UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 27, 2017 (March 21, 2017)

 

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   333-134748   73-1590941

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

701 Cedar Lake Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK

  73114
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (405) 478-8770

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))

 

 

 


Introductory Note

As previously disclosed, on May 9, 2016 (the “ Petition Date ”), Chaparral Energy, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and certain of its subsidiaries (together with the Company, the “ Debtors ”) filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”). The cases were jointly administered under the caption “In re Chaparral Energy, Inc., et al.”, Case No. 16-11144 (LSS) (together, the “ Chapter 11 Cases ”). During the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors continued to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtors-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court.

On March 7, 2017, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the proposed First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated March 7, 2017, as described below (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Plan ”).

On March 10, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, Docket No. 783 (the “ Confirmation Order ”), confirming the Plan, as modified by the Confirmation Order.

On March 21, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, and the Company and its subsidiaries emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases.

The descriptions of the Plan and the Confirmation Order in this Current Report on Form 8-K (the “ Report ”) are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan and the Confirmation Order, which are included herein as Exhibit 2.1 and Exhibit 99.1, respectively.

All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined in this Report have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

 

Item 1.01 Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Credit Agreement

On March 21, 2017, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Company entered into a Ninth Restated Credit Agreement (the “ Credit Agreement ”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the lenders party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Prepetition Borrowers party thereto, which amended and replaced Chaparral’s existing Eighth Restated Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has a scheduled maturity date of March 21, 2021.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have provided term loan financing in an aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000 (the “ Term Loans ”). Interest on the Term Loans is calculated using the London Interbank Offering Rate (“ LIBOR ”) or the base rate, at the election of Chaparral, plus, an applicable margin of 7.750% per annum in the case of LIBOR loans and 6.750% per annum in the case of base rate loans. Chaparral is required to repay the Term Loans in specified amounts on the last day of each March, June, September and December, commencing March 31, 2017. Under certain circumstances, Chaparral is required to prepay the Term Loans in connection with dispositions of its oil and gas properties, casualty events, the termination or other liquidation of any commodity swap agreements and the incurrence of permitted senior unsecured debt.

The Credit Agreement also provides for a $400,000,000 reserve-based revolving credit facility. Chaparral’s initial borrowing base under the Credit Agreement has been set at $225,000,000 with available borrowings thereunder of up to $225,000,000 until the first borrowing base redetermination in May 2018. Interest on the revolving loans under the Credit Agreement (the “ Revolving Loans ” and together with the Term Loans, the “ Loans ”) is calculated using LIBOR or the base rate, at the election of Chaparral, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Revolving Loans is determined based on borrowing base utilization and ranges from 3.00% to 4.00% per annum for LIBOR loans and 2.00% to 3.00% per annum for base rate loans. The borrowing base under the Credit Agreement is redetermined semi-annually, in May and November, by the lenders, in accordance with the lenders’ customary practices for oil and gas loans, with the first borrowing base redetermination to occur in May 2018.

The Credit Agreement is secured by a lien on substantially all of Chaparral’s and its subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible assets, including its oil and gas properties. The Loans are guaranteed by Chaparral’s direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including a change of control event of default and limitations on incurrence of liens, new lines of business, mergers, transactions with affiliates and restrictive agreements. The Credit Agreement also requires maintenance of certain financial covenants, including (a) a ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not more than 3.50 to 1.00, (b) a ratio of consolidated current assets to consolidated current liabilities of not less than 1.00 to 1.00, (c) an Asset Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.35 to 1.00 and (d) a requirement to maintain minimum Liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least $25,000,000. During the continuance of an event of default, the Lenders may take a number of actions, including declaring the entire amount then outstanding under the Credit Agreement due and payable.

This description of the Credit Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

Registration Rights Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) with certain holders of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class  A common stock ”) and certain holders of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class  B common stock ” and, together with the Class A common stock, the “ Common Stock ”) named therein (the “ Holders ”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides resale registration rights for the Holders’ Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Holders have customary underwritten offering and piggyback registration rights, subject to the limitations set forth therein. Under their underwritten offering registration rights, one or more Holders holding, collectively, at least 20% of the aggregate number of Registrable Securities have the right to demand that the Company file a registration statement with the SEC, and further have the right to demand that the Company effectuate the distribution of any or all of such Holders’ Registrable Securities by means of an underwritten offering pursuant to an effective registration statement, subject to certain limitations described in the Registration Rights Agreement. The Holders’ piggyback registration rights provide that, if at any time the Company proposes to undertake a registered offering of Common Stock, whether or not for its own account, the Company must give at least 20 business days’ notice to all Holders of Registrable Securities to allow them to include a specified number of their shares in the offering.

These registration rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the Company’s right to delay or withdraw a registration statement under certain circumstances. The Company will generally pay all registration expenses in connection with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, regardless of whether any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a registration statement. The registration rights granted in the Registration Rights Agreement are subject to customary indemnification and contribution provisions, as well as customary restrictions such as blackout periods and, if an underwritten offering is contemplated, limitations on the number of shares to be included in the underwritten offering that may be imposed by the managing underwriter.


This description of the Registration Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

Warrant Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a warrant agreement (the “ Warrant Agreement ”) with Computershare, Inc., as warrant agent. On the Effective Date, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Company issued Warrants (the “ Warrants ”) to purchase up to 140,203 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class  A common stock ”) to Mark A. Fischer (the “ Warrant Holder ”).

The Warrants are exercisable from the date of the Warrant Agreement until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 30, 2018 (the “ Expiration Date ”). The Warrants are initially exercisable for one share of Class A common stock per Warrant at an initial exercise price of $36.78 per share (the “ Exercise Price ”). All unexercised Warrants will expire, and the rights of the Warrant Holder to purchase shares of Common Stock will terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the Expiration Date.

Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, the Warrant Holder will not, by virtue of holding or having a beneficial interest in a Warrant, have the right to vote, to receive dividends, to consent, to receive notice as a stockholder of the Company in respect of any meeting of stockholders of the Company, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company unless, until and only to the extent the Warrant Holder becomes a holder of record of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrants.

The number of shares of Common Stock for which a Warrant is exercisable and the exercise price per share of such Warrant are subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (i) the increase or decrease by combination (by reverse stock split or reclassification) or subdivision (by any stock split or reclassification) of Class A Common Stock or any distribution by the Company with respect to the Class A Common Stock in the form of additional Class A Common Stock; and (ii) the issuance as a dividend or distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock of securities, evidences of indebtedness, assets, cash, rights or warrants.

Upon the occurrence of certain events constituting a recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s equity securities or assets or other transaction, in each case that is effected in such a way that the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) cash, stock, securities or other assets or property with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, other than a transaction which triggers an adjustment (as described above), the Warrant Holder will have the right to receive, upon exercise of a Warrant, the kind and amount of consideration that a holder of one share of Common Stock would have owned or been entitled to receive in connection with such event.

The Warrant Holder may elect to exercise the Warrant on a cashless basis, such that no payment of cash will be required in connection with such exercise. If cashless exercise is elected, the Company shall deliver, without any cash payment therefor, the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Warrant Exercise Shares (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) multiplied by the exercise price and divided by the Current Sale Price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) of shares of Common Stock on the date of such cashless exercise.

The foregoing summary of the Warrant Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Warrant Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and incorporated by reference herein.

Stockholders Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a Stockholders Agreement (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”) with the holders of its Common Stock named therein to provide for certain general rights and restrictions for holders of common stock. These include:

 

    restrictions on the authority of the board to take certain actions, including but not limited to entering into (i) a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (ii) an acquisition outside the ordinary course of business or exceeding $125,000,000; (iii) an amendment, waiver or modification of the charter documents of the Company; (iv) an incurrence of new indebtedness that would result in the aggregate indebtedness of the Company exceeding $650,000,000; and (v) with certain exceptions, an initial public offering on or prior to December 15, 2018, in each case without the approval of holders of at least two-thirds of the Company’s outstanding common stock;

 

    restrictions on the authority of the board to enter into or terminate affiliate transactions without the approval of a majority of disinterested members of the board;


    pre-emptive rights granted to holders of at least 0.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, allowing those holders to purchase their pro rata share of any issuances or distributions of new securities by the Company;

 

    informational rights;

 

    registration rights as described in the Registration Rights Agreement; and

 

    drag along and tag along rights.

The rights and preferences of each stockholder under the Stockholders Agreement will generally terminate on the earliest of (i) the termination of the agreement by the unanimous written consent of all stockholder of the Company; (ii) the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company; or (iii) the listing of the Company’s common stock on a U.S. national securities exchange registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This description of the Stockholders Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Stockholders Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

Cancellation of Old Common Stock

On the Effective Date, by operation of the Plan, all agreements, instruments, and other documents evidencing, relating to or connected with any equity interests of the Company, including the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Old Common Stock ”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, and any rights of any holder in respect thereof, were deemed cancelled, discharged, and of no force or effect.

Cancellation of Indebtedness

On the Effective Date, by operation of the Plan, all outstanding obligations under the following notes issued by the Company (collectively, the “ Unsecured Notes ”) were cancelled and the indentures governing such obligations were cancelled:

 

    9.875% Senior Notes due 2020, issued by the Company pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of September 16, 2010, in an original aggregate principal amount of $300,000,000;

 

    8.250% Senior Notes due 2021, issued by the Company pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of February 22, 2011, in an original aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000; and

 

    7.625% Senior Notes due 2022, issued by the Company pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of May 2, 2012, in an original aggregate principal amount of $550,000,000.

On the Effective Date, as provided by the Plan, the following credit agreement (the “ Prepetition Credit Agreement ”) was amended and restated as the Credit Agreement (as described in Item 1.01 and incorporated by reference herein), and the obligations owing to the lenders under the Prepetition Credit Agreement were converted to obligations under the Credit Agreement:

 

    Eighth Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2010, by and among the Company, its subsidiaries party thereto, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent (as defined in the Plan), and the lenders party thereto, as amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time prior to the Petition Date.

 

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

The information regarding the Prepetition Credit Agreement set forth in Item 1.01 of this Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities.

On the Effective Date, all existing shares of common stock of the Company were cancelled pursuant to the Plan, and the Company issued (i) 37,125,000 shares of Class A common stock, (ii) 7,875,000 shares Class B common stock, and (iii) 140,023 warrants to purchase Class A common stock. The Plan provides for the following distributions of Common Stock on the Effective Date:

 

    the issuance of 100% of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock, subject to dilution as set forth in the Plan Term Sheet (including the Noteholders Rights Offering) attached as Exhibit G to the Plan, to the holders of Unsecured Notes claims and allowed general unsecured claims (including allowed royalty payment litigation claims); including;


    the issuance of approximately 4,200,000 shares of Class A common stock to Rights Offering Purchasers (as defined below); and

 

    the issuance of approximately 367,000 shares of Class A common stock to Backstop Parties (as defined below).

On the Effective Date, the Company completed a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) backstopped by certain holders of the Company’s noteholders (the “Backstop Parties”) which generated approximately $50,000,000 of gross proceeds and resulted in the issuance of shares of Common Stock representing approximately nine percent of outstanding shares of Common Stock to holders of claims arising under certain of the Company’s notes, certain general unsecured claims and to the Backstop Parties (collectively, the “Rights Offering Purchasers”). The Confirmation Order and Plan provide for the exemption of the offer and sale of the shares of Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the bullet points above, except for 154,620 shares issued to the Backstop Parties, and the Warrants (including shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise thereof) from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code exempts the offer and sale of securities under the Plan from registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act and state laws if certain requirements are satisfied. The resale of the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the bullet points above, except for 154,620 shares issued to the Backstop Parties, is also exempt from registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

The 154,620 shares of Common Stock issued to the Backstop Parties were issued and sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) thereunder. These shares of Common Stock issued to the Backstop Parties have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The information set forth under Item 1.02 above and 5.03 below is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

 

Item 5.01 Changes in Control of Registrant.

On the Effective Date, all previously issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock were cancelled and the Company issued shares of Common Stock to certain of its creditors pursuant to the Plan. For further information, see Items 1.01, 1.02, 3.02 and 3.03 of this Report, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

Pursuant to the Plan, the new board of directors of the Company as of the Effective Date consists of: K. Earl Reynolds, Douglas Brooks, Matt Cabell, Robert Heinemann, Sam Langford, Ken Moore and Gysle Shellum. On the Effective Date, the following members of the Company’s existing board of directors were deemed to have resigned as directors of the Company: Charles A. Fischer, Jr., Christopher Behrens and Will Jaudes. None of the resignations resulted from any disagreement with the Company regarding any matter related to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices.

K. Earl Reynolds

Mr. Reynolds joined the Company in February 2011 as an Executive Vice President and the Chief Operating Officer before being named President in 2014 and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Reynolds led the international business unit and was actively involved in strategic planning for Devon Energy, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development, where he was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, coordination of acquisitions and divestitures, and oversight of the company’s assessment of oil and gas reserves. Prior to Devon Energy, Mr. Reynolds’ career included several key leadership roles in domestic and international operations with companies such as Burlington Resources and Mobil Oil. Mr. Reynolds has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations in Houston and Oklahoma City. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and serves as the Chairman of its Regulatory Committee. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma City YMCA. Mr. Reynolds holds a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Mississippi State University. In 2013, he was named as a Distinguished Fellow of the Mississippi State University Bagley College of Engineering. Mr. Reynolds is the second board designee of the holders of our class B common stock.

Douglas Brooks

Prior to joining the board, Mr. Brooks served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Yates Petroleum, a privately owned exploration and production company focused on the Delaware and Powder River basins. Before that time, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Oil & Gas Limited and a Senior Vice President at Forest Oil Corporation. In addition, he spent 24 years with Marathon Oil Company in roles of increasing responsibility, lastly as the Director of Upstream Mergers and Acquisitions and Business Development for the Americas. Mr. Brooks has also built two private equity-sponsored firms focused on unconventional resource projects in the western U.S. and served as a board member for Aurora Oil & Gas Limited, Magdalena Energy Company, Yates Petroleum and the Houston Producers’ Forum. He is currently an advisor for Hart Energy’s


A&D Watch, a global energy research publication. Mr. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Wyoming – Casper and a Masters of Business Administration, Finance from Our Lady of the Lake University in Texas.

Matt Cabell

Mr. Cabell retired from Seneca Resources in 2016, where he had served as its President since 2006. Prior to that time, he was as an Executive Vice President and General Manager at Marubeni Oil & Gas, USA, and held various roles in the exploration and production segments of Texaco and Amerada Hess Corporation. Mr. Cabell currently serves as an advisor to KKR. He has also previously served as a member of the board for the American Exploration and Production Council and America’s Natural Gas Alliance. Mr. Cabell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Michigan and his Masters of Business Administrations from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Robert Heinemann

From 2002 to 2013, Mr. Heinemann worked for Berry Petroleum Company, serving as a director and then as the President and Chief Executive Officer for the last nine years of his tenure. Prior to that time, he was employed at Halliburton Company and Mobil Exploration and Producing, as well as various other Mobil entities, in positions of increasing responsibility. Mr. Heinemann currently serves on the board for several other energy companies, including Crescent Point Energy Corporation, Crestone Peak Resources, L.L.C. and Great Western Oil and Gas Company, L.L.C., where he was the chairman from 2014 to 2016. He has also previously served on the board for Yates Petroleum Corporation until its merger in late 2016 and as chairman of the board for C12 Energy, L.L.C. Mr. Heinemann holds Bachelor of Engineering and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Sam Langford

Mr. Langford continues to serve as the principal for Langford Upstream Advisory, L.L.C., a position he has held since 2013. Prior to Langford, he spent eight years working in positions of growing responsibility at Newfield Exploration, including roles as the company’s Vice President of Corporate Development, General Manager for its Mid-Continent Business Unit and Senior Corporate Advisor. Before joining Newfield, Mr. Langford spent time at Cockrell Oil Corporation, British Gas E&P, Tenneco Inc., Tenneco Oil Co. and Exxon USA. Mr. Langford is currently also a member of the board of directors for Basic Energy Services. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University.

Ken Moore

From 2004 to 2015, Mr. Moore served as a Managing Director at First Reserve Corporation, a global private equity firm, which invests exclusively in the energy industry. Prior to that time, he served as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley New York and as a director for Enstar Group Limited, Chart Industries, Inc. and Dresser-Rand Group Inc. Mr. Moore is currently a member of the board of directors for Cobalt International. He has also previously served on several other boards, including those for Enstar Group, Dresser Rand and Chart Industries. Mr. Moore graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and received his Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.

Gysle Shellum

Mr. Shellum previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of PDC Energy, Inc. from 2008 until his retirement in 2016. Prior to that time, he was the Vice President of Finance at Cross Energy, L.P. (now EnLink Midstream, L.L.C.). Mr. Shellum is currently an at-large director for the Independent Petroleum Association of America and serves on the University of Colorado Global Energy Management Graduate Program’s Advisory Council. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Texas.


Executive Officers

As of the Effective Date, by operation of the Plan, the executive officers of the Company consisted of the following existing executive officers: K. Earl Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer; Joseph O. Evans, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President; James M. Miller, Senior Vice President – Operations.

Joseph O. Evans

Mr. Evans joined the Company in 2005 as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Evans was a consultant and practiced public accounting with the firm of Evans Gaither & Assoc. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor for First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans. From 1976 to 1997, Mr. Evans worked in the Oklahoma practice of Deloitte & Touche, where he became an audit partner. While at Deloitte he was a member of the energy industry group and was responsible for services on numerous commission filings for clients. Mr. Evans has instructed numerous continuing professional education courses focused on compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley Act. He is a Certified Public Accountant and an Accredited Petroleum Accountant. Mr. Evans is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

James M. Miller

Mr. Miller joined the Company in 1996 as its Operations Engineer. Since joining the Company, Mr. Miller has been promoted to positions of increasing responsibility and currently oversees the Company’s production and completion operations as Senior Vice President of Operations. During this time, he has gained particular expertise in the area of operating secondary and tertiary recovery units. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Miller worked for KEPCO Operating Inc. as a Petroleum Engineer. From 1987 to 1995, he was employed by Robert A. Mason Production Co. as a Petroleum Engineer and later as Vice President of Production. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute. Mr. Miller attended the University of Oklahoma and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering.

Indemnification of Directors

As of the Effective Date, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements require the Company to (i) indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to the Company, and (ii) advance expenses reasonably incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The Company may enter into indemnification agreements with any future directors or executive officers.

Each indemnification agreement is in substantially the form included herein as Exhibit 10.5 to this Report. The description of the indemnification agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of indemnification agreement, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

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

On the Effective Date, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Company filed the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) with the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware. Also on the Effective Date, and pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (the “ Bylaws ”).

The descriptions of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, which are incorporated herein as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, and incorporated by reference herein.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  2.1    First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated March 7, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Confirmation Order attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto).
  3.1    Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
10.1    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 21, 2017, among Chaparral Energy, Inc., as borrower, the lenders and prepetition borrowers party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the Stockholders named therein.
10.3    Warrant Agreement dated as of March 21, 2017, among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and Computershare Inc. as warrant agent.
10.4    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the Stockholders named therein.
10.5    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the directors and officers of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
99.1   

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order Confirming the First Amended Joint Plan of

Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as entered by the Bankruptcy Court on March 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2017).


SIGNATURES

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

March 27, 2017

 

By:  

/s/    JOSEPH O. EVANS

Name:   Joseph O. Evans
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  2.1    First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated March 7, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Confirmation Order attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto).
  3.1    Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
10.1    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 21, 2017, among Chaparral Energy, Inc., as borrower, the lenders and prepetition borrowers party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the Stockholders named therein.
10.3    Warrant Agreement dated as of March 21, 2017, among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and Computershare Inc. as warrant agent.
10.4    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the Stockholders named therein.
10.5    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the directors and officers of Chaparral Energy, Inc.
99.1   

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order Confirming the First Amended Joint Plan of

Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as entered by the Bankruptcy Court on March 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2017).

Exhibit 3.1

THIRD AMENDED AND

RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF

INCORPORATION OF

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.

Chaparral Energy, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as it may be amended (the “ DGCL ”), hereby certifies as follows:

 

1. The name of this corporation is Chaparral Energy, Inc. The original Certificate of Incorporation was filed on September 14, 2005, which was amended and restated on September 26, 2006 and again on April 12, 2010.

 

2. On May 9, 2016, the Corporation and its affiliated debtors (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) under the Case No. 16-11144 (LSS). This Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and further amends the Second Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as heretofore amended and restated, and has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242, 245 and 303 of the DGCL, pursuant to the authority granted to the Corporation under Section 303 of the DGCL and pursuant to the First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “ Plan ”), as confirmed on March 10, 2017 by order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

3. This Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and amends the original Certificate of Incorporation to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

NAME OF CORPORATION

The name by which the corporation is to be known is Chaparral Energy, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”).

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED OFFICE; REGISTERED AGENT

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Capitol Services, Inc., 615 S. Dupont Highway, county of Kent, Dover, DE 19901. The name of the registered agent of the corporation at such address is Capitol Services, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.


ARTICLE IV

STOCK

Section 1.     A uth o r i z e d S to c k . The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation has authority to issue is 205,000,000 shares, consisting of: (a) 180,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“ Class  A Common Stock ”), (b) 20,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“ Class  B Common Stock ” and, together with Class A Common Stock, “ Common Stock ”) and (c) 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“ Preferred Stock ”). The number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), unless this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation (as defined below)) otherwise requires the vote of the holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class.

Section 2.     Class A Common Stock and Class  B Common Stock .

(a)     Equal Status . Except as otherwise provided in this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or as required by applicable law, shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall have the same rights and powers, rank equally (including as to dividends and distributions, and upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation), share ratably and be identical in all respects and as to all matters.

(b)     V ot i n g R i g hts . Except as otherwise provided in this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or as required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall at all times vote together as one class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote or for the consent of the stockholders of the Corporation. Each holder of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock held as of the applicable date on any matter that is submitted to a vote or for the consent of the stockholders of the Corporation. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation (as defined below)) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation (as defined below)) or pursuant to the DGCL, provided that such amendment does not alter or change the designations, powers, preferences or rights of the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock so as to affect them adversely.

(c)     D ivid e n ds . Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, in such dividends and other distributions of cash, property or shares

 

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of stock of the Corporation as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) from time to time with respect to the Common Stock out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor; provided , however , that in the event that such dividend is paid in the form of shares of Common Stock or rights to acquire Common Stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock shall receive Class A Common Stock or rights to acquire Class A Common Stock, as the case may be, and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall receive Class B Common Stock or rights to acquire Class B Common Stock, as the case may be.

(d)     L i q uid a t i on R i g ht s . In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, all assets of the Corporation of whatever kind available for distribution to the holders of Common Stock.

(e)     Merger or Consolidation . In the case of any distribution or payment in respect of the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock upon the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other entity, or in the case of any other transaction having an effect on stockholders substantially similar to that resulting from a consolidation or merger, such distribution or payment shall be made ratably on a per share basis among the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as a single class.

(f)     Redemption of Class  B Common Stock .

(i)    Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Section 2(f) of Article IV or Section 2(g) of this Article IV shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among the Corporation and the counterparties specified therein (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”).

(ii)     Mandatory Redemption . If, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, an Underwritten Takedown is initiated, and the managing underwriter or underwriters for such Underwritten Takedown (or the RRA Holders selling shares in such Underwritten Takedown (the “ Selling Stockholders ”) on behalf of such managing underwriters or underwriters) advises the Corporation, in writing (a “ Shortfall Notice ”), that there is an insufficient number of shares of Common Stock (such resulting shortfall, the “ Shortfall Number ”) being offered for sale to successfully consummate such Underwritten Takedown and/or create sufficient liquidity for optimal trading of Class A Common Stock based on market conditions (including the expected average daily trading volume and the spread between the bid and ask prices of Class A Common Stock), the financial condition of the Corporation and such other factors that the managing underwriter or underwriters may consider based on their experience in their sole discretion, one or more RRA Holders holding, collectively, at least twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation’s total number of issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock (the “ Outstanding Class  B Shares ”) may instruct the Corporation to, and the Corporation shall, effective as of the date that the Underwritten Takedown is consummated, (a) issue, for sale in such Underwritten Takedown, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the Shortfall Number in accordance with Section 2(f)(iv) of this Article IV and (b) redeem (a “ Redemption ”) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the Shortfall Number, on a pro rata basis among all holders of Class B Common Stock (equal to, for

 

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each holder, the product of (x) the ratio of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by such holder to the Outstanding Class B Shares and (y) the Shortfall Number (such holder’s “ Pro Rata Share ”)) provided , that a Selling Stockholder in such Underwritten Takedown or such Selling Stockholder’s Affiliate or Related Fund shall be entitled to offset the number of shares of Common Stock (such shares, “ Off-Set Shares ”) such Selling Stockholder voluntarily included in such Underwritten Takedown against such Selling Stockholder’s, Affiliate’s or Related Fund’s, as the case may be, Pro Rata Share (and any shares that may be allocated to such Selling Stockholder, Affiliate or Related Fund in accordance with clause (ii) below), it being understood that (i) an Off-Set Share may only be offset once, (ii) the aggregate number of shares redeemed from all other holders of Class B Common Stock shall be increased by the number of Off-Set Shares, allocated between such other holders on a pro rata basis based on their respective ownership of the Outstanding Class B Shares and (iii) the Corporation may round up or round down to the nearest share the number of Off-Set Shares to be allotted to such other holders so long as any such rounding does not materially affect any holder’s holdings. In effecting such Redemption pursuant to this Section 2(f)(ii) of Article IV , the Corporation shall deliver written notice of redemption to the holders of Class B Common Stock not more than sixty (60) nor less than five (5) days prior to the Redemption, and such notice shall specify the expected Redemption date. The Issuance and Redemption shall occur and be effective on the date that the Underwritten Takedown is consummated notwithstanding the fact that payment of the Redemption Price pursuant to Section 2(f)(iii) of this Article IV may occur at a later time. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is redeemed pursuant to Section 2(f) of this Article IV shall thereupon be retired by the Corporation and shall not be available for reissuance. “ RRA Holder ” means any Person who is a holder of the beneficial interest in any Common Stock that is also a signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, other than the Corporation.

(iii)     Redemption Price . The total price (the “ Redemption Price ”) for each share of Class B Common Stock redeemed in a Redemption shall be equal to the public offering price per share paid by the underwriters for the shares of Common Stock in the related Underwritten Takedown net any underwriting fees or discounts payable on such shares of Common Stock actually paid by Selling Stockholders and/or the Corporation, as the case may be. The aggregate Redemption Price shall be due and payable and paid by the Corporation by certified check or wire transfer of immediately available funds (less any applicable withholding taxes) to the respective holders of Class B Common Stock promptly following the consummation of the Issuance in the Underwritten Takedown in accordance with Section 2(f )( iv) of Article IV below. The Board of Directors may establish such procedures as it may in its sole and absolute discretion determine to be necessary or desirable for the orderly Redemption pursuant to this Section 2(f) of Article IV , which procedures shall be binding upon the holders of Class B Common Stock.

(iv)     Issuance . In connection with a Redemption in accordance with this Section 2(f) of Article IV , the Corporation shall issue a number of new shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Issuance ”) equal to the Shortfall Number in the related Underwritten Takedown for sale to the underwriters retained for the Underwritten Takedown at a price per share equal to the public offering price per share paid by the underwriters for the shares of Common Stock in the related Underwritten Takedown net any underwriting fees or discounts payable on such shares of Common Stock actually paid by Selling Stockholders and/or the Corporation, as the case may be.

 

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(v)     Reduction of Shortfall Number . Following a Shortfall Notice and until the “pricing” of the Underwritten Takedown relating to such Shortfall Notice, the managing underwriter or underwriters for such Underwritten Takedown may advise the Corporation, in writing (a “ Shortfall Number Reduction Notice ”), that the total number of shares of Common Stock in the Shortfall Number is too large to successfully consummate such Underwritten Takedown and should be reduced by a number of shares of Common Stock set forth in such Shortfall Number Reduction Notice, in which case the Shortfall Number shall be reduced accordingly.

(g)     Conversion of Class  B Common Stock . Each share of Class B Common Stock that remains outstanding shall be automatically, without further action by the holder thereof, be converted into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock, upon the earlier to occur of the following: (x) December 15, 2018; (y) the occurrence and effectiveness of a Redemption in accordance with the terms of this Section 2(g) of Article IV ; and (z) the date a Qualified Listing occurs with respect to Class A Common Stock in connection with an Underwritten Takedown or an initial public offering pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act (the occurrence of an event described in clauses  (x) , (y) or (z)  of this Section 2(g) of Article IV , a “ Conversion Event ”). The Corporation shall provide notice of the Conversion Event to the holders of Class B Common Stock as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence thereof; provided , that no such failure to give such notice nor any defect therein shall affect the validity of such conversion. From and after the conversion, the rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock in respect thereof will cease, other than the right to receive (i) the Redemption Price for each share of Class B Common Stock redeemed in a Redemption, if applicable, and (ii) any dividend or other distribution that has been declared by the Board of Directors prior to the Conversion Event and that has not been paid as of the conversion. The Corporation shall register in book-entry form the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Class B Common Stock were converted as a result of the Conversion Event. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to this Section 2(g) of Article IV shall thereupon be retired by the Corporation and shall not be available for reissuance.

(h)     Reservation of Stock . The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the issuance of the shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 2(f) of this Article IV and the conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock pursuant to Section 2(g) of this Article IV , such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect such issuance or conversion. If at any time the Board of Directors determines that the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock would be insufficient to effect the redemption and/or conversion of all of the then Outstanding Class B Common Stock, the Board of Directors shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the Corporation’s authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock to be increased to such number of shares as shall be sufficient to effect such redemption and/or conversion.

Section 3.     Preferred Stock . Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors (or any committee to which it may duly delegate the authority granted in this Article IV ) is hereby empowered to authorize, to the fullest

 

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extent now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the Board of Directors (or such committee thereof) may from time to time determine and, by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter referred to as a “ Preferred Stock Designation ”), to establish from time to time for each such series the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designations, powers, rights and preferences of the shares of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the laws of the State of Delaware, including, without limitation, voting rights (if any), dividend rights, dissolution rights, conversion rights, exchange rights and redemption rights thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors (or such committee thereof) providing for the issuance of such series of Preferred Stock. Each series of Preferred Stock shall be distinctly designated.

Section 4.     Nonvoting Stock . To the extent prohibited by Section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Corporation shall not issue any class or series of nonvoting equity securities; provided , however , that the foregoing (x) will have no force and effect beyond that required under Section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and (y) may be amended or eliminated in accordance with applicable law as from time to time in effect. For the purposes of this Section  4 of Article IV , any class or series of equity securities that has only such voting rights as are mandated by the DGCL shall be deemed to be nonvoting for purposes of the restrictions of this Section  4 of Article IV .

ARTICLE V

TRANSFERS

Section 1.     Drag-Along Rights .

(a)     Definitions . For purposes of this Section  1 and Section  2 of this Article V the following definitions shall apply:

(i)    “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person; provided that no stockholder shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other stockholder solely by reason of any investment in the Corporation and except that neither the Company nor any of its controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of any stockholder (and vice versa), (ii) if such Person is an investment fund, an Affiliate shall include any other investment fund the primary investment advisor to which, or an Affiliate of such primary investment advisor, is the primary investment advisor to such Person and (iii) if such Person is a natural Person, any Family Member of such natural Person. For the purpose of this definition, the term “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

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(ii)    “ Approving Stockholders ” means any stockholder or any group of stockholders acting together or pursuant to a common plan or arrangement, who propose to sell, or otherwise dispose of, to a person or a group of persons, other than an Affiliate of any of the transferring stockholders, shares of Common Stock representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock.

(iii)    “ Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in New York, New York.

(iv)    “ Convertible Securities ” means any evidence of indebtedness, shares of stock, or other securities or rights (other than Options and Warrants) which are directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any capital stock of the Corporation.

(v)    “ Corporation Stock ” means (A) any outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, whenever issued, (B) any Warrants or Options, whether or not then exercisable or convertible, and (C) any Convertible Securities, whether or not then convertible or exchangeable.

(vi)    “ Family Member ” means, with respect to any natural Person, such Person’s spouse and descendants (whether or not adopted) and any trust, family limited partnership or limited liability company that is and remains solely for the benefit of such Person’s spouse and/or descendants.

(vii)    “ IPO ” means the first public offering of the Corporation pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act (other than on Forms S-4, S-8 or successors to such forms), covering the offer and sale of capital stock of the Corporation.

(viii)    “ Options ” means any options to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise directly acquire any capital stock of the Corporation, other than any such option held by the Corporation or any preemptive rights.

(ix)    “ Outstanding Corporation Common Stock ” means, as of any given time, the then issued and outstanding Common Stock, excluding (unless calculated on a fully diluted basis) any derivative securities and any unvested or restricted stock of the Corporation issued pursuant to any equity incentive plan for officers, employees or directors of the Corporation.

(x)    “ Person ” or “ person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

(xi)    “ Qualified IPO ” means a bona fide, marketed underwritten IPO after which closing such capital is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market or listed or quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or other national securities exchange acceptable to the Board of Directors and meeting one of the following two criteria: (i) the aggregate cash proceeds (net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses) of such offering to the Corporation exceed seventy five million dollars ($75 million), or (ii) at least twenty percent (20%) of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis, and for purposes of such calculation treating Common Stock issued in the IPO as Outstanding Corporation Common Stock) shall have been issued or sold to the public in connection with such IPO.

 

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(xii)    “ Sale ” means a Transfer for value and the terms “Sell” and “Sold” shall have correlative meanings.

(xiii)    “ Sale of the Corporation ” means (A) any bona fide sale, transfer or issuance or series of sales, transfers and/or issuances of stock of the Corporation by the Corporation or any holders thereof (including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation or other transaction or series of related transactions having the same effect), for cash and/or securities listed on a national securities exchange, which results in any Person or group of Persons (as the term “group” is used under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than an Approving Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof, owning all or substantially all of the voting stock of the Corporation or (B) the bona fide sale or transfer, for cash and/or securities listed on a national securities exchange, of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets, determined on a consolidated basis, to a Person or group of Persons (as the term “group” is used under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than an Approving Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof.

(xiv)     “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule, or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future law.

