (d), the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 12.5% of CTA at such time;

(e) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date as permitted by this Agreement, which Indebtedness is existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (and was not incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such Person’s becoming a Subsidiary of the Borrower) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(f) Indebtedness under Hedging Contracts, Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements entered into for the purpose of limiting risks and not for speculation;

(g) Indebtedness in respect of self-insurance obligations or bid, plugging and abandonment, appeal, reimbursement, performance, reclamation, employment, surety and similar obligations and completion guarantees provided by or for the account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, and any Guaranties and letters of credit functioning as or supporting any of the foregoing in the ordinary course of business;

(h) [Reserved];

(i) Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted by clause (5) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” in an amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 2.5% of CTA at such time;

(j) Indebtedness incurred in a Qualified Receivables Transaction in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(k) liability in respect of the Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Joint Venture in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding; provided that, in the case of Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (i) such liability shall arise only as a result of the pledge of (or a Guaranty limited in recourse solely to) Equity Interests in such Unrestricted Subsidiary held by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary to secure such Indebtedness and (ii) such Indebtedness shall be Non-Recourse Debt;

(l) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or the issuance of any Disqualified Stock by the Borrower or Preferred Stock by any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not exceeding, at any one time outstanding, $20,000,000; and

(m) (x) Permitted Unsecured Notes and (y) Refinancing Indebtedness thereof; provided that the Borrower is in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis, with the Financial Covenants immediately after giving effect to such Indebtedness;

 

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provided that in the case of clause (j), (l) or (m), at the time of and after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Indebtedness no Potential Default or Event of Default shall exist.

In the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in the clauses of the preceding paragraph, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, divide, classify or reclassify (or later divide, classify, redivide or reclassify) such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant (including splitting into multiple exceptions) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of such clauses of the preceding paragraph.

The accrual of interest or Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock dividends or distributions, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock as Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends or distributions on Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock in the form of additional securities of the same class of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock for purposes of this covenant; provided that the amount thereof shall be included in the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense of the Borrower as accrued to the extent required by the definition of such term.

 

  8.2.2 Liens .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, at any time, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, tangible or intangible, now owned or hereafter acquired, or agree or become liable to do so, except Permitted Liens.

 

  8.2.3 Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries .

(a) The Board of Directors of the Borrower may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Restricted Subsidiary at or prior to the time it is so acquired or formed but excluding any Restricted Subsidiary that was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary), or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately before and after such designation, no Potential Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis, with the Financial Covenants and (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it is a “Restricted Subsidiary” for the purpose of any Permitted Unsecured Notes (unless it is substantially concurrently being designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under such Permitted Unsecured Notes). Any (x) designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or (y) redesignation as a Restricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by delivering to the Administrative Agent a copy of a Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the requirements of this Section 8.2.3. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary (as applicable) therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Borrower’s or such relevant Restricted Subsidiary’s (as applicable) investment therein, as determined in good faith by such Borrower or such relevant Restricted Subsidiary, and the Investment resulting from such designation must otherwise be permitted under Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments]. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute the incurrence at the time of designation of any Investment, Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time.

 

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(b) No Unrestricted Subsidiary shall:

(1) have any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;

(2) except as permitted by Section 8.2.8 [Affiliate Transactions], be party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Borrower;

(3) be a Person with respect to which either the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has any direct or indirect obligation (x) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (y) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; or

(4) Guaranty or otherwise directly or indirectly provide credit support for any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent such Guaranty would be and is released upon such designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

  8.2.4 Loans and Investments .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, at any time, directly or indirectly, make or suffer to remain outstanding any Investment or become or remain liable for any Investments, except:

(a) (i) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business and (ii) loans or advances to officers, directors or employees made in the ordinary course of business; provided that such loans and advances to all such officers, directors and employees do not exceed an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 outstanding at any time;

(b) Temporary Cash Investments;

(c) any transaction permitted under Section 8.2.6 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions] (including any Permitted Acquisition);

(d) such Investments consisting of prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(e) any Investment existing on, or made pursuant to binding commitments existing on, the Closing Date and described on Schedule 8.2.4 , and any Investment consisting of an extension, modification or renewal of any such Investment existing on, or made pursuant to a binding commitment existing on, the Closing Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased as otherwise permitted under this Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments];

(f) Investments (i) in any Loan Party or (ii) by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;

 

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(g) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (i) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer or (ii) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

(h) other Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) 7.5% of CTA at such time;

(i) Investments in the form of an increase in the ownership percentage of the Undivided Interests by the Loan Parties;

(j) Investments in (i) the Pennsylvania Mine Complex in accordance with the ratable ownership of the Undivided Interests by the Loan Parties or (ii) any Specified Other Asset in accordance with the ratable ownership of the Permitted Other Undivided Interest therein by the Loan Parties; provided that, in the case of this clause (ii), such Permitted Other Undivided Interest (and any increase in the ownership percentage therein) shall have been acquired in a Permitted Acquisition;

(k) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries; provided Investments pursuant to this clause (k) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time;

(l) Investments in Joint Ventures; provided Investments pursuant to this clause (l) shall not exceed in the aggregate at any time the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 2.5% of CTA at such time;

(m) an Investment in receivables owing to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms, including such concessionary trade terms as the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;

(n) Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 8.2.1(f) [Indebtedness];

(o) Investments in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction permitted under Section 8.2.1(j) [Indebtedness], including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Receivables Transaction or any related Indebtedness;

(p) endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business;

(q) guarantees by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of performance of obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (other than for payment of Indebtedness or letter of credit reimbursement obligations); provided guarantees pursuant to this clause (q) of such obligations of Persons that are not Loan Parties shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time; and

(r) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of Designated Non-Cash Consideration in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Threshold Amount at any one time outstanding;

 

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provided that, in the case of clause (h), (i), (k) or (l), after giving effect to any such Investment no Event of Default or Potential Default shall exist or shall result from any such Investment.

 

  8.2.5 Restricted Payments .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make a Restricted Payment, except:

(a) (i) the Closing Date Distribution and (ii) to the extent the underwriters in the Qualified IPO exercise their “green shoe” option as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Borrower may (A) use the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of additional common units of the Borrower to make a cash distribution to CEI or one of its Subsidiaries concurrently with or promptly following the receipt of such proceeds and (B) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its common Equity Interests from CEI, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the net proceeds received therefrom;

(b) so long as no Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, and only to the extent permitted by the Partnership Agreement, the Borrower may make distributions with respect to any fiscal quarter to the holders of its Equity Interests up to the amount of Available Cash with respect to such fiscal quarter;

(c) payments of cash, dividends, distributions, advances or other Restricted Payments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to allow the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares upon (i) the exercise of options or warrants or (ii) the conversion or exchange of Equity Interests of any such Person;

(d) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries held by any current or former officer, director or employee of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or the General Partner (to the extent granted to such person in respect of performance of services for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) (or their respective estates, heirs, family members, spouses, former spouses or beneficiaries under their estates or other permitted transferees), pursuant to the terms of any equity subscription agreement, stock option agreement, shareholders’ agreement, compensation agreement or arrangement or similar agreement; provided that the aggregate amount of such acquisitions or retirements (excluding amounts representing cancellation of Indebtedness) shall not exceed $2,000,000 in any calendar year (with any portion of such $2,000,000 amount that is unused in any calendar year to be carried forward to successive calendar years and added to such amount, provided that the amount carried forward shall not exceed $6,000,000 at any time); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower after the Closing Date;

(e) the Borrower and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its Equity Interests or make other Restricted Payments with the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance and sale of its new common or subordinated Equity Interests;

(f) the repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock or other equity options to the extent such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of those stock or other equity options and any repurchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests made in lieu of withholding taxes in connection with any exercise or exchange of stock options, warrants, incentives or other rights to acquire Equity Interests;

 

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(g) prepayment of any Subordinated Obligations with Refinancing Indebtedness thereof;

(h) repurchases of Subordinated Obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Obligations in the event of an asset disposition, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the extent required by the terms of such Subordinated Obligations, but only if the Borrower has complied with and fully satisfied its obligations in accordance with Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions]; and

(i) any other Restricted Payments may be made in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate per fiscal year.

 

  8.2.6 Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, dissolve, liquidate or wind-up its affairs, or become a party to any merger or consolidation, or acquire all or substantially all of a business or division of any other Person; provided that:

(a) (i) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate or merge into any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that in the case of a consolidation or merger involving a Loan Party, a Loan Party is the surviving entity and (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate or merge into the Borrower; provided that the Borrower is the surviving entity;

(b) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may acquire whether by purchase or by merger or consolidation, (w) all of the ownership interests of another Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, (x) substantially all of the assets of another Person or the assets constituting a business or division of another Person, (y) the material assets of another Person, or (z) any material portion of any Specified Other Assets, or Permitted Other Undivided Interests (including any increase in the ownership percentage of Permitted Other Undivided Interests) (each, a “ Permitted Acquisition ”); provided that each of the following requirements is met:

(i) no Potential Default or Event of Default shall exist immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition;

(ii) after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition, the amount of unused Revolving Credit Commitments that could be drawn without breaching the Financial Covenants must be greater than or equal to at least 10% of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments at such time;

(iii) after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the Financial Covenants;

(iv) to the extent that the acquisition includes the acquisition of Equity Interests in any Person that is not a Loan Party or that does not become a Loan Party in connection with such acquisition, or of assets by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, such acquisition shall be subject to Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments] (without giving effect to clause (c) thereof) and the aggregate Consideration attributable to such Equity Interests or assets shall count against availability under Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments] (other than clause (c) thereof); and

(v) if the Consideration to be paid by the Restricted Subsidiaries for such Permitted Acquisition exceeds the Threshold Amount, the Restricted Subsidiaries shall deliver to the Administrative Agent before or contemporaneously with such Permitted Acquisition: (1) a certificate of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit 8.2.6 evidencing (x) compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis, with the Financial Covenants and (y) compliance with the applicable requirements of clauses (b)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 8.2.6 and (2) to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and not subject to confidentiality obligations owed to any Person other than CEI or any of its Subsidiaries, copies of any agreements entered into or proposed to be entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Permitted Acquisition and such other information about such Person or its assets, and the Administrative Agent may, to the extent it receives any such copies of agreements or information, provide such copies of agreements or information to the Lenders;

 

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(c) Dispositions permitted by Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions] and any liquidation, merger, consolidation or acquisition to effect such Disposition; provided that in the case of a consolidation or merger, the requirements of Section 8.2.6(a) are complied with, to the extent applicable; and

(d) any Restricted Subsidiary that holds only de minimis assets and is not conducting any material business may dissolve.

 

  8.2.7 Dispositions .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Disposition, except:

(a) any Disposition between or among the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that in the case of a consolidation or merger, the requirements of Section 8.2.6(a) are complied with, to the extent applicable;

(b) any Disposition that constitutes a Restricted Payment permitted by Section 8.2.5 [Restricted Payments] or an Investment permitted by Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments];

(c) an issuance or sale of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or to a Restricted Subsidiary;

(d) the sale of extracted Coal, other mineral products or other inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(e) a sale, contribution, conveyance or other disposition of Receivables and related assets of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction by or to a Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Transaction permitted by Section 8.2.1(j) [Indebtedness];

(f) any Disposition of surplus, damaged, worn-out or obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business (including the abandonment or other disposition of intellectual property, including seismic data and interpretations thereof, that is, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, no longer economically practicable to maintain or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as whole);

 

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(g) licenses and sublicenses by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of software or intellectual property, including seismic data and interpretations thereof, in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims in the ordinary course of business;

(i) the granting of Permitted Liens and dispositions in connection with Permitted Liens;

(j) the sale or other disposition of cash or Temporary Cash Investments or other financial instruments;

(k) the early termination or unwinding of any Hedging Obligations;

(l) any Disposition; provided that (i) within 365 days following any such Disposition of assets that were the subject thereof are replaced by substitute, replacement or other assets of the type used in the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (ii) all such substitute assets are subject to the Collateral Agent’s Lien for the benefit of the Secured Parties to the extent such substitute assets are required to be part of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that the fair market value of all assets Disposed of under this clause in any given fiscal year (other than transfers of property subject to a Casualty Event or condemnation proceeding) shall not exceed $60,000,000;

(m) leases or subleases of subsurface interests in Real Property that are not part of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex and are in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower not economically practical for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to mine or operate;

(n) other Dispositions; provided that the fair market value of all assets Disposed of under this clause in any given fiscal year (other than transfers of property subject to a Casualty Event or condemnation proceeding) shall not exceed the greater of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) 2.5% of CTA as of the end of the preceding fiscal year; and

(o) any Disposition that is not permitted by the other clauses of this Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions], which is approved by the Required Lenders;

provided that, (i) in the case of clauses (e), (l) and (n), no Potential Default or Event of Default is then in existence or will result therefrom.

 

  8.2.8 Affiliate Transactions .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or permit to exist any transaction or series of transactions (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property, employee compensation arrangements or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Borrower (an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) unless the terms thereof, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm’s-length dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate or, if in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors, no comparable transaction is available with which to compare such Affiliate Transaction, such Affiliate Transaction is otherwise fair to the Borrower or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view.

 

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The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of foregoing paragraph:

(a) any employment agreement, employee benefit plan, officer or director indemnification agreement or any similar arrangement entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and payments pursuant thereto;

(b) any sale of Hydrocarbons or other mineral products to an Affiliate of the Borrower or the entering into or performance of Hedging Contracts, contracts for exploring for, producing, gathering, marketing, processing, storing or otherwise handling Hydrocarbons, or activities or services reasonably related or ancillary thereto, or other operational contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business which are fair to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party, as determined in good faith by the Borrower;

(c) the sale or issuance to an Affiliate of the Borrower of Capital Stock of the Borrower that does not constitute Disqualified Stock, and the sale to an Affiliate of the Borrower of Indebtedness (including Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower in connection with an offering of such Indebtedness in a market transaction and on terms substantially identical to those of other purchasers in such market transaction;

(d) transactions between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Borrower (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower) solely because of the ownership by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests in such Person (including the transaction pursuant to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary acquired such Equity Interests);

(e) transactions between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Person, a director of which is also a director of the Borrower and such director is the sole cause for such Person to be deemed an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such director shall abstain from voting as a director of the Borrower on any matter involving such other person;

(f) the payment of reasonable fees to and reimbursements of expenses (including travel and entertainment expenses and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business) of employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(g) transactions between or among the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(h) payments that are permitted under Section 8.2.5 [Restricted Payments];

(i) sales, contributions, conveyances and other transfers of Receivables and related assets of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction to a Receivables Subsidiary or any other similar transactions in connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction permitted by Section 8.2.1(j) [Indebtedness];

(j) transactions effected, and payments made, in accordance with the terms of any agreement to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party as of the Closing Date and listed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (but not including any acquisition of assets pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, which shall be subject, in each case, to either the first paragraph of this covenant or clause (m) below) and any amendments, modifications, supplements,

 

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extensions, renewals or replacements thereof so long as such amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions, renewals or replacements (i) do not materially and adversely affect the rights, taken as a whole, of the Lenders as compared to the terms of such agreement in effect on the Closing Date, as determined in good faith by the Borrower or (ii) have received “Special Approval” by the “Conflicts Committee” (as each term is defined in the Partnership Agreement);

(k) any transaction in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing (or otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) stating that such transaction is fair to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or that such transaction meets the requirements of the preceding paragraph;

(l) loans or advances to employees, officers or directors in the ordinary course of business and approved by the Borrower’s Board of Directors in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(m) transactions that have received “Special Approval” by the “Conflicts Committee” (as each term is defined in the Partnership Agreement);

(n) pledges by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of (or any Guaranty by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary limited in recourse solely to) Equity Interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries for the benefit of lenders or other creditors of the Borrower’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and

(o) the consummation of the Transactions and the payment of fees and expenses in connection therewith.

 

  8.2.9 Change in Business .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business.

 

  8.2.10 Fiscal Year .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, change its fiscal year from the twelve-month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31.

 

  8.2.11 Amendments to Certain Documents; Prepayments of Certain Indebtedness .

(a) The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend its certificate of incorporation (including any provisions or resolutions relating to Capital Stock), by-laws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents in a manner that would be adverse in any material respect to the Lenders. The Borrower shall not, through merger or otherwise, reincorporate under the laws of a jurisdiction other than a State of the United States.

(b) The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend or modify or grant any waiver or release under any Specified Material Contract, if such amendment, modification, waiver or release would be adverse in any material respect to the Lenders (including by affecting the assignability of any such contract or agreement in a manner that would have a

 

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material and adverse effect on the rights of the Secured Parties in the Collateral (including in such agreement as Collateral)); provided that amendments, waivers and consents under multiple Specified Material Contracts entered into substantially contemporaneously shall be viewed taken as a whole.

(c) The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend or modify or grant any waiver or release under any Material Contract (other than any Specified Material Contract), if such amendment, modification, waiver or release affects the assignability of any such contract or agreement in a manner that would have a material and adverse effect on the rights of the Secured Parties in the Collateral (including in such agreement as Collateral) or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; provided that amendments, waivers and consents under multiple Material Contracts entered into substantially contemporaneously shall be viewed taken as a whole.

(d) The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreements governing Permitted Unsecured Notes or a Qualified Receivables Transaction, or any amendments to any of them, that would make any of them more restrictive, to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any material respect than the Loan Documents, except, in the case of a Qualified Receivables Transaction, as to assets relating to such Qualified Receivables Transaction.

(e) The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, defease or make any prepayments, purchases, repurchases, or redemptions of or in respect of any Permitted Unsecured Notes, unless at the time of any such prepayment, purchase, repurchase or redemption (or irrevocable notice thereof), no Event of Default or Potential Default shall exist or shall result from such prepayment, purchase, repurchase or redemption after giving effect thereto.