(xv)    “ Transfer ” means any sale, pledge, assignment, encumbrance or other transfer or disposition of any shares of Corporation Stock to any other Person, whether directly, indirectly, voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law, pursuant to judicial process or otherwise.

(xvi)    “ Warrants ” means any warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise directly acquire any capital stock of the Corporation.

(b)    Prior to the consummation of a Public Listing (as defined below), if any Approving Stockholders propose a Sale of the Corporation (an “ Approved Sale ”), each stockholder of the Corporation that is not an Approving Stockholder (the “ Drag Along Stockholders ”) shall vote (including acting by written consent, if requested) in favor of, consent to and raise no objections to such Approved Sale, so long as such Approved Sale complies with this Section  1 of Article V . Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the provisions of Section 1(d) of this Article V , if the Approved Sale is structured (i) as a merger or consolidation, each such Drag Along Stockholder will waive any dissenters rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in conjunction with such merger or consolidation, (ii) as a sale of equity, each such Drag Along Stockholder will agree to sell all of such Drag Along Stockholder’s shares of Corporation Stock on the terms and conditions approved by the Approving Stockholders, or (iii) as a sale of assets, each such Drag Along Stockholder will vote in favor of such Approved Sale and any subsequent liquidation or other distribution of the proceeds therefrom in accordance with the terms herein as approved by the Approving Stockholders. The Corporation and each stockholder will take all actions reasonably requested by the Approving Stockholders in connection with the consummation of an Approved Sale, including the execution of all ancillary documents in connection therewith requested by the Approving Stockholders.

 

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(c)    If the Approving Stockholders wish to exercise the drag-along rights contained in this Section  1 of Article V , then they shall deliver a written notice (the “ Drag Along Notice ”) to the Corporation at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation, and the Corporation shall deliver a copy of such Drag Along Notice to each Drag Along Stockholder promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days following receipt thereof). The Drag Along Notice shall set forth the principal terms and conditions of the proposed Sale of the Corporation, including (i) the form and structure of the proposed Sale of the Corporation, (ii) the consideration to be received in the proposed Sale of the Corporation for each class of Corporation Stock (including, if applicable, the formula by which such consideration is to be determined and the payment terms), (iii) the name and address of the prospective acquirer(s) and (iv) if known, the proposed closing date. Except as provided in Section 1(d) of this Article V , each stockholder shall receive the same form and amount of consideration per share of Corporation Stock to be received by the Approving Stockholders for the corresponding class of shares (on an as converted basis, in the case of Convertible Securities) in the Approved Sale. If any holders of shares of Corporation Stock of any class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of shares of Corporation Stock of such class will be given the same option other than to the extent prohibited by law. Unless otherwise agreed by each stockholder, any non-cash consideration shall be allocated among the stockholders pro rata based upon the aggregate amount of consideration to be received by such stockholders. If at the end of the 180th day after the date of delivery of the Drag Along Notice (which such one hundred and eighty (180)-day period may be extended by the Corporation for a reasonable time not to exceed an additional ninety (90) days to the extent reasonably necessary to obtain any required regulatory approvals) the proposed Sale of the Corporation has not been completed, the Drag Along Notice shall be null and void, each stockholder shall be released from such stockholder’s obligation under the Drag Along Notice and it shall be necessary for a separate Drag Along Notice to be delivered and the terms and provisions of this Section  1 of Article V separately complied with, in order to consummate such proposed Sale of the Corporation pursuant to this Section  1 of Article V .

(d)    If any stockholder shall sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any Options, Warrants or Convertible Securities that are exercisable, convertible or exchangeable in any Sale of the Corporation pursuant to this Section  1 of Article V , such stockholder shall receive in exchange for such Options, Warrants or Convertible Securities consideration in the amount (if greater than zero) equal to the value of the consideration received by the Approving Stockholders in such Sale of the Corporation for the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of such Options, Warrants or Convertible Securities less the exercise price, if any, of such Options, Warrants or Convertible Securities (or, with respect to Convertible Securities, if greater, the amount of the liquidation preference, if any, such securities would be entitled to in connection with such Sale of the Corporation in lieu of converting), in each case, subject to reduction for any tax or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law. No Approving Stockholders nor any of their Affiliates shall receive any direct or indirect consideration in connection with a Sale of the Corporation to which this Section  1 of Article V applies (including by way of fees, consulting arrangements or a non-compete payment) other than consideration received in exchange for its shares of Corporation Stock on the terms described in the Drag Along Notice.

 

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(e)    Each Drag Along Stockholder will be obligated to make customary and several representations with respect to the title to and ownership of shares of Corporation Stock and its own authority and ability to enter into the Approved Sale to the extent the Approving Stockholders similarly make such representations. No Drag Along Stockholder shall be liable for the inaccuracy or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Corporation or any other Person in connection with the Sale of the Corporation (except to the extent that funds may be paid out of an escrow established to cover breach of representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Corporation, in which case payments shall be allocated on a pro rata basis in accordance with the consideration paid to each stockholder of the Corporation). The liability of any Drag Along Stockholder in no event shall exceed the amount of consideration paid to such Drag Along Stockholder in connection with the Sale of the Corporation, except with respect to claims related to fraud by such Drag Along Stockholder, the liability for which need not be limited as to such Drag Along Stockholder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the sole discretion of the Approving Stockholders, the proceeds with respect to an Approved Sale may be withheld from (and retained by the Approving Stockholders or their designee in trust for the benefit of) all sellers of such Corporation Stock in such aggregate amount as the Approving Stockholders deem necessary to cover any purchase price adjustments, indemnification or other obligations of the Corporation or such sellers of Corporation Stock; provided that such proceeds shall be withheld on the same basis among all such sellers. Each stockholder will bear its pro rata share (applied such that after giving effect thereto, the aggregate consideration paid to each holder of shares of Corporation Stock would comply with the provisions of Section 1(d) of this Article V ) of the costs of any sale of such Corporation Stock pursuant to an Approved Sale to the extent such costs are (i) incurred for the benefit of all stockholders participating in such Approved Sale and are not otherwise paid by the Corporation or the acquiring party or (ii) are otherwise approved for payment by the Corporation by a majority of the holders of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (disregarding any shares held by the stockholder incurring such costs).

(f)    If the Corporation enters into a negotiation for an Approved Sale for which Rule 506 (or any similar rule then in effect) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission may be available with respect to such negotiation or transaction (including a merger, consolidation or other reorganization), the Drag Along Stockholders will, at the request of the Board of Directors, appoint a purchaser representative (as such term is defined in Rule 501 or any similar rule), or such equivalent representative, reasonably acceptable to the Board of Directors. If any Drag Along Stockholder appoints a purchaser representative, or such equivalent representative that is designated by the Board of Directors, the Corporation will, to the extent legally permitted, pay the fees of such purchaser representative, or such equivalent representative, but if any Drag Along Stockholder declines to appoint the purchaser representative, or such equivalent representative that is designated by the Board of Directors such Drag Along Stockholder will appoint another purchaser representative, and such Drag Along Stockholder will be responsible for the fees of the purchaser representative, or such equivalent representative, so appointed.

(g)    The Approving Stockholders shall, in their sole discretion, decide whether or not to pursue, consummate, postpone or abandon any proposed Sale of the Corporation, and the terms and conditions thereof (subject to the requirements of this Section  1 of Article V ). The closing of an Approved Sale shall take place (i) on the proposed closing date, if any, specified in

 

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the Drag Along Notice ( provided that consummation of such Approved Sale may be extended beyond such date to the extent necessary to obtain any applicable governmental approval or other required approval or to satisfy other conditions), (ii) if no proposed closing date was so specified, at such time as the Approving Stockholders shall specify by notice to each Drag Along Stockholder and the Corporation and (iii) at such place as the Approving Stockholders shall specify by written notice to each Drag Along Stockholder. At the closing of any Approved Sale, each stockholder shall deliver the certificates (if any) evidencing the shares or Corporation Stock to be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by such stockholder, duly endorsed, or with stock (or equivalent) powers duly endorsed, for transfer with signature guaranteed, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, with any stock (or equivalent) transfer tax stamps affixed, against delivery of the applicable consideration.

(h)    No Drag Along Stockholder shall be obligated to enter into any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement or any other agreement which imposes any similar restrictions on such Drag Along Stockholder in connection with any Approved Sale.

(i)     Termination of Drag-Along Rights . The rights and obligations under this Section  1 of Article V shall terminate upon the occurrence of the date Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange in the United States, whether in connection with an initial public offering of Common Stock or otherwise (a “ Public Listing ”).

Section 2.     Tag-Along Rights .

(a)    At any time prior to the consummation of a Public Listing, if one or more stockholders (“ Prospective Selling Stockholders ”) proposes to Sell to any Person, other than an Affiliate of any of the Prospective Selling Stockholders, twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the outstanding shares of Corporation Stock, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to any prospective acquirer(s) other than in a Transfer undertaken as a Qualified IPO, then they shall deliver a written notice (the “ Tag Along Notice ”) to the Corporation at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the consummation of the Sale, and the Corporation shall deliver a copy of such Tag Along Notice to each stockholder promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days following receipt thereof). The Tag Along Notice shall set forth the principal terms and conditions of the proposed Sale, including (i) the number and class of shares of Corporation Stock to be purchased from the Prospective Selling Stockholders, (ii) the fraction(s), expressed as a percentage, determined by dividing (x) the number of shares of Corporation Stock of each class proposed to be purchased from the Prospective Selling Stockholders by (y) the total number of shares of Corporation Stock of each such class held by the Prospective Selling Stockholders (for each class, the “ Tag Along Sale Percentage ”), (iii) the purchase price or the formula by which such price is to be determined and the payment terms, including a description of any non-cash consideration sufficiently detailed to permit valuation thereof, (iv) the name and address of the prospective acquirer(s), (v) if known, the proposed closing date, and (vi) an invitation to each stockholder of the Corporation to include in the proposed Sale to the applicable prospective acquirer(s) shares of Corporation Stock of the same class(es) being sold by the Prospective Selling Stockholders held by such Stockholder (not in any event in an amount for any class exceeding the product of (x) the Tag Along Sale Percentage for such class and (y) the total number of shares of Corporation Stock of such class held by such stockholder), on the same terms and conditions, with respect to each share of Corporation Stock Sold, as the Prospective Selling Stockholders shall Sell each of its shares of Corporation Stock of the applicable class.

 

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(b)    No later than the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date of delivery of the Tag Along Notice to the stockholders, each stockholder desiring to include shares of Corporation Stock in the proposed Sale (each a “ Participating Tag Seller ” and, together with the Prospective Selling Stockholders, collectively, the “ Tag Along Sellers ”) shall deliver a written notice (the “ Tag Along Offer ”) to the Prospective Selling Stockholders and the Corporation indicating the number of shares of Corporation Stock of each applicable class that such Participating Tag Seller desires to have included in the proposed Sale (subject to the limitation set forth in the Tag Along Notice). Each stockholder who does not make a Tag Along Offer in compliance with the above requirements, including the time period, shall be deemed to have waived all of such stockholder’s rights to participate in such Sale, and the Tag Along Sellers shall thereafter be free to Sell to the prospective acquirer, at a purchase price no greater than the purchase price set forth in the Tag Along Notice (other than as a result of a change in the estimated purchase price pursuant to an adjustment mechanism described in the Tag Along Notice, if the purchase price is not fixed) and on other terms and conditions which are not materially more favorable in the aggregate to the Tag Along Sellers than those set forth in the Tag Along Notice, without any further obligation to such non-accepting stockholder(s) pursuant to this Section  2 of Article V .

(c)    The offer of each Participating Tag Seller contained in such Participating Tag Seller’s Tag Along Offer shall be irrevocable, and such Participating Tag Seller shall be bound and obligated to Sell in the proposed Sale on the same terms and conditions, with respect to each share of Corporation Stock Sold, as the Prospective Selling Stockholders, up to such number of shares of Corporation Stock as such Participating Tag Seller shall have specified in such stockholder’s Tag Along Offer; provided , however , that if the principal terms of the proposed Sale change with the result that (i) the purchase price shall be less than the purchase price set forth in the Tag Along Notice (other than as a result of a change in the estimated purchase price pursuant to an adjustment mechanism described in the Tag Along Notice, if the purchase price is not fixed), (ii) the number of shares of Corporation Stock to be acquired from the Tag Along Sellers is reduced, or (iii) the other terms and conditions shall be materially less favorable to the Tag Along Sellers than those set forth in the Tag Along Notice, the Prospective Selling Stockholders shall provide written notice thereof to the Corporation, and the Corporation shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) deliver a copy of such notice to each Participating Tag Seller, and each Participating Tag Seller shall be permitted to withdraw the offer contained in such holder’s Tag Along Offer by written notice to the Prospective Selling Stockholder and the Corporation within five (5) Business Days after delivery of such written notice from the Corporation and upon such withdrawal such Participating Tag Seller shall be released from its obligations thereunder.

(d)    The Prospective Selling Stockholders shall attempt to obtain the inclusion in the proposed Sale of the entire number of shares of Corporation Stock which each of the Tag Along Sellers requested to have included in the Sale (as evidenced in the case of the Prospective Selling Stockholders by the Tag Along Notice and in the case of each Participating Tag Seller by such Participating Tag Seller’s Tag Along Offer). In the event the Prospective Selling Stockholders shall be unable to obtain the inclusion of such entire number of shares of Corporation Stock of any class in the proposed Sale, the number of shares of Corporation Stock of such class to be sold in the proposed Sale shall be allocated among the Tag Along Sellers on a pro rata basis in

 

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proportion to the total number of shares of Corporation Stock of such class offered (or proposed, in the case of the Prospective Selling Stockholders) and eligible to be sold in the proposed Sale by each Tag Along Seller.

(e)    If, prior to consummation, the terms of the proposed Sale shall change with the result that (i) the purchase price to be paid in such proposed Sale shall be greater than the purchase price set forth in the Tag Along Notice (other than as a result of a change in the estimated purchase price pursuant to an adjustment mechanism described in the Tag Along Notice, if the purchase price is not fixed), (ii) the number of shares of Corporation Stock proposed to be acquired by the prospective acquirer(s) in the proposed Sale is increased or (iii) the other terms of such proposed Sale shall be materially more favorable in the aggregate to the Tag Along Sellers than those set forth in the Tag Along Notice, the Tag Along Notice shall be null and void, and it shall be necessary for a separate Tag Along Notice to be delivered, and the terms and provisions of this Section  2 of Article V separately complied with, in order to consummate such proposed Sale pursuant to this Section  2 of Article V ; provided , however , that in the case of such a separate Tag Along Notice, the applicable period to which reference is made in Section 2(b) of this Article V shall be five (5) Business Days. In addition, if the Prospective Selling Stockholders have not completed the proposed Sale by the end of the 120th day after the date of delivery of the Tag Along Notice, each Participating Tag Seller shall be released from such Participating Tag Seller’s obligations under such Participating Tag Seller’s Tag Along Offer, the Tag Along Notice shall be null and void, and it shall be necessary for a separate Tag Along Notice to be delivered, and the terms and provisions of this Section  2 of Article V separately complied with, in order to consummate such proposed Sale pursuant to this Section  2 of Article V , unless the failure to complete such proposed Sale resulted from any failure by any Participating Tag Seller to comply with the terms of this Section  2 of Article V .

(f)    In connection with a proposed Sale to which this Section  2 of Article V applies, no Prospective Selling Stockholder shall enter into any agreement or take any action (directly or indirectly) that prevents, or is reasonably expected to prevent, a particular stockholder from exercising such stockholder’s rights pursuant to this Section  2 of Article V . No Prospective Selling Stockholder nor any of its Affiliates may receive any direct or indirect consideration in connection with Sale to which this Section  2 of Article V applies (including by way of fees, consulting arrangements or a non-compete payment) other than consideration received in exchange for its shares of Corporation Stock on the terms described in the Tag Along Notice.

(g)    The rights and obligations under this Section  2 of Article V shall terminate upon the occurrence of the date of a Public Listing.

Section 3.     Lockup .

(a)    Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Section  3 of Article V shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Registration Rights Agreement.

(b)    Prior to the consummation of a Public Listing, at any time (and for the same duration) that a Lockup Period in the Registration Rights Agreement is effected, each Holder who beneficially owns two percent (2%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

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In connection with any Underwritten Takedown or underwritten registration pursuant to a Demand Registration Request or other underwritten public offering of equity securities by the Corporation, except with the written consent of the underwriters managing such offering, no Holder (irrespective of whether such Holder participates in such Underwritten Takedown or underwritten registration) who beneficially owns two percent (2%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at such time shall effect any public sale or distribution (including sales pursuant to Rule 144) of equity securities of the Corporation, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, without prior written consent from the Corporation, during the Lockup Period, except as part of such offering, provided , that such Lockup Period restrictions are applicable on substantially similar terms to the Corporation and all of its and its subsidiaries’ executive officers and directors; provided , further , that nothing in this Section  3 of Article V shall prevent any Holder from making a distribution of Registrable Securities to any of its partners, members or stockholders thereof or a transfer of Registrable Securities to an Affiliate or Related Fund that is otherwise in compliance with the applicable securities laws, so long as such distributees or transferees, as applicable, agree to be bound by the restrictions set forth in this Section 3(b) of Article V . Each Holder shall agree to execute a lock-up agreement in favor of the Corporation’s underwriters to such effect and, in any event, that the Corporation’s underwriters in any relevant offering shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 3(b) of Article V . The provisions of this Section 3(b) of Article V will no longer apply to a Holder once such Holder ceases to hold or beneficially own Registrable Securities. A sale or distribution in violation of this Section  3 of Article V shall be null and void ab initio , and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, as applicable. If the Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof (or other designees if permitted by the DGCL) shall at any time determine, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof, that a sale or distribution has purportedly taken place that would result in a violation of Section  3 of Article V , the Board of Directors or a committee thereof (or other designees if permitted by the DGCL) shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such sale or distribution, including, without limitation, causing the Corporation to redeem securities, refusing to give effect to such sale or distribution on the books of the Corporation or instituting proceedings to enjoin such sale or distribution provided, however, that any sale or distribution in violation of this Section  3 of Article V shall be null and void ab initio irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the Board or Directors.

ARTICLE VI

DIRECTORS

Section 1.     Director Powers . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Third Amended Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Corporation (as may be amended or restated from time to time, the “ By-Laws ”), the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

Section 2.     Number of Directors . The initial number of directors shall be seven (7). The number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board (as defined below).

 

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Section 3.     Elections . Unless and except to the extent that the By-Laws shall so require, elections of directors need not be by written ballot.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend or repeal the By-laws. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the By-laws by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. For purposes of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the term “ Whole Board ” shall mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.

ARTICLE VIII

DIRECTOR LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director (it being understood that, without limiting the foregoing, if in the future the DGCL is amended or modified (including with respect to Section 102(b)(7)) to permit the further limitation or elimination of the personal liability of a director of the Corporation to a greater extent than contemplated above, then the provisions of this Article VIII shall be deemed to provide for the elimination of the personal liability of the directors of the Corporation to such greater extent). This Article VIII shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when this Article VIII becomes effective. Any repeal or amendment or modification of this Article VIII , or the adoption of any provision of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article VIII , will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in applicable law permits the Corporation to provide a broader limitation on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and will not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of any director of the Corporation at the time of such repeal or amendment or modification or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

Section 1.     Ri g ht t o I nd e mni fication . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise (hereinafter, a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that such person, or a person of whom such person is the legal representative, is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or while a director or officer of the Corporation is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation in any capacity, including as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent, of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including, without limitation, service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (an “ Indemnitee ”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer,

 

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employee, fiduciary or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent which it is empowered to do so by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, to the fullest extent permitted by law, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against all cost, expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any claim, action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to serve in the capacity which initially entitled such person to indemnity hereunder, and such indemnification shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as provided in Section  3 of this Article IX with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any Indemnitee seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.     Advancement of Expenses . To the fullest extent to which it is permitted to do so by the DGCL or other applicable law, the Corporation shall, in advance of the final disposition of the matter, pay the expenses and costs (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by any Indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding and any appeal therefrom for which such person may be entitled to such indemnification under this Article IX or otherwise; provided , however , if required by the DGCL, such payment of expenses and costs in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnitee to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Article IX or otherwise. Expenses incurred by other employees, fiduciaries and agents who are considered Indemnitees hereunder may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

Section 3.     Procedures for Indemnification of Directors and Officers . Any indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article IX shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days, upon the written request of the Indemnitee, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days. If a determination by the Corporation that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article IX is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty (60) days to a written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have approved the request. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnification or

 

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advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within thirty (30) days (or twenty (20) days in the case of a claim for advancement of expenses), the right to indemnification or advancement of expenses as granted by this Article IX shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such Indemnitee’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing the right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL for the Corporation to indemnify the Indemnitee for the amount claimed, but the burden of such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IX or otherwise, shall be on the Corporation.

Section 4.     Requested Services . Without limiting the meaning of the phrase “serving at the request of the Corporation” as used herein, any person serving as a director, officer or equivalent executive of (a) another corporation of which a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of its directors is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, or (b) any employee benefit plan maintained or sponsored by the Corporation or any corporation referred to in clause (a), shall be deemed to be doing so at the request of the Corporation for purposes of Section  1 of this Article IX .

Section 5.     Contract Rights . The provisions of this Article IX shall be deemed to be a contract right between the Corporation and each Indemnitee and such rights shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent, or if the relevant provisions of the DGCL or other applicable law cease to be in effect. Such contract right shall vest for each Indemnitee who is a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent at the time such person is elected or appointed to such position, and no repeal or modification of this Article IX or any such law shall affect any such vested rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or proceeding arising after such election or appointment and prior to such repeal or modification.

Section 6.     Insurance . The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of the Corporation or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other

 

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enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the DGCL or this Article IX .

Section 7.     Employees and Agents . Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, Persons who are not covered by the foregoing provisions of this Article IX and who are or were employees, fiduciaries or agents of the Corporation, or who are or were serving at the request of the Corporation as employees, fiduciaries or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, may be indemnified to the extent authorized at any time or from time to time by the Board of Directors to the fullest extent of this Article IX .

Section 8.     Merger or Consolidation . For purposes of this Article IX , references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including, without limitation, any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merged in a merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Article IX with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

Section 9.     Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights to indemnification and the advancement of expenses and costs conferred under this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs may be entitled under any applicable law, provision of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors or officers respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or by any other applicable law.

Section 10.     Amendments . No amendment, repeal or modification of, and no adoption of any provision inconsistent with, any provision of this Article IX shall adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing by virtue of this Article IX at the time of such amendment, repeal, modification or adoption.

Section 11.     Jointly Indemnifiable Claims . Given that certain jointly indemnifiable claims (as defined below) may arise due to the service of the Indemnitee as a director and/or officer of the Corporation at the request of the indemnitee-related entities (as defined below), the Corporation shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the Indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses in connection with any such jointly indemnifiable claims, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Article IX, irrespective of any right of recovery the Indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities. Under no circumstance shall the Corporation be entitled to any right of subrogation

 

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against or contribution by the indemnitee-related entities and no right of advancement, indemnification or recovery the Indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the Indemnitee or the obligations of the Corporation under this Article IX . In the event that any of the indemnitee-related entities shall make any payment to the Indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to any jointly indemnifiable claim, the indemnitee-related entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Corporation, and the Indemnitee shall execute all documents and instruments reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents and instruments as may be necessary to enable the indemnitee-related entities effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. Each of the indemnitee-related entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section  11 of Article IX and entitled to enforce this Section  11 of Article IX .

(a)    The term “ indemnitee-related entities ” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Corporation or any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for which the Indemnitee has agreed, on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporation’s request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described herein) from whom an Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Corporation may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation.

(b)    The term “ jointly indemnifiable claims ” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any action, suit or proceeding for which the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses from both the indemnitee-related entities and the Corporation pursuant to applicable law, any agreement, certificate of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Corporation or the indemnitee-related entities, as applicable.

ARTICLE X

SECTION 203

The Corporation elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware as they presently exist or may hereafter be amended, subject to any limitations contained elsewhere in this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation may from time to time adopt, amend or repeal any provisions of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote, but in addition to any vote required by law and any affirmative vote of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock required by law, by this Third

 

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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or by any Preferred Stock Designation providing for any such Preferred Stock, any proposed alteration, amendment or repeal (whether by merger or otherwise) of any provision of Section 2(f) and (g)  of Article IV , Section  3 of Article V or this Article XI of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may only be made by the affirmative vote of shares representing not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

ARTICLE XII

SEVERABILITY

If any provision or provisions of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

ARTICLE XIII

FORUM

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, (or, if the Court of Chancery lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another state or federal court located within the state of Delaware). Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XIII .

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation this 21st day of March, 2017.

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:   /s/ Joseph O. Evans
Name:   Joseph O. Evans
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and
  Executive Vice President
  (Principal Financial Officer and
  Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.

(a Delaware corporation, hereinafter called the “ Corporation ”)

Effective as of March 21, 2017

ARTICLE I

OFFICES AND RECORDS

Section  1.1      Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation, and the registered agent of the Corporation at such address, shall initially be as fixed in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”). The registered office or registered agent of the Corporation may thereafter be changed from time to time by action of the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”).

Section  1.2      Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

Section 1.3     Books and Records .

(a)    The books and records of the Corporation may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.

(b)    The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board of Directors, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these bylaws, as may be amended to date, minute books, accounting books and other records.

(c)    Any such records maintained by the Corporation may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time. When records are kept in such manner, a clearly legible paper form produced from or by means of the information storage device or method shall be admissible in evidence, and accepted for all other purposes, to the same extent as an original paper form accurately portrays the record. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person or entity entitled to inspect such records pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws or applicable law.


ARTICLE II

STOCKHOLDERS

Section  2.1      Place of Meetings . Meetings of stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at any place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication. In the absence of notice to the contrary, meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.

Section  2.2      Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held on such date and at such place, if any, and/or by the means of remote communication, and time as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time. At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, directors shall be elected and any other business may be transacted which is properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section  2.14 of these bylaws. Failure to hold any annual meeting as aforesaid shall not constitute, be deemed to be or otherwise effect a forfeiture or dissolution of the Corporation nor shall such failure affect otherwise valid corporate acts.

Section  2.3      Special Meetings . Except as otherwise required by law or provided in the instrument of designation of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called at any time and from time to time only upon the written request (stating the purpose or purposes of the meeting) of (a) the Board of Directors, (b) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or (c) the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may not be called by any person, group or entity other than those specifically enumerated in this Section  2.3 . The Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall determine the date, time, and place, if any, and/or means of remote communication, of any special meeting, which shall be stated in a notice of meeting delivered by the Board of Directors. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any class or series of thereof, shall be given in the manner provided in these bylaws. No business may be transacted at any special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation other than the business specified in the notice of such meeting.

Section 2.4     Chairman of the Meeting; Conduct of Meetings; Inspection of Elections .

(a)    Meetings of stockholders of the Corporation shall be presided over by the chairman of the meeting, who shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in the absence thereof, such person as the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall appoint, or, in the absence thereof or in the event that the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall fail to make such appointment, any officer of the Corporation appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

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(b)    The secretary of any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, or in the absence thereof, such person as the chairman of the meeting appoints. The secretary of the meeting shall keep the minutes thereof.

(c)    The Board of Directors shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders of the Corporation as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient from time to time. Subject to such rules and regulations, if any, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are necessary, appropriate or convenient (and not inconsistent with the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws) for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda of business of the meeting, recognizing stockholders entitled to speak, calling for the necessary reports, stating questions and putting them to a vote, calling for nominations, announcing the results of voting, establishing rules or regulations to maintain order, imposing restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for commencement thereof and the fixing of the date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders of the Corporation will vote at a meeting (and shall announce such at the meeting).

(d)    If required by law, the Board of Directors shall appoint one or more inspectors, which inspector or inspectors may include individuals who serve the Corporation in other capacities, including, without limitation, as officers, employees, agents or representatives, to act at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and make a written report thereof. One or more persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate has been appointed to act or is able to act at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before discharging his or her duties, shall take an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors shall have such other duties as may be prescribed by law.

Section 2.5     Notice .

(a)    Whenever stockholders of the Corporation are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting (whether special or annual), written notice (unless oral notice is reasonable under the circumstances) stating the place (if any), date, and time of the meeting, the means of remote communication (if any) by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of such meeting, shall be given to each stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting not fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. In the case of an annual meeting, the notice need not state the purpose or purposes of the meeting unless the Certificate of Incorporation or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as the same exists or may hereafter be amended from time to time, the “ DGCL ”) requires the purpose or purposes to be stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

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(b)    All such notices shall be delivered in writing (unless oral notice is reasonable under the circumstances) or by a form of electronic transmission if receipt thereof has been consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. If given by facsimile telecommunication, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice by facsimile. Subject to the limitations of Section  2.6 of these bylaws, if given by electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered: (i) by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate written notice to the stockholder of such specific posting delivered by electronic mail or by United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, upon the later of (x) such posting and (y) the giving of such separate notice; and (iii) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, the transfer agent of the Corporation or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

(c)    Whenever notice is required to be given under any provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver thereof, signed by the stockholder entitled to notice, or a written waiver by electronic transmission by the person or entity entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting.

(d)    Attendance of a stockholder of the Corporation at a meeting of such stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends 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.

(e)    Whenever notice is required to be given under the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to any stockholder with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such stockholder shall not be required, and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such stockholder. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such stockholder with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given.

Section  2.6      Notice by Electronic Delivery . Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders of the Corporation pursuant to the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any notice to stockholders of the Corporation given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder of the Corporation to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Secretary. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if: (i) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic

 

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transmission two (2) consecutive notices of meetings or of other business given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent; and (ii) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or to the transfer agent or other person responsible for the giving of notice. However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. For purposes of these bylaws, except as otherwise limited by applicable law, the term “electronic transmission” means any form of communication not directly involving the physical transmission of paper that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

Section  2.7      Stockholders List . The officer having charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting ( provided , however , if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of (and any form of electronic transmission consented to by) each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder of the Corporation for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network; provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting; and/or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Refusal or failure to prepare or make available the stockholder list shall not affect the validity of any action taken at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation.

Section  2.8      Quorum . Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation. If a quorum is not present, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, and entitled to vote at the meeting, may adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date and time. When a quorum is once present to commence a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders or their proxies.

 

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Section 2.9     Adjournment and Postponement of Meetings .

(a)    Any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned to be reconvened at a specific date, time, place (if any) and/or by means of remote communication (if any) by the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote at the meeting or, unless contrary to any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws or applicable law, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors. When a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation is adjourned to another date, time, place (if any), and/or by means of remote communication (if any), notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the date, time and place (if any) thereof, and/or the means of remote communication (if any) by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided , however , that if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

(b)    Any previously scheduled meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be postponed, and (unless contrary to applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation) any special meeting of the stockholders may be cancelled, by resolution of the Board of Directors upon public announcement or notice given to the stockholders prior to the date previously scheduled for such meeting of stockholders.

(c)    For purposes of these bylaws, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, PR Newswire or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Section  2.10      Vote Required . When a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders of the Corporation, unless the question is one upon which, by express provisions of applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, or the instrument of designation of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, a different or additional vote is required or provided for, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Where a separate vote by class or series is required or provided for, when a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation of such class or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject

 

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matter shall be the act of such class or series of stockholders, unless the question is one upon which, by express provisions of applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, or the designation of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, a different vote is required or provided for, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

Section  2.11      Voting Rights . Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, each stockholder of the Corporation shall be entitled to that number of votes for each share of capital stock of the Corporation held by such stockholder as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or, in the case of preferred stock of the Corporation, in the instrument of designation thereof.

Section  2.12      Proxies . Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may authorize another person or entity to act for such stockholder by proxy in such manner as prescribed under the DGCL, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date unless such proxy expressly provides for a longer period. At each meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and before any voting commences, all proxies filed at or before the meeting shall be submitted to and examined by the Secretary or a person designated by the Secretary, and no shares may be represented or voted under a proxy that has been found (in the reasonable determination of the Secretary or such designee) to be invalid or irregular. Reference by the Secretary in the minutes of the meeting to the regularity of a proxy shall be received as prima facie evidence of the facts stated for the purpose of establishing the presence of a quorum at such meeting and for all other purposes. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the DGCL and, without limiting the foregoing, a duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the corporation generally.

Section 2.13     Record Date .

(a)    In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided , however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for

 

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determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

(b)    In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not (i) precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, or (ii) be more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

(c)    Unless such action in writing without a meeting is otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. Unless such action in writing without a meeting is otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, if no record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting is fixed by the Board of Directors, (i) when no prior action of the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

Section 2.14     Advance Notice of Stockholder Business .

(a)    Only such business shall be conducted before a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation as shall have been properly brought before such meeting. To be properly brought before an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, from and after the date Common Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) is listed, whether in connection with an initial public offering of the Common Stock or otherwise, on a U.S. national securities exchange registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof (a “ Public Listing ”), business must be: (i) with respect to any annual meeting, (A) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors; (B) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors; or (C) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by any stockholder (1) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section  2.14 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (2) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section  2.14 ; and

 

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(ii) with respect to any special meeting, specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given to the stockholders of the Corporation by the Board of Directors pursuant to and in accordance with Section  2.3 . For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions in this Section  2.14 shall not apply prior to completion of a Public Listing.

(b)    For such business to be considered properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder of the Corporation, such stockholder must, in addition to any other applicable requirements, have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary. To be timely with respect to any annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation no fewer than ninety (90) and no more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation; provided , however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first. To be timely with respect to any special meeting, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered or mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of such meeting; provided , however , that in the event that less than seventy (70) days’ notice of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, to be timely a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the earlier of the day on which such notice or public announcement of the date of such special meeting is mailed or made (as applicable) by the Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an announced meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as provided in this Section  2.14 .

(c)    To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made (A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (B) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are directly or indirectly (including through any derivative arrangement) owned (1) beneficially and (2) of record by such stockholder and by such beneficial owner, (C) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder or such beneficial owner and any other person or entity (including, without limitation, their names) in connection with the ownership of the capital stock of the Corporation and the proposal of such business by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, and any material interest (financial or otherwise) of such stockholder or such beneficial owner in such business, (D) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to approve the proposal and (E) if the Corporation is then subject to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other

 

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filing required to be made in connection with a solicitation of proxies for the proposal pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (iii) a representation that such stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to introduce the business specified in the notice. As used herein, shares “beneficially owned” by a person (and phrases of similar import) shall mean all shares which such person is deemed to beneficially own pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, shares which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such person has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation.

(d)    The chairman of a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall determine and declare at such meeting whether the stockholder proposal was made in accordance with the terms of this Section  2.14 . If the chairman of the meeting determines that such proposal was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman of the meeting shall declare to the meeting that the proposal was not properly brought before the meeting and the business of such proposal shall not be transacted.

(e)    This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at any annual or special meeting of reports of officers, directors and committees of the Board of Directors, but in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein provided.

(f)    In addition, notwithstanding anything in this Section  2.14 to the contrary, a stockholder of the Corporation intending to nominate one or more persons for election as a director at an annual or special meeting of stockholders must comply with Section  2.15 of these bylaws for such nomination to be properly brought before such meeting.

(g)    For purposes of this Section  2.14 , any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the original meeting whereby the meeting will reconvene within ninety (90) days from the original date shall be deemed for purposes of notice to be a continuation of the original meeting and no business may be brought before any such reconvened meeting unless pursuant to a notice of such business which was timely for the meeting and properly presented as determined as of the date originally scheduled.

Section 2.15     Advance Notice of Director Nominations .

(a)    Unless otherwise required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, from and after the date on which the Corporation completes a Public Listing, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation, except as may be otherwise provided in the instrument of designation of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation with respect to the right of holders of preferred stock of the Corporation to nominate and elect a specified number of directors of the Corporation, who shall be nominated as provided therein. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions in this Section  2.15 shall not apply prior to completion of a Public Listing.

 

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(b)    Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors shall be made only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of electing directors and must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) and (ii) made by (A) the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors (or at the direction thereof) or (B) made by any stockholder of the Corporation (1) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section  2.15 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and (2) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section  2.15 .

(c)    In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a stockholder of the Corporation, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive office of the Corporation: (i) in the case of an annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, no fewer than ninety (90) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting; provided , however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first, and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of electing directors, not less than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting; provided , however , that in the event that less than seventy (70) days’ notice of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the earlier of the day on which such notice or public announcement of the date of the meeting was mailed or made (as applicable). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section  2.15 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase and only if otherwise timely notice of nomination for all other directorships was delivered by such stockholder in accordance with the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice to the stockholders of the Corporation was given or public announcement was made by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increase in the number of directors to serve on the Board of Directors, even if such tenth (10th) day shall be later than the date for which a nomination would otherwise have been required to be delivered to be timely. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an announced meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice as provided in this Section  2.15 .

(d)    To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary pursuant to this Section  2.15 must set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder of the Corporation proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) the name, age, business address, and residence address of such person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person,

 

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(C) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are directly or indirectly (including through any derivative arrangement) owned beneficially or of record by the person, and (D) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with a solicitation of proxies for an election of directors pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder if the Corporation were a reporting company under the Exchange Act, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the director nomination is made (A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner; (B) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned (1) beneficially and (2) of record by such stockholder and by such beneficial owner, (C) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder or such beneficial owner and any other person or entity (including, without limitation, their names) in connection with the ownership of the capital stock of the Corporation and the nomination of such nominee(s), and any material interest of such stockholder or such beneficial owner in such nomination(s), (D) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a form of proxy to holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees, (E) a representation that the stockholder giving the notice is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (F) if the Corporation is then subject to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with a solicitation of proxies for an election of directors pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. The Corporation may require any nominee to furnish such other information (which may include meeting to discuss the information) as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.

(e)    If the chairman of a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman of the meeting shall declare to the meeting that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.

(f)    Nothing in this Section  2.15 shall be deemed to affect any rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

Section  2.16      Action Without a Meeting . Until the date on which the Corporation completes a Public Listing, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock of the Corporation having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which

 

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proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Following the date on which the Corporation completes a Public Listing, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the holders of outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section  3.1      General Powers . All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of, the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon it by these bylaws, the Board of Directors shall exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or any other legal agreement among stockholders of the Corporation, by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders of the Corporation.

Section 3.2     Number and Election .

(a)    The total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be not less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15). Subject to the limits specified in the immediately preceding sentence, the exact number of directors shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation; provided , however , that in no case will a decrease in the number of authorized directors constituting the Whole Board (as defined below) shall have the effect of removing or shortening the term of any incumbent director.

(b)    Except as provided in Section  3.6 of these bylaws, a plurality of the votes cast at any annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or any special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation properly called for the purpose of electing directors shall elect directors of the Corporation. Except as otherwise set forth in the instrument of designation of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, no stockholder of the Corporation shall be entitled to cumulate votes on behalf of any candidate at any election of directors of the Corporation.

(c)    All elections of directors of the Corporation shall be by written ballot, unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or authorized by the Board of Directors from time to time. If authorized by the Board of Directors, such requirement of a written ballot shall be satisfied by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission; provided , however , that any such electronic transmission must be either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized.

Section  3.3      Term of Office . The term of office of directors shall expire at each annual meeting of stockholders, and in all cases as to each director until his or her successor shall be duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.

 

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Section  3.4      Removal . Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation then outstanding to remove directors as set forth in the instrument of designation of such preferred stock applicable thereto, any director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed from office, with or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Section  3.5      Resignation . Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not specified therein, immediately upon receipt. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section  3.6      Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships . Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation then outstanding to designate a director to fill a vacancy as set forth in the instrument of designation of such preferred stock applicable thereto, any vacancy on the Board of Directors resulting from any death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office, or newly created directorship resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or otherwise shall be filled only by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and not by the stockholders. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders and until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors shall be held in the manner provided by applicable law.

Section  3.7      Chairman of the Board of Directors . The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be chosen from among the directors by a majority vote of the Whole Board (as defined below). Any director elected as Chairman in accordance with this Section  3.7 shall hold such office until such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office or the election of any successor by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties (including, without limitation, as applicable, as an officer of the Corporation) as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or provided in these bylaws.

Section  3.8      Meetings . Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such dates, times and places (if any) and/or by means of remote communication (if any) as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or as may be specified in a notice regarding a meeting of the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or President of the Corporation, or not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors and shall be called by the President or the Secretary if directed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or President of the Corporation or not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 3.9     Conduct of Meetings .

(a)    Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the chairman of the meeting, who shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, such director as a majority of the directors present at such meeting shall appoint.

(b)    The Board of Directors shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of the Board of Directors as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient.

Section 3.10     Notice .

(a)    Unless the Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise, (i) regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice of the date, time, place or purpose of the meeting at any date, time and place (if any) and/or means of remote communication (if any), as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors, and (ii) unless waived by each of the directors entitled to notice thereof, special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be preceded by at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of the date, time and place (if any) and/or means of remote communication (if any). Any notice of a special or regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director orally (either in person or by telephone), in writing (either by hand delivery, mail, courier or facsimile), or by electronic or other means of remote communication, in each case, directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, facsimile number or electronic mail address, as the case may be, as shown on the Corporation’s records. Any oral notice may be communicated either to the director or to a person at the office of the director who the person giving notice has reason to believe will promptly communicate such notice to the director. If the notice is: (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier, or orally by telephone or otherwise, (ii) sent by facsimile or (iii) sent by electronic mail, it shall be delivered or sent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by United States mail or courier service, it shall be deposited in the United States mail or with the courier at least three (3) business days before the time of the holding of the meeting.

(b)    Whenever notice is required to be given under any provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver thereof, signed by the director entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting.

(c)    Attendance of a director at a meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the director attends 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. Such director shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to any action taken at any such meeting unless his or her dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless his or her written dissent to such action shall be filed with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall be

 

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forwarded by registered mail to the Secretary immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to any member who voted in favor of such action. Participation by means of remote communication, including, without limitation, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, shall constitute attendance in person at the meeting.

Section  3.11      Quorum and Adjournment . Subject to Section  3.6 , a majority of the Whole Board (as defined below) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum is not present, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or a majority of the directors present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting without further notice to another date, time and place (if any) and/or means of remote communications (if any). When a quorum is once present to commence a meeting of the Board of Directors, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any directors. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. As used in these bylaws, the term “ Whole Board ” shall mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exists any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.

Section  3.12      Vote Required . Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, the DGCL and the rights, if any, of those directors who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation as set forth in the instrument of designation of such preferred stock, the act by affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which there is a quorum shall be an act of the Board of Directors.

Section  3.13      Minutes . The Secretary shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Board of Directors but in the absence of the secretary, the Chairman of the Board of Directors may appoint any other person present to act as secretary of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall keep the minutes thereof. Minutes of any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be prepared and distributed to each director.

Section  3.14      Board Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors, or such committee, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing(s) or electronic transmission(s) reasonably describe the action taken and are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.15     Committees .

(a)    The Board of Directors may by resolution create one or more committees (and thereafter, by resolution, dissolve any such committee). Each such committee shall consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Committee members may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by

 

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resolution of the Board of Directors and may resign from a committee at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

(b)    Any such committee, to the extent provided in these bylaws or in a resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it, to the extent permitted under applicable law. Any duly authorized action and otherwise proper action of a committee of the Board of Directors shall be deemed an action of the Board of Directors for purposes of these bylaws unless the context of these bylaws shall expressly state otherwise.

(c)    Each committee of the Board of Directors shall keep minutes of its meetings and shall report its proceedings to the Board of Directors when requested or required by the Board of Directors.

(d)    Meetings and actions of committees of the Board of Directors shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of Section  3.8 , Section  3.9 , Section  3.10 , Section  3.11 , Section  3.12 and Section  3.14 of these bylaws, with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board of Directors and its directors and, if there shall be a chairman of the committee, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the chairman of the committee; provided , however , that: (i) the time of regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board of Directors or by resolution of the committee; (ii) special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board of Directors; and (iii) notice of special meetings of committees shall also be given to all alternate members, who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee. The Board of Directors may adopt other rules for the government of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these bylaws. Each committee of the Board of Directors may fix its own other rules of procedure not inconsistent with the provisions of these bylaws or the rules of such committee adopted by the Board of Directors and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board of Directors designating such committee or as provided in these bylaws.

Section  3.16      Compensation . The Board of Directors, irrespective of any personal interest of any of its members, may establish reasonable compensation of all directors for services to the Corporation as directors, officers, or otherwise, or may delegate such authority to an appropriate committee. Such compensation may be comprised of cash, property, stock, options to acquire stock, or such other assets, benefits or consideration as such directors shall deem, in the exercise of their sole discretion, to be reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. The Board of Directors also shall have authority to provide for or delegate an authority to an appropriate committee to provide for reasonable pensions, disability or death benefits, and other benefits or payments, to directors, officers, and employees and to their families, dependents, estates, or beneficiaries on account of prior services rendered to the Corporation by such directors, officers, and employees.

 

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Section 3.17      Corporate Governance . Without otherwise limiting the powers of the Board of Directors set forth in this Article III , if shares of capital stock of the Corporation are listed for trading on either the Nasdaq Stock Market (“ NASDAQ ”) or the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”), the Corporation shall comply with the corporate governance rules and requirements of the NASDAQ or the NYSE, as applicable.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section  4.1      Officers . The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Presidents (at the discretion of the Board of Directors), a Treasurer, and a Secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, one or more Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Treasurers, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Controller, and any such other officers as may be appointed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. In addition, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise powers and perform such other duties as an officer of the Corporation as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. In its discretion, the Board of Directors may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable, except as required by law. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, other than the Chairman of the Board of Directors, directors of the Corporation.

Section  4.2      Election of Officers . The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be elected in accordance with the provisions of Section  4.3 of these bylaws, and subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any employment contract. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. A failure to elect officers shall not dissolve or otherwise affect the Corporation. Vacancies may be filled or new offices created and filled by the Board of Directors.

Section  4.3      Appointment of Subordinate Officers . The Board of Directors may appoint, or empower the Chief Executive Officer and/or one or more Presidents of the Corporation to appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the Corporation may require. Each of such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 4.4     Removal and Resignation .

(a)    Notwithstanding the provisions of any employment agreement, any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time (i) by the majority vote of the Whole Board, with or without cause, and (ii) by any other officer of the Corporation upon whom the Board of Directors has expressly conferred the authority to remove another officer, in such case on the terms and subject to the conditions upon which such authority was conferred upon such officer. No elected officer shall have any contractual rights against the Corporation for compensation by virtue of such election beyond the date of the election of his successor, his death, his resignation

 

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or his removal from office, whichever event shall first occur, except as otherwise provided in an employment contract or under an employee deferred compensation plan or as otherwise required by law.

(b)    Any officer may resign at any time by giving written or electronic notice to the Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not specified therein, immediately upon receipt. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section  4.5      Vacancies . Any vacancy occurring in any office because of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or otherwise may be filled as provided in Section  4.2 and/or Section  4.3 of these bylaws.

Section  4.6      Chief Executive Officer . Subject to the powers of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the general management of the business, affairs and property of the Corporation and control over its officers, agents and employees, and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The Chief Executive Officer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or these bylaws.

Section  4.7      Chief Financial Officer . Subject to the powers of the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer shall have the responsibility for the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall exercise supervisory responsibility for the performance of the duties of the Treasurer and the Controller, if any, of the Corporation. If there is no Controller, the Chief Financial Officer shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in the books of the Corporation and render to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or the President, whenever requested, an account of all his transactions as Chief Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or these bylaws.

Section  4.8      President . The President(s) of the Corporation, subject to the powers of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, shall act in general executive capacity, subject to the supervision and control of the Board of Directors. The President(s) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or these bylaws.

Section  4.9      Vice President . The Vice President(s) shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President(s) or these bylaws.

Section  4.10      Treasurer . The Treasurer shall: (i) have the custody of the corporate funds and securities; (ii) keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements of the Corporation in books belonging to the Corporation; (iii) cause all monies and other valuable effects of the Corporation to be deposited in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks as may be authorized by the Board of Directors; and (iv) cause the funds of the

 

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Corporation to be disbursed when such disbursements have been duly authorized, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. The Treasurer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or these bylaws.

Section  4.11      Secretary . The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors and, when appropriate, shall cause the corporate seal to be affixed to any instruments executed on behalf of the Corporation. The Secretary shall also perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President(s) or these bylaws.

Section  4.12      Assistant Treasurers . The Assistant Treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and functions, exercise the powers and be subject to all of the restrictions of the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer(s) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or these bylaws.

Section  4.13      Assistant Secretaries . The Assistant Secretary, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties and functions, exercise the powers and be subject to all of the restrictions of the Secretary. The Assistant Secretary(ies) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary or these bylaws.

Section  4.14      Controller . The Controller, if any, shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in the books of the Corporation and render to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President or Chief Financial Officer, whenever requested, an account of all his transactions as Controller and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Controller shall also perform all duties incident to the office of Controller and such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer or these bylaws.

Section  4.15      Delegation of Duties . In the absence, disability or refusal of any officer of the Corporation to exercise and perform his or her duties, the Board of Directors may by resolution delegate the powers and duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, or to any other person whom it may select.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section  5.1      Stock Certificates . The shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided , however , that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution that shares of some or all of any or all classes or series of stock of the Corporation

 

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shall be uncertificated and shall not be represented by certificates. Any such resolution by the Board of Directors shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Certificates representing shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be issued in such form as may be approved by the Board of Directors and shall be signed by two authorized officers of the Corporation. The name of the person or entity to whom the shares are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be entered on the books of the Corporation.

Section  5.2      Electronic Signatures . Any and all of the signatures on a certificate representing shares of the Corporation may be electronic. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose electronic signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section  5.3      Special Designations of Shares . If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, (a) to the extent the shares are represented by certificates, the powers, designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock; provided , however , that, except as otherwise required by law (including, without limitation, Section 202 of the DGCL), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights; and (b) to the extent the shares are uncertificated, within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall send or cause to be sent to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to applicable provisions in the DGCL or a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

Section 5.4     Transfers of Stock .

(a)    Shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall only be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney or legal representative duly authorized in writing and, if the shares are represented by certificates, upon surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates for such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons, with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. For shares of the Corporation’s capital stock represented by certificates, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person or entity entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate or certificates and record the

 

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transaction on its books. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

(b)    The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to make such other rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

(c)    The Board of Directors shall have the authority to appoint one or more banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof to act as its transfer agent or agents or registrar or registrars, or both, in connection with the transfer or registration of any class or series of securities of the Corporation, and may require stock certificates to be countersigned or registered by one or more of such transfer agents and/or registrars.

(d)    The Corporation shall have the authority to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of capital stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of capital stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes or series owned by such stockholders in any manner permitted by the DGCL.

Section  5.5      Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates representing one or more shares of capital stock of the Corporation or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person or entity claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed or may otherwise require production of such evidence of such loss, theft or destruction as the Board of Directors may in its discretion require. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, when authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates or such uncertificated shares, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such owner’s duly authorized attorney or legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

Section  5.6      Dividend Record Date . In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders of the Corporation entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights of change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purposes of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall be determined in the manner set forth in Section  2.13 of these bylaws.

Section  5.7      Registered Stockholders . The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person or entity registered on its books as the owner of shares of capital stock of the Corporation to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner of such shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person or entity, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

 

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ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

The Corporation shall indemnify any Indemnitee (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section  7.1      Reliance on Books and Records . Each director of the Corporation, each member of any committee of the Board of Directors and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or documents presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person or entity as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s or entity’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section  7.2      Dividends . Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the DGCL and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, may be declared by the Board of Directors from time to time at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock, or in any combination thereof. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any other proper purpose. The Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

Section  7.3      Corporate Funds; Checks, Drafts or Orders; Deposits . The funds of the Corporation shall be kept in such depositories as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money by or to the Corporation and all notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer, officers, agent or agents of the Corporation, and in such manner, as shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time. All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation under such conditions and in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may designate or as may be designated by an officer or officers or agent or agents of the Corporation to whom such power may, from time to time, be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

- 23 -


Section  7.4      Execution of Contracts and Other Instruments . The Board of Directors, except as otherwise required by law, may authorize from time to time any officer or agent of the Corporation to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any other instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. No officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for damages, whether monetary or otherwise, for any purpose or for any amount except as specifically authorized in these bylaws or by the Board of Directors or an officer or committee with the power to grant such authority.

Section  7.5      Signatures . In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these bylaws, facsimile or electronic signatures of any director or officer of the Corporation may be used whenever the signature of a director or officer of the Corporation shall be required, except as otherwise required by law or as directed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section  7.6      Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and once fixed, may thereafter be changed from time to time, by the Board of Directors.

Section  7.7      Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may provide a corporate seal which shall be in the form of a circle and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

Section  7.8      Voting Securities Owned By the Corporation . Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents, and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, Treasurer or Secretary, any Vice President, Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary, or any other officer of the Corporation authorized to do so by the Board of Directors. Any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation or other entity in which the Corporation may own securities, and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have possessed and exercised if present.

Section  7.9      Section Headings . Section headings in these bylaws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.

Section  7.10      Inconsistent Provisions . In the event that any provision of these bylaws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, the DGCL, or any other applicable law, the provision of these bylaws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section  8.1      Amendments . Subject to the power of the stockholders of the Corporation to adopt, amend or repeal any of these bylaws, these bylaws may be amended, modified or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted at any time by a majority of the Whole Board. Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by any instrument designating any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders of the Corporation to alter, amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, the provisions of these bylaws.

*    *    *    *

 

- 25 -

Execution Version

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

N INTH R ESTATED C REDIT A GREEMENT

dated as of March 21, 2017

among

Chaparral Energy, Inc.,

as Borrower,

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

and

The Lenders and Prepetition Borrowers Party Hereto

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,

Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner

 

 

 

 


T ABLE O F C ONTENTS

 

         Page  
Article I   
Definitions and Accounting Matters   

Section 1.01    

  Terms Defined Above      2  

Section 1.02

  Certain Defined Terms      2  

Section 1.03

  Types of Loans and Borrowings      32  

Section 1.04

  Terms Generally; Rules of Construction      32  

Section 1.05

  Accounting Terms and Determinations; GAAP      32  
Article II   
The Credits   

Section 2.01

  Term Loans and Revolving Credit Commitments      33  

Section 2.02

  Loans and Borrowings      33  

Section 2.03

  Requests for Borrowings      34  

Section 2.04

  Interest Elections      36  

Section 2.05

  Funding of Borrowings      37  

Section 2.06

 

Termination and Reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts

     38  

Section 2.07

  Borrowing Base      39  

Section 2.08

  Letters of Credit      42  

Section 2.09

  Defaulting Lenders      48  
Article III   
Payments of Principal and Interest; Prepayments; Fees   

Section 3.01

  Repayment of Loans      51  

Section 3.02

  Interest      51  

Section 3.03

  Alternate Rate of Interest      52  

Section 3.04

  Prepayments      53  

Section 3.05

  Fees      57  
Article IV   
Payments; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs   

Section 4.01

  Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs      59  

Section 4.02

  Presumption of Payment by the Borrower      60  

Section 4.03

  Certain Deductions by the Administrative Agent      60  

Section 4.04

  Disposition of Proceeds      60  
Article V   
Increased Costs; Break Funding Payments; Taxes; Illegality   

Section 5.01

  Increased Costs      61  

Section 5.02

  Break Funding Payments      62  

Section 5.03

  Taxes      62  

Section 5.04

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      66  

Section 5.05

  Illegality      67  

 

i


Article VI   
Conditions Precedent   

Section 6.01    

  Effective Date      67  

Section 6.02

  Each Credit Event      71  
Article VII   
Representations and Warranties   

Section 7.01

  Organization; Powers      72  

Section 7.02

  Authority; Enforceability      72  

Section 7.03

  Approvals; No Conflicts      73  

Section 7.04

  Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change      73  

Section 7.05

  Litigation      74  

Section 7.06

  Environmental Matters      74  

Section 7.07

  Compliance with the Laws and Agreements; No Defaults      75  

Section 7.08

  Investment Company Act      76  

Section 7.09

  Taxes      76  

Section 7.10

  ERISA      76  

Section 7.11

  Disclosure; No Material Misstatements      76  

Section 7.12

  Insurance      77  

Section 7.13

  Restriction on Liens      77  

Section 7.14

  Subsidiaries      77  

Section 7.15

  Location of Business and Offices      78  

Section 7.16

  Properties; Titles, Etc      78  

Section 7.17

  Maintenance of Properties      79  

Section 7.18

  Gas Imbalances, Prepayments      79  

Section 7.19

  Marketing of Production      79  

Section 7.20

  Swap Agreements and Qualified ECP Guarantor      80  

Section 7.21

  Use of Loans and Letters of Credit      80  

Section 7.22

  Solvency      80  

Section 7.23

  Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions      80  

Section 7.24

  EEA Financial Institutions      81  

Section 7.25

  Security Instruments      81  
Article VIII   
Affirmative Covenants   

Section 8.01

  Financial Statements; Other Information      82  

Section 8.02

  Notices of Material Events      85  

Section 8.03

  Existence; Conduct of Business      85  

Section 8.04

  Payment of Obligations      85  

Section 8.05

  Performance of Obligations under Loan Documents      86  

Section 8.06

  Operation and Maintenance of Properties      86  

Section 8.07

  Insurance      87  

Section 8.08

  Books and Records; Inspection Rights      87  

Section 8.09

  Compliance with Laws      87  

Section 8.10

  Environmental Matters      88  

Section 8.11

  Further Assurances      89  

 

ii


Section 8.12    

  Reserve Reports      89  

Section 8.13

  Title Information      91  

Section 8.14

  Additional Collateral and Additional Guarantors      92  

Section 8.15

  ERISA Compliance      93  

Section 8.16

  Commodity Price Risk Management Policy      93  

Section 8.17

  Deposit Accounts; Commodities Accounts and Securities Accounts      93  

Section 8.18

  Commodity Exchange Act Keepwell Provisions      94  
Article IX   
Negative Covenants   

Section 9.01

  Financial Covenants      94  

Section 9.02

  Debt      95  

Section 9.03

  Liens      97  

Section 9.04

 

Dividends and Distributions and Redemptions of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt; Amendments to Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents

     97  

Section 9.05

  Investments, Loans and Advances      98  

Section 9.06

  Nature of Business; No International Operations      99  

Section 9.07

  Limitation on Leases      100  

Section 9.08

  Proceeds of Loans      100  

Section 9.09

  ERISA Compliance      100  

Section 9.10

  Sale or Discount of Receivables      101  

Section 9.11

  Mergers, Etc      101  

Section 9.12

  Sale of Properties and Termination of Swap Agreements      101  

Section 9.13

  Environmental Matters      103  

Section 9.14

  Transactions with Affiliates      103  

Section 9.15

  Subsidiaries      103  

Section 9.16

  Negative Pledge Agreements; Dividend Restrictions      104  

Section 9.17

  Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments      104  

Section 9.18

  Swap Agreements      104  

Section 9.19

  Marketing Activities      106  

Section 9.20

  Holding Company      106  

Section 9.21

  Changes in Fiscal Year and Amendments to Organizational Documents      107  

Section 9.22

  Non-Qualified ECP Guarantors      107  
Article X   
Events of Default; Remedies   

Section 10.01

  Events of Default      107  

Section 10.02

  Remedies      109  
Article XI   
The Agents   

Section 11.01

  Appointment; Powers      110  

Section 11.02

  Duties and Obligations of Administrative Agent      111  

Section 11.03

  Action by Administrative Agent      111  

Section 11.04

  Reliance by Administrative Agent      112  

Section 11.05

  Subagents      112  

 

iii


Section 11.06    

  Resignation of Administrative Agent      113  

Section 11.07

  Agents as Lenders      113  

Section 11.08

  No Reliance      113  

Section 11.09

  Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim      114  

Section 11.10

  Authority of Administrative Agent to Release Collateral, Liens and Guarantors      114  

Section 11.11

  The Arranger      115  
Article XII   
Miscellaneous   

Section 12.01

  Notices      115  

Section 12.02

  Waivers; Amendments      116  

Section 12.03

  Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver      117  

Section 12.04

  Successors and Assigns      120  

Section 12.05

  Survival; Revival; Reinstatement      124  

Section 12.06

  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness      124  

Section 12.07

  Severability      125  

Section 12.08

  Right of Setoff      125  

Section 12.09

  GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS      126  

Section 12.10

  Headings      127  

Section 12.11

  Confidentiality      127  

Section 12.12

  Interest Rate Limitation      128  

Section 12.13

  EXCULPATION PROVISIONS      129  

Section 12.14

  Collateral Matters; Swap Agreements      129  

Section 12.15

  No Third Party Beneficiaries      129  

Section 12.16

  USA Patriot Act Notice      130  

Section 12.17

  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility      130  

Section 12.18

  Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions      130  

Section 12.19

  Assignment and Assumption from Prepetition Borrowers to Borrower      131  

Section 12.20

  Restatement; Prepetition Credit Agreement      131  

 

iv


ANNEXES, EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Annex I

   List of Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts and Effective Date Term Loan Amounts

Annex II

   Existing Letters of Credit

Exhibit A-1

   Form of Term Note

Exhibit A-2

   Form of Revolving Credit Note

Exhibit B

   Form of Borrowing Request

Exhibit C

   Form of Interest Election Request

Exhibit D

   Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E

   Security Instruments as of the Effective Date

Exhibit F

   Form of Guaranty Agreement

Exhibit G

   Form of Security Agreement

Exhibit H

   Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit I-1

   Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders; not partnerships)

Exhibit I-2

   Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants; not partnerships)

Exhibit I-3

   Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants; partnerships)

Exhibit I-4

   Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders; partnerships)

Schedule 7.05    

   Litigation

Schedule 7.06

   Environmental Matters

Schedule 7.14

   Subsidiaries and Partnerships; Immaterial Subsidiaries

Schedule 7.18

   Gas Imbalances

Schedule 7.19

   Marketing Contracts

Schedule 7.20

   Swap Agreements

Schedule 9.02

   Existing Debt

Schedule 9.03

   Existing Liens

Schedule 9.05

   Investments

 

v


T HIS N INTH R ESTATED C REDIT A GREEMENT , dated as of March 21, 2017, is among Chaparral Energy, Inc., a corporation duly formed and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Borrower ”); each of the Prepetition Borrowers party hereto; each of the Lenders from time to time party hereto; and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its individual capacity, “ JPMorgan ”), as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”).

R E C I T A L S

A.    On May 9, 2016, the Borrower and certain of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) filed voluntary petitions for relief in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) commencing their respective cases (collectively, the “ Bankruptcy Proceedings ”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and have continued in the possession and operation of their assets and in the management of their businesses pursuant to sections 1107 and 1108 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

B.    The Debtors, other than Chaparral Biofuels, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (such Debtors, other than the Borrower, the “ Prepetition Borrowers ”), the Lenders party thereto (the “ Prepetition Lenders ”), and JPMorgan, as administrative agent, are parties to that certain Eighth Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2010 (as amended, restated, modified, or supplemented prior to the date hereof, the “ Prepetition Credit Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Prepetition Lenders made certain loans to the Prepetition Borrowers and other extensions of credit which remain outstanding.

C.    The Debtors have filed the First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Chaparral Energy, Inc. and Its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code , dated March 7, 2017, (together with all exhibits and schedules thereto, the “ Plan of Reorganization ”) with the Bankruptcy Court, which was confirmed pursuant to an Order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on March 10, 2017 (the “ Confirmation Order ”), which Confirmation Order, inter alia, authorized and approved the restructuring and rearrangement of the debt under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and Debtors’ entry into and performance under this Agreement.

D.    Pursuant to and upon consummation of the Plan of Reorganization, the Prepetition Lenders have agreed to continue their loans under the Prepetition Credit Agreement, and provide certain extensions of credit and commitments to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which debt is a restructuring and rearrangement of the debt of the Prepetition Borrowers through an amendment and restatement of the Prepetition Credit Agreement, which will amend and restate the Prepetition Credit Agreement to (i) allow the Prepetition Borrowers to assign their rights, duties, liabilities and obligations under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Assigned Loan Documents (as defined below) to the Borrower, and (ii) amend certain other terms of the Prepetition Credit Agreement in certain respects as provided in this Agreement.

E.    In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, and subject to the Administrative Agent’s giving notice of the Effective Date as contemplated in Section 6.01 hereof, the parties hereto agree that the Prepetition Credit

 

1


Agreement is hereby amended, renewed, extended and restated in its entirety on (and subject to) the terms and conditions set forth herein. It is the intention of the parties hereto that this Agreement supersedes and replaces the Prepetition Credit Agreement in its entirety; provided that (i) such amendment and restatement shall operate to renew, amend, modify, extend and assign all of the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Borrower and the Prepetition Borrowers under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Assigned Loan Documents, which rights, duties, liabilities and obligations are hereby renewed, amended, modified, extended and assigned, to the Borrower, and shall not act as a novation thereof, and (ii) the Liens securing the Indebtedness under and as defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Prepetition Borrowers (as assigned to the Borrower hereunder) and the “Guarantors” under and as defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Prepetition Loan Documents (as defined herein) to which they are a party shall not be extinguished but shall be carried forward and shall secure such obligations and liabilities as amended, renewed, extended and restated hereby. The Borrower and the Prepetition Borrowers jointly and severally represent and warrant that, as of the Effective Date, there are no claims or offsets against, or defenses or counterclaims to, the obligations of the Borrower or the Prepetition Borrowers under the Prepetition Credit Agreement or any of the other Prepetition Loan Documents.

F.    In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and of the loans, extensions of credit and commitments hereinafter referred to, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Prepetition Credit Agreement in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS

Section 1.01     Terms Defined Above . As used in this Agreement, each term defined above has the meaning indicated above.

Section 1.02     Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABR ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

Account Control Agreement ” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which grants the Administrative Agent “control” as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the applicable jurisdiction over any Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodities Account maintained by any Credit Party, in each case, among the Administrative Agent, the applicable Credit Party and the applicable financial institution at which such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodities Account is maintained.

Adjusted LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

2


Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affected Loans ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 5.05.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified (other than any operating portfolio companies of the foregoing Persons).

Agents ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and any syndication or documentation agent from time to time party hereto; and “ Agent ” shall mean any of them, as the context requires.

Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts ” at any time shall equal the sum of the Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts, as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 2.06. The initial Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts of the Revolving Credit Lenders on the Effective Date is $400,000,000.

Agreement ” means this Ninth Restated Credit Agreement, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or restated.

Alternate Base Rate ” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus   1 2 of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period beginning on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1.0%, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the rate (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 with a one month maturity are offered by the principal London office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such day (or the immediately preceding Business Day if such day is not a day on which banks are open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market). Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively.

Anti-Corruption Laws ” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including the FCPA.

Applicable Margin ” means (a) with respect to the Term Loans (i) 6.750% for an ABR Loan or (ii) 7.750% for a Eurodollar Loan and (b) for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan or Eurodollar Loan that is a Revolving Loan, or with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitment Fee Rate, as the case may be, the rate per annum set forth in the Borrowing Base Utilization Grid below based upon the Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage then in effect:

 

3


Borrowing Base  Utilization Grid

 

Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage

   £ 25%    >25% and  £ 50%    >50% and  £ 75%    >75% and  £ 90%    >90%

Eurodollar Loans

   3.000%    3.250%    3.500%    3.750%    4.000%

ABR Loans

   2.000%    2.250%    2.500%    2.750%    3.000%

Revolving Credit Commitment Fee Rate

   0.500%    0.500%    0.500%    0.500%    0.500%

Each change in the Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided that if at any time the Borrower fails to deliver a Reserve Report pursuant to Section 8.12(a), then the “Applicable Margin” means, with respect to Revolving Loans, the rate per annum set forth on the grid when the Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage is at its highest level until such Reserve Report is delivered.

Applicable Percentage ” means, with respect to any Lender, the fraction expressed as a percentage obtained by dividing (a) the sum of such Lender’s outstanding Term Loan plus such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment by (b) the sum of the total outstanding Term Loans plus the total Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that for purposes of this definition, if the Revolving Credit Commitments are terminated pursuant to this Agreement, then each Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and the total Revolving Credit Commitments shall be the amounts thereof immediately prior to giving effect to any such termination of such Revolving Credit Commitments.

Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage ” means, with respect to any Revolving Credit Lender, the percentage of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts represented by such Revolving Credit Lender’s Maximum Revolving Credit Amount as such percentage as of the Effective Date is set forth on Annex I.

Applicable Term Loan Percentage ” means, with respect to any Term Lender, the percentage of the total Term Loans of all of the Term Lenders represented by such Term Lender’s Term Loans as such percentage as of the Effective Date is set forth on Annex I.

Approved Counterparty ” means (a) any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender and (b) any other Person if such Person has (or the credit support provider of such Person has) a long term senior unsecured debt rating at the time of entry into the applicable Swap Agreement of A-/A3 by S&P or Moody’s (or their equivalent) or higher.

Approved Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its 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.

 

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Approved Petroleum Engineers ” means (a) Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., (b) Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Consultants, L.P. and (c) any other independent petroleum engineers reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Arranger ” means JPMorgan, in its capacities as the sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner hereunder.

ASC ” means the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, as in effect from time to time.

Asset Coverage Ratio ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01(c).

Assigned Loan Documents ” means the “Notes”, the “Letter of Credit Agreements” and the “Letters of Credit” (as each such term is defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement) executed in connection with the Prepetition Credit Agreement.

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 12.04(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit  H or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Availability Period ” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date.

Bail-In Action ” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of any EEA Financial Institution.

Bail-In Legislation ” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

Bank Products ” means any of the following bank services: (a) commercial credit cards, (b) stored value cards, and (c) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

Bank Products Provider ” means any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that provides Bank Products to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Guarantor.

Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America or any successor Governmental Authority.

Borrowing ” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect and (b) Term Loans made on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

 

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Borrowing Base ” means at any time an amount equal to the amount determined in accordance with Section 2.07, as the same may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 8.13(c).

Borrowing Base Deficiency ” means, at any time the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the Borrowing Base then in effect.

Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage ” means, as of any day, the fraction expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the sum of the Revolving Credit Exposures of the Revolving Credit Lenders on such day, and the denominator of which is the Borrowing Base in effect on such day.

Borrowing Request ” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, New York, Houston, Texas or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma are authorized or required by law to remain closed; and if such day relates to a Borrowing or continuation of, a payment or prepayment of principal of or interest on, or a conversion of or into, or the Interest Period for, a Eurodollar Loan or a notice by the Borrower with respect to any such Borrowing or continuation, payment, prepayment, conversion or Interest Period, any day which is also a day on which banks are open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

Capital Leases ” means, in respect of any Person, all leases which shall have been, or should have been, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases on the balance sheet of the Person liable (whether contingent or otherwise) for the payment of rent thereunder; provided that operating leases that are reclassified or recharacterized as capital leases due to a change in GAAP after the Effective Date shall not constitute Capital Leases for any purpose under this Agreement but shall instead be treated as they would have been in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date.

Cash Equivalents ” means Investments of the type described in clauses (c), (d), (e) and (f) of Section 9.05.

Casualty Event ” means any loss, casualty or other insured damage to, or any nationalization, taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any Property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries having a fair market value in excess of the Threshold Amount.

CERCLA ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Environmental Laws”.

Change in Control ” means (a) except as permitted by this Agreement, the Borrower or any Guarantor ceases to own 100% of the Equity Interests of any Guarantor, (b) for any reason whatsoever, any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), other than any Permitted Holder or any Affiliate of a Permitted Holder, shall beneficially

 

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own a percentage of the then outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower that is more than 40% of the voting power of the total outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower, (c) the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated, appointed or approved for consideration by shareholders for election by the board of directors of the Borrower or (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, appointed or approved, or (d) a Change of Control (as defined in any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents) shall have occurred.

Change in Law ” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 5.01(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided , however , for the purposes of this Agreement, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, guidelines or directives in connection therewith or promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case, pursuant to Basel III, are deemed to have gone into effect and to have been adopted after the date of this Agreement.

Class ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Term Loans.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute (in each case, except as otherwise provided herein).

Commodities Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Commodity Exchange Act ” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. ), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

Consolidated Net Income ” means with respect to the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, for any period, the aggregate of the net income (or loss) of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries after allowances for taxes for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded from such net income (to the extent otherwise included therein) the following: (a) the net income of any Person in which the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary has an interest (which interest does not cause the net income of such other Person to be consolidated with the net income of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP), except to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash during such period by such other Person to the Borrower or to a Consolidated Subsidiary, as the case may be; (b) the net income (or loss) of any Person acquired in a pooling-of-interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such transaction; (c) any extraordinary non-cash gains or losses during such period and (d) any gains or losses attributable to writeups or writedowns of assets, including ceiling test writedowns.

 

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Consolidated Subsidiaries ” means each Subsidiary of the Borrower (whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired) the financial statements of which shall be (or should have been) consolidated with the financial statements of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP.

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. For the purposes of this definition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Person that owns directly or indirectly 20% or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of the directors or other governing body of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such other Person) will be deemed to “control” such other Person. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.

Credit Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor, and “ Credit Party ” means any one of the foregoing.

Debt ” means, for any Person, the sum of the following (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, bankers’ acceptances, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (b) all obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, surety or other bonds and similar instruments; (c) all accounts payable and all accrued expenses, liabilities or other obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services; (d) all obligations under Capital Leases; (e) all obligations under Synthetic Leases; (f) all Debt (as defined in the other clauses of this definition) of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Debt has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) a Lien on any Property of such Person, whether or not such Debt is assumed by such Person; (g) all Debt (as defined in the other clauses of this definition) of others guaranteed by such Person or in which such Person otherwise assures a creditor against loss of the Debt (howsoever such assurance shall be made) to the extent of the lesser of the amount of such Debt and the maximum stated amount of such guarantee or assurance against loss; (h) all obligations or undertakings of such Person to maintain or cause to be maintained the financial position or covenants of others and, to the extent entered into as a means of providing credit support for the obligations of others and not primarily to enable such Person to acquire any such Property, all obligations or undertakings of such Person to purchase the Debt or Property of others; (i) obligations to deliver commodities, goods or services, including, without limitation, Hydrocarbons, in consideration of one or more advance payments, other than gas balancing arrangements in the ordinary course of business; (j) obligations to pay for goods or services even if such goods or services are not actually received or utilized by such Person; (k) any Debt of a partnership for which such Person is liable either by agreement, by operation of law or by a Governmental Requirement but only to the extent of such liability; (l) Disqualified Capital Stock; and (m) the undischarged balance of any production payment created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment. The Debt of any Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described above to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is not included as a liability of such Person under GAAP.

Default ” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

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Defaulting Lender ” means any Revolving Credit Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) 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 (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder; (b) has notified the Administrative Agent, the Borrower or any Credit Party 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 or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit; (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent or a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Revolving Credit Lender that it will comply with its obligations to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit under this Agreement; provided that such Revolving Credit Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent; or (d) has (or whose bank holding company has) been placed into receivership, conservatorship, bankruptcy or become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Revolving Credit Lender shall not become a Defaulting Lender solely as a result of the acquisition or maintenance of an ownership interest in such Revolving Credit Lender or Person controlling such Revolving Credit Lender or the exercise of control over a Revolving Credit Lender or Person controlling such Revolving Credit Lender by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Revolving Credit Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Revolving Credit Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Revolving Credit Lender.

Deposit Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Disqualified Capital Stock ” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is convertible or exchangeable for Debt or redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock) at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is one year after the earlier of (a) the Maturity Date and (b) the date on which there are no Loans, LC Exposure or other obligations hereunder outstanding and all of the Revolving Credit Commitments are terminated.

dollars ” or “ $ ” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

EBITDAX ” means, for any period, the sum of Consolidated Net Income for such period plus the following expenses or charges to the extent deducted from Consolidated Net Income in such period: (a) interest, (b) income and franchise taxes, (c) depreciation, depletion, amortization, exploration expenses and other noncash charges (including (i) non-cash losses

 

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resulting from mark-to-market in respect of Swap Agreements (including those resulting from the requirements of ASC Topic 815) and (ii) non-cash losses from the adoption of fresh start accounting in connection with the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization), (d) losses from asset dispositions (other than Hydrocarbons produced in the ordinary course of business), (e) actual fees and transaction costs incurred by the Credit Parties in connection with the Bankruptcy Proceedings and the closing of this Agreement and the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, severance payments and consulting fees paid to former officers and employees), (f) severance payments and consulting fees paid to former officers and employees not later than 10 days following the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization in connection with the Bankruptcy Proceedings in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000, (g) charges, reserves and expenses incurred on or before December 31, 2017 in connection with cost savings initiatives in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 and (h) any fees and expenses or charges incurred in connection with the implementation of fresh start accounting in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, minus all gains from asset dispositions (other than Hydrocarbons produced in the ordinary course of business) and all noncash income, in each case to the extent added to Consolidated Net Income in such period. For the purposes of calculating EBITDAX (including any component thereof) for any period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters (each, a “ Reference Period ”) pursuant to any determination of the financial ratio contained in Section 9.01(a), if at any time during such Reference Period the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall have made any Material Disposition or Material Acquisition, the EBITDAX for such Reference Period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Material Disposition or Material Acquisition had occurred on the first day of such Reference Period (such calculations to be determined by a Financial Officer in good faith and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent).

EEA Financial Institution ” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clause (a) or clause (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

EEA Member Country ” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

EEA Resolution Authority ” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

Effective Date ” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 6.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 12.02).

Election Notice ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04(c)(ii).

Engineering Reports ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(c)(i).

 

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Environmental Laws ” means any and all Governmental Requirements pertaining in any way to health, safety, the environment, the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, or the management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials, in effect in any and all jurisdictions in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is conducting, or at any time has conducted, business, or where any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is located, including, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“ CERCLA ”), as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“ RCRA ”), as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and other environmental conservation or protection Governmental Requirements.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, registration, license, notice, approval, consent, exemption, variance, or other authorization required under or issued pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws.

“Equipment and Fixture Financing Debt” means Debt of the Credit Parties incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets (whether or not constituting purchase money Debt), including equipment, motor vehicles, obligations under Capital Leases and any Debt assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Debt; provided that (a) any such extensions, renewals and replacements do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof, (b) in each case the acquired assets are reasonably related to the businesses of the Credit Parties engaged in on the Effective Date and (c) such Debt is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement.

Equity Interests ” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute.

ERISA Affiliate ” means each trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which together with the Borrower or a Subsidiary would be deemed to be a “single employer” within the meaning of section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA or subsections (b), (c), (m) or (o) of section 414 of the Code.

ERISA Event ” means (a) a “Reportable Event” described in section 4043 of ERISA, other than a Reportable Event as to which the provisions of thirty (30) days’ notice to the PBGC is expressly waived under applicable regulations with respect to a Pension Plan, (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA,

 

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(c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under section 4041 of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan by the PBGC, (e) receipt by the Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of a notice of withdrawal liability pursuant to section 4202 of ERISA, (f) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan, (g) a determination that any Pension Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA), (h) the receipt by Borrower, any Subsidiary or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, or the receipt by any “Multiemployer Plan” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) from a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, “insolvent” (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA), or in endangered or critical status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA); (i) the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Pension Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of ASC No. 715: Compensation-Retirement Benefits) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than the Threshold Amount of the fair market value of the assets of such Pension Plan allocable to such accrued benefits and (j) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule ” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.

Eurodollar ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01.

Excepted Liens ” means: (a) Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP; (b) Liens in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security, old age pension or public liability obligations which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP; (c) statutory landlord’s liens, operators’, vendors’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, mechanics’, suppliers’, workers’, materialmen’s, construction or other like Liens, in each case, arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business or incident to the exploration, development, operation and maintenance of Oil and Gas Properties each of which is in respect of obligations that are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP; (d) contractual Liens which arise in the ordinary course of business under operating agreements, joint venture agreements, oil and gas partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farm-out agreements, division orders, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil and natural gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, overriding royalty agreements, marketing agreements, processing agreements, net profits agreements, development agreements, gas

 

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balancing or deferred production agreements, injection, repressuring and recycling agreements, salt water or other disposal agreements, seismic or other geophysical permits or agreements, and other agreements which are usual and customary in the oil and gas business and are for claims which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP, provided that any such Lien referred to in this clause does not materially impair the use of the Property covered by such Lien for the purposes for which such Property is held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or materially impair the value of such Property subject thereto; (e) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution, provided that no such deposit account is a dedicated cash collateral account or is subject to restrictions against access by the depositor in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Board and no such deposit account is intended by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to provide collateral to the depository institution; (f) easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil, coal or other minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment, that do not secure any monetary obligations and which in the aggregate do not materially impair the use of such Property for the purposes of which such Property is held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or materially impair the value of such Property subject thereto; (g) Liens on cash or securities pledged to secure performance of tenders, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return of money bonds, bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, regulatory obligations and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (h) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default, provided that any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired and no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced; (i) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings made solely as a precautionary measure regarding operating leases entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business covering only the Property under lease; and (j) licenses of intellectual property, none of which, in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or materially detract from the value of the relevant assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) Liens described in clauses (a) through (e) shall remain “Excepted Liens” only for so long as no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced and no intention to subordinate the first priority Lien granted in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties is to be hereby implied or expressed by the permitted existence of such Excepted Liens and (ii) the term “Excepted Liens” shall not include any Lien securing Debt for borrowed money other than the Indebtedness.

Excess Cash ” means, on any day, all cash and Cash Equivalents of the Credit Parties minus Excluded Funds to the extent that the aggregate amount thereof exceeds the Excess Cash Threshold.

Excess Cash Threshold ” means, on any date of determination, $37,500,000.

 

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Excluded Accounts ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

Excluded Funds ” means, on any day, the sum of (a) checks issued, wires initiated or ACH transfers initiated, in any case, to non-affiliate third parties or to Affiliates on account of transactions not prohibited under this Agreement, (b) cash or Cash Equivalents of the Credit Parties constituting purchase price deposits held in escrow pursuant to a binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement with a third party containing customary provisions regarding the payment and refunding of such deposits, (c) cash and Cash Equivalents held in any of the following accounts: (i) accounts designated and used solely for payroll or employee benefits, (ii) cash collateral accounts with respect to Letters of Credit, (iii) trust accounts held and used exclusively for the payment of taxes of the Credit Parties, and (iv) suspense or trust accounts held and used exclusively for royalty and working interest payments owing to third parties, (d) royalty obligations, working interest obligations, production payments, vendor payments, and severance and ad valorem taxes of the Credit Parties due and owing within five Business Days to unaffiliated third parties and for which the Credit Parties will issue checks or initiate wires or ACH transfers within such five Business Day period and (e) Net Proceeds from any Triggering Disposition or any incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt that are then being held in cash by the Credit Parties and are otherwise required to be used to make any mandatory prepayment under Section 3.04(c) within one Business Day following such date of determination.

Excluded Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to any Credit Party individually determined on a Credit Party by Credit Party basis, any Indebtedness in respect of any Swap Agreement if, and solely to the extent that, all or a portion of the guarantee by such Credit Party of, or the grant by such Credit Party of a security interest to secure, such Indebtedness in respect of any Swap Agreement (or any guarantee 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 Credit Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act at the time such guarantee or grant of a security interest becomes effective with respect to such related Indebtedness in respect of any Swap Agreement. If any Indebtedness in respect of any Swap Agreement arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Indebtedness in respect of any Swap Agreement that is attributable to swaps for which such guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income, franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case (i) imposed as a result of such recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 5.04(b)), any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Lender pursuant to a law in effect at the time such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office, except to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment) to receive additional amounts with respect to

 

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such withholding Tax pursuant to Section 5.03, (c) Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with Section 5.03(f), and (d) any United States federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

“Existing Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit listed on Annex II.

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or 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 Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of the foregoing.

FCPA ” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the greater of (a) 0% and (b) the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate as set forth in this clause (b) is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Financial Officer ” means, for any Person, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Financial Officer means a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

Financial Statements ” means the financial statement or statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries referred to in Section 7.04(a).

First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date ” means the date on which the Scheduled Redetermination scheduled for on or about May 1, 2018 becomes effective in accordance with Section 2.07(d).

Flood Insurance Regulations ” means (a) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (b) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (c) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC § 4001, et seq. ), as the same may be amended or recodified from time to time, and (d) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

Foreign Lender ” means any Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Fronting Exposure ” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, with respect to the Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure other than LC Exposure as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Revolving Credit Lenders or cash collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

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GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 1.05.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Governmental Requirement ” means any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, determination, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, rules of common law, authorization or other directive or requirement, whether now or hereinafter in effect, of any Governmental Authority.

Guarantors ” means: CEI Acquisition, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, CEI Pipeline, L.L.C., a Texas limited liability company, Chaparral Biofuels, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, Chaparral CO2, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, Chaparral Exploration, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, Chaparral Real Estate, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, Chaparral Resources, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, Green Country Supply, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, Roadrunner Drilling, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, and each other Material Subsidiary that guarantees the Indebtedness pursuant to Section 8.14(b).

Guaranty Agreement ” means an agreement executed by the Guarantors in substantially the form of Exhibit  F unconditionally guarantying, on a joint and several basis, payment of the Indebtedness, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Hazardous Material ” means any substance regulated or as to which liability might arise under any applicable Environmental Law including: (a) any chemical, compound, material, product, byproduct, substance or waste defined as or included in the definition or meaning of “hazardous substance,” “hazardous material,” “hazardous waste,” “solid waste,” “toxic waste,” “extremely hazardous substance,” “toxic substance,” “contaminant,” “pollutant,” or words of similar meaning or import found in any applicable Environmental Law; (b) Hydrocarbons, petroleum products, petroleum substances, natural gas, oil, oil and gas waste, crude oil, and any components, fractions, or derivatives thereof; and (c) radioactive materials, explosives, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon, infectious or medical wastes.

Highest Lawful Rate ” means, with respect to each Lender, the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received on the Notes or on other Indebtedness under laws applicable to such Lender which are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than applicable laws allow as of the date hereof.

 

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Hydrocarbon Interests ” means all rights, titles, interests and estates now or hereafter acquired in and to oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon leases, mineral fee interests, overriding royalty and royalty interests, net profit interests and production payment interests, including any reserved or residual interests of whatever nature.

Hydrocarbons ” means oil, gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all products refined or separated therefrom.

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary designated by the Borrower as an Immaterial Subsidiary if and for so long as (a) such Immaterial Subsidiary owns Property having a fair market value of $2,000,000 or less and (b) such Immaterial Subsidiary, together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries so designated as Immaterial Subsidiaries, does not have total assets having a fair market value at any time exceeding $5,000,000; provided that no Subsidiary may be an Immaterial Subsidiary if it owns Oil and Gas Properties that are included in the then effective Borrowing Base.

Immaterial Title Deficiencies ” means minor defects or deficiencies in title which do not diminish by more than 2% the total value of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the Reserve Report used in the most recent determination of the Borrowing Base.

Indebtedness ” means any and all amounts owing or to be owing by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising): (a) to any Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Document, including, without limitation, all interest on any of the Loans (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of any Credit Party (or would accrue but for the operation of applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws), whether or not such interest is allowed or allowable as a claim in any such case, proceeding or other action); (b) to any Secured Swap Provider under any Swap Agreement including any Swap Agreement in existence prior to the date hereof, but excluding any additional transactions or confirmations entered into (i) after such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or (ii) after assignment by a Secured Swap Provider to another Person that is not a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; (c) to any Bank Products Provider in respect of Bank Products; and (d) all renewals, extensions and/or rearrangements of any of the above; provided that solely with respect to any Credit Party that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act, Excluded Swap Obligations of such Credit Party shall in any event be excluded from “Indebtedness” owing by such Credit Party.

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document.

Indemnitee ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 12.03(b).

Information ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 12.11.

 

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Initial Reserve Report ” means the internally prepared report of the Borrower dated as of October 1, 2016, with respect to the proved Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties.

Interest Election Request ” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04.

Interest Payment Date ” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period.

Interest Period ” means with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

Interim Redetermination ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(b).

Interim Redetermination Date ” means the date on which a Borrowing Base that has been redetermined pursuant to an Interim Redetermination becomes effective as provided in Section 2.07(d).

Investment ” means, for any Person: (a) the acquisition (whether for cash, Property, services or securities or otherwise) of Equity Interests of any other Person or any agreement to make any such acquisition (including, without limitation, any “short sale” or any sale of any securities at a time when such securities are not owned by the Person entering into such short sale); (b) the making of any deposit with, or advance, loan or capital contribution to, assumption of Debt of, purchase or other acquisition of any other Debt or equity participation or interest in, or other extension of credit to, any other Person (including the purchase of Property from another Person subject to an understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to resell such Property to such Person, but excluding any such advance, loan or extension of credit having a term not exceeding ninety (90) days representing the purchase price of inventory or supplies sold by such Person in the ordinary course of business); (c) the purchase or acquisition (in one or a series of transactions) of Property (other than Equity Interests) of another Person that constitutes a business unit; or (d) the entering into of any guarantee of, or other contingent obligation (including the deposit of any Equity Interests to be sold) with respect to, any Debt or other obligations of any other Person and (without duplication) any amount committed to be advanced, lent or extended to such Person.

 

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IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Issuing Bank ” means JPMorgan, in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.08(i). The Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

LC Commitment ” at any time means twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).

LC Disbursement ” means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

LC Exposure ” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Credit Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time (as such LC Exposure may be increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09(a)(iv) if a Defaulting Lender then exists).

Lenders ” means the Persons listed on Annex  I and any Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. The term “Lenders” shall include both Term Lenders and Revolving Credit Lenders.

Letter of Credit ” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and any Existing Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Agreements ” means all letter of credit applications and other agreements (including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto) submitted by the Borrower, or entered into by the Borrower, with the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit.

LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) at which dollar deposits of an amount comparable to such Eurodollar Borrowing and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal

 

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London office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, the “LIBO Rate” shall be deemed not to be less than (a) with respect to any Revolving Loans, zero percent (0.0%) at any time and (b) with respect to any Term Loans, one percent (1.0%) at any time.

Lien ” means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and whether such obligation or claim is fixed or contingent, and including but not limited to (a) the lien or security interest arising from a deed of trust, mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes or (b) production payments and the like payable out of Oil and Gas Properties. The term “Lien” shall include easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be the owner of any Property which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, or leases under a financing lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person in a transaction intended to create a financing.

Liquidity ” means the sum of (a) the Revolving Credit Commitments for all Revolving Credit Lenders minus the Revolving Credit Exposure for all Revolving Credit Lenders (but only to the extent that the Borrower is permitted to borrow such amounts under the terms of this Agreement including, without limitation, Section 6.02 hereof) plus (b) all unrestricted cash on hand of the Credit Parties.

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Letter of Credit Agreements, the Letters of Credit and the Security Instruments.

Loans ” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Majority Lenders ” means, (a) at any time while no Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders having greater than fifty percent (50%) of the total Revolving Credit Commitments; and (b) at any time while any Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders holding greater than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of (i) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit (without regard to any sale by a Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c)) and (ii) the unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that the Revolving Credit Commitments and the principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Majority Lenders.

Material Acquisition ” means any acquisition of Property or series of related acquisitions of Property that involves the payment of consideration by the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries in excess of 5% of the then effective Borrowing Base.

 

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Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse change in, or material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, Property, or financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to perform their payment obligations or other material obligations under any Loan Document, (c) the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document, or (d) the rights and remedies of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Document.

Material Debt ” means Debt of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Debt, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the Swap Termination Value of such Swap Agreement.

Material Disposition ” means any sale or other disposition of Property or series of related sales or dispositions of property that yields gross proceeds to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of 5% of the then effective Borrowing Base.

Material Subsidiary ” means, as of any date, any Subsidiary that is not an Immaterial Subsidiary.

Maturity Date ” means March 21, 2021.

Maximum Revolving Credit Amount ” means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Revolving Credit Lender’s name on Annex  I under the caption “Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts”, as the same may be (a) reduced or terminated from time to time in connection with a reduction or termination of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(b) or (b) modified from time to time pursuant to any assignment permitted by Section 12.04(b).

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized rating agency.

Mortgaged Property ” means any Property owned by the Borrower or any Guarantor which is subject to the Liens existing and to exist under the terms of the Security Instruments.

Net Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by a Credit Party in respect of any sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of Property (including any cash subsequently received upon the sale or other disposition or collection of any non-cash consideration received in any sale), any incurrence of Debt, or Casualty Event, net of (a) the direct costs relating to such sale of Property, incurrence of Debt or any Casualty Event (including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, sales commissions and underwriting discounts and commissions paid to unaffiliated third parties and other reasonable and customary fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith), (b) taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), (c) Debt (other than the Indebtedness) which is secured by a Lien upon any of the

 

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assets being sold or that are the subject of such Casualty Event, as the case may be, and which must be repaid as a result of such sale or such Casualty Event and (d) any amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities under any indemnification obligations or purchase price adjustments associated with such sale.

New Borrowing Base Notice ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(d).

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, each Revolving Credit Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

Notes ” means the Term Loan Notes and the Revolving Credit Notes, or any of them, as the context requires.

NYMEX ” means the New York Mercantile Exchange.

OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Oil and Gas Properties ” means (a) Hydrocarbon Interests; (b) the Properties now or hereafter pooled or unitized with Hydrocarbon Interests; (c) all presently existing or future unitization, pooling agreements and declarations of pooled units and the units created thereby (including without limitation all units created under orders, regulations and rules of any Governmental Authority) which may affect all or any portion of the Hydrocarbon Interests; (d) all operating agreements, contracts and other agreements, including production sharing contracts and agreements, which relate to any of the Hydrocarbon Interests or the production, sale, purchase, exchange or processing of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to such Hydrocarbon Interests; (e) all Hydrocarbons in and under and which may be produced and saved or attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests, including all oil in tanks, and all rents, issues, profits, proceeds, products, revenues and other incomes from or attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests; (f) all tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances and Properties in any manner appertaining, belonging, affixed or incidental to the Hydrocarbon Interests; and (g) all Properties, rights, titles, interests and estates described or referred to above, including any and all Property, real or personal, now owned or hereinafter acquired and situated upon, used, held for use or useful in connection with the operating, working or development of any of such Hydrocarbon Interests or Property (excluding drilling rigs, automotive equipment, rental equipment or other personal Property which may be on such premises for the purpose of drilling a well or for other similar temporary uses) and including any and all oil wells, gas wells, injection wells or other wells, buildings, structures, fuel separators, liquid extraction plants, plant compressors, pumps, pumping units, field gathering systems, tanks and tank batteries, fixtures, valves, fittings, machinery and parts, engines, boilers, meters, apparatus, equipment, appliances, tools, implements, cables, wires, towers, casing, tubing and rods, surface leases, rights-of-way, easements and servitudes together with all additions, substitutions, replacements, accessions and attachments to any and all of the foregoing. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references in this Agreement to “Oil and Gas Properties” refer to Oil and Gas Properties owned by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as the context requires.

 

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Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to any recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing, excise, property or other similar Taxes, charges or levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement and any other Loan Document.

Participant ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.04(c)(i).

Participant Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.04(c)(i).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor thereto.

PDP Reserves ” means “proved developed producing oil and gas reserves” as such term is defined by the SPE in its standards and guidelines.

Pension Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan, as defined in section 3(2) of ERISA that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, section 302 of ERISA or section 412 of the Code and which (a) is currently or hereafter sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower, a Subsidiary or an ERISA Affiliate or (b) was at any time during the six calendar years preceding the date hereof, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or a Subsidiary or an ERISA Affiliate.

Permitted Holder ” means any Person that, on the Effective Date, after giving effect to the Plan of Reorganization, is the beneficial owner, together with any of its Affiliates, of Equity Interests representing 10% or more of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower at such time.

Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt ” means Debt incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary under Section 9.02(h).

Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents ” means any indenture or other loan agreement governing any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, all guarantees thereof and all other agreements, documents or instruments executed and delivered by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with, or pursuant to, the incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt.

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

Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan, as defined in section 3(2) of ERISA, which (a) is currently or hereafter sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (b) was at any time during the six calendar years preceding the date hereof, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

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Prepetition Loan Documents ” means the “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement) as in effect prior to the date hereof.

Prime Rate ” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective. Such rate is set by the Administrative Agent as a general reference rate of interest, taking into account such factors as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate; it being understood that many of the Administrative Agent’s commercial or other loans are priced in relation to such rate, that it is not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer and that the Administrative Agent may make various commercial or other loans at rates of interest having no relationship to such rate.

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

Proposed Borrowing Base ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(c)(i).

Proposed Borrowing Base Notice ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.07(c)(ii).

Proved Oil and Gas Properties ” means Hydrocarbon Interests to which Proved Reserves are attributed.

Proved Reserves ” or “ Proved ” means collectively, “proved oil and gas reserves,” “proved developed producing oil and gas reserves,” “proved developed non-producing oil and gas reserves” (consisting of proved developed shut-in oil and gas reserves and proved developed behind pipe oil and gas reserves), and “proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves,” as such terms are defined by the SPE in its standards and guidelines.

PV-9 ” means, with respect to the Credit Parties’ Proved Oil and Gas Properties, the net present value, discounted at 9% per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue to the Credit Parties’ collective interests in such Proved Reserves during the remaining expected economic lives of such reserves, calculated in accordance with the most recent bank price deck of the Administrative Agent.

Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Swap Agreement, each Credit Party that (a) has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time any guaranty of obligations under such Swap Agreement or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective or (b) otherwise constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

RCRA ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Environmental Laws”.

 

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Redemption ” means with respect to any Debt, the repurchase, redemption, prepayment, repayment, defeasance or any other acquisition or retirement for value (or the segregation of funds with respect to any of the foregoing) of such Debt. “ Redeem ” has the correlative meaning thereto.

Redetermination Date ” means, with respect to any Scheduled Redetermination or any Interim Redetermination, the date that the redetermined Borrowing Base related thereto becomes effective pursuant to Section 2.07(d).

Reference Period ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “EBITDAX.”

Register ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 12.04(b)(iv).

Regulation D ” means Regulation D of the Board, as the same may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors (including attorneys, accountants and experts) of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

Release ” means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing.

Remedial Work ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 8.10(a).

Required Lenders ” means, (a) at any time while no Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders having greater than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 3 %) of the total Revolving Credit Commitments; and (b) at any time while any Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Lenders holding greater than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 3 %) of the sum of (i) the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit (without regard to any sale by a Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c)) and (ii) the unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that the Revolving Credit Commitments and the principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Required Lenders.

Required Revolving Credit Lenders ” means, (a) at any time while no Revolving Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders having at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 3 %) of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts; and (b) at any time while any Revolving Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 3 %) of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit (without regard to any sale by a Revolving Credit Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c) ); provided that the Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts and the principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders.

 

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Reserve Report ” means a report, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth, as of the dates set forth in Section 8.12(a) (or such other date in the event of an Interim Redetermination), the Proved Reserves attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties that are Qualified ECP Guarantors, together with a projection of the rate of production and future net income, taxes, operating expenses and capital expenditures with respect thereto as of such date, based upon the pricing assumptions consistent with the Administrative Agent’s lending requirements at the time.

Responsible Officer ” means, as to any Person, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, President, any Financial Officer or any Vice President of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references to a Responsible Officer herein shall mean a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

Restricted Payment ” means (a) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other Property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other Property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (b) any payment of management fees, advisory fees or similar fees by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to any holders of their Equity Interests or any Affiliates thereof.

Revolving Credit Commitment ” means, with respect to each Revolving Credit Lender, the commitment of such Revolving Credit Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) modified from time to time pursuant to Section  2.06 and (b) modified from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to Section  12.04 . The amount representing each Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment shall at any time be the lesser of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Maximum Revolving Credit Amount and such Revolving Credit Lender’s Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of the then effective Borrowing Base. The total Revolving Credit Commitment is the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments of all the Revolving Credit Lenders.

Revolving Credit Commitment Fee Rate ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Applicable Margin”.

Revolving Credit Exposure ” means, with respect to any Revolving Credit Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure at such time.

Revolving Credit Lenders ” means, collectively, all of the Lenders with a Revolving Credit Commitment, and “ Revolving Credit Lender ” means any of them individually.

 

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Revolving Credit Notes ” means the promissory notes of the Borrower described in Section 2.02(d) evidencing the Revolving Loans and being substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 , together with all amendments, modifications, replacements, extensions and rearrangements thereof.

Revolving Loan ” means any revolving loan made to the Borrower pursuant to Article II , and “ Revolving Loans ” means, collectively, two or more such revolving loans, as the context requires.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized rating agency.

Sanctioned Country ” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (as of the Effective Date, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

Sanctioned Person ” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).

Sanctions ” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State.

Scheduled Redetermination ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 2.07(b).

Scheduled Redetermination Date ” means the date on which a Borrowing Base that has been redetermined pursuant to a Scheduled Redetermination becomes effective as provided in Section 2.07(d).

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor Governmental Authority.

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Bank, the Bank Products Providers and Secured Swap Providers, and “ Secured Party ” means any of them individually.

Secured Swap Provider ” means any (a) Person that is a party to a Swap Agreement with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that entered into such Swap Agreement before or while such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, whether or not such Person at any time ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, as the case may be, or (b) assignee of any Person described in clause (a) above so long as such assignee is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

Securities Account ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC.

 

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Security Agreement ” means a Pledge and Security Agreement among the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Administrative Agent in substantially the form of Exhibit  G (or otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) granting Liens and a security interest on the Credit Parties’ personal property constituting Collateral (as defined therein) in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Indebtedness, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Security Instruments ” means the Guaranty Agreement, the Security Agreement, mortgages, deeds of trust and other agreements, instruments or certificates described or referred to in Exhibit  E , and any and all other agreements, instruments, consents or certificates now or hereafter executed and delivered by the Borrower or any other Person (other than Swap Agreements with any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender, agreements with any Bank Products Provider in connection with any Bank Products or participation or similar agreements between any Lender and any other lender or creditor with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to this Agreement) in connection with, or as security for the payment or performance of the Indebtedness, the Notes, this Agreement, or reimbursement obligations under the Letters of Credit, as such agreements may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.