 

  8.2.12 Swaps .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is exposed in the conduct of its business or the management of its liabilities.

 

  8.2.13 Financial Covenants .

(a) Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio . Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2015, the Borrower shall not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter, to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

(b) Maximum Total Leverage Ratio . Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2015, the Borrower shall not permit the Total Leverage Ratio to exceed, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter, 3.50 to 1.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the consummation of a Material Permitted Acquisition and until the end of the second full fiscal quarter thereafter (the “ Increase Period ”), the maximum permitted Total Leverage Ratio shall be increased to 4.00 to 1.00 (the “ Step-Up ”) during such Increase Period; provided that an Increase Period may not immediately follow another Increase Period (that is, following an Increase Period, there shall be at least one fiscal quarter as of the end of which the Total Leverage Ratio has been complied with without giving effect to the Step-Up).

 

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  8.2.14 Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary ( provided that (x) the priority that any series of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary has in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions shall not be deemed to be a restriction on the ability to pay dividends or make other distributions on its Capital Stock for purposes of this covenant and (y) the subordination of Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness incurred by any Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to pay Indebtedness);

(2) make any loans or advances to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (it being understood that the subordination of loans or advances made to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances); or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary.

The foregoing restrictions of this Section 8.2.14 [Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries] will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) any encumbrance or restriction in any agreement in effect on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 8.2.14 ;

(b) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement relating to any Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by the Borrower or became a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Borrower) and outstanding on such date;

(c) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a Refinancing of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (a) or (b) of this paragraph or this clause (c) or contained in any amendment to an agreement referred to in clause (a) or (b) of this paragraph or this clause (c); provided that the encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any such refinancing agreement or amendment are no less favorable to the Lenders than encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in such agreements, as determined in good faith by the Borrower;

(d) (i) customary non-assignment provisions in any contract, license, lease or sale or exchange agreement and (ii) cash, other deposits, or net worth or similar requirements, in each case, imposed by suppliers, customers or lessors under contracts or leases, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(e) in the case of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph, restrictions contained in Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money obligations, security agreements or mortgages securing

 

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Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject to such Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money obligations, security agreements or mortgages;

(f) any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

(g) any encumbrance or restriction in any agreement or instrument in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;

(h) Liens otherwise permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 8.2.2 [Liens] that limit the right of the debtor to Dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

(i) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements (including, without limitation, agreements entered into in connection with an Investment) entered into with the approval of the Borrower’s Board of Directors, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such agreements;

(j) encumbrances or restrictions applicable only to a Foreign Subsidiary;

(k) agreements governing Hedging Contracts, Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements incurred not for speculative purposes;

(l) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that the Unrestricted Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Unrestricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of the Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such encumbrance or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Unrestricted Subsidiary; and

(m) any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (m) of this paragraph; provided that such amendments are not materially more restrictive with respect to such encumbrances and restrictions than those prior to such amendment or refinancing, as determined in good faith by the Borrower.

 

  8.2.15 Negative Pledge Agreements .

The Borrower shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Requirement (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person (other than property specifically excluded from the Collateral requirements pursuant to Section 8.1.17(b) [Collateral]) for the benefit of the Secured Parties with respect to the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to each of the following Contractual Requirements that:

(a) (i) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 8.2.15) are listed on Schedule 8.2.15 and (ii) to the extent Contractual Requirements permitted

 

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by subclause (i) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness or other obligations, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any Refinancing Indebtedness of such Indebtedness or obligation so long as such Refinancing Indebtedness does not expand the scope of such Contractual Requirement;

(b) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such Contractual Requirements were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

(c) arise pursuant to agreements entered into with respect to any Disposition permitted by Section 8.2.7 [Dispositions] and applicable solely to assets under such Disposition;

(d) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements permitted by Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments] and applicable to the joint ventures owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(e) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness], but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness;

(f) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto;

(g) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to 8.2.1 [Indebtedness] to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

(h) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(i) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(j) restrict the use of cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(k) are imposed by requirements of Law;

(l) customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by any Restricted Subsidiary, so long as the Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligation;

(m) are customary restrictions and conditions contained in the document relating to any Lien, so long as (i) such Lien is a Permitted Lien and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien and (ii) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Section 8.2.15;

(n) are restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness] or Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, to the extent such restrictions are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the restrictions contained in the Loan Documents as determined by the Borrower in good faith and do not restrict Liens on the Collateral to secure the Obligations;

 

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(o) are restrictions regarding licenses or sublicenses by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of intellectual property in the ordinary course of business (in which case such restriction shall relate only to such intellectual property);

(p) are encumbrances or restrictions contained in an agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by or merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or of an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, or that is assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case that is in existence at the time of such transaction (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or designated; and

(q) are encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (p) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower’s Board of Directors, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

 

  8.3 Reporting Requirements .

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:

 

  8.3.1 Quarterly Financial Statements .

Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date, as soon as available and in any event within 45 calendar days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each fiscal year (or by the date that is 45 days after the Closing Date, in the case of the first fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date), (i) financial statements of the Borrower, consisting of a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter and related consolidated statements of operations, net investment and cash flows for the fiscal quarter then ended and the fiscal year through that date, all in reasonable detail and certified (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments) by the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer of the Borrower (or the General Partner) as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and setting forth in comparative form the respective financial statements for the corresponding date and period in the previous fiscal year (which, for the first four full fiscal quarters following the Qualified IPO may be the financial statements for the predecessor as described in the Registration Statement) and (ii) a management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for each period for which financial statements are delivered pursuant to clause (i) above.

 

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  8.3.2 Annual Financial Statements .

As soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, (i) financial statements of the Borrower consisting of a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of operations, net investment and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, all in reasonable detail and setting forth in comparative form the respective financial statements for the corresponding date and period in the previous fiscal year (which, for the first fiscal year following the Qualified IPO may be the financial statements for the predecessor as described in the Registration Statement), and certified by independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) a management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for each fiscal year for which financial statements are delivered pursuant to clause (i) above. The certificate or report of accountants shall be free of qualifications (other than any consistency qualification that may result from a change in the method used to prepare the financial statements as to which such accountants concur) or explanation statement as to “going concern” or similar matter or the scope of such audit.

 

  8.3.3 SEC Website .

Reports or other information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements], Section 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] and Sections 8.3.7(a) and (b) [Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information] shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which such report or other information is posted on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and such posting shall be deemed to satisfy the reporting and delivery requirements of Sections 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements], 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] and 8.3.7(a) and (b) [Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information].

 

  8.3.4 Certificate of the Borrower .

On or prior to the date that the financial statements of the Borrower furnished to the Administrative Agent and to the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] and Section 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] are required to be furnished, a certificate (each a “ Compliance Certificate ”) of the Borrower signed by the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer of the Borrower, in the form of Exhibit 8.3.4 , to the effect that, except as described pursuant to Section 8.3.5 [Notice of Default], (i) the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Section 6 [Representations and Warranties] and in the other Loan Documents are true in all material respects on and as of the date of such certificate (except representations and warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time), (ii) no Event of Default or Potential Default exists and is continuing on the date of such certificate, (iii) specifying the occurrence of a Step-Up pursuant to the terms of Section 8.2.13(b) [Maximum Total Leverage Ratio] and the related Increase Period, (iv) containing calculations in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance as of the date of such financial statements with the Financial Covenants, (v) describing the commodity Swap Agreements in place to which any Loan Party is a party and confirming that all such Swap Agreements are Swap Agreements that the Loan Parties are permitted to enter under Section 8.2.12 [Swaps].

 

  8.3.5 Notice of Default .

Promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower has learned of the occurrence of an Event of Default or Potential Default, a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Potential Default and the action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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  8.3.6 Certain Events .

Written notice to the Administrative Agent, for provision to the Lenders:

(a) promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower has learned of the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or investigations before or by any Official Body or any other Person against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (that would reasonably be expected to result in a liability against such Person) (i) relating to the Collateral involving a claim or series of claims in excess of the Threshold Amount or (ii) which if adversely determined would constitute a Material Adverse Change;

(b) promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower has knowledge thereof, any event which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

(c) promptly after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower has knowledge thereof, any material breach under any Material Contract;

(d) promptly after any Loan Party incurs obligations or liabilities that are due and payable arising in connection with or as a result of the early or premature termination of Swap Agreements (whether or not occurring as a result of a default thereunder), which would exceed the Threshold Amount in the aggregate; and

(e) within five (5) Business Days after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower has knowledge thereof, of the occurrence of any ERISA Event that would reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Change.

 

  8.3.7 Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information .

(a) Concurrently with or prior to the delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] for any fiscal year, the budget for the succeeding fiscal year;

(b) Any reports, notices or proxy statements generally distributed by the Borrower to its stockholders on a date no later than the date supplied to such stockholders;

(c) Regular or periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, registration statements and prospectuses, filed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC;

(d) Simultaneously with each delivery of financial statements referred to in Sections 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] and 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements], the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements;

(e) Simultaneously with each delivery of financial statements referred to in Section 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements], a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth the information required pursuant to the Perfection Certificate Supplement or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Perfection Certificate or latest Perfection Certificate Supplement;

(f) Promptly upon their becoming available to the Borrower, a copy of any order in any proceeding to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party issued by any Official Body to the extent it could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

(g) Promptly upon request, such other reports and information as any of the Lenders may from time to time reasonably request, including five year projections of the Borrower.

 

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9. DEFAULT

 

  9.1 Events of Default .

An Event of Default shall mean the occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events or conditions (whatever the reason therefor and whether voluntary, involuntary or effected by operation of Law):

 

  9.1.1 Payments Under Loan Documents .

(a) The Borrower shall fail to make (i) any payment of principal on any Loan when due or (ii) payment of any Reimbursement Obligation within one (1) Business Day after such amount becomes due;

(b) The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation within three (3) Business Days after such interest becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof; or

(c) The Borrower shall fail to pay any other amount owing hereunder (specifically excluding amounts that are addressed in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above) or under the other Loan Documents within three (3) Business Days after the time period specified herein or therein and, if no time period is specified, then within ten (10) Business Days after a demand or notice has been provided to the Borrower requesting payment of such amount;

 

  9.1.2 Breach of Warranty .

Any representation or warranty made at any time by any of the Loan Parties herein or by any of the Loan Parties in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, other instrument or statement furnished pursuant to the provisions hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been false or incorrect in any material respect as of the time it was made or furnished;

 

  9.1.3 Breach of Certain Covenants .

Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any covenant contained in Section 8.1.1 [Preservation of Existence, Etc.] (with respect to the legal existence of the Borrower only), Section 8.1.6 [Visitation Rights], Section 8.1.11 [Use of Proceeds], Section 8.1.13 [Anti-Terrorism Laws; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act], Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants] or Section 8.3.5 [Notice of Default];

 

  9.1.4 Breach of Other Covenants .

Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any other covenant, condition or provision hereof or of any other Loan Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party becomes aware of the occurrence thereof;

 

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  9.1.5 Defaults in Other Agreements or Indebtedness .

A breach, default or event of default shall occur at any time under the terms of any agreement (other than any Loan Document) involving borrowed money or the extension of credit or any other Indebtedness under which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for all such Indebtedness may be obligated as a borrower or guarantor in excess of the Threshold Amount in the aggregate for such Indebtedness, and such breach, default or event of default consists of the failure to pay (beyond any period of grace permitted with respect thereto) any Indebtedness when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) or if such breach or default permits or causes the acceleration of any Indebtedness or the termination of any commitment to lend in excess of the Threshold Amount;

 

  9.1.6 Final Judgments or Orders .

Any final judgments, awards or orders not covered by insurance for the payment of money in excess of the Threshold Amount in the aggregate shall be entered against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary by a court having jurisdiction in the premises, which judgment is not discharged, vacated, bonded or stayed pending appeal within a period of sixty (60) days from the date of entry;

 

  9.1.7 Loan Document Unenforceable .

(a) Any of the Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party (i) shall cease to be a legal, valid and binding agreement enforceable against such Person executing the same or such Person’s successors and assigns (as permitted under the Loan Documents) in accordance with the respective terms thereof or shall cease to be in full force and effect (in either case except by operation of its terms), or (ii) shall be contested or challenged by any Loan Party or any agent thereof or (iii) cease to give or provide the respective Liens, security interests, rights, titles, interests, remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby on assets with an aggregate value (for all assets as to which an event described in this clause (iii) or the clause (b) below has occurred and is continuing) in excess of the Threshold Amount (except by operation of its terms) or (b) any security interest and Lien purported to be created by any Security Document on assets with an aggregate value (for all assets as to which an event described in this clause (b) or the clause (a)(iii) above has occurred and is continuing) in excess of the Threshold Amount shall cease to be in full force and effect, or shall cease to give the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be created and granted under such Security Document (except as otherwise expressly provided in such Security Document);

 

  9.1.8 Inability to Pay Debts .

(i) The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any substantial part of the property of any such Person with an aggregate value (for all property described in this clause (ii)) in excess of the Threshold Amount and is not released, vacated, stayed, dismissed or fully bonded within 60 days after its issue or levy;

 

  9.1.9 ERISA .

The occurrence of any of the following events that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change: (i) an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan;

 

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  9.1.10 Change of Control .

A Change of Control shall occur;

 

  9.1.11 Operating Agreement .

A Loan Party shall not be the “Operator” under the Operating Agreement;

 

  9.1.12 Involuntary Proceedings .

A proceeding shall have been instituted in a court having jurisdiction in the premises seeking a decree or order for relief in respect of any Loan Party in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of any Loan Party for any substantial part of its property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or such court shall enter a decree or order granting any of the relief sought in such proceeding;

 

  9.1.13 Voluntary Proceedings .

Any Loan Party shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or other similar official) of itself or for any substantial part of its property, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any action in furtherance of any of the foregoing; or

 

  9.1.14 Material Contracts .

Any termination of any Material Contract shall occur that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; provided that no Event of Default shall exist with respect to the termination of such Material Contract (other than the Operating Agreement and the Partnership Agreement) (a) for the 90 days after such termination so long as the Borrower is using commercially reasonable efforts to replace such Material Contract or (b) if such Material Contract is replaced within 90 days after such termination with a Material Contract that is not materially less favorable (taken as a whole) to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or the Lenders than the Material Contract that was terminated.

 

  9.2 Consequences of Event of Default .

 

  9.2.1 Events of Default Other Than Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings .

If an Event of Default specified under Sections 9.1.1 [Payments Under Loan Documents] through 9.1.10 [Change of Control] shall occur and be continuing, no further obligation shall exist on the part of the Lenders to make Loans or any Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit, as the case may be, and the Administrative Agent may, and upon the request of the Required Lenders, shall, (i) by written notice to the Borrower, declare the unpaid principal amount of the Loans then outstanding and all interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Obligations (other than Obligations under Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Products) to be forthwith due and payable, and

 

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the same shall thereupon become and be immediately due and payable to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and (ii) require the Borrower to, and the Borrower shall thereupon, Cash Collateralize all Letter of Credit Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit (to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement). Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent (x) first, to reimburse each of the Issuing Lenders for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and (y) second, after the Letter of Credit Obligations have been paid in full and otherwise terminated or expired, to satisfy other outstanding Obligations. Upon the curing of all existing Events of Default to the satisfaction of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall return the cash collateral to the Borrower; and

 

  9.2.2 Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings .

If an Event of Default specified under Section 9.1.12 [Involuntary Proceedings] or Section 9.1.13 [Voluntary Proceedings] shall occur, no further obligation shall exist on the Lenders or any Issuing Lender to issue any Letters of Credit hereunder, and the unpaid principal amount of the Loans then outstanding and all interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Obligations (other than Obligations under Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Products) shall be immediately due and payable, and the Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize all Letter of Credit Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit (to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement), in each case, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived; and

 

  9.2.3 Set-off .

If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, any Secured Party to whom any Obligation is owed by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any participant of any Lender which has agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions of Section 5.3 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] and any branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Secured Party anywhere in the world shall have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable Law), in addition to all other rights and remedies available to it, without notice to such Loan Party, to set-off against and apply to the then unpaid balance of all the Loans and all other Obligations of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document any debt owing to, and any other funds held in any manner for the account of, the Borrower or such other Loan Party by such Secured Party or participant or by such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate, including all funds in all deposit accounts (whether time or demand, general or special, provisionally credited or finally credited, or otherwise) now or hereafter maintained by the Borrower or such other Loan Party for its own account (but not including funds held in custodian or trust accounts or funds not otherwise beneficially owned by the Borrower or such other Loan Party) with such Secured Party or participant or such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate. Such right shall exist whether or not any Secured Party shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether or not such debt owing to or funds held for the account of the Borrower or such other Loan Party is or are matured or unmatured and regardless of the existence or adequacy of any Collateral, Guaranty or any other security, right or remedy available to any Secured Party; and

 

  9.2.4 [ Reserved ].