SPE ” means the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Statutory Reserve Rate ” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ parent ”) at any date, any other Person the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other Person (a) of which Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power (irrespective of whether or not at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes of such Person shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) or, in the case of a partnership, any general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

Subsidiary ” means any subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

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Supermajority Revolving Credit Lenders ” means, (a) at any time while no Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders having greater than eighty percent (80%) of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts; and (b) at any time while any Revolving Loans or LC Exposure is outstanding, Revolving Credit Lenders holding greater than eighty percent (80%) of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit (without regard to any sale by a Lender of a participation in any Loan under Section 12.04(c) ); provided that the Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts and the principal amount of the Loans and participation interests in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting Lenders (if any) shall be excluded from the determination of Supermajority Revolving Credit Lenders.

Swap Agreement ” means any agreement with respect to any swap, put, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement, whether exchange traded, “over-the-counter” or otherwise, involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions (including any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act); provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s) and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Agreements, as determined by the counterparties to such Swap Agreements.

Synthetic Leases ” means, in respect of any Person, all leases which shall have been, or should have been, in accordance with GAAP, treated as operating leases on the financial statements of the Person liable (whether contingently or otherwise) for the payment of rent thereunder and which were properly treated as indebtedness for borrowed money for purposes of United States federal income taxes, if the lessee in respect thereof is obligated to either purchase for an amount in excess of, or pay upon early termination an amount in excess of, 80% of the residual value of the Property subject to such operating lease upon expiration or early termination of such lease.

Taxes ” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Term Lenders ” means, collectively, all of the Lenders that hold Term Loans, and “ Term Lender ” means any of them individually.

 

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Term Loan Notes ” means the promissory notes of the Borrower described in Section 2.02(d) evidencing the Term Loans and being substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 , together with all amendments, modifications, replacements, extensions and rearrangements thereof.

Term Loans ” means the term loans deemed to have been made to the Borrower by the Term Lenders on the Effective Date pursuant to Article II as part of the restructuring and rearrangement of the Prepetition Borrowers’ debt under the Prepetition Credit Agreement, or any portion thereof, as the context requires.

Termination Date ” means the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Threshold Amount ” means $10,000,000.

Total Debt ” means, at any date, all Debt of the Borrower and the Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, excluding (a) non-cash obligations under ASC 815 and (b) accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (for the deferred purchase price of Property or services) from time to time incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not greater than ninety (90) days past the date of receipt of the invoice or delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP.

Total Proved PV-10 ” means the net present value, discounted at 10% per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue to the Credit Parties’ collective interests in proved Oil and Gas Properties during the remaining expected economic lives of such proved Oil and Gas Properties. Each calculation of such expected future net revenues shall be made in accordance with SEC guidelines for reporting Proved Reserves; provided that in any event (a) appropriate deductions shall be made for severance and ad valorem taxes, and for operating, gathering, transportation and marketing costs required for the production and sale of such Oil and Gas Properties, (b) the pricing assumptions used in determining Total Proved PV-10 for any Oil and Gas Properties shall be based upon the 90-day average NYMEX strip pricing and the Total Proved PV-10 shall be adjusted on a consolidated basis (and not on the basis of individual wells or Oil and Gas Properties) in a manner reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent to reflect the Credit Parties’ Swap Agreements then in effect, (c) the cash flows derived from the pricing assumptions set forth in clause (b) above shall be further adjusted to account for the historical basis differential in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (d) Total Proved PV-10 shall be calculated using the reserve engineering information contained in the Reserve Report with an “as of” date that is the same as the applicable Asset Coverage Ratio test date; provided , however , that for purposes of the calculation of Total Proved PV-10, no more than 40% of the Total Proved PV-10 shall be attributable to Oil and Gas Properties described in the Reserve Report that constitute proved developed nonproducing reserves and proved undeveloped reserves.

Transactions ” means, with respect to (a) the Borrower, the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, and the grant of Liens by the Borrower on the Mortgaged Properties pursuant

 

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to the Security Instruments and (b) each Guarantor, the execution, delivery and performance by such Guarantor of each Loan Document to which it is a party, the guaranteeing of the Indebtedness and the other obligations under the Guaranty Agreement by such Guarantor and such Guarantor’s grant of Liens on the Mortgaged Properties pursuant to the Security Instruments.

Triggering Disposition ” means any sale or other disposition of any Oil and Gas Properties (including Casualty Events but excluding any sale or other disposition of any Oil and Gas Properties to a Credit Party) and any termination or other liquidation of any commodity Swap Agreements (or any sale of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary that owns Oil and Gas Properties or is a party to commodity Swap Agreements (excluding, in each case, any sale of Equity Interests to a Credit Party)) if the aggregate Borrowing Base value (which, for purposes hereof, shall mean the value the Administrative Agent attributed in its sole discretion, but consistent with its customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at a particular time, to such Oil and Gas Property or Swap Agreement for purposes of the most recent determination of the Borrowing Base), if any, of such Oil and Gas Properties directly or indirectly sold or disposed of and Swap Agreements directly or indirectly terminated or otherwise liquidated (inclusive of the Oil and Gas Properties or Swap Agreements then being sold or liquidated) (a) prior to the First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date, either (i) during any period of six consecutive calendar months, exceeds 5% of the Borrowing Base that was in effect on the first day of such period or (ii) during the period from the Effective Date to the First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date, exceeds 10% of the Borrowing Base in effect on the Effective Date or (b) from and after the First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date, during any period between Redetermination Dates, exceeds 5% of the then effective Borrowing Base.

Type ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of Texas or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s or any Secured Party’s Lien on any Mortgaged Property.

U.S. Person ” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(f).

USA Patriot Act ” means the USA PATRIOT ACT (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of which all of the outstanding Equity Interests (other than any directors’ qualifying shares mandated by applicable law), on a fully-diluted basis, are owned by the Borrower or one or more of the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries or are owned by the Borrower and one or more of the Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries.

 

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Withholding Agent ” means any Credit Party or the Administrative Agent.

Write-Down and Conversion Powers ” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

Section 1.03     Types of Loans and Borrowings . For purposes of this Agreement, Loans and Borrowings, respectively, may be classified and referred to by Type ( e.g. , a “Eurodollar Loan” or a “Eurodollar Borrowing”), by Class (e.g. “Term Loan” or a “Term Borrowing”), or by Class and Type (e.g. a “Eurodollar Term Loan” or a “Eurodollar Term Borrowing”).

Section 1.04     Terms Generally ; Rules of Construction . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” as used in this Agreement shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth in the Loan Documents), (b) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained in the Loan Documents), (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import as used in this Agreement, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word “from” as used in this Agreement means “from and including” and the word “to” means “to and including” and (f) any reference herein to Articles, Sections, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.

Section 1.05     Accounting Terms and Determinations; GAAP . Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP (subject to the impact of fresh start accounting), applied on a basis consistent with the Financial Statements except for changes in which Borrower’s independent certified public accountants concur and which are disclosed to Administrative Agent on the next date on which financial statements are required to be delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.01(a); provided that, unless the Borrower and the Majority Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing, no such change shall modify or affect the manner in which compliance with the covenants contained herein is computed such that all such computations shall be conducted utilizing financial information presented consistently with prior periods.

 

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ARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

Section 2.01     Term Loans and Revolving Credit Commitments .

(a)     Term Loans . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally agrees to restructure and rearrange a portion of the Debt owing to it under the Prepetition Credit Agreement as a Term Loan hereunder in an amount for each such Term Lender equal to such Term Lender’s Applicable Term Loan Percentage of $150,000,000. Such Term Loans shall be deemed to be made in a single draw on the Effective Date and, once repaid or prepaid, in whole or in part, may not be reborrowed. No Term Lender shall have any commitment to make any Term Loans other than as described in this Section 2.01(a).

(b)     Revolving Credit Commitment . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Revolving Credit Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (i) such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment or (ii) the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeding the total Revolving Credit Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow the Revolving Loans.

Section 2.02     Loans and Borrowings .

(a)     Borrowings; Several Obligations . Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans made or deemed made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Applicable Revolving Credit Percentages and Applicable Term Loan Percentages, as applicable. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Revolving Credit Commitments are several and no Revolving Credit Lender shall be responsible for any other Revolving Credit Lender’s failure to make Revolving Loans as required.

(b)     Types of Loans . Subject to Section 3.03, each Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c)     Minimum Amounts; Limitation on Number of Borrowings . At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $250,000 and not less than $500,000. At the time that each ABR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $200,000; provided that an ABR Borrowing

 

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of a Revolving Loan may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Credit Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.08(e) . Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time, provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of six (6) Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

(d)     Notes . If requested by a Lender, the Term Loan and Revolving Loans, as applicable, made by such Lender shall be evidenced by a Term Loan Note or Revolving Credit Note, as applicable, of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit A-1 and Exhibit A-2 , respectively, in each case dated, in the case of (i) any Lender party hereto as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) any Lender that becomes a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, as of the effective date of the Assignment and Assumption, each payable to such Lender or its registered assigns in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Term Loan held by such Term Lender or its Maximum Revolving Credit Amount, as applicable, as in effect on such date, and otherwise duly completed. In the event that any Revolving Credit Lender’s Maximum Revolving Credit Amount increases or decreases for any reason (whether pursuant to Section  2.06 , Section 12.04(b) or otherwise), the Borrower shall, upon request of such Revolving Credit Lender, deliver or cause to be delivered, to the extent such Revolving Credit Lender is then holding a Revolving Credit Note, on the effective date of such increase or decrease, a new Revolving Credit Note, payable to such Revolving Credit Lender or its registered assigns in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Revolving Credit Amount after giving effect to such increase or decrease, and otherwise duly completed. In the event any Term Lender’s share of the outstanding Term Loans increases for any reason (whether pursuant to Section 12.04(b) or otherwise), the Borrower shall, upon request of such Term Lender, deliver or cause to be delivered, to the extent such Term Lender is then holding a Term Loan Note, on the effective date of such increase, a new Term Loan Note payable to such Term Lender or its registered assigns in a principal amount equal to its outstanding Term Loans as of such date. The date, amount, Type, interest rate and, if applicable, Interest Period of each Term Loan and Revolving Loan made by each Lender, and all payments made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by such Lender on its books for its Term Loan Note and Revolving Credit Note, as applicable. Failure to make any such recordation shall not affect any Lender’s or the Borrower’s rights or obligations in respect of such Loans or affect the validity of any transfer by any Lender of its Term Loan Note and/or Revolving Credit Note.

Section 2.03     Requests for Borrowings . To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that no such notice shall be required for any deemed request of an ABR Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.08(e). Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or fax

 

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or other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b) to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in substantially the form of Exhibit  B and signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(a)    the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing (and, with respect to any Borrowing Request on the Effective Date, the amount of the requested Term Loan Borrowing and the amount of the requested Revolving Loan Borrowing);

(b)    the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(c)    whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

(d)    in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”;

(e)    the amount of the then effective Borrowing Base, the current total Revolving Credit Exposures (without regard to the requested Borrowing) and the pro form a total Revolving Credit Exposures (giving effect to the requested Borrowing);

(f)    certifying that, if the principal amount of such Borrowing plus the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents of the Credit Parties at the time of such Borrowing (before giving effect thereto) exceeds the Excess Cash Threshold, then (i) the proceeds of the Borrowing will be used as set forth on an exhibit to such Borrowing Request within three (3) Business Days of the date of such Borrowing (which use of proceeds shall be for a purpose other than cash on the balance sheet) and (ii) after giving effect to such use of proceeds, the Credit Parties will not have any Excess Cash; and

(g)    the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.05.

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Each Borrowing Request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the amount of the requested Borrowing shall not cause (x) the total Revolving Credit Exposures to exceed the total Revolving Credit Commitments (i.e., the lesser of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts and the then effective Borrowing Base) or (y) the total outstanding Term Loans to exceed $150,000,000.

Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.03, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Revolving Credit Lender or each Term Lender, as applicable, of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

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Section 2.04     Interest Elections .

(a)     Conversion and Continuance . Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.04. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

(b)     Interest Election Requests . To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.04, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or fax or other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b) to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in substantially the form of Exhibit  C and signed by the Borrower.

(c)     Information in Interest Election Requests . Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i)    the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(iii) and (iv) shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

(ii)    the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii)    whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

(iv)    if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(d)     Notice to Lenders by the Administrative Agent . Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Term Lender and/or Revolving Credit Lender, as applicable, of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

 

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(e)     Effect of Failure to Deliver Timely Interest Election Request and Events of Default on Interest Election . If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing: (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing (and any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective) and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

Section 2.05     Funding of Borrowings .

(a)     Funding by Revolving Credit Lenders . Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make each Revolving Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Revolving Credit Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Revolving Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that ABR Loans that are Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.08(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Revolving Credit Lender to obtain the funds for its Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Revolving Credit Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for its Revolving Loan in any particular place or manner.

(b)     Presumption of Funding by the Revolving Credit Lenders . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Revolving Credit Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Revolving Credit Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Revolving Credit Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Revolving Credit Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.05(a) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Revolving Credit Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Revolving Credit Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Revolving Credit Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans that are Revolving Loans that such Revolving Credit Lender failed to fund. If the Borrower and such Revolving Credit Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent

 

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for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Revolving Credit Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Revolving Credit Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Revolving Credit Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

Section 2.06     Termination and Reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts .

(a)     Scheduled Termination of Revolving Credit Commitments . Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date. If at any time the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts or the Borrowing Base is terminated or reduced to zero, then the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate on the effective date of such termination or reduction.

(b)     Optional Termination and Reduction of Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts .

(i)    The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts without payment of any premium or penalty subject to Section  5.02 ; provided that (A) each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and (B) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts if, (1) after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 3.04(c) , the total Revolving Credit Exposures would exceed the total Revolving Credit Commitments or (2) the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amount would be less than $5,000,000 (unless, with respect to this clause (2) , the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts are reduced to $0).

(ii)    The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts under Section 2.06(b)(i) at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Revolving Credit Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts shall be permanent and may not be reinstated. Each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts shall be made ratably among the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with each Revolving Credit Lender’s Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage.

 

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Section 2.07     Borrowing Base .

(a)     Initial Borrowing Base . For the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the first Redetermination Date, the amount of the Borrowing Base shall be $225,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowing Base may be subject to further adjustments prior to the first Redetermination Date from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07(e), Section 2.07(f), or Section 8.13(c).

(b)     Scheduled and Interim Redeterminations . The Borrowing Base shall be redetermined semi-annually in accordance with this Section 2.07 (a “ Scheduled Redetermination ”), and, subject to Section 2.07(d), such redetermined Borrowing Base shall become effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Agents, the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Credit Lenders on May 1st and November 1st of each year (or, in each case, such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable), commencing May 1, 2018. In addition, the Borrower may, by notifying the Administrative Agent thereof, and the Administrative Agent may on its own initiative or at the direction of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, by notifying the Borrower thereof, one time between Scheduled Redeterminations, each elect to cause the Borrowing Base to be redetermined between Scheduled Redeterminations (an “ Interim Redetermination ”) in accordance with this Section 2.07; provided that no Interim Redetermination may be requested by any party prior to the First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date.

(c)     Scheduled and Interim Redetermination Procedure .

(i)    Each Scheduled Redetermination and each Interim Redetermination shall be effectuated as follows: upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of (A) the Reserve Report and the certificate required to be delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, pursuant to Section 8.12(a) and (c), and, in the case of an Interim Redetermination, pursuant to Section 8.12(b) and (c), and (B) such other reports, data and supplemental information, including, without limitation, the information provided pursuant to Section 8.12(c), as may, from time to time, be reasonably requested by the Required Revolving Credit Lenders (the Reserve Report, such certificate and such other reports, data and supplemental information being the “ Engineering Reports ”), the Administrative Agent shall evaluate the information contained in the Engineering Reports and shall, in its sole discretion acting in good faith, propose a new Borrowing Base (the “ Proposed Borrowing Base ”) based upon such information and such other information (including, without limitation, the status of title information with respect to the Proved Oil and Gas Properties as described in the Engineering Reports and the existence of any other Debt, the Credit Parties’ other assets, liabilities, fixed charges, cash flow, business, properties, prospects, management and ownership, hedged and unhedged exposure of the Credit Parties to price, price and production scenarios, interest rate and operating cost changes) as the Administrative Agent deems appropriate in its sole discretion and consistent with its customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at the particular time. In no event shall the Proposed Borrowing Base exceed the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts;

 

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(ii)    The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Revolving Credit Lenders of the Proposed Borrowing Base (the “ Proposed Borrowing Base Notice ”) after the Administrative Agent has received complete Engineering Reports from the Borrower and has had a reasonable opportunity to determine the Proposed Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 2.07(c)(i); and

(iii)    Any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved by all of the Revolving Credit Lenders as provided in this Section 2.07(c)(iii); and any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved or be deemed to have been approved by the Required Revolving Credit Lenders as provided in this Section 2.07(c)(iii), such approval in each case shall be in the Revolving Credit Lenders’ sole credit discretion exercised in good faith. Upon receipt of the Proposed Borrowing Base Notice, each Revolving Credit Lender shall have fifteen (15) days to agree with the Proposed Borrowing Base or disagree with the Proposed Borrowing Base by proposing an alternate Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) days, any Revolving Credit Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such silence shall be deemed to be an approval of the Proposed Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) days, any Revolving Credit Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such silence shall be deemed to be a disapproval of the Proposed Borrowing Base. If, by the end of such 15-day period, all of the Revolving Credit Lenders, in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, have approved or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, deemed to have approved, as aforesaid, then the Proposed Borrowing Base shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.07(d). If, however, at the end of such 15-day period, all of the Revolving Credit Lenders or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, as applicable, have not approved or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, deemed to have approved, as aforesaid, then the Administrative Agent shall poll the Revolving Credit Lenders to ascertain the highest Borrowing Base then acceptable to (A) in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, a number of Revolving Credit Lenders sufficient to constitute the Required Revolving Credit Lenders and (B) in the case of an increase, all of the Revolving Credit Lenders, and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.07(d).

(d)     Effectiveness of a Redetermined Borrowing Base . After a redetermined Borrowing Base is approved or is deemed to have been approved by all of the Revolving Credit Lenders or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, as applicable, pursuant to Section 2.07(c)(iii), the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Revolving Credit Lenders of the amount of the redetermined Borrowing Base (the “ New Borrowing Base Notice ”), and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Credit Lenders:

 

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(i)    in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, (A) if the Administrative Agent shall have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.12(a) and (c) in a timely and complete manner, then on the May 1 st or November 1 st (or, in each case, such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable), as applicable, following such notice, or (B) if the Administrative Agent shall not have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.12(a) and (c) in a timely and complete manner, then on the Business Day next succeeding delivery of such notice; and

(ii)    in the case of an Interim Redetermination, on the Business Day next succeeding delivery of such notice.

Such amount shall then become the Borrowing Base until the next Scheduled Redetermination Date, the next Interim Redetermination Date or the next adjustment to the Borrowing Base under Section 2.07(e), Section 2.07(f) or Section 8.13(c), whichever occurs first. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Scheduled Redetermination or Interim Redetermination shall become effective until the New Borrowing Base Notice related thereto is received by the Borrower.

(e)     Automatic Reduction of Borrowing Base – Issuance of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt . Upon any incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt (other than Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt that refinances or replaces Term Loans hereunder or then existing Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, up to the principal amount of such Term Loans or then existing Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt that is refinanced or replaced), the Borrowing Base shall automatically be decreased by an amount equal to 25% of the aggregate notional amount of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt issued at such time. Such decrease in the Borrowing Base shall occur automatically upon the incurrence of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt on the date of incurrence, without any vote of the Revolving Credit Lenders or action by Administrative Agent. Upon any such reduction in the Borrowing Base, the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a New Borrowing Base Notice to the Borrower and the Revolving Credit Lenders.

(f)     Automatic Reduction of Borrowing Base – Triggering Disposition . Upon the consummation of a Triggering Disposition, the Borrowing Base shall automatically be decreased by an amount equal to the aggregate Borrowing Base value (as determined by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Required Revolving Credit Lenders in each case in their sole discretion and consistent with their respective customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at the particular time) of the Oil and Gas Properties directly or indirectly sold or disposed of and Swap Agreements directly or indirectly terminated, as applicable. Such decrease in the Borrowing Base shall occur automatically upon the consummation of such Triggering Disposition on the date of such Triggering Disposition, upon the approval of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders of the amount of such reduction as set forth above. Upon any such reduction in the Borrowing Base, the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a New Borrowing Base Notice to the Borrower and the Revolving Credit Lenders.

 

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Section 2.08     Letters of Credit .

(a)     General . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of dollar denominated Letters of Credit for its own account or for the account of any of its Subsidiaries, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed the LC Commitment; provided that the Borrower may not request the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of Letters of Credit hereunder if a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at such time or would exist as a result thereof. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuing Bank shall have no obligation hereunder to issue, and shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of any Sanctions or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement, (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Governmental Requirement relating to the Issuing Bank or any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank shall prohibit, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which the Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally under similar circumstances for similarly situated borrowers; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed not to be in effect on the Effective Date for purposes of clause (ii)  above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

(b)     Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions . The Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued hereunder as of the Effective Date. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall hand deliver or fax (or transmit by other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b)) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (not less than five (5) Business Days in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (or such shorter period of time as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank in its sole discretion exercised in good faith), a notice:

(i)    requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended;

 

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(ii)    specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day);

(iii)    specifying the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with Section 2.08(c));

(iv)    specifying the amount of such Letter of Credit;

(v)    specifying the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit; and

(vi)    specifying the amount of the then effective Borrowing Base and whether a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at such time, the current total Revolving Credit Exposures (without regard to the requested Letter of Credit or the requested amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit) and the pro forma total Revolving Credit Exposures (giving effect to the requested Letter of Credit or the requested amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit).

Each notice shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that after giving effect to the requested issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, as applicable, (A) the LC Exposure shall not exceed the LC Commitment and (B) the total Revolving Credit Exposures shall not exceed the total Revolving Credit Commitments ( i.e. , the lesser of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts and the then effective Borrowing Base). No letter of credit issued by the Issuing Bank (if the Issuing Bank is not the Administrative Agent) shall be deemed to be a “Letter of Credit” issued under this Agreement unless the Issuing Bank has requested and received written confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the representations by Borrower contained in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) are true and correct.

If requested by the Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit; provided that, in the event of any conflict between such application or any Letter of Credit Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

(c)     Expiration Date . Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date that is one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.

(d)     Participations . By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Revolving Credit Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving

 

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Credit Lender, and each Revolving Credit Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Revolving Credit Lender’s Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Credit Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Revolving Credit Lender’s Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage (which, for this purpose, if any Defaulting Lender then exists, shall be calculated as such Revolving Credit Lender’s percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure after giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv)) of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in Section 2.08(e), or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. Each Revolving Credit Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this Section 2.08(d) in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default, the existence of a Borrowing Base Deficiency or reduction or termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(e)     Reimbursement . If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrower shall, subject to the conditions to Borrowing set forth herein, be deemed to have requested, and the Borrower does hereby request under such circumstances, that such payment be financed with an ABR Borrowing of a Revolving Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Borrowing. If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Credit Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Revolving Credit Lender’s Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage thereof (which, for this purpose, if any Defaulting Lender then exists, shall be calculated as such Revolving Credit Lender’s percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure after giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv)). Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Credit Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage (which, for this purpose, if any Defaulting Lender then exists, shall be calculated as such Revolving Credit Lender’s percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure after giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv)) of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.05 with respect to Revolving Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender (and Section 2.05 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Credit Lenders. Promptly

 

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following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.08(e), the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Credit Lenders have made payments pursuant to this Section 2.08(e) to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Revolving Credit Lenders and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to this Section 2.08(e) to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Loans as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Revolving Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

(f)     Obligations Absolute . The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in Section 2.08(e) shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or any Letter of Credit Agreement, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.08(f), constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor the Issuing Bank, nor any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised all requisite care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

(g)     Disbursement Procedures . The Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a

 

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Letter of Credit. The Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by fax or other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b) ) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Credit Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

(h)     Interim Interest . If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, until the Borrower shall have reimbursed the Issuing Bank for such LC Disbursement (either with its own funds or a Borrowing under Section 2.08(e)), the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Loans that are Revolving Loans. Interest accrued pursuant to this Section 2.08(h) shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to Section 2.08(e) to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Revolving Credit Lender to the extent of such payment.

(i)     Replacement of the Issuing Bank . The Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Credit Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 3.05(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of the Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.

(j)     Cash Collateralization . If (i) any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing and the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.08(j) or (ii) the Borrower is required to pay to the Administrative Agent the excess attributable to an LC Exposure in connection with any prepayment pursuant to Section 3.04(c), then the Borrower shall deposit, in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash equal to (A) in the case of an Event of Default, the LC Exposure and (B) in the case of a payment required by Section 3.04(c), the amount of such excess as provided in Section 3.04(c), as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary described in Section 10.01(h) or Section 10.01(i). The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing

 

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Bank and the Lenders, an exclusive first priority and continuing perfected security interest in and Lien on such account and all cash, checks, drafts, certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time deposited or held in such account, all deposits or wire transfers made thereto, any and all investments purchased with funds deposited in such account, all interest, dividends, cash, instruments, financial assets and other Property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise payable in respect of, or in exchange for, any or all of the foregoing, and all proceeds, products, accessions, rents, profits, income and benefits therefrom, and any substitutions and replacements therefor. The Borrower’s obligation to deposit amounts pursuant to this Section 2.08(j) shall be absolute and unconditional, without regard to whether any beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit has attempted to draw down all or a portion of such amount under the terms of a Letter of Credit, and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be subject to any defense or be affected by a right of set-off, counterclaim or recoupment which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may now or hereafter have against any such beneficiary, the Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or any other Person for any reason whatsoever. Such deposit shall be held as collateral securing the payment and performance of the Borrower’s and the Guarantor’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, and the Borrower is not otherwise required to pay to the Administrative Agent the excess attributable to an LC Exposure in connection with any prepayment pursuant to Section 3.04(c), then such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.

(k)     Defaulting Lenders . If, at any time, a Defaulting Lender exists hereunder, then, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Issuing Bank, the Borrower shall cash collateralize the Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Bank with respect to such Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv) and any cash collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender) with respect to the Defaulting Lender in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of such Fronting Exposure and (y) an amount otherwise agreeable to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent in their sole discretion.

(i)     Grant of Security Interest . The Borrower and, to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash collateral as security for (A) in the case of the Defaulting Lender, the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of

 

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LC Exposure, to be applied pursuant to clause (ii) below and (B) in the case of the Borrower, its obligations hereunder to reimburse the LC Exposure for which such Defaulting Lender is obligated as a participant. Borrower or such Defaulting Lender, as applicable, shall execute any documents and agreements, including the Administrative Agent’s standard form assignment of deposit accounts, that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests in connection therewith to establish such cash collateral account and to grant the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, a first priority security interest in such account and the funds therein. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that cash collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank as herein provided, or that the total amount of such cash collateral is less than the amount required above, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional cash collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any cash collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

(ii)     Application . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, cash collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender under this Section 2.08(k) or Section 2.09 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of LC Exposure (including, as to cash collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the cash collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

(iii)     Termination of Requirement . Cash collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.08(k) following (A) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Revolving Credit Lender), or (B) the determination by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank that there exists excess cash collateral; provided that, subject to Section 2.09, (x) the Issuing Bank may determine in its sole discretion that cash collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender shall be held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations of such Defaulting Lender and (y) the Borrower and the Issuing Bank may agree that cash collateral provided by the Borrower shall be held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations; and provided further that to the extent that such cash collateral was provided by the Borrower, such cash collateral shall remain subject to any other security interest granted pursuant to the Loan Documents.

(l)     LC Exposure Determination . For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.

 

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Section 2.09     Defaulting Lenders .

(a)     Defaulting Lender Adjustments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Revolving Credit Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Revolving Credit Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law:

(i)     Waivers and Amendments . Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definitions of “Majority Lenders” and “Required Revolving Credit Lenders” and as set forth in Section 12.02.

(ii)     Defaulting Lender Waterfall . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article X or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 12.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Bank hereunder; third , to cash collateralize the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.08(k); fourth , as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Revolving Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth , if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Revolving Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize the Issuing Bank’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.08(k); sixth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Revolving Credit Lenders or the Issuing Bank as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Revolving Credit Lender or the Issuing Bank against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth , to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Revolving Loans or LC Exposure in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Revolving Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 6.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Revolving Loans of, and LC Exposure owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Revolving Loans of, or LC Exposure owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Revolving Loans and funded and unfunded participations in LC Exposure are held by the Revolving Credit Lenders pro

 

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rata in accordance with the Revolving Credit Commitments without giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.09(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Revolving Credit Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii)     Certain Fees .

(A)    No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 3.05(a) for any period during which that Revolving Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

(B)    Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive fees pursuant to Section 3.05(b) for any period during which that Revolving Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided cash collateral pursuant to Section 2.08(k).

(C)    With respect to any fee pursuant to Section 3.05(b) not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to sub-clause (B) above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit obligations that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to the Issuing Bank the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

(iv)     Reallocation of Participations to Reduce Fronting Exposure . All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in LC Exposure shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Revolving Credit Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Maximum Revolving Credit Amount) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect. Subject to Section 12.18, no reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Revolving Credit Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

(v)     Cash Collateral . If the reallocation described in clause (iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, cash collateralize the Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.08(k).

 

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(b)     Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank agree in writing that a Revolving Credit Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any cash collateral), that Revolving Credit Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Revolving Loans of the other Revolving Credit Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Revolving Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit to be held pro rata by the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with the Revolving Credit Commitments (without giving effect to Section 2.09(a)(iv)), whereupon such Revolving Credit Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Revolving Credit Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Revolving Credit Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Revolving Credit Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

(c)     New Letters of Credit . So long as any Revolving Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect thereto.

ARTICLE III

PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST; PREPAYMENTS; FEES

Section 3.01     Repayment of Loans . The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan on the Termination Date.

Section 3.02     Interest .

(a)     ABR Loans . The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

(b)     Eurodollar Loans . The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.

(c)     Post-Default Rate . Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if any Event of Default of the type described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h),

 

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Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j) occurs and is continuing, then (x) all outstanding principal in respect of Loans and (y) all fees and other obligations under any Loan Document that, in the case of this clause (y), are not paid when due shall in each case automatically bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in Section 3.02(a) (including the Applicable Margin), but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, and shall be payable on demand by the Administrative Agent and (ii) if any Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j)) and is continuing, then at the election of the Majority Lenders (or the Administrative Agent at the direction of Majority Lenders), (x) all outstanding principal in respect of Loans and (y) all fees and other obligations under any Loan Document that, in the case of this clause (y), are not paid when due shall, in each case, bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in Section 3.02(a) (including the Applicable Margin), but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, and shall be payable on demand by the Administrative Agent. References in this Section 3.02(c) to the Applicable Margin refer, in the case of Term Loans, to the Applicable Margin for Term Loans and refer, in the case of all other amounts owing under any Loan Documents (including but not limited to Revolving Loans), to the Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans.

(d)     Interest Payment Dates . Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and on the Termination Date; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to Section 3.02(c) shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than an optional prepayment of an ABR Loan prior to the Termination Date), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment, and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(e)     Interest Rate Computations . All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case interest shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and be binding upon the parties hereto.

Section 3.03     Alternate Rate of Interest . If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:

(a)    the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

(b)    the Administrative Agent is advised by the Majority Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

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then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, fax or other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b) as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective, and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made either as an ABR Borrowing or at an alternate rate of interest determined by the Majority Lenders as their cost of funds.

Section 3.04     Prepayments .

(a)     Optional Prepayments . The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay, without premium or penalty subject to Section  5.02 , any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with Section 3.04(b). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the Borrower may not voluntarily prepay the Term Loans unless, after giving effect to such prepayment, Liquidity will be not less than $25,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower may not voluntarily prepay the Revolving Loans in full and terminate the Revolving Credit Commitments unless the Term Loans have been repaid in full or are contemporaneously being repaid in full in connection with such repayment of the Revolving Loans in full and the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments.

(b)     Notice and Terms of Optional Prepayment . The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by fax or other electronic communication subject to Section 12.01(b) ) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid (and specify whether Revolving Loans or Term Loans are being prepaid); provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.06(b), then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.06(b). Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the applicable Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 3.02.

(c)     Mandatory Prepayments .

(i)    If, after giving effect to any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Revolving Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.06(b), the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeds the total Revolving Credit Commitments, then the

 

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Borrower shall (A) prepay the Borrowings of Revolving Loans on the date of such termination or reduction in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess, and (B) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings of Revolving Loans as a result of an LC Exposure, pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j).

(ii)    Upon any redetermination of or adjustment to the amount of the Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 2.07 (other than Section 2.07(e) or Section 2.07(f)) or with Section 8.13(c), if there exists a Borrowing Base Deficiency, then the Borrower shall within ten (10) Business Days following receipt of the New Borrowing Base Notice in accordance with Section 2.07(d) or the date the adjustment occurs, provide written notice (the “ Election Notice ”) to the Administrative Agent stating the action which the Borrower proposes to take to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and the Borrower shall thereafter, at its option, either:

(A)    within forty-five (45) days following the delivery of the New Borrowing Base Notice, by instruments reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, provide the Administrative Agent with additional security consisting of Oil and Gas Properties not evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report with value and quality satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Revolving Credit Lenders in their sole discretion (but determined consistent with their respective customary oil and gas lending criteria as it exists at the particular time) to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency;

(B)    within forty-five (45) following delivery of the New Borrowing Base Notice, prepay without premium or penalty, the Borrowings of Revolving Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency and, if any Borrowing Base Deficiency remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings of Revolving Loans as a result of an LC Exposure, pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount necessary to eliminate such remaining Borrowing Base Deficiency to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j);

(C)    elect to prepay (and thereafter pay), without premium or penalty, the principal amount of Revolving Loans necessary to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency in not more than six (6) equal monthly installments plus accrued interest thereon with the first such monthly payment being due within forty-five (45) days following delivery of the New Borrowing Base Notice (and, if any Borrowing Base Deficiency remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings of Revolving Loans as a result of an LC Exposure, pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount necessary to eliminate such remaining Borrowing Base Deficiency to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j)); or

(D)    by any combination of prepayment and additional security as provided in the preceding clauses (A), (B) or (C), eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency; provided that all payments required to be made pursuant to this Section 3.04(c)(ii) must be made on or prior to the Termination Date.

 

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(iii)    Upon any redetermination of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.07(e) in connection with incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt or pursuant to Section 2.07(f) in connection with a Triggering Disposition, if there exists a Borrowing Base Deficiency, the Borrower shall prepay the Borrowings of Revolving Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency and, if any Borrowing Base Deficiency remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings of Revolving Loans as a result of an LC Exposure, pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount necessary to eliminate such remaining Borrowing Base Deficiency to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j). The Borrower shall be obligated to make such prepayment and/or deposit of cash collateral within one (1) Business Day following the receipt by any Credit Party of Net Proceeds in respect of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt or such Triggering Disposition, as applicable; provided that all payments required to be made pursuant to this Section 3.04(c)(iii) must be made on or prior to the Termination Date.

(iv)    Within one (1) Business Day following the receipt by any Credit Party of Net Proceeds in respect of any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, in addition to any mandatory prepayment requirements that may result from such incurrence under the preceding Section 3.04(c)(iii), the Borrower shall prepay the Term Loans in an aggregate amount equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the Net Proceeds received in respect of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to permit any Credit Party to incur Debt other than as permitted under Section 9.02, and any such incurrence of Debt in violation of Section 9.02 shall be a breach of this Agreement.

(v)    Within one (1) Business Day following the receipt by any Credit Party of Net Proceeds in respect of a Triggering Disposition, the Borrower shall prepay the Term Loans in an aggregate amount equal to the remainder of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of the Net Proceeds received in respect of such Triggering Disposition minus (B) the portion, if any, of such Net Proceeds that is used to prepay Revolving Loans or cash collateralize Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 3.04(c)(iii); provided that, in the case of any Triggering Disposition that is consummated at any time after the First Scheduled Borrowing Base Date, (1) if the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the effect that the Credit Parties intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such Triggering Disposition (or a portion thereof as specified in such certificate), within 150 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to purchase assets useful in the business of the Credit Parties (or, in the case of any Casualty Event constituting a Triggering Event, to replace or repair the Property that is subject to such Casualty Event), then, so long as, after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Triggering Disposition, no Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency then exists, no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this Section 3.04(c)(v) in respect of the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate and (2) to the extent any such Net Proceeds have not been so applied by the end of such 150-day period, a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to permit any Credit Party to sell Property in breach of Section  9.12 , and any such sale in violation of Section  9.12 will constitute a breach of this Agreement.

 

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(vi)    Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be applied first ratably to any ABR Borrowings then outstanding and thereafter to any Eurodollar Borrowings then outstanding, and if more than one Eurodollar Borrowing is then outstanding, to each such Eurodollar Borrowing in order of priority beginning with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the least number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto and ending with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the most number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto.

(vii)    Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowings. Prepayments pursuant to this Section 3.04(c) shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 3.02.

(viii)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if a Borrowing Base Deficiency exists at the time any mandatory prepayment of Loans is required hereunder, or at the time any optional prepayment is tendered in respect of the Term Loans, any such prepayment amounts shall be applied first to prepay Revolving Loans and/or to cash collateralize LC Exposure in an amount sufficient to eliminate such Borrowing Base Deficiency, and thereafter to the prepayment of the Term Loans.

(d)     Excess Cash Balances . If, on the last Business Day of any calendar week, the Credit Parties have any Excess Cash on such Business Day (other than the proceeds of a Borrowing that will be used within three (3) Business Days of such Borrowing for the purposes set forth on an exhibit to the applicable Borrowing Request (as certified by the Borrower in such Borrowing Request)), the Borrower shall prepay Borrowings of Revolving Loans on the second following Business Day, which prepayment shall be in an amount equal to the amount of such Excess Cash and, if any Excess Cash remains after the Borrowings of Revolving Loans are fully prepaid, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to the lesser of such remaining Excess Cash and the amount of LC Exposure to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 2.08(j). Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(d) shall be applied to the Revolving Loans as directed by the Borrower, provided that if the Borrower does not provide instructions for the application of such prepayment, such prepayment shall be applied, first , ratably to any ABR Borrowings then outstanding, and, second , to any Eurodollar Borrowings then outstanding, and if more than one Eurodollar Borrowing is then outstanding, to each such Eurodollar Borrowing in order of priority beginning with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the least number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto and ending with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the most number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto. Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.04(d) shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowings. Prepayments pursuant to this Section 3.04(d) shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 3.02.

(e)     Amortization of Term Loans . The Borrower shall repay the Term Loans on the last day of each March, June September and December (commencing March 31, 2017) in

 

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the principal amount of Term Loans as follows; provided that if any such date is not a Business Day, such payment shall be due on the next preceding Business Day:

 

Payment Date

   Amortization Payment  

March 31, 2017

   $ 58,333.33  

June 30, 2017

   $ 375,000.00  

September 30, 2017

   $ 375,000.00  

December 31, 2017

   $ 375,000.00  

March 31, 2018

   $ 375,000.00  

June 30, 2018

   $ 375,000.00  

September 30, 2018

   $ 375,000.00  

December 31, 2018

   $ 375,000.00  

March 31, 2019

   $ 375,000.00  

June 30, 2019

   $ 1,125,000.00  

September 30, 2019

   $ 1,125,000.00  

December 31, 2019

   $ 1,125,000.00  

March 31, 2020

   $ 1,125,000.00  

June 30, 2020

   $ 1,875,000.00  

September 30, 2020

   $ 1,875,000.00  

December 31, 2020

   $ 1,875,000.00  

(f)     No Premium or Penalty . Prepayments permitted or required under this Section 3.04 shall be without premium or penalty, except as required under Section 5.02.

Section 3.05     Fees .

(a)     Revolving Credit Commitment Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the applicable Revolving Credit Commitment Fee Rate on the average daily amount of the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Revolving Credit Lender during the period from and including the date of this Agreement to but excluding the

 

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Termination Date (it being understood that LC Exposure shall constitute usage of the Revolving Credit Commitments for purposes of this Section 3.05(a)). Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the Termination Date, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(b)     Letter of Credit Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Margin used to determine the interest rate applicable to Revolving Loans that are Eurodollar Loans on the average daily amount of such Revolving Credit Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the date of this Agreement to but excluding the later of the date on which such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment terminates and the date on which such Revolving Credit Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, (ii) to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the date of this Agreement to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, provided that in no event shall such fee be less than $500 during any quarter, and (iii) to the Issuing Bank, for its own account, its standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date of this Agreement; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the Termination Date and any such fees accruing after the Termination Date shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 3.05(b) shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, unless such computation would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, in which case participation and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(c)     Administrative Agent Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

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ARTICLE IV

PAYMENTS; PRO RATA TREATMENT; SHARING OF SET-OFFS

Section 4.01     Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs .

(a)     Payments by the Borrower . The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without defense, deduction, recoupment, set-off or counterclaim. Fees, once paid, shall be fully earned and shall not be refundable under any circumstances absent manifest error. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices specified in Section 12.01, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 and Section 12.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.

(b)     Application of Insufficient Payments . If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

(c)     Sharing of Payments by Lenders . If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Term Loans, Revolving Loans and/or participations in LC Disbursements of other Lenders, as applicable, to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Term Loans, Revolving Loans and/or participations in LC Disbursements; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this Section 4.01(c) shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower

 

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pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section 4.01(c) shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

Section 4.02     Presumption of Payment by the Borrower . 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 Bank 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 applicable Lenders or the Issuing Bank, 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 Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

Section 4.03     Certain Deductions by the Administrative Agent . If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(a), Section 2.08(d), Section 2.08(e) or Section 4.02, or otherwise hereunder, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid. If at any time prior to the acceleration or maturity of the Loans, the Administrative Agent shall receive any payment in respect of principal of a Loan or a reimbursement of an LC Disbursement while one or more Defaulting Lenders shall be party to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall apply such payment first to the Borrowing(s) for which such Defaulting Lender(s) shall have failed to fund its pro rata share until such time as such Borrowing(s) are paid in full or each Lender (including each Defaulting Lender) is owed its Applicable Term Loan Percentage of all Term Loans and Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of all Revolving Loans then outstanding, as applicable. After acceleration or maturity of the Loans, all principal will be paid as provided in Section 10.02(c).

Section 4.04     Disposition of Proceeds . The Security Instruments contain an assignment by the Borrower and/or the Guarantors unto and in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties of all of the Borrower’s or each Guarantor’s interest in and to production and all proceeds attributable thereto which may be produced from or allocated to the Mortgaged Property. The Security Instruments further provide in general for the application of such proceeds to the satisfaction of the Indebtedness and other obligations described therein and secured thereby. Notwithstanding the assignment contained in such Security Instruments, until

 

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the occurrence of an Event of Default, (a) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree that they will neither notify the purchaser or purchasers of such production nor take any other action to cause such proceeds to be remitted to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, but the Lenders will instead permit such proceeds to be paid to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (b) the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to take such actions as may be necessary to cause such proceeds to be paid to the Borrower and/or such Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE V

INCREASED COSTS; BREAK FUNDING PAYMENTS; TAXES; ILLEGALITY

Section 5.01     Increased Costs .

(a)     Eurodollar Changes in Law . If any Change in Law shall:

(i)    impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate);

(ii)    subject the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, or (B) Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii)    impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or other recipient of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or other recipient (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or other recipient such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or other recipient for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b)     Capital Requirements . If any Lender or the Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’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 Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

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(c)     Certificates . A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in Section 5.01(a) or (b) shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

(d)     Effect of Failure or Delay in Requesting Compensation . Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 5.01 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 5.01 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, 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 Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided , further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

Section 5.02     Break Funding Payments . In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan into an ABR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto, or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04(b), then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market.

A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 5.02 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

Section 5.03     Taxes .

(a)     Payments Free of Taxes . Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be free and clear of and without

 

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deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law ; provided that if any Withholding Agent shall be required to deduct or withhold any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable by the applicable Credit Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions or withholdings (including deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.03(a)), the Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (ii) the Withholding Agent shall make such deductions or withholdings and (iii) the Withholding Agent shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b)     Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower . The Credit Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

(c)     Indemnification by the Borrower . The Credit Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Issuing Bank, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 5.03) payable or paid by, or required to be deducted or withheld from payment to, the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Bank, 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 Governmental Authority. A certificate of the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the Issuing Bank as to the amount of such payment or liability under this Section 5.03 shall be delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)     Indemnification by the Lenders . Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent any Credit Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Credit Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 12.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any 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 any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (d).

(e)     Evidence of Payments . As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to Section 5.03, such Credit Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(f)     Status of Lenders . (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably 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. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 5.03(f)(ii)(A), Section 5.03(f)(ii)(B) and Section 5.03(g) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii)    Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

(A)    any Lender that is a U.S. Person 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 reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States federal backup withholding tax;

(B)    any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) 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 reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1)    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

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(2)    executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3)    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 I-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable); or

(4)    to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2 or Exhibit I-3 , IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; and

(C)    any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Withholding Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) 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 reasonable request of the Withholding Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Withholding Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered under this Section 5.03(f) expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(g)     FATCA . Each 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)

 

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and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA, to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 5.03(g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered under this Section 5.03(g) expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, from and after the Effective Date, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) the Credit Agreement as not qualifying as a “grandfathered obligation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

(h)     Survival . Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

(i)     Defined Terms . For purposes of this Section, the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Bank and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

Section 5.04     Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .

(a)     Designation of Different Lending Office . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.01, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.03, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 5.01 or Section 5.03, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b)     Replacement of Lenders . If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.01, (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.03, (iii) any Revolving Credit Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender hereunder, (iv) any Revolving Credit Lender has not approved an increase in the Borrowing Base proposed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.07(c)(iii) that has been approved by the Supermajority Revolving Credit Lenders, or (v) in addition to the foregoing, (A) in connection with any consent to or approval of any proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document (other than an increase in the Borrowing Base) that requires the consent of each

 

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Lender or the consent of each Lender affected thereby, the consent of the Required Lenders shall have been obtained but any Lender has not so consented to or approved such proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release or (B) in connection with any consent to or approval of any proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document (other than an increase in the Borrowing Base) that requires the consent of each Revolving Credit Lender or the consent of each Revolving Credit Lender affected thereby, the consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders shall have been obtained but any Revolving Credit Lender has not so consented to or approved such proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release    then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 12.04(b)), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (1) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 12.04, (2) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (3) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.01 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.03, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

Section 5.05     Illegality . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that it becomes unlawful for any Lender or its applicable lending office to honor its obligation to make or maintain Eurodollar Loans either generally or having a particular Interest Period hereunder, then (a) such Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof and such Lender’s obligation to make such Eurodollar Loans shall be suspended (the “ Affected Loans ”) until such time as such Lender may again make and maintain such Eurodollar Loans and (b) all Affected Loans which would otherwise be made by such Lender shall be made instead as ABR Loans (and, if such Lender so requests by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, all Affected Loans of such Lender then outstanding shall be automatically converted into ABR Loans on the date specified by such Lender in such notice) and, to the extent that Affected Loans are so made as (or converted into) ABR Loans, all payments of principal which would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s Affected Loans shall be applied instead to its ABR Loans.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

Section 6.01     Effective Date . The amendment and restatement of the Prepetition Credit Agreement by this Agreement and the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans (or to be deemed to have made Loans, as applicable) and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder (excluding the Existing Letters of Credit) shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 12.02):

 

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(a)    The Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders shall have received all commitment, facility and agency fees and all other fees and amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, (i) to the extent invoiced at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Effective Date, reimbursement or payment of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder on or before the Effective Date (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel to the Administrative Agent) and (ii) upfront fees for the account of the Lenders in an amount for each such Lender equal to the sum of (A) 0.50% of such Lender’s final allocated Revolving Credit Commitment on the Effective Date plus (B) 0.50% of such Lender’s final allocated share of the Term Loans on the Effective Date.

(b)    The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and each Guarantor setting forth (i) resolutions of its board of directors (or comparable governing body) with respect to the authorization of the Borrower or such Guarantor to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to enter into the transactions contemplated in those documents, (ii) the officers of the Borrower or such Guarantor (A) who are authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which the Borrower or such Guarantor is a party and (B) who will, until replaced by another officer or officers duly authorized for that purpose, act as its representative for the purposes of signing documents and giving notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) specimen signatures of such authorized officers, and (iv) the articles or certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or comparable organizational documents for any Credit Parties that are not corporations) of the Borrower and such Guarantor, certified as being true and complete. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders may conclusively rely on such certificate until the Administrative Agent receives notice in writing from the Borrower to the contrary.

(c)    The Administrative Agent shall have received certificates of the appropriate State agencies with respect to the existence, qualification and good standing of the Borrower and each Guarantor.

(d)    The Administrative Agent shall have received from each party hereto counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party.

(e)    The Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed Notes payable to each Lender in principal amounts equal to its Maximum Revolving Credit Amount and Term Loans, respectively, dated as of the date hereof.

(f)    The Administrative Agent shall have received from each party thereto duly executed counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of the Security Instruments, including the Guaranty Agreement, the Security Agreement, the mortgages and the other Security Instruments described on Exhibit  E . In connection with the execution and delivery of the Security Instruments, the Administrative Agent shall:

(i)    be reasonably satisfied that the Security Instruments create first priority, perfected Liens (subject only to Excepted Liens identified in clauses (a) to (d),

 

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(f), and (i) of the definition thereof, but subject to the provisos at the end of such definition) on at least 95% of the PV-9 of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report and on all other Property purported to be pledged as collateral pursuant to the Security Instruments; and

(ii)    have received certificates, if any, together with undated, blank stock powers for each such certificate, representing all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of the Guarantors, to the extent such Equity Interests are certificated.

(g)    The Administrative Agent shall have received an opinion of (i) Latham & Watkins LLP, special counsel to the Borrower, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, and (ii) local counsel in any other jurisdictions (including Oklahoma) reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, in each case in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

(h)    The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of insurance coverage of the Credit Parties evidencing that the Credit Parties are carrying insurance in accordance with Section 7.12.

(i)    The Administrative Agent shall have received title information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require satisfactory to the Administrative Agent setting forth the status of title to at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.

(j)    The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the environmental condition of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

(k)    The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that the Borrower has received all consents and approvals required by Section 7.03.

(l)    The Administrative Agent shall have received the financial statements referred to in Section 7.04(a), a pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower after giving effect to the Transactions (including any Loan made or deemed made on the Effective Date) and the Plan of Reorganization, detailed financial projections of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for five years following the Effective Date (prepared on a quarterly basis), and the Initial Reserve Report accompanied by a certificate covering the matters described in Section 8.12(c).

(m)    The Administrative Agent shall have received appropriate UCC search certificates and county-level real property record search results reflecting no prior Liens encumbering the Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each jurisdiction requested by the Administrative Agent other than those being assigned or released on or prior to the Effective Date or Liens permitted by Section 9.03.

 

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(n)    The Administrative Agent shall have received, and reasonably satisfactorily completed its review of, all due diligence information regarding the Credit Parties as it shall have requested including, without limitation, information regarding litigation, tax matters, accounting matters, insurance matters, labor matters, pension liabilities (actual or contingent), real estate leases, material contracts, debt agreements, property ownership, contingent liabilities and other legal matters of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

(o)    The capitalization structure and equity ownership of each Credit Party after giving effect to the Transactions shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in all respects.

(p)    Since December 15, 2016, there shall have been no event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (excluding the pendency of the Bankruptcy Proceedings).

(q)    The Borrower shall have received Net Proceeds of the issuance of Equity Interests in an amount not less than $50,000,000 on terms and conditions set forth in the Plan of Reorganization.

(r)    (i) The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Confirmation Order in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Confirmation Order shall be in full force and effect, not subject to any stay, and shall not have been amended in any manner materially adverse to the Lenders, (ii) all conditions to the Effective Date (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) of the Plan of Reorganization shall have been satisfied (or will be satisfied upon the occurrence of the Effective Date) or waived , such Effective Date (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) shall have occurred or shall occur substantially contemporaneously with the Effective Date, and the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization in accordance with its terms shall have occurred or shall occur substantially contemporaneously with the Effective Date and (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied that the claims or interests in the Credit Parties have been satisfied or otherwise addressed as set forth in the Plan of Reorganization. The Confirmation Order shall approve the Loan Documents and authorize the Credit Parties’ execution and delivery thereof.

(s)    After giving effect to the initial Revolving Loans made or deemed made hereunder on the Effective Date, the Liquidity of the Credit Parties shall be not less than $100,000,000.

(t)    The Borrower shall, or shall have caused another Credit Party to, enter into Swap Agreements with an Approved Counterparty to hedge notional amounts of crude oil and natural gas, as applicable, covering not less than, (i) for each calendar month during the calendar year ending December 31, 2017, 80%, (ii) for each calendar month during the calendar year ending December 31, 2018, 60%, and (iii) for each calendar month during the calendar year ending December 31, 2019, 40%, in each case of the reasonably anticipated production of such crude oil and natural gas constituting PDP Reserves for such calendar month as such anticipated production is set forth in the Initial Reserve Report; provided that, such Swap Agreements shall have effective floor prices of not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the closing contract price for the applicable calendar month as quoted on NYMEX as of the date such Swap Agreement is entered into.

 

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(u)    The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Credit Parties, to the extent requested by the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act, no later than 10 days prior to the Effective Date.

(v)    The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent or special counsel to the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 11.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 6.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required under this Section 6.01 to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the Effective Date specifying its objection thereto. All documents executed or submitted pursuant to this Section 6.01 by and on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.

Section 6.02     Each Credit Event . The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan (or to be deemed to have made a Loan, as applicable) on the occasion of any Borrowing (including the initial funding but excluding any conversion of Loans to the other Type or continuation of Eurodollar Loans), and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a)    At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing.

(b)    The representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Guarantors set forth in this Agreement and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, except to the extent (i) that any such representations and warranties are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified earlier date, and (ii) that any such representation and warranty is expressly qualified by materiality or by reference to Material Adverse Effect, in which case such representation and warranty (as so qualified) shall continue to be true and correct in all respects.

(c)    The making of such Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, would not conflict with, or cause any Lender or

 

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the Issuing Bank to violate or exceed, any applicable Governmental Requirement in any material respect, and no material litigation shall be pending or threatened, which does or, with respect to any threatened litigation, seeks to, enjoin, prohibit or restrain, the making or repayment of any Loan, the issuance, amendment, renewal, extension or repayment of any Letter of Credit or any participations therein or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(d)    Solely with respect to any Borrowing of Revolving Loans, (i) the Credit Parties shall not have any Excess Cash at the time of such Borrowing or (ii) such Borrowing (after giving effect to the use of proceeds therefrom (as certified by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that such use of proceeds must be something other than cash on the Credit Parties’ balance sheet) within three (3) Business Days of such date) would not otherwise cause the Credit Parties to have any Excess Cash.

(e)    The receipt by the Administrative Agent of a Borrowing Request in accordance with Section 2.03 or a request for a Letter of Credit (or an amendment, extension or renewal of a Letter of Credit) in accordance with Section 2.08(b), as applicable.

Each request for a Borrowing and each request for the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in Section 6.02(a) through (d).

ARTICLE VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

Section 7.01     Organization; Powers . Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority, and has all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals necessary, to own its assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except where failure to have such power, authority, licenses, authorizations, consents, approvals and qualifications could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.02     Authority; Enforceability . The Transactions are within the Borrower’s and each Guarantor’s corporate, limited liability company, or partnership powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, or partnership action and, if required, action by any holders of its Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any action required to be taken by any class of directors, managers or supervisors of the Borrower or any other Person, whether interested or disinterested, in order to ensure the due authorization of the Transactions). Each Loan Document to which the Borrower and each Guarantor is a party has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and such Guarantor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower and such Guarantor, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

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Section 7.03     Approvals; No Conflicts . The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority or any other third Person (including holders of its Equity Interests or any class of directors, managers or supervisors, as applicable, whether interested or disinterested, of the Borrower or any other Person), nor is any such consent, approval, registration, filing or other action necessary for the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect other than (i) the recording and filing of the Security Instruments as required by this Agreement and (ii) those third party approvals or consents which, if not made or obtained, would not cause a Default hereunder, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or do not have an adverse effect on the enforceability of the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation in any material respect or the charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any respect or any order of any Governmental Authority in any material respect, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument in respect of Material Debt binding upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their Properties, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, (d) will not violate in any material respect or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument (other than those in respect of Material Debt) binding upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their Properties, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, and (e) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than the Liens created by the Loan Documents).

Section 7.04     Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change .

(a)    The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, reported on by Grant Thornton LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, certified by a Financial Officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the unaudited quarterly financial statements.

(b)    Since December 15, 2016 (i) there has been no event, development or circumstance (other than the pendency of the Bankruptcy Proceedings) that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has been conducted only in the ordinary course consistent with past business practices.

(c)    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has on the date hereof any material Debt (including Disqualified Capital Stock) or any contingent liabilities, off-balance sheet liabilities or partnerships, liabilities for taxes, unusual forward or long-term commitments or unrealized or anticipated losses from any unfavorable commitments, except for the Indebtedness or as referred to or reflected or provided for in the Financial Statements.

 

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Section 7.05     Litigation .

(a)    Except as set forth on Schedule  7.05 , as of the Effective Date, there are no material actions, suits, investigations or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has received service of process or other written notice, or threatened in writing against or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has received service of process or other written notice, or threatened in writing against or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) not fully covered by insurance (except for normal deductibles) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.

(b)    Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the matters disclosed in Schedule  7.05 that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.06     Environmental Matters . Except for such matters as set forth on Schedule  7.06 or that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower:

(a)    the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and each of their respective Properties and operations thereon are, and within all applicable statute of limitation periods have been, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws.

(b)    the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have obtained all Environmental Permits required for their respective operations and each of their Properties, with all such Environmental Permits being currently in full force and effect, and none of Borrower or its Subsidiaries has received any written notice or otherwise has knowledge that any such existing Environmental Permit will be revoked or that any application for any new Environmental Permit or renewal of any existing Environmental Permit will be protested or denied.

(c)    there are no claims, demands, suits, orders, inquiries, or proceedings concerning any violation of, or any liability (including as a potentially responsible party) under, any applicable Environmental Laws that is pending or threatened in writing against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective Properties or as a result of any operations at such Properties.

(d)    to the Borrower’s knowledge, none of the Properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary contain or have contained any: (i) underground storage tanks; (ii) asbestos-containing materials; (iii) landfills or dumps; (iv) hazardous waste management units as defined pursuant to RCRA or any comparable state law; or (v) sites on or nominated for the National Priority List promulgated pursuant to CERCLA or any state remedial priority list promulgated or published pursuant to any comparable state law.

 

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(e)    there has been no Release or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened Release, of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s Properties, there are no investigations, remediations, abatements, removals, or monitorings of Hazardous Materials required under applicable Environmental Laws at such Properties and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, none of such Properties are adversely affected by any Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material originating or emanating from any other real property.

(f)    neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice asserting an alleged liability or obligation under any applicable Environmental Laws with respect to the investigation, remediation, abatement, removal, or monitoring of any Hazardous Materials at, under, or Released or threatened to be Released from any real properties offsite of the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s Properties and, to the Borrower’s knowledge, there are no conditions or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to result in the receipt of such written notice.

(g)    there has been no exposure of any Person or Property to any Hazardous Materials as a result of or in connection with the operations and businesses of any of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties that could reasonably be expected to form the basis for a claim for damages or compensation.

The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have provided to the Lenders complete and correct copies of all material written environmental site assessment reports, investigations, studies, analyses, and correspondence on environmental matters (including matters relating to any alleged non-compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws) that are in any of the Borrower’s or the Subsidiaries’ possession or control and relating to their respective Properties or operations thereon and that are not otherwise subject to the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine, or any other confidentiality agreements.

Section 7.07     Compliance with the Laws and Agreements; No Defaults .

(a)    Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with all Governmental Requirements applicable to it or its Property and all agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its Property, and possesses all licenses, permits, franchises, exemptions, approvals and other governmental authorizations necessary for the ownership of its Property and the conduct of its business, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default nor has any event or circumstance occurred which, but for the expiration of any applicable grace period or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default or would require the Borrower or a Subsidiary to Redeem or make any offer to Redeem under any indenture, note, credit agreement or instrument pursuant to which any Material Debt is outstanding or by which the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their Properties is bound.

 

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(c)    No Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 7.08     Investment Company Act . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Section 7.09     Taxes . Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all material Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes required to have been paid by it, except Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of Taxes and other governmental charges are, in the reasonable opinion of the Borrower, adequate. No Tax Lien has been filed and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, no claim is being asserted with respect to any such Tax or other such governmental charge.

Section 7.10     ERISA .

(a)    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with ERISA and, where applicable, the Code regarding each Plan.

(b)    Each Plan is, and has been, established and maintained in substantial compliance with its terms, ERISA and, where applicable, the Code.

(c)    Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $5,000,000, no act, omission or transaction has occurred which could result in imposition on the Borrower or any Subsidiary (whether directly or indirectly) of (i) either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsections (c), (i), (l) or (m) of section 502 of ERISA or a tax imposed pursuant to Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code or (ii) breach of fiduciary duty liability damages under section 409 of ERISA.

(d)    Full payment when due has been made of all amounts which the Borrower or its Subsidiaries is required under the terms of each Plan or applicable law to have paid as contributions to such Plan as of the date hereof.

(e)    Neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries sponsors, maintains, or contributes to an employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in section 3(1) of ERISA, including, without limitation, any such plan maintained to provide benefits to former employees of such entities, that may not be terminated by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in its sole discretion at any time without any material liability.

(f)    Neither the Borrower, its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA Affiliate sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or has at any time in the six-year period preceding the date hereof sponsored, maintained or contributed to, any Pension Plan.

Section 7.11     Disclosure; No Material Misstatements . The Borrower has disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to it, that,

 

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individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any of their Affiliates in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, prospect information, geological and geophysical data and engineering projections, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time. To the knowledge of the Borrower, there is no fact peculiar to the Borrower or any Subsidiary which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or in the future is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect and which has not been set forth in this Agreement or the Loan Documents or the other documents, certificates and statements furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary prior to, or on, the date hereof in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. There are no statements or conclusions in any Reserve Report which are based upon or include materially misleading information or fail to take into account material information known to the Borrower regarding the matters reported therein, it being understood that projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate.

Section 7.12     Insurance . The Borrower has, and has caused all of its Subsidiaries to have, (a) all insurance policies sufficient for the compliance by each of them with all material Governmental Requirements and all material agreements and (b) insurance coverage in at least amounts and against such risk (including, without limitation, public liability) that are usually insured against by companies similarly situated and engaged in the same or a similar business for the assets and operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders have been named as additional insureds in respect of such liability insurance policies and the Administrative Agent has been named as lender loss payee with respect to Property loss insurance.

Section 7.13     Restriction on Liens . Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any material agreement or arrangement (other than Capital Leases creating Liens permitted by Section 9.03(d), but then only on the Property subject of such Capital Lease), or subject to any order, judgment, writ or decree, which either restricts or purports to restrict its ability to grant Liens to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties on or in respect of their Properties to secure the Indebtedness and the Loan Documents.

Section 7.14     Subsidiaries . Except as set forth on Schedule  7.14 or as disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly furnish a copy to the Lenders), which shall be a supplement to Schedule  7.14 , the Borrower has no Subsidiaries and the Borrower has no Foreign Subsidiaries. Schedule 7.14 identifies each Subsidiary as either “Material” or “Immaterial”.

 

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Section 7.15     Location of Business and Offices . The Borrower’s jurisdiction of organization is Delaware; the name of the Borrower as listed in the public records of its jurisdiction of organization is Chaparral Energy, Inc.; and the organizational identification number of the Borrower in its jurisdiction of organization is 4030106 (or, in each case, as set forth in a notice delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.01(m) in accordance with Section 12.01). The Borrower’s principal place of business and chief executive offices are located at the address specified in Section 12.01 (or as set forth in a notice delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(m) and Section 12.01(c)). Each Subsidiary’s jurisdiction of organization, name as listed in the public records of its jurisdiction of organization, organizational identification number in its jurisdiction of organization, and the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office is stated on Schedule  7.14 (or as set forth in a notice delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(m)).

Section 7.16     Properties; Titles, Etc .

(a)    Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries has good and defensible title (subject to Immaterial Title Deficiencies) to the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report and good title in all material respects to all its personal Properties, in each case, free and clear of all Liens except Liens permitted by Section 9.03. After giving full effect to the Excepted Liens, the Borrower or the Subsidiary specified as the owner owns the net interests in production attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests as reflected in the most recently delivered Reserve Report, and the ownership of such Properties shall not in any material respect obligate the Borrower or such Subsidiary to bear the costs and expenses relating to the maintenance, development and operations of each such Property in an amount in excess of the working interest of each Property set forth in the most recently delivered Reserve Report that is not offset by a corresponding proportionate increase in the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s net revenue interest in such Property.

(b)    All material leases and agreements necessary for the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, in full force and effect, and there exists no default or event or circumstance which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would give rise to a default under any such lease or leases, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    The rights and Properties presently owned, leased or licensed by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, all easements and rights of way, include all rights and Properties necessary to permit the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to conduct their business in all material respects in the same manner as its business has been conducted prior to the date hereof.

(d)    All of the material Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which are reasonably necessary for the operation of their businesses are in good working condition and are maintained in accordance with prudent business standards.

(e)    The Borrower and each Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual Property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Borrower and such Subsidiary does not infringe upon the

 

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rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries either own or have valid licenses or other rights to use all databases, geological data, geophysical data, engineering data, seismic data, maps, interpretations and other technical information used in their businesses as presently conducted, subject to the limitations contained in the agreements governing the use of the same, which limitations are customary for companies engaged in the business of the exploration and production of Hydrocarbons, with such exceptions as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 7.17     Maintenance of Properties . Except for such acts or failures to act as could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Proved Oil and Gas Properties (and Properties unitized therewith) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have been maintained, operated and developed in a good and workmanlike manner and in conformity with all Governmental Requirements and in conformity with the provisions of all leases, subleases or other contracts comprising a part of the Hydrocarbon Interests and other contracts and agreements forming a part of such Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. Specifically in connection with the foregoing, except for those as could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) no Proved Oil and Gas Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is subject to having allowable production reduced below the full and regular allowable (including the maximum permissible tolerance) because of any overproduction (whether or not the same was permissible at the time) and (b) none of the wells comprising a part of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties (or Properties unitized therewith) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is deviated from the vertical more than the maximum permitted by Governmental Requirements, and such wells are, in fact, bottomed under and are producing from, and the well bores are wholly within, such Oil and Gas Properties (or in the case of wells located on Properties unitized therewith, such unitized Properties) of the Borrower or such Subsidiary. All pipelines, wells, gas processing plants, platforms and other material improvements, fixtures and equipment owned in whole or in part by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that are necessary to conduct normal operations are being maintained in a state adequate to conduct normal operations, and with respect to such of the foregoing which are operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in a manner consistent with the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ past practices (other than those the failure of which to maintain in accordance with this Section 7.17 could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).

Section 7.18     Gas Imbalances , Prepayments . Except as set forth on Schedule  7.18 or on the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.12(c), on a net basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments which would require the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to deliver Hydrocarbons produced from their Proved Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor exceeding one bcf of gas (on an mcf equivalent basis) in the aggregate.

Section 7.19     Marketing of Production . Except for contracts listed and in effect on the date hereof on Schedule  7.19 , and thereafter either disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent or included in the most recently delivered Reserve Report (with respect to all of which contracts the Borrower represents that it or its Subsidiaries are receiving a price for all production sold thereunder which is computed substantially in accordance with the terms of the

 

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relevant contract and are not having deliveries curtailed substantially below the subject Property’s delivery capacity), no material agreements exist which are not cancelable on 60 days’ notice or less without penalty or detriment for the sale of production from the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Hydrocarbons (including, without limitation, calls on or other rights to purchase, production, whether or not the same are currently being exercised) that (a) pertain to the sale of production at a fixed price and (b) have a maturity or expiry date of longer than six (6) months from the date hereof.

Section 7.20     Swap Agreements and Qualified ECP Guarantor . Schedule  7.20 , as of the date hereof, and after the date hereof, each report required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.01(e), sets forth, a true and complete list of all Swap Agreements of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, the material terms thereof (including the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), the net mark to market value thereof, all credit support agreements relating thereto (including any margin required or supplied) and the counterparty to each such agreement. The Borrower is a Qualified ECP Guarantor.