 

  9.2.5 Application of Proceeds .

From and after the date on which the Administrative Agent has taken any action pursuant to this Section 9.2 [Consequences of Event of Default] and until all Obligations of the Loan Parties have been Paid in Full, any and all proceeds received by the Administrative Agent from any sale or other disposition of the Collateral, or any part thereof, or the exercise of any other remedy by the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent, shall be applied as follows:

(a) First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, out-of-pocket expenses and other amounts (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent) payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in their respective capacities as such;

 

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(b) Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the Issuing Lenders) arising under the Loan Documents, ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (b) payable to them;

(c) Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and other Obligations arising under the Loan Documents, ratably among the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (c) payable to them;

(d) Fourth , to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Lenders, to Cash Collateralize that portion of Letter of Credit Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement;

(e) Fifth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and Obligations then owing under Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product, ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the providers of Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (e) held by them; and

(f) Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly Paid in Full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) amounts received from the Borrower or any Guarantor that is not a Qualified ECP Loan Party shall not be applied to the Obligations that are Excluded Swap Obligations (it being understood, that in the event that any amount is applied to Obligations other than Excluded Swap Obligations as a result of this clause (a), the Administrative Agent shall make such adjustments as it determines are appropriate to distributions pursuant to clause Fifth above from amounts received from a Qualified ECP Loan Party to ensure, as nearly as possible, that the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to Obligations described in clause Fifth above by the holders of any Excluded Swap Obligations are the same as the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to other Obligations pursuant to clause Fifth above) and (b) Obligations arising under Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Products shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the counterparty to such Specified Swap Agreement or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product, as the case may be. Each counterparty to a Specified Swap Agreements and Other Lender Provided Financial Service Products not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Section 10 [The Administrative Agent] hereof for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

 

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  9.2.6 Collateral Agent

All Liens granted as security for the Obligations under the Security Documents and any other Loan Document shall secure the Obligations ratably and on a pari passu basis in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties. No provider of a Specified Swap Agreement or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product (except in its capacity as a Lender hereunder (to the extent that this Agreement or any other Loan Document empowers the Lenders to direct the Administrative Agent)) shall be entitled or have the power to direct or instruct the Collateral Agent on any such matters or to control or direct in any manner the maintenance or disposition of the Collateral.

 

  9.2.7 Other Rights and Remedies .

In addition to all of the rights and remedies contained in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents (including each Mortgage), the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have all of the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law, all of which rights and remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive to the extent permitted by Law. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may, and upon the request of the Required Lenders shall, exercise all post-default rights granted to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law.

 

  9.3 Notice of Sale .

Any notice required to be given by the Collateral Agent of a sale, lease, or other disposition of the Collateral or any other intended action by the Collateral Agent, if given to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to such proposed action, shall constitute commercially reasonable and fair notice thereof to the Borrower.

10. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

  10.1 Appointment and Authority .

Each Lender (including in its capacity as a counterparty to a Specified Swap Agreement or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product or an Affiliate of such counterparty on behalf of such Affiliate) and Issuing Lender hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and authorizes PNC to act as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for such Lender under the Loan Documents and to execute and deliver or accept on behalf of each of the Lenders the other Loan Documents. Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes, and each holder of any Note by the acceptance of a Note shall be deemed irrevocably to authorize, the Administrative Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any other instruments and agreements referred to herein, and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties hereunder as are specifically delegated to or required of the Administrative Agent or any of them by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. PNC agrees to act as the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders to the extent provided in the Loan Documents. The provisions of this Section 10 are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lender, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions, except as set forth in Section 10.10 [Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors].

 

  10.2 Rights as a Lender .

The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not

 

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the Administrative Agent, and the term “ Lender ” or “ Lenders ” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

  10.3 Exculpatory Provisions .

The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Potential Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law; and

(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] and 9.2 [Consequences of Event of Default]) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Potential Default or Event of Default unless and until notice describing such Potential Default or Event of Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or the Issuing Lender.

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Potential Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 7 [Conditions of Lending and Issuance of Letters of Credit] or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

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  10.4 Reliance by Agents .

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the Issuing Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the Issuing Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the Issuing Lender prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

  10.5 Delegation of Duties .

The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Section 10 shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

 

  10.6 Resignation of Agents .

The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with approval from the Borrower (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to appoint a successor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Lender, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Lender under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (ii) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the Issuing Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section 10.6. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan

 

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Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section 10.6). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Section 10.6 and Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver] shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

If PNC resigns as Administrative Agent under this Section 10.6, PNC shall also resign as Swingline Lender and as an Issuing Lender. If PNC resigns as an Issuing Lender, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of an Issuing Lender with respect to all Letters of Credit issued by it that remain outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as Issuing Lender and all Letter of Credit Obligations with respect thereto, including the right to require the Lenders to make Participation Advances pursuant to Section 2.9.3 [Participations, Disbursements, Reimbursement]. If PNC resigns as Swingline Lender, the Borrower shall repay any outstanding Swing Loans on or prior to the effective date of such resignation and, to the extent any Swing Loans remain outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as Swingline Lender, PNC shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of a Swingline Lender with respect to such Swing Loans, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans pursuant to Section 2.10 [Borrowings to Repay Swing Loans]. Upon the appointment of a successor Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall (i) succeed to all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of PNC as a retiring Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender and Administrative Agent and PNC shall be discharged from all of its respective duties and obligations as Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender and Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents and (ii) issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit issued by PNC, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to PNC to effectively assume the obligations of PNC with respect to such Letters of Credit.

If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Removal Effective Date ”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

 

  10.7 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders .

Each Lender and the Issuing Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and the Issuing Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

  10.8 No Other Duties, Etc .

Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the “Joint Lead Arrangers,” “Joint Bookrunners,” “Syndication Agent” or Lenders listed on the cover page hereof shall have any

 

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powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Swingline Lender, a Lender or an Issuing Lender hereunder.

 

  10.9 Administrative Agent’s Fee .

The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent a nonrefundable fee (the “ Administrative Agent’s Fee ”) under the terms of a letter (the “ Administrative Agent’s Letter ”) between the Borrower and Administrative Agent, as amended from time to time.

 

  10.10 Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors .

It is expressly agreed by each Lender and each Issuing Lender, that upon the written request of the Borrower (accompanied by such certificates and other documentation as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request) the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders and without any consent or action by any Lender, shall so long as no Event of Default exists after giving effect thereto, (x) release, subordinate, enter into non-disturbance agreements or consent to the release by the Collateral Agent of, or grant of an option with respect to, (i) any Collateral or any Guarantor from a Guaranty Agreement or any other Loan Document, in either case, in connection with any sale, transfer, disposition to a Person that is not a Loan Party, merger with a Person that is not a Loan Party or other transaction permitted by this Agreement (including a release of Accounts or related contracts giving rise to Accounts from time to time in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction), such release to include releases from the Guaranty Agreement or any other Loan Document of any Loan Party that becomes an Excluded Subsidiary or ceases to be a Subsidiary pursuant to any sale, transfer, lease, disposition, merger or other transaction permitted by this Agreement and a release of all the assets of such Loan Party that becomes an Excluded Subsidiary or ceases to be a Subsidiary, (ii) any assets no longer required to be Collateral pursuant to the terms hereof or of any other Loan Document or (y) subordinate, enter into non-disturbance agreements, or grant of an option with respect to any assets in connection with any easements, permits, licenses, rights of way, options, surface leases or other surface rights or interests permitted to be granted hereunder.

 

  10.11 No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program .

Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that neither such Lender, nor any of its Affiliates, participants or assignees, may rely on the Administrative Agent to carry out such Lender’s, Affiliate’s, participant’s or assignee’s customer identification program, or other obligations required or imposed under or pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act or the regulations thereunder, including the regulations contained in 31 CFR 103.121 (as hereafter amended or replaced, the “ CIP Regulations ”), or any other Anti-Terrorism Law, including any programs involving any of the following items relating to or in connection with any of the Loan Parties, their Affiliates or their agents, the Loan Documents or the transactions hereunder or contemplated hereby: (i) any identity verification procedures, (ii) any recordkeeping, (iii) comparisons with government lists, (iv) customer notices or (v) other procedures required under the CIP Regulations or such other Laws.

 

  10.12 Withholding Tax .

To the extent required by any applicable Law (as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender under any Loan Document an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. Without limiting or expanding the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes], each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent against, and shall make payable in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, any and all

 

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Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent by the IRS or any other Official Body as a result of the failure of the Administrative Agent to properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of such Lender for any reason (including because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective). A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 10.12 [Withholding Tax]. The agreements in this Section 10.12 [Withholding Tax] shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Lender” shall, for purposes of this Section 10.12 [Withholding Tax], include any Issuing Lender.

11. MISCELLANEOUS

 

  11.1 Modifications, Amendments or Waivers .

 

  11.1.1 Required Consents .

With the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent, acting on behalf of all the Lenders, and the Borrower, on behalf of the Loan Parties, may from time to time enter into written agreements amending or changing any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the rights of the Lenders or the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder, or may grant written waivers or consents hereunder or thereunder; provided that no consent of any Lender is required for releases, corrections, amendments, updates or other transactions or actions authorized by Section 10.10 [Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors]. Any such agreement, waiver or consent made with such written consent shall be effective to bind all the Lenders and the Loan Parties; provided that no such agreement, waiver or consent may be made which will:

(a) increase the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender hereunder without the consent of such Lender;

(b) whether or not any Loans are outstanding, extend the Maturity Date or the time for payment of principal or interest of any Loan, the Commitment Fee or any other fee payable to any Lender, or reduce the principal amount of or the rate of interest borne by any Loan or reduce the Commitment Fee or any other fee payable to any Lender, without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Loans, changes to Section 8.2.13 [Financial Covenants] or the definitions used therein or the application (or waiver of application) of any rate increase described in Section 4.3 [Interest After Default] shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest or a reduction of principal, interest or fees);

(c) except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, without the written consent of all the Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders), release all or substantially all of the Guarantors (as measured by fair market value of their assets) from their Obligations under the Guaranty Agreement; provided that the foregoing consents shall not be required in connection with any sale, transfer, lease, disposition, merger or other transaction otherwise permitted by this Agreement, which such consents are given if required solely by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.10 [Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors];

 

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(d) except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, without the written consent of all the Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders), release all or substantially all of the Collateral; provided that (x) the foregoing consents shall not be required in connection with any sale, transfer, lease, disposition, merger or other transaction otherwise permitted by this Agreement, which such consents are given if required solely by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.10 [Authorization to Release Collateral and Guarantors], and (y) in the event that the Borrower provides any applicable Issuing Lender with Cash Collateral to secure any Letters of Credit with an expiry date beyond the Revolving Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.9.10 [Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date], such Issuing Lender is permitted to release such Cash Collateral without the consent of any Lender once such Letter of Credit has terminated, expired or has otherwise been returned to such Issuing Lender undrawn; or

(e) amend Section 2.4 [Voluntary Commitment Reduction] with respect to the provision regarding ratable reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments, Section 5.2 [Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders], Section 5.3 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] or Section 9.2.5 [Application of Proceeds] or requiring all Lenders to authorize the taking of any action or reduce any percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders or the definition of “Ratable Share”, in each case without the consent of all of the Lenders;

(f) amend this Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] in a manner that would reduce the voting rights of any Lender without consent of such affected Lender.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (a) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Revolving Credit Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (b) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders.

 

  11.1.2 Certain Amendments .

Notwithstanding Section 11.1.1(a) [Required Consents] or any other provision in any Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders and without any consent or action by any Lender, may amend, modify, supplement or restate in whole or in part any of the Loan Documents from time to time or consent to such action by the Collateral Agent to (i) cure any defect or error, (ii) comply with any provision hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (iii) add Guarantors of the Obligations, (iv) add property or other assets as Collateral, (v) add covenants of the Borrower or the other Loan Parties for the benefit of the Lenders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Borrower or any of the other Loan Parties, (vi) approve of any correction or update to any Schedule hereto or to any other Loan Document to the extent such Schedule is being corrected in any manner that is not material or is being updated to reflect the consummation of any transaction or exercise of any rights of the Loan Parties permitted hereunder for which no consent is required or for which the required consent has been received, (vii) release from perfection any Lien created by any Loan Document that is no longer required by the terms hereof or such Loan Document to be perfected, or (viii) share Collateral on a pro rata basis with any counterparty to a Specified Swap Agreement described in clause (iii) of the definition of “Specified Swap Agreement.”

 

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  11.1.3 Amendments Affecting the Administrative Agent, Etc .

No agreement, waiver or consent which would modify the interests, rights or obligations of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or any Issuing Lender may be made without the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Lender, as applicable.

 

  11.1.4 Non-Consenting Lenders .

If in connection with any proposed waiver, amendment or modification referred to in any of the clauses (a) through (f) in Section 11.1.1 [Required Consents], the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained but the consent of one or more of such other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (each a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”), then the Borrower shall have the right to replace any such Non-Consenting Lender with one or more replacement Lenders pursuant to Section 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender].

 

  11.1.5 Defaulting Lenders .

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (i) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (ii) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

  11.2 No Implied Waivers; Cumulative Remedies .

No course of dealing and no delay or failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power, remedy or privilege under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any other or future exercise thereof or operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right, power, remedy or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and any other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have.

 

  11.3 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver .

 

  11.3.1 Costs and Expenses .

The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lead Arrangers, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and their respective Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of outside counsel and land professionals for the Administrative Agent), and shall pay all reasonable fees in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Lender in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the

 

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Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Lender), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver], or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit and (iv) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent’s regular employees and agents engaged periodically to perform audits of the Loan Parties’ books, records and business properties.

 

  11.3.2 Indemnification by the Borrower .

The Borrower shall indemnify the Lead Arrangers, the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and each Issuing Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable out-of-pocket related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any outside counsel for any Indemnitee), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance or nonperformance by the Loan Parties of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Lender to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) breach of representations, warranties or covenants of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, including any such items or losses relating to or arising under Environmental Laws or pertaining to environmental matters, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that the Borrower shall not be liable for any portion of any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements with respect to an Indemnitee (A) if the same is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct or (B) results from a dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as the Administrative Agent or arranger or any similar role under this Agreement and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates). The Indemnitees will attempt to minimize the fees and expenses of legal counsel for the Indemnitees which are subject to reimbursement by the Borrower hereunder by considering the usage of one law firm to represent the Indemnitees if appropriate under the circumstances. This Section 11.3.2 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

  11.3.3 Reimbursement by Lenders .

To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under Section 2.9.8 [Indemnity], Section 11.3.1 [Costs and Expenses] or Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower] to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the Issuing Lenders or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the Issuing Lenders or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Ratable Share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted

 

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against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or an Issuing Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Issuing Lender in connection with such capacity.

 

  11.3.4 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc .

No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except to the extent such damages are found to be a final, non-appealable judgment of a court to arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, nor shall any Indemnitee, Loan Party or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date); it being agreed that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of the Loan Parties pursuant to Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower].

 

  11.3.5 Payments .

All amounts due under this Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver] shall be payable not later than ten (10) days after demand therefor.

 

  11.4 Holidays .

Whenever payment of a Loan to be made or taken hereunder shall be due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall be due on the next Business Day (except as provided in Section 4.2 [Interest Periods]) and such extension of time shall be included in computing interest and fees, except that the Loans shall be due on the Business Day preceding the Maturity Date if the Maturity Date is not a Business Day. Whenever any payment or action to be made or taken hereunder (other than payment of the Loans) shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment or action shall be made or taken on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall not be included in computing interest or fees, if any, in connection with such payment or action.

 

  11.5 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication .

 

  11.5.1 Notices Generally .

Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in Section 11.5.2 [Electronic Communications]), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier (i) if to a Lender, to it at its address set forth in its administrative questionnaire, or (ii) if to any other Person, to it at its address set forth on Schedule 11.5.1 .

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in Section 11.5.2 [Electronic Communications], shall be effective as provided in such Section.

 

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  11.5.2 Electronic Communications .

Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or any Issuing Lender if such Lender or Issuing Lender, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication and the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Borrower of the same. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement); provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

  11.5.3 Change of Address, Etc .

Any party hereto may change its address, e-mail address or telecopier number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

  11.6 Severability .

The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without in any manner affecting the validity or enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions hereof in any jurisdiction.

 

  11.7 Duration; Survival .

All representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained herein or made in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the completion of the transactions hereunder and Payment In Full. All covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained herein relating to the payment of principal, interest, premiums, additional compensation or expenses and indemnification, including those set forth in the Notes, Section 2.9.8 [Indemnity], Section 2.9.10 [Cash Collateral Prior to the Maturity Date], Section 5 [Payments] and Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver], shall survive payment in full of all principal and interest under the Notes, the termination of the Commitments and the expiration or termination or cash collateralization of all Letters of Credit. All other covenants and agreements of the Loan Parties shall continue in full force and effect from and after the date hereof and until Payment In Full.

 

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  11.8 Successors and Assigns .

 

  11.8.1 Successors and Assigns Generally .

The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.8.2 [Assignments by Lenders], (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.8.4 [Participations], or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 11.8.6 [Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally] (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 11.8.4 [Participations], the Lead Arrangers, and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

  11.8.2 Assignments by Lenders .

Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a) Minimum Amounts .

(i) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(ii) in any case not described in clause (a)(i) of this Section 11.8.2, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption Agreement with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, as of such Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, in the case of any assignment in respect of the Revolving Credit Commitment of the assigning Lender, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(b) Proportionate Amounts . Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Commitment assigned.

(c) Required Consents . No consent shall be required for any assignment except for the following consents (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and shall not be required in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or, in the case of an assignment of Term Loans, an Approved Fund):

(i) the consent of the Administrative Agent;

 

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(ii) the consent of the Borrower, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; and

(iii) the consent of each Issuing Lender with a Letter of Credit Issuing Lender Sublimit in excess of $10,000,000, if the assignment increases the obligation of the assignee to participate in exposure under one or more Letters of Credit (whether or not then outstanding).

(d) Assignment and Assumption Agreement . The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 from the assignor or the assignee, and the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an administrative questionnaire provided by the Administrative Agent.

(e) No Assignment to Borrower . No such assignment shall be made to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

(f) No Assignment to Natural Persons . No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.

(g) No Assignment to Defaulting Lender . No such assignment shall be made to a Defaulting Lender.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 11.8.3 [Register], from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption Agreement, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption Agreement covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], Section 5.7 [Increased Costs], and Section 11.3 [Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver] with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 11.8.2 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 11.8.4 [Participations].

 

  11.8.3 Register .

The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain a record of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time. Such register shall be conclusive (absent manifest error), and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lenders and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is in such register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. Such register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

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  11.8.4 Participations .

Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to any of clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of Section 11.1.1 [Required Consents]. Subject to Section 11.8.5 [Limitations upon Participant Rights], the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], Section 5.7 [Increased Costs] and Section 5.8 [Taxes] (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections and Section 5.6.3 [Mitigation Obligation] and 5.6.2 [Replacement of a Lender], and it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.8.5 [Status of Lenders] shall be delivered solely to the participating Lender) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 11.8.2 [Assignments by Lenders]. To the extent permitted by Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.2.3 [Set-off] as though it were a Lender; provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 5.3 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] as though it were a Lender.

Each Lender that sells participations to a Participant, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain a register of all such Participants. The entries in the participant register shall be conclusive (absent manifest error), and the Borrower and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the participant register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Participant for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary; provided that no Lender shall have the obligation to disclose all or a portion of the participant register (including the identity of the Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Loans or other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary in connection with a Tax audit or other proceeding to establish that any loans are in registered form for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a participant register.

 

  11.8.5 Limitations upon Participant Rights .

A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 5.7 [Increased Costs], Section 5.8 [Taxes] or Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver] than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, except to the extent that the Participant’s right to a greater payment results from a Change in Law after the Participant became a Participant.

 

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  11.8.6 Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally .

Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or any central bank having jurisdiction; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

  11.9 Confidentiality .

 

  11.9.1 General .

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (i) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (ii) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (iii) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (iv) to any other party hereto, (v) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (vi) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 11.9, to (a) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (b) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (vii) with the consent of the Borrower or (viii) to the extent such Information (a) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 11.9 or (b) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower, the other Loan Parties or any other Person that has obtained such confidential information pursuant to this Section 11.9. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 11.9 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

  11.9.2 Sharing Information With Affiliates of the Lenders .

Each Loan Party acknowledges that from time to time financial advisory, investment banking and other services may be offered or provided to the Borrower or one or more of its Affiliates (in connection with this Agreement or otherwise) by any Lender or by one or more Subsidiaries or Affiliates of such Lender, and each of the Loan Parties hereby authorizes each Lender to share any information delivered to such Lender by such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement to any such Subsidiary or Affiliate subject to the provisions of Section 11.9.1 [General].

 

  11.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness .

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings,

 

-133-


oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof including any prior confidentiality agreements and commitments. Except as provided in Section 7 [Conditions of Lending and Issuance of Letters of Credit], this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or e-mail shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

  11.11 Governing Law, Etc .

 

  11.11.1 Governing Law .

This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract under the Laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Each standby Letter of Credit issued under this Agreement shall be subject either to the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance (“ UCP ”) or the rules of the International Standby Practices (ICC Publication Number 590), as determined by the Issuing Lender, and each trade Letter of Credit shall be subject to UCP, and in each case to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the Laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

 

  11.11.2 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION .

THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR ANY ISSUING LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

  11.11.3 WAIVER OF VENUE .

THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 11.11.2 [SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION]. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY

 

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WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY SUCH DEFENSE.

 

  11.11.4 SERVICE OF PROCESS .

EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.5 [NOTICES; EFFECTIVENESS; ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION]. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  11.11.5 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 11.11.5.

 

  11.12 Certain Collateral Matters .

The benefit of the Loan Documents and of the provisions of this Agreement relating to any Collateral securing the Obligations shall also extend to and be available to those Lenders or their Affiliates which are counterparties or parties to any Specified Swap Agreement or any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product with any Loan Party on a pro rata basis in respect of any obligations of any Loan Party which arise under any such Specified Swap Agreement (after giving effect to all netting arrangements relating to such Specified Swap Agreements) or any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product, including any Specified Swap Agreement or any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product between such Persons in existence prior to the date hereof. No Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender shall have any voting rights under any Loan Document as a result of the existence of obligations owed to it under any such Specified Swap Agreement or any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product.

 

  11.13 USA PATRIOT Act Notice .

Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Loan Parties, which information includes the name and address of Loan Parties and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Loan Parties in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

-135-


  11.14 No Fiduciary Duty .

Each Loan Party agrees and acknowledges that: (i) each Secured Party is acting solely as a principal and is not a financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other party; (ii) no Secured Party has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in any Loan Party’s or their respective Affiliates’ favor with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (irrespective of whether any Secured Party has advised or is currently advising any Loan Party or its Affiliates on other matters) and no Secured Party has any obligation to the Loan Parties or their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein; (iii) the Secured Parties and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from the Loan Parties or their respective Affiliates and the Secured Parties have no obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (iv) the Lenders have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice in any jurisdiction with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby and the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate. Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that it will consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither any Secured Party nor its Affiliates shall have any responsibility or liability to any Loan Party with respect thereto. Each Loan Party hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that such Loan Party may have against the Secured Parties or their respective Affiliates with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.

 

  11.15 No General Partner’s Liability .

It is hereby understood and agreed that the General Partner shall have no personal liability, as general partner or otherwise, for the payment of any amount owing or to be owing hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree for themselves and their respective successors and assigns that no claim arising against any Loan Party under any Loan Document with respect to the Obligations shall be asserted against the General Partner.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

-136-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, by their officers thereunto duly authorized, have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWER:
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By: CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Lorraine L. Ritter

Name: Lorraine L. Ritter
Title:

Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Accounting Officer

GUARANTORS:
CNX OPERATING LLC
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

/s/ Lorraine L. Ritter

Name: Lorraine L. Ritter
Title:

Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Accounting Officer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ,
as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender, Swingline Lender and as a Lender
By:

/s/ Richard C. Munsick

Name: Richard C. Munsick
Title: Senior Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
as Issuing Lender and as a Lender
By:

/s/ Adam H. Fey

Name: Adam H. Fey
Title: Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


Branch Banking and Trust Company
as Issuing Lender and as a Lender
By:

/s/ Troy Weaver

Name: Troy Weaver
Title: Senior Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


Citibank, N.A.
as Issuing Lender and as a Lender
By:

/s/ John Tucker

Name: John Tucker
Title: Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH,

as a Lender

By:

/s/ Nupur Kumar

Name: Nupur Kumar
Title: Authorized Signatory
By:

/s/ Michaela Kenny

Name: Michaela Kenny
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK,
as a Lender
By:

/s/ Joshua D. Elsea

Name: Joshua D. Elsea
Title: Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
as Issuing Lender and as a Lender
By:

/s/ Peter S. Predun

Name: Peter S. Predun
Title: Executive Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
as a Lender
By:

/s/ Tim Green

Name: Tim Green
Title: Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
as a Lender
By:

/s/ Rebecca Kratz

Name: Rebecca Kratz
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


STIFEL BANK & TRUST,
as a Lender
By:

/s/ Benjamin L. Dodd

Name: Benjamin L. Dodd
Title: Senior Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CNX COAL CREDIT AGREEMENT]


SCHEDULE 1.1(A)

PRICING GRID

 

     Applicable Margin  

Level

  

Total Leverage Ratio

   LIBOR Loans     Base Rate Loans  

I

   < 1.50:1.00      2.50     1.50

II

   ³ 1.50:1.00 and < 2.00:1.00      2.75     1.75

III

   ³ 2.00:1.00 and < 2.50:1.00      3.00     2.00

IV

   ³ 2.50:1.00 and < 3.00:1.00      3.25     2.25

V

   ³ 3.00:1.00      3.50     2.50

For purposes of determining the Applicable Margin and the Applicable Letter of Credit Fee Rate:

(a) From the Closing Date through the date on which the first Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered hereunder after the Closing Date (the “ Initial Period ”), the Applicable Margin and the Applicable Letter of Credit Fee Rate shall be the respective amounts set forth under Level III of this Schedule 1.1(A) set forth above.

(b) It is expressly agreed that after the Initial Period, the Applicable Margin and the Applicable Letter of Credit Fee Rate shall be determined based upon Schedule 1.1(A) above and change on each date on which a Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered hereunder.

(c) If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Total Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Issuing Lender), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Issuing Lender, as the case may be, under Section 2.9 [Letters of Credit] or Section 4.3 [Interest After Default] or Section 9 [Default]. The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.


SCHEDULE 1.1(B)

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS

 

Lender

   Amount of Commitment for
Revolving Credit Loans
     Revolving Credit
Ratable Share
 

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 72,500,000         18.125

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 50,000,000         12.500

Branch Banking and Trust Company

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

Citibank, N.A.

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

The Huntington National Bank

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

   $ 40,000,000         10.000

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

   $ 30,000,000         7.500

Stifel Bank & Trust

   $ 7,500,000         1.875
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL:

$ 400,000,000      100.000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


SCHEDULE 6.1

QUALIFICATIONS TO DO BUSINESS

 

Entity        Qualifications
CNX Coal Resources LP      Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia
CNX Operating LLC      Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia
CNX Thermal Holdings LLC      Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia


SCHEDULE 6.3

SUBSIDIARIES

 

Name   

Jurisdiction of

Incorporation

  

Issued and

Outstanding Shares

   Owners    Restricted
Subsidiary
   Guarantor
CNX Operating LLC    Delaware    100% membership interests    CNX Coal Resources
LP
   Yes    Yes
CNX Thermal Holdings LLC    Delaware    100% membership interests    CNX Operating LLC    Yes    Yes


SCHEDULE 6.11

PLEDGED SECURITIES

 

Pledgor    Issuer Name    Issuer Jurisdiction
of Formation
   Interest Type    Number of
Units Owned;
Percentage of
Total Issued
Interests
    Percentage of
Owner Interests
Being Pledged
Hereunder
 

CNX Coal Resources LP

   CNX Operating LLC    Delaware    Membership Interest      100     100

CNX Operating LLC

   CNX Thermal Holdings LLC    Delaware    Membership Interest      100     100


SCHEDULE 6.19

INSURANCE POLICIES

 

NAMED INSURED

  

COVERAGE

  

CARRIER

POLICY NUMBER

CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    General Liability – Primary $5 Million Limit    Steadfast Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Commercial Automobile Liability – Primary $3 Million Limit    Zurich American Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess Primary    American Guarantee & Liability Insurance Co.
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $25 Million    Ironshore Europe Limited
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $50 Million    Star Indemnity & Liability
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $75 Million    XL Insurance Company Plc
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $15 Million Excess $100 Million    General Security Indemnity Company of Arizona
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $115 Million    XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd.
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $10 Million Excess $140 Million    Torus Insurance (UK) Ltd.
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $150 Million    Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Limited
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $175 Million    Iron-Starr Excess Agency Ltd.
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $200 Million    Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK)
CONSOL Energy Inc., et al.    Umbrella Liability – Layer $25 Million Excess $225 Million    American International Reinsurance Company, Ltd.


CONSOL Energy Inc.

“All Risk” Property

including

Equipment Breakdown

 

$1,000,000,000 Limit for Real and Personal Property at aboveground locations

 

$100,000,000 Limit for Real and Personal Property at underground locations, including underground time element

 

$1,000,000,000 Flood per Occurrence and Annual Aggregate, except:

Zone A - $75,000,000

Zone V - $10,000,000

Primary ($50,000,000)

Lloyd’s of London

 

Chartis

 

Zurich American Insurance Company

 

Partner Re

 

London – Brit Syndicate

 

ACE American (Starr Tech)

 

Hannover

 

Munich RE America

 

Allied World Assurance Company

 

Alterra Insurance Limited

 

Ironshore Insurance Ltd.

 

RSUI Indemnity Company

 

Aspen Specialty Insurance Company

 

Axis E&S

 

Excess ($50,000,000 x/s $50,000,000)

Chartis

 

Zurich American Insurance Company

 

Validus

 

Scor

 

Lloyd’s of London

 

Hannover

 

Munich RE America

 

Allied World Assurance Company

 

ACE American (Starr Tech)

 

Houston Specialty

 

Ironshore Insurance Ltd.

 

Axis E&S

 

Partner Re


RSUI Indemnity Company

 

Aspen Specialty Insurance Company

 

OCIL

 

Excess ($200,000,000 x/s $100,000,000)

Chartis

 

Scor

 

Chubb

 

Zurich American Insurance Company

 

Swiss Re International S.E.

 

Munich Re

 

ACE American (Starr Tech)

 

Montpelier RE

 

RSUI Indemnity Company

 

CPIC

 

OCIL

 

Sompo Japan

 

Excess ($200,000,000 x/s $300,000,000)

Chartis

 

ACE American (Starr Tech)

 

Chubb

 

Axis

 

Lloyd’s of London

 

Swiss Re International S.E.

 

Munich Re

 

Zurich American Insurance Company

 

CPIC

 

OCIL


Excess ($500,000,000 x/s $500,000,000)

Axis

 

Chartis

 

Munich Re

 

Swiss Re International S.E.

 

Lloyd’s of London

 

Sompo Japan

 

RSUI Indemnity Company

 

Aspen Specialty Insurance Company

 

Hannover

 

ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd.

 

Alterra Insurance Limited

 

Ironshore Insurance Ltd.

 

Allied World Assurance Company

 

Houston Casualty

 

CPIC

CONSOL Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries Jurisdictional Boiler Inspection ARISE Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Risk Retention Group
CONSOL Energy Inc. All Risk Property Certified and Non-Certified Terrorism Gap Coverage Global Excess Partners & Talbot Underwriting Services
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Primary $15 Million Limit Arch Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – First Excess $10 Million Limit Zurich American Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Second Excess $10 Million Limit Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Third Excess $10 Million Limit National Union Fire Ins. Co of Pgh PA
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Fourth Excess $10 Million Limit Axis Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Fifth Excess $10 Million Limit Everest National Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Sixth Excess $10 Million Limit Continental Casualty Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Directors & Officers Liability – Seventh Excess $5 Million Limit Freedom Specialty Insurance Co.


CONSOL Energy Inc. Side A DIC Directors & Officers Liability – Eighth Excess $20 Million Limit Federal Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Side A DIC Directors & Officers Liability – Ninth Excess $10 Million Limit XL Specialty Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Side A DIC Directors & Officers Liability – Tenth Excess $10 Million Limit ACE American Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Fiduciary Liability – Primary $10 Million Limit Axis Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc.

Excess Fiduciary Liability –

$10 Million Limit

Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America
CONSOL Energy Inc.

Special Risk Coverage –

$5 Million Limit

Federal Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc. Blanket Crime – $5 Million Limit National Union Fire Ins. Co of Pgh PA
CONSOL Energy Inc., et. al Employment Practices Liability with Omnibus Leaders Preferred Endorsement – Primary $10 Million Limit Arch Insurance Company
CONSOL Energy Inc., et. Al Excess Employment Practices Liability – $10 Million Limit Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America


SCHEDULE 6.25

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

None.


SCHEDULE 7.1.1(i)

LIEN SEARCHES

[On file with Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP]


SCHEDULE 8.1.18

TITLE REQUIREMENTS

Capitalized terms used in this Schedule 8.1.18 that are not defined in the Loan Documents have the meanings given to them in this Schedule 8.1.18.

Subject to the proviso below, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the following:

(a) within 60 days of the Closing Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), a Mortgage Policy with respect to the Operator’s Undivided Interest in the Bailey preparation plant located on parcel 22-09-0149 that is part of the Pennsylvania Mine Complex in an insured amount not less than $64,680,000;

(b) within 60 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) after the date of an acquisition of any Surface Real Property that is required to be subject to a Mortgage pursuant to clause (x) or (z) of Section 8.1.17(a)(iii)(b) , a Mortgage Policy with respect to such Surface Real Property in an insured amount not less than the Fair Market Value of such Surface Real Property; provided that if the Loan Parties do not own 100% of such Surface Real Property, the insured amount shall be not less than the Loan Parties’ ownership percentage of such Surface Real Property; provided further that an increase in the ownership percentage of any Permitted Other Undivided Interest in any Specified Other Asset that was previously subject to this clause (b) shall be governed by clause (e) below and not this clause (b);

(c) within 60 days of the Closing Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), a Title Report with respect to the Subsurface Real Properties that are required to be subject to a Mortgage pursuant to Section 8.1.17(a)(iii)(a) ;

(d) with respect to any Subsurface Real Property acquired after the Closing Date that is required to be subject to a Mortgage pursuant to clause (x) or (z) of Section 8.1.17(a)(iii)(b) and is in the 10-year mine plan at the time the Mortgage is delivered, a Title Report, within 60 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) (i) after date of such acquisition if the acquisition is from CEI or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) after the delivery of a title opinion, report or memorandum to CEI, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries; provided that an increase in the ownership percentage of any Permitted Other Undivided Interest in any Specified Other Asset that was previously subject to this clause (d) shall be governed by clause (e) below and not this clause (d);

(e) only to the extent that the Required Lenders request and the Fair Market Value of any increase in the percentage ownership of any Undivided Interest or Permitted Other Undivided Interest since the last delivery with respect to such Undivided Interest or Permitted Other Undivided Interest pursuant to this Schedule 8.1.18 is at least $20,000,000, with respect to any increase in the percentage ownership of any Undivided Interest or Permitted Other Undivided Interest, within 60 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) of such increase, (i) in the case of Surface Real Property, a date down endorsement or other endorsement to the existing Mortgage Policy on such Real Property in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in an insured amount not less


than the percentage of the Fair Market Value of such Surface Real Property equal to the Loan Parties’ ownership percentage of such Undivided Interest or Permitted Other Undivided Interest in such Surface Real Property, and (ii) in the case of Subsurface Real Property, a bring down (to the date of acquisition) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory of any Title Report previously delivered to the Administrative Agent with respect to such Real Property;

provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may waive the requirements described in clause (b) or (d) above if the burden or cost to the Borrower of providing such documents is excessive in relation to the value afford thereby (as reasonably determined by the Borrower).

Mortgage Policy ” shall mean, with respect to any Real Property, a lender’s title insurance policy issued by a title insurer reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and insuring the Administrative Agent that the Mortgage on such Real Property is a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens, in form and substance (including the absence of certain “standard” title exceptions, survey exceptions and mechanics’ liens exception), and to include supplemental endorsements, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Subsurface Real Property ” shall mean Real Property located below the surface of the land.