Section 7.21     Use of Loans and Letters of Credit . The proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit shall be used for the deemed restructuring and rearrangement of the Debt under the Prepetition Credit Agreement, to provide working capital for exploration and production operations, for acquisitions of Oil and Gas Properties permitted hereunder and for general corporate purposes. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are not engaged principally, or as one of its or their important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board). No part of the proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit will be used for any purpose which violates the provisions of Regulations T, U or X of the Board.

Section 7.22     Solvency . After giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby (including each Borrowing hereunder and each issuance or extension of any Letter of Credit), (a) the aggregate assets (after giving effect to amounts that could reasonably be received by reason of indemnity, offset, insurance or any similar arrangement), at a fair valuation, of the Borrower and the Guarantors, taken as a whole, will exceed the aggregate Debt of the Borrower and the Guarantors on a consolidated basis, as the Debt becomes absolute and matures, (b) the Borrower and the Guarantors, on a consolidated basis, will not have incurred or intended to incur, and will not believe that they will incur, Debt beyond their ability to pay such Debt (after taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by the Borrower and the Guarantors and the amounts to be payable on or in respect of its liabilities, and giving effect to amounts that could reasonably be received by reason of indemnity, offset, insurance or any similar arrangement) as such Debt becomes absolute and matures, and (c) the Borrower and the Guarantors, on a consolidated basis, will not have (and will have no reason to believe that they will have thereafter) unreasonably small capital for the conduct of their businesses.

Section 7.23     Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions .

(a)    The Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

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(b)    The Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective officers, employees, directors and agents are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects.

(c)    The Borrower, its Subsidiaries, their respective officers and employees, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, its directors and agents are not engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in any Credit Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person.

(d)    None of (x) the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (y) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any agent of the Borrower that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person.    The Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds from the Loans or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person subject to any applicable Sanctions.

Section 7.24     EEA Financial Institutions . No Credit Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

Section 7.25     Security Instruments . The Security Instruments are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Mortgaged Properties and proceeds thereof, subject, in the case of enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity and principles of good faith and fair dealing. The Indebtedness is and shall be at all times secured by legal, valid and enforceable, perfected first priority Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, covering and encumbering the Mortgaged Properties, to the extent perfection has occurred or will occur, by the recording of a mortgage, the filing of a UCC financing statement or, with respect to Equity Interests represented by certificates, by possession (in each case, to the extent available in the applicable jurisdiction); provided that, except in the case of pledged Equity Interests or as otherwise provided herein, Liens permitted by Section 9.03 may exist.

ARTICLE VIII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Revolving Credit Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder and all other amounts (other than contingent indemnity obligations for which no claim has been made) payable under the Loan Documents shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

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Section 8.01     Financial Statements; Other Information . The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent for delivery to each Lender:

(a)     Annual Financial Statements . As soon as available, but in any event in accordance with then applicable law and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case (other than after the implementation of fresh start accounting) in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by Grant Thornton LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing or otherwise reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

(b)     Quarterly Financial Statements . As soon as available, but in any event in accordance with then applicable law and not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case (other than after the implementation of fresh start accounting) in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

(c)     Certificate of Financial Officer — Compliance . Not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a certificate of a Financial Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit  D hereto (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 9.01 (other than Section 9.01(c)) and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 7.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate.

(d)     Cash Flow and Capital Expenditure Forecast . As soon as available, but in any event not later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a cash flow and capital expenditure forecast for the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal year.

(e)     Certificate of Financial Officer — Swap Agreements . Not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the

 

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Borrower and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a certificate of a Financial Officer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth as of the last Business Day of such fiscal quarter or such fiscal year, as applicable, a true and complete list of all Swap Agreements of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, the material economic terms thereof (including the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), the net mark-to-market value therefor, any new credit support agreements relating thereto not listed on Schedule  7.20 , any margin required or supplied under any credit support document, and the counterparty to each such agreement.

(f)     Certificate of Insurer — Insurance Coverage . Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 8.01(a), a certificate of insurance coverage from each insurer with respect to the insurance required by Section 8.07, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, all copies of the applicable policies.

(g)     Other Accounting Reports . Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report or letter submitted to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by independent accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, and a copy of any delivered written response by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, or the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, to such letter or report.

(h)     SEC and Other Filings; Reports to Shareholders . Promptly after the same become publicly available, (i) written notice of the filing of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or with any national securities exchange (other than Forms 10-Q and 10-K), or (ii) copies of materials distributed by the Borrower to its equityholders generally.

(i)     Notices Under Material Instruments . Promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any financial statement, report or written notice furnished to or by any Person pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock designation, indenture, loan or credit or other similar agreement, other than this Agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other provision of this Section 8.01.

(j)     Lists of Purchasers . Promptly following the written request of the Administrative Agent, a list of all Persons currently purchasing Hydrocarbons from the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

(k)     Notice of Sales of Oil and Gas Properties . In the event the Borrower or any Subsidiary intends to sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any Oil and Gas Properties or any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary or to terminate or otherwise monetize any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities, in each case that could reasonably be expected to be a Triggering Disposition, prior written notice thereof in accordance with Section 9.12(h)(iv)(A).

(l)     Notice of Casualty Events . Prompt written notice, and in any event within three Business Days, of the occurrence of any Casualty Event or the commencement of any action or proceeding that could reasonably be expected to result in a Casualty Event.

 

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(m)     Information Regarding Borrower and Guarantors . Prompt written notice (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days prior thereto (or such lesser amount of prior notice as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent)) of any change (i) in the Borrower or any Guarantor’s corporate name or in any trade name used to identify such Person in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its Properties, (ii) in the location of the Borrower or any Guarantor’s chief executive office or principal place of business, (iii) in the Borrower or any Guarantor’s identity or corporate structure or in the jurisdiction in which such Person is incorporated or formed, (iv) in the Borrower or any Guarantor’s organizational identification number in such jurisdiction of organization, and (v) in the Borrower or any Guarantor’s federal taxpayer identification number.

(n)     Production Report and Lease Operating Statements . Concurrently with the delivery of each Reserve Report hereunder, a report setting forth, for each calendar month during the prior twelve (12) month period, the volume of production and sales attributable to production (and the prices at which such sales were made and the revenues derived from such sales) for each such calendar month from the Oil and Gas Properties, and setting forth the related ad valorem, severance and production taxes and lease operating expenses attributable thereto and incurred for each such calendar month.

(o)     Incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt . In the event the Borrower intends to incur any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, prior written notice of the intended incurrence of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, the anticipated amount thereof, and the anticipated date of closing and promptly when available will furnish a copy of the preliminary offering memorandum (if any) and the final offering memorandum (if any).

(p)     Deposit Accounts, Commodities Accounts and Securities Accounts . Not less than ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice (or such shorter period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) of the opening of any new Deposit Account, Commodities Account or Securities Account (other than Excluded Accounts).

(q)     Notices of Certain Changes . Promptly, but in any event within five (5) Business Days after the execution thereof, copies of any amendment, modification or supplement to the certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, certificate or articles of organization, regulations, any preferred stock designation or any other organic document of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

(r)     Other Requested Information . Promptly following any written request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any Plan and any reports or other information required to be filed with respect thereto under the Code or under ERISA), or compliance with the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a), (b) or (h) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (a) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s public

 

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website or (b) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower, as applicable, shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon its written request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender of the posting of any such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

Section 8.02     Notices of Material Events . The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt (and in any event within three Business Days) written notice of the following:

(a)    the occurrence of any Default;

(b)    the filing or commencement of, or the threat in writing of, any action, suit, proceeding, investigation or arbitration by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof not previously disclosed in writing to the Lenders or any material adverse development in any action, suit, proceeding, investigation or arbitration (whether or not previously disclosed to the Lenders) that, in either case, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $5,000,000, not fully covered by insurance, subject to normal deductibles (and excluding any actions, suits, proceedings, investigations or arbitrations arising under or otherwise related to Environmental Laws, which are subject to the terms of Section 8.10(b) ); and

(c)    any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

Each notice delivered under this Section 8.02 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

Section 8.03     Existence; Conduct of Business . The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business and maintain, if necessary, its qualification to do business in each other jurisdiction in which its Oil and Gas Properties are located or the ownership of its Properties requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 9.11.

Section 8.04     Payment of Obligations . The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities of the Borrower and all of its

 

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Subsidiaries before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or result in the seizure or levy of any Proved Oil and Gas Property or other material Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

Section 8.05     Performance of Obligations under Loan Documents . The Borrower will pay the Notes according to the reading, tenor and effect thereof, and the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, do and perform every act and discharge all of the obligations to be performed and discharged by them under the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, this Agreement, at the time or times and in the manner specified.

Section 8.06     Operation and Maintenance of Properties . The Borrower, at its own expense, will, and will cause each Subsidiary to:

(a)    operate its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and other material Properties or cause such Proved Oil and Gas Properties and other material Properties to be operated in a careful and efficient manner in accordance with the practices of the industry and in compliance with all applicable contracts and agreements and in compliance with all Governmental Requirements, including, without limitation, applicable proration requirements and Environmental Laws, and all applicable laws, rules and regulations of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the development and operation of its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and the production and sale of Hydrocarbons and other minerals therefrom, except, in each case, where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)    maintain and keep in good repair, working order and efficiency (ordinary wear and tear excepted) all of its producing Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties material to the conduct of its business, including, without limitation, all equipment, machinery and facilities, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)    promptly pay and discharge, or make reasonable and customary efforts to cause to be paid and discharged, all delay rentals, royalties, expenses and indebtedness accruing under the leases or other agreements affecting or pertaining to its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and will do all other things necessary to keep unimpaired their rights with respect thereto and prevent any forfeiture thereof or default thereunder, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to (i) have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) result in a forfeiture or default with respect to any material Hydrocarbon Interests included in the Borrowing Base;

(d)    promptly perform or make reasonable and customary efforts to cause to be performed, in accordance with industry standards, the obligations required by each and all of the assignments, deeds, leases, sub-leases, contracts and agreements affecting its interests in its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to (i) have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) result in a forfeiture or default with respect to any material Hydrocarbon Interests included in the Borrowing Base;

 

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(e)    operate its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties or cause or make reasonable and customary efforts to cause such Oil and Gas Properties and other Properties to be operated in accordance with the practices of the industry and in compliance with all applicable contracts and agreements and in compliance with all Governmental Requirements, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(f)    to the extent the Borrower is not the operator of any Property, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to comply with this Section 8.06.

Section 8.07     Insurance . The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance (a) in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) in accordance in all material respects with all Governmental Requirements. The loss payable clauses or provisions in said insurance policy or policies insuring any of the collateral for the Loans shall be endorsed in favor of and made payable to the Administrative Agent as its interests may appear and such policies shall name the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as “additional insureds” and/or “lender loss payees” as applicable and provide that the insurer will endeavor to give at least thirty (30) days prior notice of any cancellation to the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.08     Books and Records; Inspection Rights . The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its Properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as reasonably requested; provided that, unless an Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall bear the cost of only one such inspection per year by the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.09     Compliance with Laws . The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its Property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

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Section 8.10     Environmental Matters .

(a)    The Borrower shall at its sole expense: (i) comply, and shall cause its Properties and operations and each Subsidiary and each Subsidiary’s Properties and operations to comply, with all applicable Environmental Laws, the breach of which could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) not Release or threaten to Release, and shall cause each Subsidiary not to Release or threaten to Release, any Hazardous Material on, under, about or from any of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties or any other property offsite the Property to the extent caused by the Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ operations except in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, the Release or threatened Release of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) timely obtain or file, and shall cause each Subsidiary to timely obtain or file, all Environmental Permits, if any, required under applicable Environmental Laws to be obtained or filed in connection with the operation or use of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties, which failure to obtain or file could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (iv) promptly commence and diligently prosecute to completion, and shall cause each Subsidiary to promptly commence and diligently prosecute to completion, any assessment, evaluation, investigation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, removal, repair, restoration, remediation or other remedial obligations (collectively, the “ Remedial Work ”) in the event any Remedial Work is required or reasonably necessary under applicable Environmental Laws because of or in connection with the actual or suspected past, present or future Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material on, under, about or from any of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Properties, which failure to commence and diligently prosecute to completion could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (v) conduct, and cause its Subsidiaries to conduct, their respective operations and businesses in a manner that will not expose any Property or Person to Hazardous Materials that could reasonably be expected to form the basis for a claim for damages or compensation that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect; and (vi) establish and implement, and shall cause each Subsidiary to establish and implement, such procedures as may be necessary to continuously determine and assure that the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ obligations under this Section 8.10(a) are timely and fully satisfied, which failure to establish and implement could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    The Borrower will promptly, but in no event later than five Business Days after the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing of any threatened action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority or any threatened demand or lawsuit by any Person against the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or their Properties of which the Borrower has knowledge in connection with any Environmental Laws if the Borrower could reasonably anticipate that such action will result in liability (whether individually or in the aggregate) in excess of the Threshold Amount, not fully covered by insurance, subject to normal deductibles (such notice does not have to be provided until such time that Borrower reasonably determines that such matter could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of the Threshold Amount).

(c)    The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, provide environmental assessments, audits and tests in accordance with the most current version of the American Society of Testing Materials standards where applicable upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and no more than once per year in the absence of any

 

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Event of Default (or as otherwise required to be obtained by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders by any Governmental Authority), in connection with any future acquisitions of Oil and Gas Properties or other Properties.

Section 8.11     Further Assurances .

(a)    The Borrower at its sole expense will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent all such other documents, agreements and instruments reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to comply with, cure any defects or accomplish the conditions precedent, covenants and agreements of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, in the Loan Documents, including the Notes, or to further evidence and more fully describe the collateral intended as security for the Indebtedness, or to correct any omissions in this Agreement or the Security Instruments, or to state more fully the obligations secured therein, or to perfect, protect or preserve any Liens created pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Security Instruments or the priority thereof, or to make any recordings, file any notices or obtain any consents, all as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate, in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent, in connection therewith.

(b)    The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to all or any part of the Mortgaged Property without the signature of the Borrower or any other Guarantor where permitted by law. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of the Security Instruments or any financing statement covering the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any such financing statement may describe the collateral as “all assets” of the applicable Credit Party or words of similar effect as may be required by the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.12     Reserve Reports .

(a)    On or before April 1 st and October 1 st of each year, commencing April 1 st , 2017, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a Reserve Report evaluating the Proved Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties that are Qualified ECP Guarantors as of the immediately preceding January 1 st and July 1 st . The Reserve Report as of January 1 of each year shall be prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers; provided , that the Reserve Report to be prepared as of January 1, 2017 may be prepared by the Borrower with respect to not more than ten percent (10%) of the value of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties so long as such portion of the Reserve Report is audited by an Approved Petroleum Engineer. The July 1 Reserve Report of each year shall be prepared by or under the supervision of the chief engineer of the Borrower who shall certify that (x) such Reserve Report is based on information that was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, (y) there are no statements or conclusions in such Reserve Report which are based upon or include materially misleading information or fail to take into account material information known to the Borrower regarding the matters reported therein (it being understood that projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate) and (z) such Reserve Report has been prepared in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding January 1 Reserve Report.

 

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(b)    In the event of an Interim Redetermination, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a Reserve Report prepared by or under the supervision of the chief engineer of the Borrower who shall certify that (x) such Reserve Report is based on information that was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, (y) there are no statements or conclusions in such Reserve Report which are based upon or include materially misleading information or fail to take into account material information known to the Borrower regarding the matters reported therein (it being understood that projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate) and (z) such Reserve Report has been prepared in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding January 1 Reserve Report. For any Interim Redetermination requested by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.07(b), the Borrower shall provide such Reserve Report with an “as of” date as required by the Administrative Agent as soon as possible, but in any event no later than thirty (30) days (or, solely in the case of Interim Redeterminations requested by the Borrower, such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) following the receipt of such request.

(c)    With the delivery of each Reserve Report, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a certificate from a Responsible Officer certifying that, in all material respects: (i) the information contained in the Reserve Report and any other information delivered in connection therewith is based on information that was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time and there are no statements or conclusions in the Reserve Report which are based upon or include materially misleading information or fail to take into account material information known to it regarding the matters reported therein (it being understood that projections concerning volumes attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and production and cost estimates contained in each Reserve Report are necessarily based upon professional opinions, estimates and projections and that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not warrant that such opinions, estimates and projections will ultimately prove to have been accurate), (ii) the Borrower or its Subsidiaries owns good and defensible title to the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report and such Properties are free of all Liens except for Excepted Liens and Liens securing the Indebtedness, (iii) except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, on a net basis there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments in excess of the volume specified in Section 7.18 with respect to its Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report which would require the Borrower or any Subsidiary to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from such Proved Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor, (iv) none of their Proved Oil and Gas Properties have been sold since the date of the last Borrowing Base determination except as set forth on an exhibit to the certificate, which certificate shall list all of its Proved Oil and Gas Properties sold and in such detail as reasonably required by the Administrative Agent,

 

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(v) attached to the certificate is a list of all marketing agreements entered into subsequent to the later of the date hereof or the most recently delivered Reserve Report which the Borrower could reasonably be expected to have been obligated to list on Schedule  7.19 had such agreement been in effect on the date hereof, (vi) attached thereto is a schedule of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report that are Mortgaged Properties and demonstrating the percentage of the total value of such Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report that the value of such Mortgaged Properties represent in compliance with Section 8.14(a) and (vii) with respect to each Reserve Report delivered pursuant to Section 8.12(a), attached thereto are reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with the minimum Asset Coverage Ratio required to be maintained pursuant to Section 9.01(c) tested on the “as of” date of such Reserve Report.

Section 8.13     Title Information .

(a)    On or before the delivery to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of each Reserve Report required by Section 8.12(a), the Borrower will deliver title information that is reasonably required by the Administrative Agent, in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, covering enough of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report that were not included in the immediately preceding Reserve Report, so that the Administrative Agent shall have received together with title information previously delivered to the Administrative Agent, satisfactory title information on at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report.

(b)    If the Borrower has provided title information for additional Proved Oil and Gas Properties under Section 8.13(a), the Borrower shall, within 60 days after notice from the Administrative Agent (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) that title defects or exceptions exist with respect to such additional Proved Oil and Gas Properties, either (i) cure any such title defects or exceptions (including defects or exceptions as to priority) which are not permitted by Section 9.03 raised by such information, (ii) substitute acceptable Mortgaged Properties with no title defects or exceptions except for Excepted Liens (other than Excepted Liens described in clauses (e), (g) and (h) of such definition) having an equivalent value, or (iii) deliver title information in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent so that the Administrative Agent shall have received, together with title information previously delivered to the Administrative Agent, satisfactory title information on at least 90% of the PV-9 of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report.

(c)    If the Borrower is unable to cure any title defect requested by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to be cured within the 60-day period (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) or the Borrower does not comply with the requirements to provide acceptable title information covering 90% of the value of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the most recent Reserve Report, such default shall not be a Default, but instead the Administrative Agent and/or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders shall have the right to exercise the following remedy in their sole discretion from time to time, and any failure to so exercise this remedy at any time shall not be a waiver as to future exercise of the remedy by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders. To the extent that the Administrative Agent or the Required Revolving Credit Lenders are not satisfied with title to any

 

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Mortgaged Property after the 60-day period has elapsed, such unacceptable Mortgaged Property shall not count towards the 90% requirement, and the Administrative Agent may send a notice to the Borrower and the Revolving Credit Lenders that the then outstanding Borrowing Base shall be reduced to reflect the exclusion of such unacceptable Mortgaged Properties by an amount as determined by the Required Revolving Credit Lenders to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with the requirement to provide acceptable title information on 90% of the value of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties remaining in the Borrowing Base. This new Borrowing Base shall become effective immediately after receipt of such notice.

Section 8.14     Additional Collateral and Additional Guarantors .

(a)    In connection with each redetermination of the Borrowing Base, the Borrower shall review the Reserve Report and the list of current Mortgaged Properties (as described in Section 8.12(c)(vi)) to ascertain whether the Mortgaged Properties represent at least 95% of the PV-9 of the Proved Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the most recently completed Reserve Report after giving effect to exploration and production activities, acquisitions, dispositions and production. In the event that the Mortgaged Properties do not represent at least 95% of such PV-9, then the Borrower shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, grant, within thirty (30) days (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) of delivery of the certificate required under Section 8.12(c), to the Administrative Agent as security for the Indebtedness a first-priority Lien interest ( provided that Excepted Liens of the type described in clauses (a) to (d), (f), and (i) of the definition thereof may exist, but subject to the provisos at the end of such definition) on additional Proved Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties that are Qualified ECP Guarantors and which such Proved Oil and Gas Properties are not already subject to a Lien of the Security Instruments such that after giving effect thereto, the Mortgaged Properties will represent at least 95% of such PV-9. All such Liens will be created and perfected by and in accordance with the provisions of deeds of trust, mortgages, security agreements and financing statements or other Security Instruments, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and in sufficient executed (and acknowledged where necessary or appropriate) counterparts for recording purposes. In order to comply with the foregoing, if any Subsidiary places a Lien on its Proved Oil and Gas Properties and such Subsidiary is not a Guarantor, then it shall become a Guarantor and comply with Section 8.14(b).

(b)    In the event that (i) the Borrower determines that any Immaterial Subsidiary is a Material Subsidiary, (ii) the Borrower or any Subsidiary creates, forms or acquires any Material Subsidiary, or (iii) any Domestic Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor guarantees any other Debt of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, the Borrower shall cause such applicable Subsidiary to guarantee the Indebtedness pursuant to the Guaranty Agreement within thirty (30) days (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent). In connection with any such guaranty, the Borrower shall, or shall cause such Subsidiary to, (A) execute and deliver a supplement to the Guaranty Agreement and the Security Agreement executed by such Subsidiary, (B) pledge all of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (including, without limitation, delivery of original stock certificates evidencing the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, together with an appropriate undated stock powers for each certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof), and (C) execute and deliver such other additional closing documents, certificates and legal opinions as shall reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

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(c)    The Borrower will at all times cause the other material tangible and intangible assets of the Borrower and each Material Subsidiary (including, without limitation, all Swap Agreements but excluding the Excluded Assets (as defined in the Security Agreement)) to be subject to a Lien of the Security Instruments.

(d)    Notwithstanding any provision in any of the Loan Documents to the contrary, in no event is any Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulations) owned by any Credit Party included in the Mortgaged Property and no Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home shall be encumbered by any Security Instrument; provided , that (i) the applicable Credit Party’s interests in all lands and Hydrocarbons situated under any such Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home shall be included in the Mortgaged Property and shall be encumbered by the Security Instruments and (ii) the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, permit to exist any Lien on any Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home except Excepted Liens.

Section 8.15     ERISA Compliance . The Borrower will promptly furnish and will cause the Subsidiaries to promptly furnish to the Administrative Agent (a) promptly after the filing thereof with the United States Secretary of Labor or the Internal Revenue Service, copies of each annual and other report with respect to each Plan or any trust created thereunder, and (b) immediately upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any “prohibited transaction,” as described in section 406 of ERISA or in section 4975 of the Code, in connection with any Plan or any trust created thereunder, a written notice signed by the President or the principal Financial Officer of the Borrower or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, specifying the nature thereof, what action the Borrower or the Subsidiary is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and, when known, any action taken or proposed by the Internal Revenue Service or the Department of Labor with respect thereto.

Section 8.16     Commodity Price Risk Management Policy . The Credit Parties shall maintain a commodity price risk management policy, which policy shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.17     Deposit Accounts; Commodities Accounts and Securities Accounts . The Borrower and each Guarantor will maintain one or more of the Lenders or Affiliates of Lenders as it principal depository bank(s), and will not have or maintain any Deposit Accounts with any banks that are not Lenders or Affiliates of Lenders (other than Excluded Accounts); provided that if any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender is such a depository bank for the Borrower or any Guarantor and such Lender for any reason ceases to be a Lender party to this Agreement, the Borrower or such Guarantor (as applicable) shall be deemed to have satisfied the foregoing requirement so long as the Borrower or such Guarantor transitions its Deposit Accounts to another Lender or Affiliate of a Lender within thirty (30) days (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) following such cessation. The Borrower and each Guarantor will cause each of their respective Deposit Accounts, Commodities Accounts or Securities Accounts (in each case, other than Excluded Accounts) to

 

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at all times be subject to an Account Control Agreement in accordance with and to the extent required by the Security Agreement (which Security Agreement shall provide that the Credit Parties shall have until the date that is 60 days after the Effective Date (as such date may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) to be in compliance with the last sentence of this Section 8.17).

Section 8.18     Commodity Exchange Act Keepwell Provisions . The Borrower hereby guarantees the payment and performance of all Indebtedness of each Credit Party (other than the Borrower) and absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each Credit Party (other than the Borrower) in order for such Credit Party to honor its obligations under its respective Guaranty Agreement including obligations with respect to Swap Agreements ( provided , however , that the Borrower shall only be liable under this Section 8.18 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 8.18, or otherwise under this Agreement or any Loan Document, as it relates to such other Credit Parties, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.18 shall remain in full force and effect until all Indebtedness is paid in full to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and all other Secured Parties, and all of the Revolving Credit Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitments are terminated. The Borrower intends that this Section 8.18 constitute, and this Section 8.18 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Credit Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

ARTICLE IX

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Revolving Credit Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder and all other amounts (other than contingent indemnity obligations for which no claim has been made) payable under the Loan Documents have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section 9.01     Financial Covenants .

(a)     Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDAX . The Borrower will not, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter commencing with the last day of the fiscal quarter during which the Effective Date occurs, permit the ratio of Total Debt as of such day to EBITDAX for the four fiscal quarters ending on such day to be greater than 3.5 to 1.0.

(b)     Current Ratio . The Borrower will not, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter commencing with the last day of the fiscal quarter during which the Effective Date occurs, permit the ratio of (i) consolidated current assets of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries (including the unused amount of the total Revolving Credit Commitments (but only to the extent that the Borrower is permitted to borrow such amount under the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 6.02 hereof), but excluding non-cash assets under ASC 815 and ASC 410) to (ii) consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower and its

 

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Consolidated Subsidiaries (excluding non-cash obligations under ASC 815 and ASC 410) to be less than 1.0 to 1.0; provided , however , that the current maturities of long term Debt (including the Loans) and non-cash liabilities recorded in connection with stock-based or similar incentive based compensation awards or arrangements shall not be considered consolidated current liabilities for purposes of this ratio.

(c)     Asset Coverage Ratio . The Borrower will not permit, as of each January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing with the first such date after the Effective Date, the ratio of (i) the Total Proved PV-10 as of such date to (ii) (A) the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Loans as of such date minus (B) the amount of the Credit Parties’ unrestricted cash on hand as of such date up to, in the case of this clause (B), a maximum of $37,500,000 (such ratio, the “ Asset Coverage Ratio ”) to be less than 1.35 to 1.00.

(d)     Minimum Liquidity . The Borrower will not permit Liquidity to be less than $25,000,000 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the fiscal quarter during which the Effective Date occurs.

Section 9.02     Debt . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur, create, assume or suffer to exist any Debt, except:

(a)    the Notes or other Indebtedness arising under the Loan Documents or any guaranty of or suretyship arrangement for the Notes or other Indebtedness arising under the Loan Documents.

(b)    Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof that is reflected on Schedule  9.02 .

(c)    accounts payable and accrued expenses, liabilities or other obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, from time to time incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not greater than ninety (90) days past the date of receipt of the invoice or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP.

(d)    Equipment and Fixture Financing Debt not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.

(e)    Debt associated with worker’s compensation claims, performance, bid, surety or similar bonds or surety obligations required by Governmental Requirements or third parties in the ordinary course of business in connection with the operation of the Oil and Gas Properties.

(f)    intercompany Debt between the Borrower and any Subsidiary or between Subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section 9.05(g); provided that such Debt is not held, assigned, transferred, negotiated or pledged to any Person other than the Borrower or one of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, and, provided , further , that any such Debt owed by either the Borrower or a Guarantor shall be subordinated to the Indebtedness on terms set forth in the Guaranty Agreement.

 

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(g)    endorsements of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business.

(h)    any Debt of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and guarantees thereof by any Credit Party or any other Subsidiary; provided that: (i) such Debt shall be unsecured, (ii) such Debt shall not provide for any amortization of principal or any scheduled or mandatory prepayments or Redemptions on any date prior to 180 days after the Maturity Date (other than customary high yield indenture provisions requiring offers to repurchase in connection with asset sales or any change of control, casualty or condemnation event prepayments or customary acceleration rights after an event of default), (iii) such Debt shall not contain a scheduled maturity date that is earlier than 180 days after the Maturity Date, (iv) such Debt (or the documents governing such Debt) shall (A) contain no financial covenant that is more restrictive or onerous with respect to the Credit Parties than the financial covenants herein, and (B) not contain covenants (other than financial covenants) and events of default that are, taken as a whole, more restrictive or onerous with respect on the Credit Parties than those contained in this Agreement are on the Credit Parties (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith), (v) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt, the application of the proceeds thereof, and any automatic reduction of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.07(e) on account thereof, each on a pro forma basis: (A) the Borrower shall be in pro forma compliance with Section 9.01 as of the last day of the applicable period covered by the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(c) (for purposes of Section 9.01, as if such Debt, and all other Debt permitted pursuant to this Section 9.02(h) issued or incurred since the first day of such applicable period, had been issued or incurred on the first day of such applicable period) and (B) no Event of Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency shall exist, (vi) the Borrowing Base shall automatically be reduced on the date of the incurrence of such Debt in accordance with Section 2.07(e) and (vii) the Net Proceeds of such Debt shall be used to prepay the Loans in accordance with and to the extent required by Section 3.04(c)(iii) and Section 3.04(c)(iv).

(i)    Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges which are not yet due or are being contested in good faith in accordance with Section 8.04(a).

(j)    Debt (other than in connection with a loan or lending transaction) incurred in the ordinary course of business for drilling, completing, leasing and reworking oil, gas and CO 2 wells or the treatment, distribution, transportation or sale of production therefrom; provided , however , such Debt shall not be deemed to refer to or include any long term debt.

(k)    Debt which represents an extension, refinancing, or renewal of any of the foregoing; provided that (i) the principal amount of such Debt is not increased (other than by the costs, fees, and expenses and by accrued and unpaid interest paid in connection with any such extension, refinancing or renewal), (ii) the interest rate of such Debt is not increased, (iii) any Liens securing such Debt are not extended to any additional property of any Credit Party, (iv) no Credit Party that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Debt is required to become obligated with respect thereto, (v) such extension, refinancing or renewal does not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of the Debt so extended, refinanced or renewed, (vi) the terms of any such extension, refinancing, or renewal are not materially less favorable to the obligor thereunder, taken as a whole, than the original terms of such Debt and (vii) if the Debt that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the

 

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Indebtedness, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension Debt must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Debt.

(l)    Debt arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or other similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business.

(m)    other Debt not to exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.

Section 9.03     Liens . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any of its Properties (now owned or hereafter acquired), except:

(a)    Liens securing the payment of any Indebtedness.

(b)    Excepted Liens.

(c)    Liens on Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof that is reflected on Schedule  9.03 .

(d)    Liens securing Equipment and Fixture Financing Debt permitted by Section 9.02(d) but only on the Property under lease or the Property purchased, constructed or improved with the proceeds of such Debt.

(e)    Liens not otherwise permitted under the preceding provisions of this Section 9.03 encumbering Properties (other than Equity Interests in Subsidiaries) and securing obligations in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time; provided that (i) such Liens are not incurred in connection with any Debt and (ii) any such Liens encumbering Oil and Gas Properties do not secure obligations in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $1,000,000 at any time.

Section 9.04     Dividends and Distributions and Redemptions of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt; Amendments to Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents .

(a)     Dividends and Distributions . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, return any capital to its stockholders or make any distribution of its Property to its Equity Interest holders, except (i) the Borrower may declare and pay dividends with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock), (ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests and (iii) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit or other equity based plans for management or employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries so long as any such Restricted Payments paid in cash does not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year, provided that in the case of this clause (iii), (x) no Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency shall exist at the time of such payment or result therefrom and (y) after giving effect to such payment, the Borrower shall be in pro forma compliance with Section 9.01.

 

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(b)     Redemption of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt; Amendment of Terms of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any other Credit Party to, prior to the date that is 180 days after the Termination Date:

(i)    call, make or offer to make any optional or voluntary Redemption of or otherwise optionally or voluntarily Redeem (whether in whole or in part) any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, except that, so long as no Borrowing Base Deficiency or Event of Default exists, the Borrower may, substantially contemporaneously with its receipt of any Net Proceeds from (A) any incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt or (B) any sale of Equity Interests in the Borrower (other than Disqualified Capital Stock), prepay or otherwise Redeem Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt in an amount no greater than the amount of such Net Proceeds of such incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt that remain after giving effect to any mandatory prepayments hereunder with such proceeds or such sale of Equity Interests of the Borrower; or

(ii)    amend, modify, waive or otherwise change, consent or agree to any amendment, modification, waiver or other change to, any of the terms of the Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Documents (except to the extent a new incurrence of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt, the proceeds of which were used to Redeem existing Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt pursuant to the foregoing clause (i), would be permitted to have such terms as so amended, modified, waived or otherwise changed) if the effect thereof would be to (A) shorten its maturity to a date earlier than 180 days after the Maturity Date, or (B) modify or amend financial or negative covenants or events of default such that any resulting financial or negative covenant or event of default in respect thereof would be more restrictive with respect to the Credit Parties than the financial and negative covenants and Events of Default in this Agreement.

Section 9.05     Investments, Loans and Advances . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, make or permit to remain outstanding any Investments in or to any Person, except that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to:

(a)    Investments as of the Effective Date which are disclosed to the Lenders in Schedule  9.05 .

(b)    accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business.

(c)    direct obligations of the United States or any agency thereof, or obligations guaranteed by the United States or any agency thereof, in each case maturing within one year from the date of creation thereof.

(d)    commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of creation thereof rated in the highest grade by S&P or Moody’s.