Surface Real Property ” shall mean Real Property located on or above the surface of the land, including improvement thereon to the extent such improvements are insurable by a Mortgage Policy.

Title Report ” shall mean a letter or memorandum provided by outside counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be (i) in the case of the Title Report delivered pursuant to clause (c), substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Schedule 8.1.18 and (ii) in the case of any Title Report delivered pursuant to clause (d) or (e), substantially consistent with the form attached as Exhibit A to this Schedule 8.1.18 and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.


EXHIBIT A TO SCHEDULE 8.1.18

                 , 2015

PNC Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent, for its benefit and

the benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined

in the Credit Agreement (defined below))

RE: Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among the CNX Coal Resources LP, as Borrower, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Syndication Agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section 8.1.18 of the Credit Agreement, we (Steptoe & Johnson PLLC) enclose herewith (i) our previously issued title opinions (the “SJ Title Letters”) pertaining to the title of various affiliates and subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. (collectively, “CONSOL”) in and to certain of CONSOL’s coal and related mining rights in West Virginia, being those properties more particularly described on “Exhibit A—5 Year Mine Plan” and “Exhibit B—10 Year Mine Plan” 1 (the “WV Subject Property”); (ii) a spreadsheet of the SJ Title Letters, attached as “Exhibit C,” which lists the ownership of the coal tract(s) as certified to the addressee on the date of such SJ Title Letter; (iii) title opinions previously issued by Peacock Keller & Ecker, LLP (the “PK Title Letters,” together with the SJ Title Letters, the “Title Letters”) pertaining to the title of CONSOL in and to certain of CONSOL’s coal and related mining rights in Pennsylvania, being those properties more particularly described on “Exhibit A—5 Year Mine Plan” and “Exhibit B—10 Year Mine Plan” (collectively, the “PA Subject Property,” together with the WV Subject Property, the “Subject Property”); and (iv) a spreadsheet of the PK Title Letters, attached as “Exhibit D,” which lists the ownership of the coal tract(s) as certified to the addressee on the date of such PK Title Letter. The SJ Title Letters cover all of the WV Subject Property as of the date hereof.

The scope and type of information reviewed to prepare the Title Letters is generally limited to documents of record affecting ownership and leasehold rights of the particular coal seam(s) at issue. The review typically does not include documents only affecting surface, oil and gas, or any other coal seams. We hereby certify that as to each WV Subject Property, the applicable SJ Title Letter certified ownership in the CONSOL party identified on Exhibit C as of the date thereof, subject to the qualifications, exceptions, limitations, and defects referenced therein. Although we have not independently reviewed the PK Title Letters, pursuant to the letter attached hereto as “Exhibit E” (the “Peacock Letter”), Peacock Keller & Ecker, LLP certified that as to each PA Subject Property, the applicable PK Title Letter certified ownership in the CONSOL party identified on Exhibit D as of the date thereof, subject to the qualifications, exceptions, limitations, and defects referenced therein. Pursuant to the Peacock Letter, the PK Title Letters cover all of the PA Subject Property as of the date hereof.

 

1   Please note that the list of the properties contained in Exhibit A and Exhibit B hereto were provided to us by CONSOL, and, per CONSOL, contain all property owned or leased by CONSOL within the 5 Year Mine Plan and 10 Year Mine Plan, respectively, as of the date hereof.


Pursuant to Section 8.1.18 of the Credit Agreement, we have completed a review of information relative to those properties described in Exhibit A—5 Year Mine Plan of the Subject Property, the results of which are set forth on that certain report attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “Update”). The scope of the Update was limited to identifying (i) any conveyance of the Subject Property after the date of the applicable Title Letter and (ii) any unreleased liens affecting the Subject Property. Based upon the Title Letters, the Peacock Letter, and the Update, and pursuant to the deeds and assignments of leases of record in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, and Marshall County, West Virginia, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, CNX Thermal Holdings LLC has a 20% record interest in all of the Subject Property listed on Exhibit A—5 Year Mine Plan, subject to any qualifications, exceptions, limitations, and defects contained in the Title Letters and the Update.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC


SCHEDULE 8.1.20

POST-CLOSING MATTERS

 

1. Mortgage and related documents and instruments related to the Harvey Mine will be delivered within 60 days after the Closing Date.

 

2. A “standard” mortgagee endorsement for the property insurance certificate delivered pursuant to Section 7.1.1(f) of the Credit Agreement will be delivered within 10 days after the Closing Date.


SCHEDULE 8.2.1

EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS

 

1. Advanced Royalty Commitments - $278,000.

 

2. PHH Automobile Capital Lease Obligations - $49,000.


SCHEDULE 8.2.2

EXISTING LIENS

None.


SCHEDULE 8.2.4

EXISTING INVESTMENTS

None.


SCHEDULE 8.2.14

EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON SUBSIDIARIES

 

1. Those restrictions listed on Schedule 8.2.15 hereto.


SCHEDULE 8.2.15

EXISTING NEGATIVE PLEDGE AGREEMENTS

 

1. Coal Leases numbered 209341000 and 209342000.

 

2. Coal Lease numbered 209876000.

 

3. Coal Lease numbered 219983000.

 

4. Coal Lease numbered 220196000.

 

5. Coal Lease numbered 220298000.

 

6. Coal Lease numbered 252817000.

 

7. Easements between Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and counterparties.


SCHEDULE 11.5.1

NOTICE INFORMATION

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

 

Name: PNC Bank, National Association
Address: Three PNC Plaza
225 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707
Attention: Richard C. Munsick
Telephone: (412) 762-4299
Telecopy: (412) 762-6484
Name: Agency Services
Address: PNC Firstside Center, 4th Floor
500 First Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Attention: Kristen Wilk
Telephone: (412) 768-0403
Telecopy: (412) 768-2296

 

LOAN PARTIES:

Address: 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Attention: Treasury Department
Telephone: (724) 485-4128
Telecopy: (724) 485-6030


EXHIBIT 1.1(A)

FORM OF

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION (the “ Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] 1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor ”) and [the][each] 2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee ”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] 3 hereunder are several and not joint.] 4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [the][each] Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any Revolving Credit Commitments, letters of credit, guarantees, and swingline loans included in such facilities), and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned Interest ”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1. Assignor[s]:

 

 

[Assignor [is] [is not] a Defaulting Lender]

 

1   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.
2   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.
3   Select as appropriate.
4   Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.


2.   Assignee[s]:  

 

  
   

 

  
  [for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [ identify Lender ]
3.   Borrower(s):   CNX Coal Resources LP
4.   Administrative Agent:   PNC Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement
5.   Credit Agreement:   Credit Agreement, dated July 7, 2015 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), each of the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto (“ Guarantors ”), the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”).
6.   Assigned Interest[s]:     

 

Assignor[s] 5

   Assignee[s] 6    Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans for all Lenders 7
     Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned 8
     Percentage Assigned of
Commitment/
Loans 8
    CUSIP
Number
      $                    $                            
      $         $                 
      $         $                 

 

[7.   Trade Date:                        ] 9

[Page break]

 

5   List each Assignor, as appropriate.
6   List each Assignee, as appropriate.
7   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
8   Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
9   To be completed if the Assignor(s) and the Assignee(s) intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 

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Effective Date:                  , 20     [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR[S] 10
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:

 

Title:
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:

 

Title:
ASSIGNEE[S] 11
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By:

 

Title:
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By:

 

Title:

 

10   Add additional signature blocks as needed. Include both Fund/Pension Plan and manager making the trade (if applicable).
11   Add additional signature blocks as needed. Include both Fund/Pension Plan and manager making the trade (if applicable).

 

-3-


[Consented to and] 12 Accepted:

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent

By:

 

Name:
Title:
[Consented to:

[Insert Signature Blocks for each applicable Issuing Lender that has issued outstanding Letters of Credit]

 

By:

 

Name:
Title:             ] 13
[Consented to:] 14
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

12   To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
13   To be added only if the consents of such Issuing Lenders are required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
14   To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

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ANNEX 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties .

1.1 Assignor[s] . [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [not] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee[s] . [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.8.2. of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.8.2.(c) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 8.3 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the


Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments of interest, fees or other amounts paid or payable in kind from and after the Effective Date to [the][the relevant] Assignee.

3. General Provisions . This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy or by electronic signature delivery system (in either case in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

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EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1)

FORM OF

GUARANTOR JOINDER AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

THIS GUARANTOR JOINDER AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT is made as of             , 20    , by                                         , a                      [corporation/partnership/limited liability company] (the “ New Guarantor ”).

Background

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015 (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), each of the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto, the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”); (ii) the Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship, dated as of July 7, 2015, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “ Guaranty ”), of Guarantors given to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; (iii) the Security Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “ Security Agreement ”), among the Loan Parties, as pledgors and guarantors, and the Collateral Agent (each as defined therein) for the benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined therein); (iv) the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “ Intercompany Subordination Agreement ”), among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; (v) the Regulated Substance Certificate and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “ Indemnity Agreement ”), among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties; (vi) [the Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of [            ], 2015, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “ Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement ”), among the Loan Parties, as pledgers, and the Collateral Agent (as defined therein)] and (vii) the other Loan Documents referred to in the Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (all documents listed in this paragraph shall collectively be referred to herein as the “ Loan Documents ”).

Agreement

Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as defined therein.

New Guarantor hereby becomes a Guarantor under the terms of the Credit Agreement and in consideration of the value of the synergistic and other benefits received by New Guarantor as a result of being or becoming affiliated with the Borrower and the Guarantors, New Guarantor hereby agrees that effective as of the date hereof it hereby is, and shall be deemed to be, and assumes the obligations of, a “Loan Party” and a “Guarantor”, jointly and severally with the existing Loan Parties and Guarantors under the Credit Agreement, a “Guarantor”, jointly and severally with the existing Guarantors under the Guaranty, a “Company” jointly and severally with the existing “Companies” under the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, a “Loan Party” jointly and severally under the Indemnity Agreement, a “Pledgor” and a “Guarantor” jointly and severally under the Security Agreement and a Loan Party or Guarantor, as the case may be, under each of the other Loan Documents to which the Loan Parties or Guarantors are required to become a party pursuant to the terms of Section 8.1.9 of the Credit Agreement; and, New Guarantor hereby agrees that from the date hereof and until Payment In Full, New Guarantor shall perform, comply with, and be subject to and bound by each of the terms and provisions of the Credit


Agreement, Guaranty, Intercompany Subordination Agreement, Indemnity Agreement, Security Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which Loan Parties are required to become parties pursuant to the terms of Section 8.1.9 of the Credit Agreement jointly and severally with the existing parties thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, New Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that (i) each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement applicable to such Loan Party is true and correct as to New Guarantor on and as of the date hereof and (ii) New Guarantor has heretofore received a true and correct copy of the Credit Agreement, Guaranty, Intercompany Subordination Agreement, Indemnity Agreement, Security Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents (including any modifications thereof or supplements or waivers thereto) in effect on the date hereof to which New Guarantor is required to become a party.

New Guarantor hereby makes, affirms, and ratifies in favor of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent the Credit Agreement, Guaranty, Intercompany Subordination Agreement, Indemnity Agreement, Security Agreement, and each of the other Loan Documents to which New Guarantor is becoming a party pursuant to the terms of the preceding paragraph.

New Guarantor is simultaneously delivering to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent all appropriate documents, instruments, other agreements, financing statements, appropriate stock powers and certificates required under Section 8.1.9 of the Credit Agreement.

In furtherance of the foregoing, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, New Guarantor shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered at any time and from time to time such further instruments and documents and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary in the reasonable opinion of Administrative Agent to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

New Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that a telecopy transmission or electronic copy (with confirmation of receipt) to the Administrative Agent or any Lender of signature pages hereof purporting to be signed on behalf of New Guarantor shall constitute effective and binding execution and delivery hereof by New Guarantor.

 

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[SIGNATURE PAGE OF GUARANTOR

JOINDER AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the New Guarantor has duly executed this Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement and delivered the same to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, as of the date and year first above written with the intention that this Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement constitute a sealed instrument.

 

NEW GUARANTOR:

 

By:

 

(SEAL)
Name:
Title:

Acknowledged:

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP , as Borrower
By:

 

Name:
Title:

Acknowledged and accepted:

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Administrative Agent
By:

 

Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(2)

FORM OF

CONTINUING AGREEMENT OF GUARANTY AND SURETYSHIP

[to be provided separately]


EXHIBIT 1.1(I)(1)

FORM OF

REGULATED SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

THIS REGULATED SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of July 7, 2015 by CNX Coal Resources LP , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ” or “ Loan Party ”), each other Loan Party (as defined in the Credit Agreement, as herein defined) (together with the Borrower, the Loan Parties ” and each individually, a “ Loan Party ”) in favor of PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , not in its individual capacity but solely as collateral agent (the “ Collateral Agent ”) for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined herein).

RECITALS

A. Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015 (as amended or restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among the Borrower, each of the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto, the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”).

B. To induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into the Credit Agreement, each Loan Party has agreed to enter into this Agreement in favor of the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, each Loan Party hereby covenants, warrants, represents and agrees as follows:

1. Definitions . All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Credit Agreement.

2. Representations and Warranties . The Loan Parties, each for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property, hereby reaffirm the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6.25 [Environmental Matters] of the Credit Agreement.

3. Environmental Covenants .

3.1 Each Loan Party, for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property, shall keep such Property free of Hazardous Materials and shall remove, or cause their lessees to remove, all Hazardous Materials which are now or at any time in the future in or on the Property, irrespective of the source thereof, except to the extent that such Hazardous Materials are present on or stored and/or used substantially in compliance with Environmental Laws; provided, that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 3(A) unless or until any failure to comply with any applicable Environmental Law would result in fines, penalties, remediation costs, other liabilities or injunctive relief which, considered either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Each Loan Party, for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property, shall not suffer or permit such Property to be used to generate, manufacture, refine, transport, treat, dispose of, transfer, produce or process Hazardous Materials in violation of Environmental Laws; provided , that it


shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 3(A) unless or until any failure to comply with any applicable Environmental Law would result in fines, penalties, remediation costs, other similar liabilities or injunctive relief which, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

3.2 Each Loan Party, for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property, shall immediately, upon their respective Responsible Officer obtaining knowledge of any of the following, notify the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in writing upon the occurrence of:

1. the Release or threat of Release of any Hazardous Materials on, at, under, from or affecting the Property in violation of Environmental Laws that could reasonably be expected to result in fines, penalties, remediation costs, other liabilities or injunctive relief which, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

2. any violation affecting the Property of any Environmental Laws, if such violation is reasonably likely to result in fines, penalties, remediation costs, other similar liabilities or injunctive relief which, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

3. any Environmental Liability or any claim or claims relating to any Loan Party relating to damage, contribution, cost recovery, compensation, loss or injury resulting from any Hazardous Materials on, at, under, from or affecting the Property if such claim or series of claims, when considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

3.3 Except as otherwise disclosed in written reports delivered to the Collateral Agent prior to the date hereof, the Loan Parties certify that, as of the date of this Agreement, to their knowledge, no report, analysis, study or other document prepared by or for any Person exists which identifies any Hazardous Materials on, at, under, emanating from or affecting the Property which, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

3.4 The Loan Parties, at their sole expense and for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property, shall, or shall cause the tenants of the Property to, conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing and all removal and other actions necessary to clean up, remove or otherwise address all Hazardous Materials on, at, under, from or affecting any of the Property in accordance with all Environmental Laws; provided , however that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 3(D) unless or until any failure to conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing and all removal and other actions is reasonably likely to result in fines, penalties, remediation costs or other liabilities which, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

4. Indemnity .

4.1 The Loan Parties shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Secured Parties, their Affiliates and their respective employees, agents, officers and directors (collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”) from and against any claims, costs, demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements or damages of whatever kind or nature and associated reasonable costs or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, fees of environmental consultants and laboratory fees, known or unknown, contingent or otherwise (collectively, the “ Indemnified Matters ”), arising out of or in any way related to the following matters:

4. the presence, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials on, at, under, from or affecting the Property or the soil, water, vegetation, buildings, personal property, persons or natural resources thereon;

 

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5. any personal injury (including wrongful death) or property damage (real or personal) or damage to natural resources arising out of or related to such Hazardous Materials;

6. any lawsuit brought or threatened, settlement reached or governmental order relating to such Hazardous Materials;

7. any violation of Environmental Laws or any and all permits, licenses, registrations, notifications, exemptions and any other authorization required under any applicable Environmental Law (collectively, the “ Environmental Permits ”); and/or

8. the breach of any warranty, representation or covenant of any Loan Party contained in this Agreement.

4.2 The liability covered by this Section 4 shall include, but not be limited to, losses sustained by the Indemnified Parties and/or their successors and assigns for (i) diminution in value of the Property resulting from matters covered by this Agreement, (ii) amounts arising out of personal injury or death claims with respect to the matters covered by this Agreement, (iii) amounts charged for any environmental or Hazardous Materials cleanup costs and expenses, liens or other such charges or impositions, (iv) payment for reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, expert witness fees, court costs, environmental tests and design studies in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement, and (v) any other amounts reasonably expended by the Indemnified Parties and their successors and assigns with respect to matters covered by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the liability of the Loan Parties under this Section 4, (A) with respect to diminution in value of the Property, shall be limited to the diminution in value of the Property in its use by the Loan Parties in their mining operations and (B) with respect to environmental or Hazardous Materials cleanup costs and expenses, shall be limited to the costs and expenses for cleanup of the Property so that it is suitable for use in mining operations and in compliance with all Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits (including without limitation, any permanent reclamation or water treatment resulting from the operations of the Loan Parties or their predecessors).

5. Each Loan Party’s Obligation to Deliver Property. Each Loan Party agrees for themselves respectively, and as applicable to each such Loan Party’s ownership, occupation or leasing of or conducting operations and activities at any Property that, in the event any Mortgage is foreclosed (whether judicially or by power of sale) or any such Loan Party tenders a deed in lieu of foreclosure or any such Loan Party otherwise voluntarily or involuntarily conveys possession of or title to the Property, such Loan Party shall deliver the Property or any parcel comprising such portion of the Property to the Collateral Agent in a condition that is in compliance with and not subject to any Lien under any applicable Environmental Laws and which could not be reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability. The obligations of each Loan Party as set forth in this paragraph are strictly for the benefit of the Secured Parties and any successors and assigns of the Secured Parties as holders of any portion of the Obligations and shall not in any way impair or affect the Secured Parties’ right to foreclose against any parcel comprising a portion of the Property.

6. The Secured Parties’ Rights Under This Agreement . The rights of the Secured Parties under this Agreement shall be in addition to all rights of the Secured Parties under the Mortgages, the Credit Agreement and any other Loan Documents. Any default by any Loan Party under this Agreement (including without limitation any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by any Loan Party in this Agreement) shall, at the Collateral Agent’s option, constitute an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement, the Mortgages and the other Loan Documents.

 

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7. The Secured Parties’ Right to Cure . In addition to the other remedies provided to the Secured Parties in the Credit Agreement, the Mortgages and the other Loan Documents, should any Loan Party fail to abide by the terms and covenants of this Agreement, the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties, and/or the Secured Parties may, should they elect to do so in order to protect their security interest, cause the removal, remediation of or other corrective action with respect to any Hazardous Materials on, at, under or emanating from or affecting the Property and repair and remedy any damage caused by the Hazardous Materials or any such removal, remediation or corrective action, as necessary to assure substantial compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws. In such event, all funds expended by the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties and/or the Secured Parties for such purposes, including but not limited to all reasonable attorneys’ fees, engineering fees, consultant fees and similar charges, shall become a part of the obligations secured by the Mortgages and shall be due and payable by each of the Loan Parties on demand. Each disbursement made by the Secured Parties pursuant to this provision shall bear interest at the lower of (a) the rate of interest applicable under Section 4.3(b) [Interest After Default] of the Credit Agreement, or (b) the highest rate allowable under applicable laws from the date any Loan Party shall have received written notice that the funds have been advanced by the Secured Parties until paid in full. The Borrower and each of the other Loan Parties shall permit the Secured Parties and their agents and employees access to their respective Property (or in the case of the Borrower any and all Properties) for any purpose consistent with this provision.

8. The Collateral Agent’s Right to Conduct an Investigation . In the event the Secured Parties shall have reasonable cause to suspect that any Loan Party has failed to comply with the terms of this Agreement, the Collateral Agent may obtain one or more environmental assessments of the Property, at the sole expense of any of the Loan Parties. The nature and scope of the environmental assessments shall be determined by the Collateral Agent in its judgment. Each Loan Party shall permit the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties and the Collateral Agent’s agents and employees, access to the Property for the purpose of conducting the environmental assessment and shall otherwise cooperate and provide such additional information as may be requested by the Collateral Agent or the Collateral Agent’s agents and employees. In the event any Loan Party fails to pay in accordance with this Section 8 for the cost of any such environmental audit, the Secured Parties may pay for same. Each such payment made by the Secured Parties shall become a part of the obligations secured by the Mortgages, shall be due and payable upon demand and shall bear interest after demand at the lower of either (a) the rate of interest applicable under Section 4.3(b) [Interest After Default] of the Credit Agreement, or (b) the highest rate allowable under applicable laws, until paid in full by any Loan Party.

9. Scope of Liability . The liability under this Agreement shall in no way be limited or impaired by (a) any extension of time for performance required by the Credit Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, (b) any exculpatory provisions in any of the Loan Documents or the Indenture limiting the Collateral Agent’s and/or any other Secured Parties’ recourse, (c) the accuracy or inaccuracy of the representations and warranties made by any Loan Party or any other obligor under the Credit Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, (d) the release of any Loan Party or any other Person from performance or observance of any of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions contained in any of the Loan Documents by operation of law, any Secured Parties’ voluntary act or otherwise, (e) the release or substitution, in whole or in part, of any security for any Loan Party’s obligations or (f) the Collateral Agent’s failure to record or improper recording or filing of any of the Mortgages or any UCC financing statements, or failure to otherwise perfect, protect, secure or insure any security interest or lien given as security for any Loan Party’s obligations; and, in any such case, whether with or without notice to any Loan Party or other Person and with or without consideration. The indemnity provided in Section 4 above shall survive (i) any sale, assignment or foreclosure of any of the Mortgages or other Loan Documents,

 

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the acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or trustee’s sale, or any sale or transfer of all or part of the possession of or title to the Property, or (ii) the discharge of any of the other Loan Documents or the Indenture and/or the reconveyance or release of any of the Mortgages.

10. Preservation of Rights . No delay on the Collateral Agent’s and/or the Secured Parties’ part in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any such privilege, power or right.

11. Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes when sent by registered or certified mail to any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders as provided in Section 11.5.1 [Notices Generally] of the Credit Agreement.

12. Changes in Writing . No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, by telephone or by any other means, except by an instrument in writing signed by all parties hereto.

13. Joint and Several Obligations . With respect to the obligations of each Loan Party in connection with this Agreement, the Borrower and each other Loan Party are jointly and severally liable hereunder. Any party liable upon or in respect of this Agreement or any obligations under any of the other Loan Documents or the Indenture may be released without affecting the liability of any party not so released.

14. Survival . The obligations of each of the Loan Parties under Section 4 of this Agreement shall survive any judicial foreclosure, foreclosure by power of sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure, transfer of possession of or title to the Property by any Loan Party or Secured Parties and Payment In Full and payment of the other Secured Debt in full.

15. Severability . In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or any portions thereof, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

16. Construction . Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise clearly requires, the rules of construction set forth in Section 1.2 [Construction] of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference.

17. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original document and all of which shall be deemed the same document.

18. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAVIER OF JURY TRIAL . Section 11.11 of the Credit Agreement is incorporated herein, mutatis mutandis , as if a part hereof.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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[SIGNATURE PAGE – REGULATED SUBSTANCES

CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

LOAN PARTIES:
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:
GUARANTORS:


[SIGNATURE PAGE – REGULATED SUBSTANCES

CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT]

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Collateral Agent
By:

 

Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(I)(2)

FORM OF

INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of July 7, 2015 and is made by and among CNX COAL RESOURCES LP , a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”), each of its Subsidiaries party hereto (the Borrower and each such Subsidiary being individually referred to herein as a “ Company ” and collectively as the “ Companies ”), and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”), for the Lenders (as defined below).

WITNESSETH THAT:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and among the Borrower, the guarantors now or hereafter a party thereto, the lenders now or hereafter a party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “ Credit Agreement ”; each capitalized term used herein shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the meaning specified in the Credit Agreement), the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agreed to provide certain loans and other financial accommodations to the Borrower;

WHEREAS, the Companies have or, in the future, may have liabilities, obligations or indebtedness owed to each other (the liabilities, obligations and indebtedness of each of the Companies to any other Company, now existing or hereafter incurred (whether created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise), and interest and premiums, if any, thereon and other amounts payable in respect thereof and all other obligations and other amounts payable by any Loan Party to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Subordinated Indebtedness ”);

WHEREAS, the obligations of the Lenders to maintain the Commitments and make Loans to, and issue Letters of Credit on behalf of, the Borrower from time to time are subject to the condition, among others, that the Companies subordinate the Subordinated Indebtedness to the Obligations of the Borrower or any other Company to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents, or any Specified Swap Agreement or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product (collectively, the “ Senior Debt ”) in the manner set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to maintain the Commitments and continue to make Loans to and issue Letters of Credit on behalf of, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and the parties desire to amend and restate the Existing Subordination Agreement as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

1. Subordinated Indebtedness Subordinated to Senior Debt . The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated by reference. All Subordinated Indebtedness shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior Payment In Full.

II. Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc . Upon any distribution of assets of any Company in the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith,


relative to any such Company or to its creditors, as such, or to its assets, or (b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of any such Company, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of assets and liabilities of any such Company (a Company distributing assets as set forth herein being referred to in such capacity as a “ Distributing Company ”), then and in any such event, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to receive, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as their respective interests may appear, Payment In Full (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred under the terms of the Loan Documents or the Senior Debt has been declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable) before the holder of any Subordinated Indebtedness owed by the Distributing Company is entitled to receive any payment on account of the principal of or interest on such Subordinated Indebtedness, and, to that end, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment of the Senior Debt, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness owed by the Distributing Company in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.

III. No Commencement of Any Proceeding . Each Company agrees that, so long as the Senior Debt shall remain unpaid, it will not commence, or join with any creditor other than the Lenders and the Administrative Agent in commencing, any proceeding, including but not limited to those described in Section 2 hereof, or other enforcement action of any kind against any other Company which owes it any Subordinated Indebtedness.

IV. Prior Payment in Full of Senior Debt Upon Acceleration of Subordinated Indebtedness . If any portion of the Subordinated Indebtedness owed by any Company becomes or is declared due and payable before its stated maturity, then and in such event the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to receive Payment In Full (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred under the terms of the Loan Documents or the Senior Debt has been declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable) before the holder of any such Subordinated Indebtedness is entitled to receive any payment thereon.

V. No Payment When Senior Debt in Default . With respect to Subordinated Indebtedness for borrowed money, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or such an Event of Default would result from or exist after giving effect to a payment with respect to any portion of the Subordinated Indebtedness, unless the Required Lenders shall have consented to or waived the same, so long as any of the Senior Debt shall remain outstanding, no payment shall be made by any Company owing Subordinated Indebtedness on account of principal or interest on any portion of the Subordinated Indebtedness for borrowed money. No payment shall be made by any Company owing any Subordinated Indebtedness other than for borrowed money of such Subordinated Indebtedness after the earlier of (i) any proceeding described in clause (a) or (c) of Section 2 hereof or (ii) the declaration of the Senior Debt as due and payable before its stated maturity.

VI. Payment Permitted if No Default . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent any of the Companies, at any time except during the pendency of any of the conditions described in Sections 2, 4 and 5, from making the regularly scheduled payments of principal of or interest on any portion of the Subordinated Indebtedness, or the retention thereof by any of the Companies of any money deposited with them for the payment of or on account of the principal of or interest on the Subordinated Indebtedness.

 

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VII. Receipt of Prohibited Payments . If, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 2, 4, 5 and 6, a Company which is owed Subordinated Indebtedness by a Distributing Company shall have received any payment or distribution of assets from the Distributing Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, then and in such event such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as their respective interests may appear, shall be segregated from other funds and property held by such Company, and shall be forthwith paid over to the Administrative Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement) to be applied (in the case of cash) to or held as collateral (in the case of noncash property or securities) for the payment or prepayment of the Senior Debt in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Specified Swap Agreements and the Other Lender Provided Financial Service Products.

VIII. Rights of Subrogation . Each Company agrees that no payment or distribution to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle it to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until Payment In Full.

IX. Instruments Evidencing Subordinated Indebtedness . Each Company shall cause each instrument for borrowed money which now or hereafter evidences all or a portion of the Subordinated Indebtedness to be conspicuously marked as follows:

“This instrument is subject to the terms of an Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 in favor of PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders referred to therein, which Intercompany Subordination Agreement is incorporated herein by reference. Notwithstanding any contrary statement contained in the within instrument, no payment on account of the principal thereof or interest thereon shall become due or payable except in accordance with the express terms of said Intercompany Subordination Agreement.”

Each Company will further mark its books of account in such a manner as shall be effective to give proper notice of the effect of this Agreement.

X. Agreement Solely to Define Relative Rights . The purpose of this Agreement is solely to define the relative rights of the Companies, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair, as between any of the Companies and their creditors other than the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the obligation of the Companies to each other to pay the principal of and interest on the Subordinated Indebtedness as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with its terms, or is intended to or shall affect the relative rights among the Companies and their creditors other than the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, nor shall anything herein prevent any of the Companies from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable Law upon default under any agreement pursuant to which the Subordinated Indebtedness is created, subject to the rights, if any, under this Agreement of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to receive cash, property or securities otherwise payable or deliverable with respect to the Subordinated Indebtedness.

XI. No Implied Waivers of Subordination . No right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to enforce subordination, as herein provided, shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any Company or by any act or failure to act by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or by any non-compliance by any Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of any agreement pursuant to which the Subordinated Indebtedness is created, regardless of any knowledge thereof with which the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have or be otherwise charged. Each Company by its acceptance hereof

 

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shall agree that, so long as there is Senior Debt outstanding or Commitments in effect under the Credit Agreement, such Company shall not agree to sell, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or agree to compromise, the obligations of the other Companies with respect to their Subordinated Indebtedness, other than in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to any of the Companies except the Borrower to the extent provided in the Credit Agreement, without incurring responsibility to any of the Companies and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Agreement or the obligations hereunder of the Companies to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment, or extend the time of payment, renew or alter the Senior Debt or otherwise amend or supplement the Senior Debt or the Loan Documents; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing the Senior Debt; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of the Senior Debt; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against any of the Companies and any other person.

XII. Additional Subsidiaries of the Borrower . The Companies covenant and agree that they shall cause Subsidiaries of the Borrower created or acquired after the date of this Agreement and any other Subsidiaries in each case as required to join this Agreement under the terms of the Credit Agreement, to join in this Agreement and subordinate to the Senior Debt all Subordinated Indebtedness owed to any such Subsidiary by any of the Companies or by any other Subsidiary hereafter created or acquired and joined to this Agreement, such joinder to be effected under the Guarantor Joinder in the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) to the Credit Agreement.

XIII. Continuing Force and Effect . This Agreement shall continue in force until Payment In Full, it being contemplated that this Agreement be of a continuing nature.

XIV. Modification, Amendments or Waivers . Any and all agreements amending or changing any provision of this Agreement or the rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder, and any and all waivers or consents to Events of Default or other departures from the due performance of any Company hereunder, shall be made only by written agreement, waiver or consent signed by the Administrative Agent, acting on behalf of all the Lenders, with the written consent of the Required Lenders, any such agreement, waiver or consent made with such written consent being effective to bind all the Lenders.

XV. Expenses . The Companies, unconditionally and jointly and severally, agree upon demand to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the amount of any and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements for which reimbursement is customarily obtained, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel as set forth in Section 11.3 [Expenses, Etc.] of the Credit Agreement.

XVI. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without in any manner affecting the validity or enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions hereof in any jurisdiction.

XVII. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, and the obligations of

 

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each Company shall be binding upon their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that no Company may assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein other than assignments and transfers permitted by the Credit Agreement. Except as permitted by the Credit Agreement, the duties and obligations of the Companies may not be delegated or transferred by the Companies or any Company without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, and any such delegation or transfer without such consent shall be null and void. Except to the extent otherwise required by the context of this Agreement, the word “Lenders” when used herein shall include, without limitation, any holder of a Note or an assignment of rights therein originally issued to a Lender under the Credit Agreement, and each such holder of a Note or assignment shall have the benefits of this Agreement to the same extent as if such holder had originally been a Lender under the Credit Agreement.

XVIII. Joint and Several Obligations . Each of the obligations of each and every Company under this Agreement is joint and several. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may, in their sole discretion, elect to enforce this Agreement against any Company without any duty or responsibility to pursue any other Company and such an election by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, shall not be a defense to any action the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may elect to take against any Company. Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby reserve all right against each Company.

XIX. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by the different parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

XX. Attorneys-in-Fact . Each Company hereby authorizes and empowers the Administrative Agent, at the election of the Administrative Agent and in the name of either the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as their respective interests may appear, or in the name of each such Company as is owed Subordinated Indebtedness, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to execute and file proofs and documents and take any other action the Administrative Agent may deem advisable to completely protect the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ interests in the Subordinated Indebtedness and the right of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of enforcement thereof, and to that end each of the Companies hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Administrative Agent, its officers, employees and agents, or any of them, with full power of substitution, as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of such Company, and with full power for such Company, and in the name, place and stead of such Company for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, taking any action and executing, delivering, filing and recording any instruments which the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof, which power of attorney, being given for security, is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable. Each Company hereby ratifies and confirms, and agrees to ratify and confirm, all action taken by the Administrative Agent, its officers, employees or agents pursuant to the foregoing power of attorney.

XXI. Application of Payments . In the event any payments are received by the Administrative Agent under the terms of this Agreement for application to the Senior Debt at any time when the Senior Debt has not been declared due and payable and prior to the date on which it would otherwise become due and payable, such payment shall constitute a voluntary prepayment of the Senior Debt for all purposes under the Credit Agreement.

 

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XXII. Remedies . In the event of a breach by any of the Companies in the performance of any of the terms of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, may demand specific performance of this Agreement and seek injunctive relief and may exercise any other remedy available at law or in equity, it being recognized that the remedies of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders at law may not fully compensate the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders for the damages they may suffer in the event of a breach hereof.

XXIII. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS . Section 11.11 of the Credit Agreement is incorporated herein, mutatis mutandis , as if a part hereof.

XXIV. Notices . All notices, statements, requests and demands and other communications given to or made upon the Companies, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be given or made in the manner as provided in Section 11.5.1 [Notices Generally] of the Credit Agreement.

XXV. Rules of Construction . The rules of construction set forth in Section 1.2 [Construction] of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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[SIGNATURE PAGE - INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT]

WITNESS the due execution hereof as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWER:
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:
OTHER LOAN PARTIES:
OTHER RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES:


[SIGNATURE PAGE - INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT]

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , individually and as Administrative Agent
By:

 

Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(M)

FORM OF

MORTGAGE

[to be provided separately]


EXHIBIT 1.1(N)(1)

FORM OF

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$         New York, New York
[            ], 2015

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, CNX COAL RESOURCES LP , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of                      (the “ Lender ”), the lesser of (i) the principal sum of                                          Dollars (US$        ), or (ii) the aggregate unpaid principal balance of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, among the Borrower, the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto, the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”) (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), payable by 1:00 p.m. on the Revolving Maturity Date, together with interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding from the date hereof at the rate or rates per annum specified by the Borrower pursuant to, or as otherwise provided in, the Credit Agreement.

Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding from the date hereof will be payable at the times provided for in the Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, upon written demand by the Required Lenders to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall pay interest on the entire principal amount of the then outstanding Revolving Credit Loans evidenced by this Revolving Credit Note and all other obligations due and payable to the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents at a rate per annum as set forth in Section 4.3 of the Credit Agreement. Such interest rate will accrue before and after any judgment has been entered.

Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, payments of both principal and interest shall be made without setoff, counterclaim, or other deduction of any nature at the office of the Administrative Agent located at PNC Firstside Center, 4th Floor, 500 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, unless otherwise directed in writing by the holder hereof, in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds.

This Revolving Credit Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, including the representations, warranties, covenants, conditions, security interests, and Liens contained or granted therein. The Credit Agreement among other things contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayment, in certain circumstances, on account of principal hereof prior to maturity upon the terms and conditions therein specified. The Borrower waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Revolving Credit Note and the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Credit Note shall bind the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and the benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns. All references herein to the “ Borrower ” and the “ Lender ” shall be deemed to apply to the Borrower and the Lender, respectively, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted under the Credit Agreement.

 

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This Revolving Credit Note and any other documents delivered in connection herewith and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto shall for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles.

All capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the same meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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[SIGNATURE PAGE TO REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned has executed this Revolving Credit Note by its duly authorized officer with the intention that it constitute a sealed instrument.

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

-4-


EXHIBIT 1.1(N)(2)

FORM OF

SWING LOAN NOTE

 

$25,000,000 New York, New York
[            ], 2015

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, CNX COAL RESOURCES LP , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “ Bank ”), on demand, the lesser of the principal sum of TWENTY-FIVE MILLION U.S. Dollars (U.S. $25,000,000) or the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Swing Loans made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.2 of the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015, among the Borrower, the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto, the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”) (as it may hereafter from time to time be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “ Credit Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the same meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from the date hereof at the rate per annum provided in Section 4.1.1 of, or as otherwise provided in, the Credit Agreement. Interest shall be due on the dates provided in Section 5 of the Credit Agreement, or as otherwise provided therein. Interest hereon will be payable at the times specified in the Credit Agreement.

After request for payment of any principal hereof or interest hereon shall have been made by the Bank to the Borrower, or upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a rate per annum as set forth in Section 4.3 of the Credit Agreement. Such interest will accrue before and after any judgment has been entered with respect to this Swing Loan Note.

Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, payments of both principal and interest shall be made without setoff, counterclaim or other deduction of any nature at the office of the Administrative Agent located at PNC Firstside Center, 4th Floor, 500 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds.

This Swing Loan Note is a Swing Loan Note referred to in, is subject to the provisions of, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions contained or granted therein. This Swing Loan Note shall be payable on demand and regardless of whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Swing Loan Note and the Credit Agreement.

This Swing Loan Note shall bind the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and the benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Bank and its successors and assigns; provided , that any assignment of this Swing Loan Note by the Borrower or the Bank shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.8 of the Credit Agreement. All references herein to the “ Borrower ,” the “ Administrative Agent ” and the “ Bank ” shall be deemed to apply to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Bank, respectively, and their respective successors and assigns.


This Swing Loan Note and any other documents delivered in connection herewith and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto shall for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal law of the State of New York without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

-2-


[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SWING LOAN NOTE]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Swing Loan Note by its duly authorized officer with the intention that it constitute a sealed instrument.

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT 1.1(P)(1)

FORM OF

PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

[to be provided separately]


EXHIBIT 1.1(P)(2)

FORM OF

PERFECTION CERTIFICATE SUPPLEMENT

This Perfection Certificate Supplement, dated as of [            ], 201[  ] is delivered pursuant to Section 8.3.7(e) of that certain Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Credit Agreement ”) among CNX COAL RESOURCES LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), the Guarantors party thereto (collectively, the “ Guarantors ”), certain other parties thereto and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns, the “ Collateral Agent ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement.

As used herein, the term “ Companies ” means the Borrower, each of the Guarantors and the Sellers (defined below).

The undersigned, the [                    ] of the Borrower, hereby certify (in my capacity as [                    ] and not in my individual capacity) to the Collateral Agent and each of the other Secured Parties that, as of the date hereof, there has been no change in the information described in the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Closing Date (as supplemented by any Perfection Certificate Supplements delivered prior to the date hereof, the “ Prior Perfection Certificate ”), other than as follows:

1. Names . Except as listed in Schedule 1(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, (x)  Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth the exact legal name of each Company, as such name appears in its respective certificate of incorporation or any other organizational document; (y) each Company is (i) the type of entity disclosed next to its name in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate and (ii) a registered organization except to the extent disclosed in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate and (z) set forth in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is the organizational identification number, if any, of each Company that is a registered organization, the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Company and the jurisdiction of formation of each Company.

XXVI. Current Locations; Extraordinary Transactions .

(a) Except as listed in Schedule 2(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, the chief executive office and the preferred mailing address (if different than the chief executive office) of each Company is located at the address set forth in Schedule 2(a) of the Prior Perfection Certificate.

XXVII. Real Property . Except as listed in Schedule 3 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 3 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a list of (i) all real property encumbered or to be encumbered by a Mortgage and fixture filing (such real property, the “ Mortgaged Property ”), (ii) common names, addresses and uses of each Mortgaged Property (stating improvements located thereon which are included in the Collateral), (iii) other information relating thereto required by such Schedule 3 and (iv) locations of all oil, gas, minerals and as-extracted collateral of the Companies. The Loan Parties hereby certify that other than as set forth on Schedule 3 , no Mortgaged Property has any “Building” (as such terms are defined in Schedule 3 ) which is included in the Collateral located on it.

XXVIII. Stock Ownership and Equity Interests . Except as listed in Schedule 4 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 4 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct


list of all of the authorized, and the issued and outstanding, stock, partnership interests, limited liability company membership interests or other equity interest of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and the record and beneficial owners of such stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests setting forth the percentage of such equity interests pledged under the Security Agreement.

XXIX. Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper . Except as listed in Schedule 5 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 5 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all promissory notes, instruments (other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business), tangible chattel paper, electronic chattel paper and other evidence of indebtedness with a value in excess of $2,000,000 held by any Loan Party as of the date hereof, including all intercompany notes between or among any two or more Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries, stating if such instruments, chattel paper or other evidence of indebtedness is pledged under the Security Agreement.

XXX. Intellectual Property .

(a) Except as listed in Schedule 6(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 6(a ) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a schedule setting forth all of each Loan Party’s patents, trademarks, service marks and trade names registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including the name of the registered owner and the registration number of each patent, trademark, service mark or trade name owned by it.

(b) Except as listed in Schedule 6(b) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 6(b) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a schedule setting forth all of each Loan Party’s United States copyrights applied for or registered with the United States Copyright Office, including the name of the registered owner and the registration number of each copyright owned by it.

XXXI. Commercial Tort Claims . Except as listed in Schedule 7 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 7 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all Commercial Tort Claims (as defined in the Security Agreement) held by each Loan Party, including a brief description thereof and stating if such commercial tort claims are required to be pledged under the Security Agreement.

XXXII. Motor Vehicles . Except as listed in Schedule 8 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 8 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all motor vehicles and other goods (covered by certificates of title or ownership) valued at over $2,000,000 individually (and any other motor vehicles or other goods necessary to the make the representation in the next sentence true), and the owner and approximate value of such motor vehicles. The Loan Parties hereby certify that the aggregate value of all motor vehicles and other goods (covered by certificates of title or ownership) owned by the Loan Parties and not set forth on Schedule 8 attached hereto or Schedule 8 to the Prior Perfection Certificate does not exceed $15,000,000.

XXXIII. Other Collateral . Except as listed in Schedule 9 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 9 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all rolling stock and trains, owned or held by each Loan Party, stating in each case, if such collateral are required to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement.

[The Remainder of this Page has been intentionally left blank]

 

-2-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , we have hereunto signed this Perfection Certificate Supplement as of the first date written above.

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:
CNX OPERATING LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:
[Any other Guarantor]
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

-3-


Schedule 1(a)

Legal Names, Etc .

 

Legal Name

  

Type of Entity

  

Registered

Organization

(Yes/No)

  

Organizational
Identification
Number 15

  

Federal Taxpayer
Identification Number

  

Jurisdiction of Formation

              
              

 

15   If none, so state.


Schedule 1(b)

Prior Organizational Names

 

Company/Subsidiary

  

Prior Corporate or Organizational Name

  

Date of Relevant

Change

     
     


Schedule 1(c)

Changes in Corporate Identity; Other Names

 

Company/Subsidiary

  

Corporate Name of Entity

  

Action

  

Date of

Action

  

Jurisdiction of
Formation

  

List of All Other Names Used
on Any Filings with the

Internal Revenue Service
During Past Five Years  From
the Date Hereof

              
              


Schedule 2

Chief Executive Offices

 

Company/Subsidiary

  

Address

  

County

  

State

        
        


Schedule 3

Mortgaged Property

 

Entity of Record

  

Common Name, Address,

Tax Parcel ID No(s) and

As-Extracted Collateral

Location

  

Purpose/Use

  

Improvements included in the
Collateral and Located on
Real Property (including
number of “Buildings”) 16

  

Legal Description (if
Encumbered by Mortgage

and/or Fixture Filing)

[         ]   

[        ]

 

[COUNTY, STATE, ZIP CODE]

 

[Tax Parcel ID No(s)]

 

[As-Extracted Collateral Location]

   [        ]    [        ]    [See Exhibits to Mortgage, fixture filing and/or as-extracted filing encumbering this property.]
           

 

16 “Building” means a walled and roofed structure, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, and a walled and roofed structure while in the course of construction, alteration or repair.


Schedule 4

Stock Ownership and Equity Interests

 

Current Legal

Entities Owned

  

Record Owner

  

Certificate No.

  

No. Shares/Interest

  

Percent

Pledged

           
           


Schedule 5

Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper

 

1. Promissory Notes:

 

Payee

  

Payor

  

Principal

Amount

  

Interest
Rate

  

Maturity Date

  

Pledged

[Yes/No]

              
              

 

2. Chattel Paper:

 

Description

  

Pledged

[Yes/No]

  
  
  


Schedule 6(a)

Patents and Trademarks

UNITED STATES PATENTS:

Registrations:

 

OWNER

  

REGISTRATION

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

     
     
     

Applications:

[None]

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS:

Registrations:

 

OWNER

  

REGISTRATION

NUMBER

  

TRADEMARK

     
     
     

Applications:

[None]


Schedule 6(b)

Copyrights

UNITED STATES COPYRIGHTS:

Registrations:

 

Owner

  

Title

  

Registration

No.

  

Registration

Date

        
        

Applications:

 

Owner

  

Title

  

Application

No.

     
     


Schedule 7

Commercial Tort Claims

 

Description

  

Pledged

[Yes/No]

  
  


Schedule 8

Motor Vehicles

 

Owner

  

Description

  

Value

     
     
     

 

-2-


Schedule 9

Other Collateral

Rolling Stock And Trains

 

Description

  

Pledged

[Yes/No]

  
  
  

 

-3-


EXHIBIT 2.5.1

FORM OF

LOAN REQUEST

LOAN REQUEST; RATE REQUEST

 

TO: PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent
PNC Firstside Center
500 First Avenue (Mail Stop: P7-PFSC-04-1)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Telephone No.: (412) 768-0403
Telecopier No.: (412) 768-2296
Attention: Kristen Wilk
FROM: CNX Coal Resources LP (the “ Borrower ”)
RE: Credit Agreement (as it may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “ Credit Agreement ”), dated as of July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association (the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them by the Credit Agreement.

 

A. Pursuant to Section 2.5.1 or 4.1 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned Borrower irrevocably requests [check one box under 1(a) below and fill in blank space next to the box as appropriate]:

 

1.(a) ¨ A new Revolving Credit Loan. OR
¨ Renewal of the LIBOR Rate Option applicable to an outstanding Revolving Credit Loan originally made on                  , 20    . OR
¨ Conversion of the Base Rate Option applicable to an outstanding Revolving Credit Loan originally made on                      to a Revolving Credit Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies. OR
¨ Conversion of the LIBOR Rate Option applicable to an outstanding Revolving Credit Loan on                  ,          to a Revolving Credit Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies.


SUCH NEW, RENEWED OR CONVERTED REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN SHALL BEAR INTEREST:

[Check one box under 1(b) below and fill in blank spaces in line next to box]:

 

1.(b)(i) ¨ Under the Base Rate Option. Such Loan shall have a Borrowing Date or interest conversion date, as applicable, of             ,          (which date shall be (i) the same Business Day as the Business Day of receipt by the Agent by 11:00 a.m. of this Loan Request for making a new Revolving Credit Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies, or (ii) the last day of the preceding Interest Period if a Revolving Credit Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies is being converted to a Revolving Credit Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies).
OR
(ii) ¨ Under the LIBOR Rate Option. Such Loan shall have a Borrowing Date or interest conversion date, as applicable, of                      (which date shall be no earlier than three (3) Business Days subsequent to the Business Day of receipt by the Agent by 11:00 a.m. of this Loan Request for (i) making a new Revolving Credit Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies or renewing a Revolving Credit Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, or (ii) converting a Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies to a Revolving Credit Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies).
2.

Such Loan is in the principal amount of U.S. $         or the principal amount to be renewed or converted is U.S. $        .

 

[to be in increments of $1,000,000 and not to be less than $5,000,000 for each Borrowing Tranche under the LIBOR Rate Option and to be in increments of $50,000 and not to be less than the lesser of $500,000 and the maximum amount available for Borrowing Tranches to which the Base Rate Option applies]

3.

[Complete blank below if the Borrower is selecting the LIBOR Rate Option]:

 

Such Loan shall have an Interest Period of two weeks or one, two, three, or six Months.                     .

 

B. As of the date hereof and the date of making of the above-requested Revolving Credit Loan (and after giving effect thereto): the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof (except that (i) any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to materiality is true and correct in all respects as so qualified and (ii) representations and warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties were true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein); and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

C. The undersigned hereby irrevocably requests [check one line under 1.(a) below and fill in blank space next to the line as appropriate]:

 

1.(a)      Funds to be deposited into PNC Bank account per our current standing instructions. Complete amount of deposit if not full loan advance amount: $        .

 

-2-


OR
     Funds to be wired per the following wire instructions:
$         Amount of Wire Transfer
Bank Name:

 

ABA:

 

Account Number:

 

Account Name:

 

Reference:

 

OR
     Funds to be wired per the attached Funds Flow (multiple wire transfers).

[REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY]

 

-3-


[SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN REQUEST]

The undersigned certifies to the Administrative Agent as to the accuracy of the foregoing.

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
Date:             , 20     By:

 

Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT 2.5.2

FORM OF

SWING LOAN REQUEST

 

TO: PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent
PNC Firstside Center
500 First Avenue (Mail Stop: P7-PFSC-04-1)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Telephone No.: (412) 768-0403
Telecopier No.: (412) 768-2296
Attention: Kristen Wilk
FROM: CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”)
RE: Credit Agreement (as it may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “ Credit Agreement ”), dated as July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited par t nership, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association (the “ Administrative Agent ”).

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to them by the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to Section 2.5.2 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby makes the following Swing Loan Request:

 

1. Aggregate Principal Amount of such Swing Loan [may not be less than $100,000 and must be an integral multiple of $50,000] U.S. $

 

2.

Proposed Borrowing Date

 

[which date shall be on or after the date on which the Administrative Agent receives this Swing Loan Request, with such Swing Loan Request to be received no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Borrowing Date]

 

3. As of the date hereof and the date of making of the above-requested Swing Loan (and after giving effect thereto): the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof (except that (i) any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to materiality is true and correct in all respects as so qualified and (ii) representations and warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties were true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein); and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


The Borrower certifies to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as to the accuracy of the foregoing on             , 20    .

 

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:

 

Name:
Title:

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SWING LOAN REQUEST]


EXHIBIT 5.8.5-1

FORM OF UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Treated As Partnerships For

U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”) each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8.5 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with the undersigned’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing and (2) the undersigned shall furnish the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which payment is to be made by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding each such payment.

[Signature Page Follows]


    [Foreign Lender]
By:

 

Name:
Title:
    [Address]
Dated:             , 20[    ]


EXHIBIT 5.8.5-2

FORM OF UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Treated As Partnerships For

U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”) each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to the provisions of 5.8.5 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) neither the undersigned nor any of its partners/members is a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, (v) none of its partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with the undersigned’s or its partners/members’ conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable or (ii) and IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding each such payment.

[Signature Page Follows]


    [Foreign Lender]
By:

 

Name:
Title:
    [Address]
Dated:             , 20[    ]


EXHIBIT 5.8.5-3

FORM OF UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Treated As Partnerships For

U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”) each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8.5 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with the undersigned’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding each such payment.

[Signature Page Follows]


    [Foreign Participant]
By:

 

Name:
Title:
    [Address]
Dated:             , 20[    ]


EXHIBIT 5.8.5-4

FORM OF UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Treated As Partnerships For

U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”) each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8.5 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) neither the undersigned nor any of its partners/members is a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, (v) none of its partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with the undersigned’s or its partners/members’ conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable or (ii) and IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding each such payment.

[Signature Page Follows]


    [Foreign Participant]
By:

 

Name:
Title:
    [Address]
Dated:             , 20[    ]

 

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EXHIBIT 8.2.6

FORM OF

ACQUISITION CERTIFICATE

            ,     

PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as hereafter modified, amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among CNX Coal Resources LP (the “ Borrower ”), the Guarantors set forth therein, the Lenders set forth therein and PNC Bank, National Association as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings. References herein to Sections of the Credit Agreement are qualified, in their entirety, by the applicable provision of the Section of the Credit Agreement so referred to and together with all related provisions and definitions referred to in such Section or incorporated therein. 17

I,                                     , [specify: Chief Executive Officer/President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer] of the Borrower, do hereby certify on behalf of the Borrower as of the date hereof as follows:

1. The Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary is making the acquisition described below (the “ Acquisition ”):

[Describe the transaction, including the sellers, buyers, assets being purchased and closing date (or proposed closing date) of the Acquisition.]

2. Such Acquisition is a “Permitted Acquisition” within the meaning of Section 8.2.6(b) of the Credit Agreement.

XXXIV. No Event of Default or Potential Default exists immediately prior to and after giving effect to the Acquisition.

3. Liquidity (Section 8.2.6(b)(ii)). After giving effect to the Acquisition, the amount of unused Revolving Credit Commitments that could be drawn without breaching the Financial Covenants is     % ( insert from calculations set forth on Appendix A hereto ) of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments, which is greater than or equal to 10%.

4. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio . (Section 8.2.13(a)) As of the date of the most recent fiscal quarter ended prior to the Acquisition (the “ Report Date ”), the Interest Coverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is     to 1.0 ( insert from calculations set forth on Appendix A hereto ), which is not less than the permitted ratio of 3.00 to 1.00.

 

17   In case of any conflicts between the terms of the Credit Agreement reflected in this Acquisition Certificate and the Credit Agreement, the provisions of the Credit Agreement shall control.


5. Maximum Total Leverage Ratio . (Section 8.2.13(b)) As of the Report Date, the Total Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is      to 1.0 ( insert from calculation set forth on Appendix A hereto ), which is not more than the permitted ratio of 3.50 to 1.00, or if during an Increase Period, 4.00 to 1.00.

XXXV. Attached hereto as Exhibit [    ] are the [insert description of the financial statements or other financial information of the assets acquired] upon which the calculations in this certificate with respect to the Target are based.

XXXVI. [The Borrower is providing contemporaneously herewith, copies of any agreements entered into or proposed to be entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Acquisition.] 18

 

18   To be included to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and not subject to confidentiality obligations owed to any Person other than CEI or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this      day of             , 20    .

 

By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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APPENDIX A

 

Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

1. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio . (Section 8.2.13(a)) The ratio of (A)  Consolidated EBITDA to (B)  Consolidated Cash Interest Expense as of the Report Date is ( insert from Item 1(C) below ):

        to 1.0         to 1.0         to 1.0

A. Calculation of amount (A) - Consolidated EBITDA of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date for the four fiscal quarters then ended, on a Pro Forma Basis: 20

        
   (i)    Consolidated Net Income:         
      (a)    the aggregate net income (loss) attributable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding, without duplication:    $                $                $            
         (1)    any net income of any other Person if such other Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (i) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (4) below, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of such other Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such other    $                $                $            

 

19   All calculations are on a pro-forma basis, based upon the financial statements of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date, after giving effect to the Permitted Acquisition ( i.e ., if a financial covenant is measured for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters as of the Report Date, the financial results of the Target as well as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will be included in that four fiscal quarter period calculation) and include in such calculations Indebtedness or other liabilities assumed or incurred in connection with such Permitted Acquisition and income earned or expenses incurred by the Target prior to the date of the Permitted Acquisition).
20  

With respect to any period during which a Material Acquisition/Disposition by the Loan Parties has occurred, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated as if such Material Acquisition/Disposition had been consummated at the beginning of such period.


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

                    Person during such period to the Borrower or any Restricted
Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in
the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to a
Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause
(2) of this definition) and (ii) the Borrower’s equity in a net
loss of any such other Person for such period shall be
included in determining such Consolidated Net Income
              
         (2)    any net income of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Borrower, except that (i) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (3) below, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause) and (ii) the Borrower’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income    $                $                $            
         (3)    any income or loss attributed to discontinued operations    $                $                $            

 

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Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

        

(4)

   any extraordinary gains or losses, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses    $                $                $            
        

(5)

   any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses, on Dispositions outside the ordinary course of business    $                $                $            
        

(6)

   any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of performance shares, stock, stock options or other equity-based awards    $                $                $            
        

(7)

   unrealized losses and gains under derivative instruments included in the determination of Consolidated Net Income, including those resulting from the application of FASB ASC 815    $                $                $            
        

(8)

   any non-cash asset impairment or write-downs (other than of any current assets) under GAAP or SEC guidelines; provided that any reversal or other benefit of any such impairment or write-down in any future period shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income in such future period    $                $                $            
        

(9)

   the cumulative effect of a chance in accounting principles    $                $                $            
     

Consolidated Net Income

   $                $                $            

 

-3-


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

   (ii)    plus , to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income other than in the case of Item (h) below, the sum of the following amounts for such period:         
          (a)    Consolidated Interest Expense, net of interest income:               
         (1)    total interest expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding (i) write-off of deferred financing costs and (ii) accretion of interest charges on future plugging and abandonment obligations, future retirement benefits and other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness)    $                $                $            
         (2)    plus , to the extent not include in such total interest expense, and to the extent incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, without duplication, the sum of the following:         
            (A)    interest expense attributable to Capital Lease Obligations    $                $                $            
            (B)    capitalized interest         
            (C)    non-cash interest expense    $                $                $            
            (E)    net costs (including amortization of fees and up-front payments) associated with interest rate caps and other interest rate and currency options that, at the time entered into, resulted in such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries being net payees as to future payouts under such caps or options, and interest rate and currency swaps and forwards for which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has paid a premium;    $                $                $            

 

-4-


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

         (3)    minus , to the extent included in items (1) or (2), any amortization of costs relating to original debt issuances other than the amortization of debt discount related to the issuance of zero coupon securities or other securities with an original issue price of not more than 90% of the principal thereof    $                $                $            
        

Consolidated Interest Expense:

   $                $                $            
        

(4)

   minus interest income    $                $                $            
        

Consolidated Interest Expense, net of interest income:

   $                $                $            
     

(b)

   provision for taxes based on income or profits (including state franchise taxes accounted for as income taxes in accordance with GAAP) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period    $                $                $            
     

(c)

   depletion, depreciation and impairment charges and expenses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period    $                $                $            
     

(d)

   amortization expense (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period    $                $                $            
     

(e)

   losses for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness    $                $                $            
     

(f)

   non-recurring transaction costs expensed (in accordance with GAAP) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions    $                $                $            

 

-5-


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

      (g)    non-cash charges related to pension liabilities    $                $                $            
      (h)    net cash proceeds of insurance received, or recognized as a receivable in accordance with GAAP, for such period in respect of a casualty event (to the extent such amount is reducing an expense on the statement of operations of the Borrower for such period relating to such casualty event) or business interruption    $                $                $            
  

(iii)

   minus the sum of the following:         
      (a)    to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, gains for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness    $                $                $            
      (b)    to the extent that the amount in Item 1(a)(ii)(h) is actually not received in cash, the amount not received for such period that increased Consolidated EBITDA    $                $                $            
  

Consolidated EBITDA

   $                $                $            

B. Calculation of amount (B) - Consolidated Cash Interest Expense of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP as follows:

        
  

(i)

   Consolidated Interest Expense ( insert from item 1(A)(ii)(a) above ):    $                $                $            
  

(ii)

   minus the portion of item (i) not payable in cash    $                $                $            
  

Consolidated Cash Interest Expense

   $                $                $            

C. Item 1(A) divided by Item 1(B) equals the Interest Coverage Ratio

        to 1.0         to 1.0         to 1.0

 

-6-


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

  

Target

  

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

2. Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (Section 8.2.13(b)). The ratio of (A)
Consolidated Indebtedness to (B) Consolidated EBITDA as of the Report Date is
( insert from item 2(C), below) :

              

A. Calculation of amount (A) - Consolidated Indebtedness:

        
   (i)    the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the type referenced under the first instances of clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the definition of “Indebtedness” outstanding on such date, after giving effect to all incurrences and repayments of such Indebtedness occurring on such date; provided that (x) all obligations under undrawn standby letters of credit (whether or not issued under the Credit Agreement) issued with respect to performance obligations under sales contracts, mine reclamation, black lung benefit liabilities, workers compensation and other employee benefit liabilities shall be excluded from this Item 2(A) and (y) the face amount of all other letters of credit (other than to the extent Cash Collateralized) shall be included in this Item 2(A), whether or not drawn:         
      (a)    the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of (a) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable    $                $                $            
      (b)    all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person    $                $                $            
      (c)    all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property (which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of taking delivery of title    $                $                $            

 

-7-


Credit Agreement

  

Consolidated

for Borrower
and its

Subsidiaries

   

Target

   

Consolidated

Pro Forma 19

 
               to such property), including all obligations of such Person for the
deferred purchase price of property under any title retention
agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the
ordinary course of business)
                  
   Sum of certain Indebtedness described above:      $                    $                    $               
   (ii)    minus the lesser of (x) Cash on Hand as of such date after giving effect to all transactions occurring on such date and (y) $10,000,000      $                    $                    $               
   Consolidated Indebtedness      $                    $                    $               

B. Calculation of amount (B)  – Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower ( insert from 1(A), above) :

     $                    $                    $               

C. Item 2(A) divided by Item 2(B) equals the Total Leverage Ratio:

          to 1.0             to 1.0             to 1.0   

3. Liquidity (Section 8.2.6(b)(ii)). The ratio of (A)  the amount of unused Revolving Credit Commitments that could be drawn without breaching the Financial Covenants after giving effect to the Acquisition to (B)  the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Commitments is ( insert from Item 3(C), below):

                           

A. Calculation of amount (A)  – the amount of unused Revolving Credit Commitments that could be drawn without breaching the Financial Covenants after giving effect to the Acquisition:

     $                    $                    $               

B. Calculation of amount (B)  – the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Commitments:

     $                    $                    $               

C. Item 3(A) divided by Item 3(B):

                           

 

-8-


EXHIBIT 8.3.4

FORM OF

QUARTERLY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

            , 20    

PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (as hereafter modified, amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among CNX COAL RESOURCES LP (the “ Borrower ”), the Guarantors set forth therein, the Lenders set forth therein and PNC Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “ Administrative Agent ”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings. References herein to Sections of the Credit Agreement are qualified, in their entirety, by the applicable provisions of the Section of the Credit Agreement so referred to and together with all related provisions and definitions referred to in such Section or incorporated therein. 21

I,                                         , [Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer] of the Borrower, do hereby certify on behalf of the Borrower as of the [quarter / year ended]              , 20    (the “ Report Date ”), as follows:

1. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio . (Section 8.2.13(a)) The ratio of (A)  Consolidated EBITDA to (B)  Consolidated Cash Interest Expense of the Loan Parties is      to 1.0 ( insert from Item 1(C) below ) as of the Report Date for the four fiscal quarters then ended, which is not less than the permitted ratio of 3.0 to 1.0.

 

Calculation of amount (A) - Consolidated EBITDA of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date for the four fiscal quarters then ended, on a Pro Forma Basis:

   

(i)

Consolidated Net Income:

(a)

the aggregate net income (loss) attributable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding, without duplication: $                
(1) any net income of any other Person if such other Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (i) subject to the exclusion contained in clause $                

 

21   In case of any conflicts between the terms of the Credit Agreement reflected in this Quarterly Compliance Certificate and the Credit Agreement, the provisions of the Credit Agreement shall control.


(4) below, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of such other Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such other Person during such period to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) of this definition) and (ii) the Borrower’s equity in a net loss of any such other Person for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income

(2)

any net income of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Borrower, except that (i) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (3) below, the Borrower’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause) and (ii) the Borrower’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income $                

(3)

any income or loss attributed to discontinued operations $                

(4)

any extraordinary gains or losses, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses $                

(5)

any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gains or losses, on Dispositions outside the ordinary course of business $                

(6)

any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of performance shares, stock, stock options or other equity-based awards $                

 

-2-


(7) unrealized losses and gains under derivative instruments included in the determination of Consolidated Net Income, including those resulting from the application of FASB ASC 815 $                

(8)

any non-cash asset impairment or write-downs (other than of any current assets) under GAAP or SEC guidelines; provided that any reversal or other benefit of any such impairment or write-down in any future period shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income in such future period $                

(9)

the cumulative effect of a chance in accounting principles $                
Consolidated Net Income $                

(ii)

plus , to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income other than in the case of Item (h) below, the sum of the following amounts for such period:

(a)

Consolidated Interest Expense, net of interest income:

(1)

total interest expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding (i) write-off of deferred financing costs and (ii) accretion of interest charges on future plugging and abandonment obligations, future retirement benefits and other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness) $                

(2)

plus , to the extent not include in such total interest expense, and to the extent incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, without duplication, the sum of the following:
(A) interest expense attributable to Capital Lease Obligations $                
(B) capitalized interest $                
(C) non-cash interest expense $                
(E) net costs (including amortization of fees and up-front payments) associated with interest rate caps and other interest rate and currency options that, at the time entered into, resulted in such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries being net payees as to future payouts under such caps or $                

 

-3-


options, and interest rate and currency swaps and forwards for which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has paid a premium;

(3)

minus , to the extent included in items (1) or (2), any amortization of costs relating to original debt issuances other than the amortization of debt discount related to the issuance of zero coupon securities or other securities with an original issue price of not more than 90% of the principal thereof $                
Consolidated Interest Expense: $                

(4)

minus interest income $                
Consolidated Interest Expense, net of interest income: $                

(b)

provision for taxes based on income or profits (including state franchise taxes accounted for as income taxes in accordance with GAAP) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period $                

(c)

depletion, depreciation and impairment charges and expenses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period $                

(d)

amortization expense (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period $                

(e)

losses for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness $                

(f)

non-recurring transaction costs expensed (in accordance with GAAP) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions $                

(g)

non-cash charges related to pension liabilities $                

(h)

net cash proceeds of insurance received, or recognized as a receivable in accordance with GAAP, for such period in respect of a casualty event (to the extent such amount is reducing an expense on the statement of operations of the Borrower for such period relating to such casualty event) or business interruption $                

 

-4-


(iii)

minus the sum of the following:
(a) to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, gains for such period from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness $                
(b) to the extent that the amount in Item 1(a)(ii)(h) is actually not received in cash, the amount not received for such period that increased Consolidated EBITDA $                
Consolidated EBITDA $                   

 

  A. Calculation of amount (B) - Consolidated Cash Interest Expense of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP as follows:

 

(i) Consolidated Interest Expense ( i nsert from item 1(A)(ii)(a) above ): $                
(ii) minus the portion of item (i) not payable in cash $                
Consolidated Cash Interest Expense $                
Item 1(A) divided by Item 1(B) equals the Interest Coverage Ratio          to 1.0   

XXXVII. Maximum Total Leverage Ratio . (Section 8.2.13(b)) The ratio of (A)  Consolidated Indebtedness to (B)  Consolidated EBITDA is          to 1.0 ( insert from Item 2(C) below ) as of the Report Date for the four fiscal quarters then ended, which is not more than the permitted ratio of 3.50 to 1.00, or if during an Increase Period, 4.00 to 1.00.

Calculation of amount (A)  – Consolidated Indebtedness:

 

(i) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the type referenced under the first instances of clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the definition of “Indebtedness” outstanding on such date, after giving effect to all incurrences and repayments of such Indebtedness occurring on such date; provided that (x) all obligations under undrawn standby letters of credit (whether or not issued under the Credit Agreement) issued with respect to performance obligations under sales contracts, mine reclamation, black lung benefit liabilities, workers compensation and other employee benefit liabilities shall be excluded from this clause (i) and (y) the face amount of all other letters of credit (other than to the extent Cash Collateralized) shall be included in this clause (i), whether or not drawn:
(a) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of (a) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable: $                   

 

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(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person: $                
(c) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property (which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of taking delivery of title to such property), including all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business) $                
Sum of certain Indebtedness described above: $                
(ii) minus the lesser of (x) Cash on Hand as of such date after giving effect to all transactions occurring on such date and (y) $10,000,000 $                
Consolidated Indebtedness $                

Calculation of Amount (B) – Consolidated EBITDA of the Loan Parties as of the Report Date for the four fiscal quarters then ended, on a Pro Forma Basis ( insert from Item 1(A) above ):

    

 

Item 2(A) divided by Item 2(B) equals the Total Leverage Ratio          to 1.0   

XXXVIII. Step-Up and Increase Period . (Section 8.2.13(b)) A Step-Up [is][is not] in effect as of the date hereof pursuant to the terms of Section 8.2.13(b). [ Insert if Applicable: The Increase Period related to such Step-Up began as of             , 20     and will end as of             , 20    ; provided that such Increase Period is not immediately following another Increase Period (that is, following the prior Increase Period, if any, there has been at least one fiscal quarter as of the end of which the Total Leverage Ratio has been complied with without giving effect to the Step-Up).]

XXXIX. [ Insert if Applicable: Except as certified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.3.5 of the Credit Agreement,] The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of this date (except representations and warranties that expressly relate solely to an earlier date or time).

XL. [ Insert if Applicable: Except as certified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.3.5 of the Credit Agreement,] No Event of Default or Potential Default exists and is continuing as of the date hereof.

XLI. Set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto is a description of each Swap Agreement to which any Loan Party is a party, all of which the Loan Parties are permitted to enter under Section 8.2.12 of the Credit Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this      day of             , 20    .

 

By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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EXHIBIT A

SWAP AGREEMENTS