 

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(e)    deposits maturing within one year from the date of creation thereof with, including certificates of deposit issued by, any Lender or any office located in the United States of any other bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $100,000,000 (as of the date of such bank or trust company’s most recent financial reports) and has a short term deposit rating of no lower than A2 or P2, as such rating is set forth from time to time, by S&P or Moody’s, respectively.

(f)    deposits in money market funds investing exclusively in Investments described in Section 9.05(c), Section 9.05(d) or Section 9.05(e).

(g)    Investments (i) made by the Borrower in or to the Guarantors, (ii) made by any Subsidiary in or to the Borrower or any Guarantor and (iii) made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or to all other Domestic Subsidiaries which are not Guarantors in an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $5,000,000.

(h)    subject to the limits in Section 9.06, Investments of the type described in clause (c) of the definition thereof in direct ownership interests in additional Oil and Gas Properties and gas gathering systems related thereto or related to mineral leases; working interests; royalty interests; operating, processing, unitization, farm-out, farm-in, joint operating, joint venture, production sharing or area of mutual interest agreements; pooling arrangements; contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil, natural gas and CO 2; gathering systems; pipelines or other similar agreements, transactions, properties, interests or arrangements which are usual and customary in the oil and gas exploration and production business located within the geographic boundaries of the United States of America.

(i)    Investments arising from the endorsement of financial instruments in the ordinary course of business.

(j)    Investments consisting of guarantees of Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt (or any Debt which represents a permitted extension, refinancing or renewal of such Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt) by any Credit Party.

(k)    other Investments not to exceed $15,000,000 (valued at the time such Investment is made, without giving effect to any write downs, write offs or appreciation with respect to such Investment) in the aggregate at any time.

Section 9.06     Nature of Business; No International Operations . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, allow any material change to be made in the character of its business as an independent oil and gas exploration and production company. From and after the Effective Date, the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries will not acquire or make any other expenditure (whether such expenditure is capital, operating or otherwise) in or related to, any Oil and Gas Properties not located within the geographical boundaries of the United States. The Borrower shall at all times remain organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

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Section 9.07     Limitation on Leases . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any obligation for the payment of rent or hire of Property of any kind whatsoever (real or personal but excluding Capital Leases and leases of Hydrocarbon Interests), under leases or lease agreements which would cause the aggregate amount of all payments made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to all such leases or lease agreements, including, without limitation, any residual payments at the end of any lease, to exceed $12,500,000 in the aggregate during any fiscal year; provided , however , that, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to oil, gas and mineral leases, CO 2 leases or supply agreements, or permits or similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business or orders of any Governmental Authority adjudicating the rights or pooling the interests of the owners of oil and gas properties or lease agreements in effect as of the date hereof.

Section 9.08     Proceeds of Loans .

(a)    The Borrower will not permit the proceeds of the Notes to be used for any purpose other than those permitted by Section 7.21. Neither the Borrower nor any Person acting on behalf of the Borrower has taken or will take any action which might cause any of the Loan Documents to violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X or any other regulation of the Board or to violate Section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any rule or regulation thereunder, in each case as now in effect or as the same may hereinafter be in effect. If requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a statement to the foregoing effect in conformity with the requirements of FR Form U-1 or such other form referred to in Regulation U, Regulation T or Regulation X of the Board, as the case may be.

(b)    The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall cause that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country to the extent such activities, businesses or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by a corporation incorporated in the United States or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

Section 9.09     ERISA Compliance . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time:

(a)    engage in, any transaction in connection with which the Borrower, a Subsidiary could be subjected to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsections (c), (i), (l) or (m) of section 502 of ERISA or a tax imposed by Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code.

(b)    fail to make, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to fail to make, full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Pension Plan, agreement relating thereto or applicable law, the Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as contributions thereto.

 

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(c)    contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to, any employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in section 3(1) of ERISA, including, without limitation, any such plan maintained to provide benefits to former employees of such entities, that may not be terminated by such entities in their sole discretion at any time without any material liability.

(d)    permit an ERISA Event to occur, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to incur an ERISA Event, that when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount.

Section 9.10     Sale or Discount of Receivables . Except for receivables obtained by the Borrower or any Subsidiary out of the ordinary course of business or the settlement of joint interest billing accounts in the ordinary course of business or discounts granted to settle collection of accounts receivable or the sale of defaulted accounts arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not in connection with any financing transaction, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, discount or sell (with or without recourse) any of its notes receivable or accounts receivable.

Section 9.11     Mergers, Etc . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or with or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its Property to any other Person (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) (any such transaction, a “ consolidation ”), or liquidate or dissolve; provided that (a) any Subsidiary may participate in a consolidation with the Borrower ( provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving entity), (b) any Subsidiary may participate in a consolidation with another Subsidiary ( provided that if one of such Subsidiaries is a Guarantor, a Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving entity), and (c) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve so long as all of its assets (if any) are distributed to the Borrower or a Guarantor prior to such liquidation or dissolution.

Section 9.12     Sale of Properties and Termination of Swap Agreements . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, assign, farm-out, convey or otherwise transfer any Property or to terminate or otherwise monetize any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities except for:

(a)    the sale of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course of business;

(b)    farmouts of undeveloped acreage to which no Proved Reserves are attributed and assignments in connection with such farmouts;

(c)    the sale or transfer of equipment that is no longer necessary for the business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary or is replaced by equipment of at least comparable value and use;

(d)    licenses of intellectual property, none of which, in the aggregate, materially impair the operation of the business of any Credit Party;

 

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(e)    the abandonment of intellectual property that is no longer material to the operation of the business of any Credit Party;

(f)    the sale or other disposition of Property between or among Credit Parties subject to compliance with Section 8.14;

(g)    Casualty Events; provided that in the case of a Triggering Disposition, the Borrowing Base shall be automatically reduced on the date of such Triggering Disposition in accordance with Section 2.07(f) and the Net Proceeds of such Casualty Event shall be used to prepay the Loans or, to the extent permitted under Section 3.04(c)(v), reinvested in accordance with Section 3.04(c)(iii) and Section 3.04(c)(v);

(h)    the sale or other disposition of any Oil and Gas Property or any interest therein or any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary owning Oil and Gas Properties and the termination or monetization of any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities (or the sale of any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary that is a party to any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities); provided that:

(i)    no Default or Borrowing Base Deficiency exists or results from such sale or disposition of Property or the termination or monetization of any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities (including after giving effect to any applicable reduction in the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.07(f) and any corresponding mandatory prepayments under Section 3.04(c)(iii));

(ii)    not less than 85% of the consideration received in respect of such sale or other disposition or termination shall be cash;

(iii)    the consideration received in respect of such sale or other disposition or termination or monetization of any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities shall be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Oil and Gas Property, interest therein or Subsidiary subject of such sale or other disposition, or Swap Agreement subject of such termination or monetization (as reasonably determined by the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Borrower or, if such consideration is less than $25,000,000 and the organizational documents of the Borrower do not require such sale or other disposition to be approved by the board of directors, by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying to that effect);

(iv)    in the case of a Triggering Disposition, (A) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent at least ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice of such Triggering Disposition and such other information regarding such Triggering Disposition as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested, (B) the Borrowing Base shall automatically be reduced on the date of such Triggering Disposition in accordance with Section 2.07(f) and (C) the Net Proceeds of such Triggering Disposition shall be used to prepay the Loans or, to the extent permitted under Section 3.04(c)(v), reinvested in accordance with Section 3.04(c)(iii) and Section 3.04(c)(v); and

 

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(v)    if any such sale or other disposition is of a Subsidiary owning Oil and Gas Properties or that is a party to commodity Swap Agreements, such sale or other disposition shall include all the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary; and

(i)    the unwinding or termination of any Swap Agreement as may be necessary to comply with Section 9.18(b), so long as no Swap Agreements are unwound or terminated other than Swap Agreements in respect of the minimum volumes necessary to achieve such compliance; provided that in the case of a Triggering Disposition, the Borrowing Base shall be automatically reduced on the date of such Triggering Disposition in accordance with Section 2.07(f) and the Net Proceeds of such unwind or termination shall be used to prepay the Loans in accordance with Section 3.04(c)(iii) and Section 3.04(c)(v).

Section 9.13     Environmental Matters . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit any of its Property to be in violation of, or do anything or permit anything to be done which will subject any such Property to a Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials, exposure to any Hazardous Materials, or to any Remedial Work under any Environmental Laws, assuming disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to such Property where such violations, Release or threatened Release, exposure, or Remedial Work could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 9.14     Transactions with Affiliates . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate (other than the Guarantors) or any operating portfolio company of any Affiliate unless such transactions are otherwise permitted under this Agreement and are upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to it than it would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate; provided , however , the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.14 shall not apply to: (a) transactions solely among the Credit Parties, (b) the performance of employment, equity award, equity option or equity appreciation agreements, plans or other similar compensation or benefit plans or arrangements (including vacation plans, health and insurance plans, deferred compensation plans and retirement or savings plans) entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business with its or for the benefit of its employees, officers and directors, (c) fees and compensation to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, and employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in their capacity as such, to the extent such fees and compensation are customary, and (d) Restricted Payments permitted hereunder.

Section 9.15     Subsidiaries . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create or acquire any additional Subsidiary unless the Borrower gives written notice to the Administrative Agent of such creation or acquisition and complies with Section 8.14(b). The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, assign or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary except in compliance with Section 9.12. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall have any Foreign Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not permit any Person other than the Borrower or another Credit Party to own any Equity Interests in any Guarantor.

 

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Section 9.16     Negative Pledge Agreements; Dividend Restrictions . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any contract, agreement or understanding (other than this Agreement, the Security Instruments, Debt creating Liens permitted by Section 9.03(c) or Section 9.03(d), any leases or licenses or similar contracts as they affect any Property or Lien subject to a lease or license, or any restriction with respect to a Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the direct or indirect sale or disposition of all or substantially all the equity or Property of such Subsidiary (or the Property that is subject to such restriction) pending the closing of such sale or disposition) which in any way prohibits or restricts the granting, conveying, creation or imposition of any Lien on any of its Property in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties or restricts any Subsidiary from paying dividends or making distributions to the Borrower or any Guarantor, or which requires the consent of or notice to other Persons in connection therewith.

Section 9.17     Gas Imbalances, Take-or-Pay or Other Prepayments . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, allow gas imbalances, take-or-pay or other prepayments (other than any gas imbalances, take-or-pay and other prepayments set forth on Schedule 7.18 or on the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to Section 8.12 (c)) with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would require the Borrower or such Subsidiary to deliver Hydrocarbons at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor to exceed one bcf of gas (on an mcf equivalent basis) in the aggregate.

Section 9.18     Swap Agreements .

(a)    The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreements with any Person other than:

(i)    Subject to clause (b) of this Section 9.18, Swap Agreements with an Approved Counterparty in respect of commodities entered into not for speculative purposes the notional volumes of which (when aggregated with other commodity Swap Agreements then in effect) do not exceed, as of the date such Swap Agreement is entered into (and for each month during the period during which such Swap Agreement is in effect), the applicable percentage set forth in the table below for the time periods (relative to the execution date of the relevant Swap Agreement) set forth in the table below of the reasonably anticipated production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately and, in each case, as such production is forecast from the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ Proved Oil and Gas Properties constituting Proved Reserves as set forth on the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

 

Period (relative to execution date of relevant Swap Agreement)

   Percentage Limitation  

Months 1-24

     90

Months 25-60

     80

 

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provided , however , that (x) such Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor of greater than five (5) years and (y) all purchased put options or price floors for Hydrocarbons shall be excluded for purposes of the foregoing volume limitations on commodity swaps so long as the total amount of obligations thereunder are fixed and known at the time such transaction is entered into. It is understood that Swap Agreements in respect of commodities which may, from time to time, “hedge” the same volumes, but different elements of commodity risk thereof, shall not be aggregated together when calculating the foregoing limitations on notional volumes.

(ii)    Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates with an Approved Counterparty, as follows:

(A)    Swap Agreements effectively converting interest rates from fixed to floating, the notional amounts of which (when aggregated with all other Swap Agreements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries then in effect effectively converting interest rates from fixed to floating) do not exceed 80% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Credit Parties’ Debt for borrowed money which bears interest at a fixed rate, and which Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor beyond the maturity date of such Debt, and

(B)    Swap Agreements effectively converting interest rates from floating to fixed, the notional amounts of which (when aggregated with all other Swap Agreements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries then in effect effectively converting interest rates from floating to fixed) do not exceed 80% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Credit Parties’ Debt for borrowed money which bears interest at a floating rate, and which Swap Agreements shall not, in any case, have a tenor beyond the maturity date of such Debt.

(b)    If, after the end of any calendar quarter, commencing with the first full calendar quarter ending after the Effective Date, the Borrower determines that the aggregate weighted average of the notional volumes of all Swap Agreements in respect of commodities for such calendar quarter (other than basis differential swaps on volumes already hedged pursuant to other Swap Agreements) exceeded 100% of actual production of Hydrocarbons in such calendar quarter, then the Borrower (i) shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such determination and (ii) shall, within 45 days of such determination, terminate (only to the extent such terminations are permitted pursuant to Section 9.12), create off-setting positions, or otherwise unwind or monetize (only to the extent such unwinds or monetizations are permitted pursuant to Section 9.12) existing Swap Agreements such that, at such time, future hedging volumes will not exceed 100% of reasonably anticipated projected production for the then-current and any succeeding calendar quarters.

(c)    In no event shall any Swap Agreement contain any requirement, agreement or covenant for the Borrower or any Subsidiary to post collateral, credit support (including in the form of letters of credit) or margin to secure their obligations under such Swap Agreement or to cover market exposures.

 

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(d)    The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, terminate or monetize any Swap Agreement in respect of commodities without the prior written consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders except to the extent such terminations are permitted pursuant to Section 9.12.

(e)    For purposes of entering into or maintaining Swap Agreement trades or transactions under Section 9.18(a)(i) and Section 9.18(b), respectively, forecasts of reasonably anticipated production from the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ Proved Oil and Gas Properties as set forth on the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to be updated to account for any increase or decrease therein anticipated because of information obtained by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and delivered to the Administrative Agent subsequent to the publication of such Reserve Report including, without limitation, (i) the Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ internal forecasts of production decline rates for existing wells, (ii) additions to or deletions from anticipated future production from new wells, (iii) completed dispositions, and (iv) completed acquisitions coming on stream or failing to come on stream; provided that (A) any such supplemental information shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (B) if any such supplemental information is delivered, such information shall be presented on a net basis ( i.e. , it shall take into account both increases and decreases in anticipated production subsequent to publication of the most recent Reserve Report).

Section 9.19     Marketing Activities . The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in marketing activities for any Hydrocarbons or enter into any contracts related thereto other than (i) contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from their Proved Oil and Gas Properties during the period of such contract, (ii) contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from Proved Oil and Gas Properties of third parties during the period of such contract associated with the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has the right to market pursuant to joint operating agreements, unitization agreements or other similar contracts that are usual and customary in the oil and gas business, and (iii) other contracts for the purchase and/or sale of Hydrocarbons of third parties (A) which have generally offsetting provisions ( i.e. , corresponding pricing mechanics, delivery dates and points and volumes) such that no “position” is taken and (B) for which appropriate credit support has been taken to alleviate the material credit risks of the counterparty thereto.

Section 9.20     Holding Company . The Borrower shall not engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (a) holding 100% of the Equity Interests in its Subsidiaries and other miscellaneous non-material assets incidental to the maintenance of its corporate existence, (b) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, any Swap Agreements and any agreements entered into in connection with any Bank Products, (c) agreements relating to the issuance, sale, purchase, repurchase or registration of securities of the Borrower, (d) minute books and other corporate books and records of the Borrower, (e) tax liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, (f) corporate, administrative and operating expenses in the ordinary course of business and (g) incurring and guaranteeing Debt, and making Restricted Payments and Investments, in each case, to the extent permitted by this Agreement.

 

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Section 9.21     Changes in Fiscal Year and Amendments to Organizational Documents . The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to (a) have its fiscal year end on a date other than December 31 or change its method of determining fiscal quarters or (b) amend its bylaws, limited liability company agreement, certificates of formation or other organizational documents in any manner that is, in the case of this clause (b), materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders.

Section 9.22     Non-Qualified ECP Guarantors . The Borrower shall not permit any Credit Party that is not a Qualified ECP Guarantor to own, at any time, any Proved Oil and Gas Properties or any Equity Interests in any Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE X

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

Section 10.01     Events of Default . One or more of the following events shall constitute an “ Event of Default ”:

(a)    the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof, by acceleration or otherwise.

(b)    the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in Section 10.01(a)) payable under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days.

(c)    any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification of any Loan Document or waiver under such Loan Document, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made (or incorrect in any respect in the case of any such representation or warranty that is already qualified by materiality or by reference to Material Adverse Effect).

(d)    the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in 8.01(m), Section 8.02(a), Section 8.03 (with respect to either the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s existence), Section 8.14, Section 8.17 or in Article IX.

(e)    the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b) or Section 10.01(d)) or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (i) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) or (ii) a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or such Subsidiary otherwise becoming aware of such failure.

 

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(f)    the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Debt, when and as the same shall become due and payable.

(g)    any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Debt becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Debt or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Debt to become due, or to require the Redemption thereof or any offer to Redeem to be made in respect thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity or require the Borrower or any Subsidiary to make an offer in respect thereof.

(h)    an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered.

(i)    the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in Section 10.01(h), (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

(j)    the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due.

(k)    (i) one or more final non-appealable judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third party insurance provided by insurers of the highest claims paying rating or financial strength as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage and is not subject to an insolvency proceeding) or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final non-appealable judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment.

 

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(l)    the Loan Documents after delivery thereof shall for any reason, except to the extent permitted by the terms thereof, cease to be in full force and effect and valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms against the Borrower or a Guarantor party thereto or shall be repudiated by any of them, or cease to create a valid and perfected Lien of the priority required thereby in respect of collateral purported to be covered thereby with an individual fair market value in excess of $1,000,000 or an aggregate fair market value in excess of $2,000,000, except to the extent permitted by the terms of this Agreement, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates shall so state in writing.

(m)    a Change in Control shall occur.

(n)    an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount.

Section 10.02     Remedies .

(a)    In the case of an Event of Default other than one described in Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j), at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Majority Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Revolving Credit Commitments, and thereupon the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Notes and the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors accrued hereunder and under the Notes and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the payment of cash collateral to secure the LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.08(j)), shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower and each Guarantor; and in case of an Event of Default described in Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j), the Revolving Credit Commitments shall automatically terminate and the Notes and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and the other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors accrued hereunder and under the Notes and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the payment of cash collateral to secure the LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.08(j)), shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower and each Guarantor.

(b)    In the case of the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders will have all other rights and remedies available at law and equity.

 

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(c)    All proceeds realized from the liquidation or other disposition of collateral or otherwise received after maturity of the Loans, whether by acceleration or otherwise, shall be applied:

(i)     first , to payment or reimbursement of that portion of the Indebtedness constituting fees, expenses and indemnities payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

(ii)     second , pro rata to payment or reimbursement of that portion of the Indebtedness constituting fees, expenses and indemnities payable to the Lenders;

(iii)     third , pro rata to payment of accrued interest on the Loans;

(iv)     fourth , pro rata to payment of principal outstanding on the Revolving Loans, LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time, and Indebtedness referred to in clause (b) of the definition of Indebtedness owing to Secured Swap Providers;

(v)     fifth , pro rata to payment of principal outstanding on the Term Loans;

(vi)     sixth , pro rata to any other Indebtedness;

(vii)     seventh , to serve as cash collateral to be held by the Administrative Agent to secure the remaining LC Exposure; and

(viii)     eighth , any excess, after all of the Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash, shall be paid to the Borrower or as otherwise required by any Governmental Requirement.

(ix)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts received from the Borrower or any Guarantor that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligations (it being understood, that in the event that any amount is applied to Indebtedness other than Excluded Swap Obligations as a result of this clause, the Administrative Agent shall make such adjustments as it determines are appropriate to distributions pursuant to clause fourth above from amounts received from “eligible contract participants” under the Commodity Exchange Act to ensure, as nearly as possible, that the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to Indebtedness described in clause fourth above by the holders of any Excluded Swap Obligations are the same as the proportional aggregate recoveries with respect to other Indebtedness pursuant to clause fourth above).

ARTICLE XI

THE AGENTS

Section 11.01     Appointment; Powers . Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof and the other Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 

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Section 11.02     Duties and Obligations of Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing (the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law; rather, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties), (b) the Administrative Agent shall have no duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except as provided in Section 11.03, and (c) except as expressly set forth herein, the Administrative Agent shall not 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 Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender, and 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 under any other Loan Document 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 in any other Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article VI or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or as to those conditions precedent expressly required to be to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, (vi) the existence, value, perfection or priority of any collateral security or the financial or other condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any other obligor or guarantor, or (vii) any failure by the Borrower or any other Person (other than itself) to perform any of its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document or the performance or observance of any covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein. For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Article VI, each Lender shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from such Lender prior to the proposed closing date specifying its objection thereto.

Section 11.03     Action by Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall have no 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 in writing as directed by the Majority Lenders (or such other number, class or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the

 

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circumstances as set forth in other provisions this Agreement) and in all cases the Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder or under any other Loan Documents unless it shall (a) receive written instructions from the Majority Lenders or the Lenders, as applicable, (or such other number, class or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in other provisions of this Agreement) specifying the action to be taken and (b) be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expenses which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The instructions as aforesaid and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto by the Administrative Agent shall be binding on all of the Lenders. If a Default has occurred and is continuing, then the Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default as shall be directed by the requisite Lenders in the written instructions (with indemnities) described in this Section 11.03, provided that, unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders. In no event, however, shall the Administrative Agent be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement, the Loan Documents or applicable law. If a Default has occurred and is continuing, no Agent shall have any obligation to perform any act in respect thereof. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders or the Lenders (or such other number, class or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 12.02 provisions of this Agreement), and otherwise the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any other document or instrument referred to or provided for herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith INCLUDING ITS OWN ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 11.04     Reliance by Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent 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 be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon and each of the Borrower, the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby waives the right to dispute the Administrative Agent’s record of such statement, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Administrative Agent. 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. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until a written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof permitted hereunder shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent.

Section 11.05     Subagents . The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers 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

 

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all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding Sections of this Article XI 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.

Section 11.06     Resignation of Administrative Agent . Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this Section 11.06, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with and upon the approval of the Borrower (so long as no Event of Default of the type described in Section 10.01(a), Section 10.01(b), Section 10.01(h), Section 10.01(i) or Section 10.01(j) has occurred and is continuing), which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Majority 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 Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. 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 Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article XI and Section 12.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

Section 11.07     Agents as Lenders . Each bank serving as an 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 an Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not an Agent hereunder.

Section 11.08     No Reliance . Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other 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 Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any other Agent or any other Lender 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, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. The Agents shall not be required to keep themselves informed as to the performance or observance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of this Agreement, the Loan Documents or any other document referred to or provided for herein or to inspect the Properties or books of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

 

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Except for notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder, no Agent or the Arranger shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of the Borrower (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into the possession of such Agent or any of its Affiliates. In this regard, each Lender acknowledges that Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is acting in this transaction as special counsel to the Administrative Agent only, except to the extent otherwise expressly stated in any legal opinion or any Loan Document. Each other party hereto will consult with its own legal counsel to the extent that it deems necessary in connection with the Loan Documents and the matters contemplated therein.

Section 11.09     Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a)    to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Indebtedness that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Section 12.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b)    to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Section 12.03.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Indebtedness or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

Section 11.10     Authority of Administrative Agent to Release Collateral, Liens and Guarantors . Each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to release (a) any collateral that is permitted to be sold or released pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents and (b) any Guarantor if 100% of the Equity Interests in such Guarantor are sold in a

 

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transaction permitted under the Loan Documents. Each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver to the Borrower, at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense, any and all releases of Liens, termination statements, assignments or other documents reasonably requested by the Borrower in connection with any sale or other disposition of Property to the extent such sale or other disposition is permitted by the terms of Section 9.12 or is otherwise authorized by the terms of the Loan Documents.

Section 11.11     The Arranger . The Arranger shall have no duties, responsibilities or liabilities under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents other than their duties, responsibilities and liabilities in its capacity as Lender hereunder.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.01     Notices .

(a)    Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to Section 12.01(b)), 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 fax, as follows:

(i)    if to the Borrower, to it at c/o Chaparral Energy, Inc., 701 Cedar Lake Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73114, Attention: Joe Evans (Fax No. (405) 425-8990);

(ii)    if to the Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank, to it at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 712 Main Street – 12 South, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Trey Lewis (Fax No. (713) 216-7794); with a copy to: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 South Dearborn, L2  Floor, IL1-0480, Chicago, Illinois 60603-2003, Attention: Leonida G. Mischke (Fax No. (844) 490-5663);

(iii)    if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or fax number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

(b)    Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II, Article III, Article IV and Article V unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. 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.

(c)    Any party hereto may change its address or fax number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.

 

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Section 12.02     Waivers; Amendments .

(a)    No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to exercise and no delay in exercising, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, power or privilege, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right, power or privilege, under any of the Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege under any of the Loan Documents preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 12.02(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

(b)    Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof nor any Security Instrument nor any provision thereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Majority Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Majority Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Revolving Credit Commitments or the Maximum Revolving Credit Amount of any Revolving Credit Lender without the written consent of such Revolving Credit Lender, (ii) increase the principal amount of any Term Lender’s Term Loan without the written consent of such Term Lender, (iii) increase the Borrowing Base without the written consent of each Revolving Credit Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base without the consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, postpone any Scheduled Redetermination Date without the consent of the Required Revolving Credit Lenders, or modify Section 2.07 in any manner that results in an increase in the Borrowing Base without the consent of each Revolving Credit Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (iv) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, or reduce any other Indebtedness hereunder or under any other Loan Document, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby; provided that the imposition of the default rate of interest under Section 3.02(c) may be waived by the Majority Lenders, (v) postpone the scheduled date of payment or prepayment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or any other Indebtedness hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone or extend the Maturity Date or the Termination Date without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (vi) change Section 4.01(b) or Section 4.01(c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (vii) waive or amend Section 3.04(c), Section 6.01, Section 10.02(c) or Section 12.14 or change the definition of the terms “Domestic Subsidiary”, “Foreign Subsidiary”, “Material Subsidiary”, “Immaterial Subsidiary” or “Subsidiary”, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any

 

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Defaulting Lender), (viii) release any Guarantor (except as set forth in Section 11.10 or in the Guaranty Agreement) or release all or substantially all of the Mortgaged Properties (other than as provided in Section 11.10), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (ix) change any of the provisions of this Section 12.02(b) or the definition of “Majority Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or under any other Loan Documents or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder or any other Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) or (x) change the definition of “Required Revolving Credit Lenders” without the written consent of each Revolving Credit Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender); provided , further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, or the Issuing Bank hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such other Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be.

(c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any supplement to Schedule  7.14 (Subsidiaries) shall be effective simply by delivering to the Administrative Agent a supplemental schedule clearly marked as such and, upon receipt, the Administrative Agent will promptly deliver a copy thereof to the Lenders, (ii) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may amend this Agreement or any other Loan Document without the consent of the Lenders in order to correct, amend or cure any ambiguity, inconsistency or defect or correct any typographical error or other manifest error in any Loan Document, and (iii) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (or other applicable Credit Party) may enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or enter into any agreement or instrument to effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Mortgaged Property or Property to become Mortgaged Property to secure the Indebtedness for the benefit of the Lenders or as required by any Governmental Requirement to give effect to, protect or otherwise enhance the rights or benefits of any Lender under the Loan Documents without the consent of any Lender.

(d)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Documents, (i) the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased without its consent (it being understood, for avoidance of doubt, that no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any increase, decrease or reaffirmation of the Borrowing Base) and (ii) the Administrative Agent may with the consent of the Borrower amend, modify or supplement the Loan Documents to effectuate an increase to the Borrowing Base where such Defaulting Lender does not consent to an increase to its Revolving Credit Commitment (including not increasing the Borrowing Base by the portion thereof applicable to the Defaulting Lender).

Section 12.03     Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver .

(a)    The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel ( provided , that, the Borrower shall only bear such expenses for one primary counsel for the Administrative Agent, any specialist counsel (if reasonably required by the Administrative Agent) and one local or foreign counsel for

 

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the Administrative Agent in each relevant jurisdiction) and other outside consultants for the Administrative Agent, the reasonable travel, photocopy, mailing, courier, telephone and other similar expenses, and the cost of reasonably requested environmental invasive and non-invasive assessments and audits and surveys and appraisals ( provided that, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall bear the cost of only two such assessments, audits, surveys or appraisals per year), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration (both before and after the execution hereof and including advice of counsel to the Administrative Agent as to the rights and duties of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect thereto) of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of or consents related to the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all costs, expenses, Taxes, assessments and other charges incurred by any Agent or any Lender in connection with any filing, registration, recording or perfection of any security interest contemplated by this Agreement or any Security Instrument or any other document referred to therein, (iii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iv) all documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including its rights under this Section 12.03, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including, without limitation, all such documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

(b)    THE BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY EACH AGENT, THE ARRANGER, THE ISSUING BANK AND EACH LENDER, AND EACH RELATED PARTY OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS (EACH SUCH PERSON BEING CALLED AN “ INDEMNITEE ”) AGAINST, AND DEFEND AND HOLD EACH INDEMNITEE HARMLESS FROM, ANY AND ALL LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, LIABILITIES, TAXES AND RELATED EXPENSES, INCLUDING THE FEES, CHARGES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY COUNSEL FOR ANY INDEMNITEE, INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF (i) THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES HERETO OR THE PARTIES TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR BY ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, (ii) THE FAILURE OF THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, INCLUDING THIS AGREEMENT, OR WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENT, (iii) ANY INACCURACY OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR ANY BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY OR COVENANT OF THE BORROWER OR ANY GUARANTOR SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY INSTRUMENTS, DOCUMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS DELIVERED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, (iv) ANY LOAN OR

 

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LETTER OF CREDIT OR THE USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREFROM, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, (A) ANY REFUSAL BY THE ISSUING BANK TO HONOR A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT UNDER A LETTER OF CREDIT IF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH DEMAND DO NOT STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT, OR (B) THE PAYMENT OF A DRAWING UNDER ANY LETTER OF CREDIT NOTWITHSTANDING THE NON-COMPLIANCE, NON-DELIVERY OR OTHER IMPROPER PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, (v) ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, (vi) THE OPERATIONS OF THE BUSINESS OF THE BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES BY THE BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (vii) ANY ASSERTION THAT THE LENDERS WERE NOT ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THE PROCEEDS RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, (viii) ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW APPLICABLE TO THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES OR OPERATIONS, INCLUDING, THE PRESENCE, GENERATION, STORAGE, RELEASE, THREATENED RELEASE, USE, TRANSPORT, DISPOSAL, ARRANGEMENT OF DISPOSAL OR TREATMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR AT ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES, (ix) THE BREACH OR NON-COMPLIANCE BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY WITH ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW APPLICABLE TO THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY, (x) THE PAST OWNERSHIP BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OF ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES OR PAST ACTIVITY ON ANY OF THEIR PROPERTIES WHICH, THOUGH LAWFUL AND FULLY PERMISSIBLE AT THE TIME, COULD RESULT IN PRESENT LIABILITY, (xi) THE PRESENCE, USE, RELEASE, STORAGE, TREATMENT, DISPOSAL, GENERATION, THREATENED RELEASE, TRANSPORT, ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSPORT OR ARRANGEMENT FOR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR AT ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE BORROWER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OR ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR FROM ANY PROPERTY OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (xii) ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR (xiii) ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH OR SAFETY CONDITION IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR (xiv) ANY ACTUAL OR PROSPECTIVE CLAIM, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY INDEMNITEE IS A PARTY THERETO, AND SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL EXTEND TO EACH INDEMNITEE NOTWITHSTANDING THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE, WHETHER AN AFFIRMATIVE ACT OR AN OMISSION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL TYPES OF NEGLIGENT CONDUCT IDENTIFIED IN THE RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS OF ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES OR BY REASON OF STRICT LIABILITY IMPOSED WITHOUT FAULT ON ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE INDEMNITEES; PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT, AS TO ANY INDEMNITEE, BE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR RELATED EXPENSES (A) ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE

 

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JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE, (B) ARE ON ACCOUNT OF A DISPUTE ARISING SOLELY AMONG INDEMNITEES (OTHER THAN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR THE ARRANGER IN SUCH ROLES) TO THE EXTENT SUCH DISPUTE DOES NOT INVOLVE AND IS NOT RELATED TO ANY ACT, OMISSION OR REPRESENTATION ON THE PART OF, OR ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OR ON BEHALF OF, THE BORROWER, ANY GUARANTOR OR AFFILIATES THEREOF, (C) RESULTED FROM A CLAIM BROUGHT BY THE BORROWER AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE OF ANY MATERIAL BREACH IN BAD FAITH OF SUCH INDEMNITEE’S FUNDING OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (D) IN RESPECT OF ANY PROPERTY FOR ANY OCCURRENCE ARISING FROM THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OTHER INDEMNITEE DURING THE PERIOD AFTER WHICH SUCH PERSON, ITS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS SHALL HAVE OBTAINED POSSESSION OF SUCH PROPERTY (WHETHER BY FORECLOSURE OR DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE, AS MORTGAGEE-IN-POSSESSION OR OTHERWISE).

(c)    To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to any Agent, the Arranger or the Issuing Bank under Section 12.03(a) or (b), each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Agent, the Arranger or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent, the Arranger or the Issuing Bank in its capacity as such.

(d)    To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(e)    All amounts due under this Section 12.03 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

Section 12.04     Successors and Assigns .

(a)    The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 12.04. 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

 

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(including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in Section 12.04(c)) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b)    (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 12.04(b)(ii), any Lender may 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 Revolving Credit Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

(A)    the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required if such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, is to any other assignee; and

(B)    the Administrative Agent, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment to an assignee that is a Lender immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment.

(ii)    Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A)    except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment or Loans, the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B)    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;

(C)    the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500;

(D)    the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and shall deliver notice of the Assignment and Assumption to the Borrower; and

(E)    in no event may any Lender assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to (i) the Borrower or any Affiliate of

 

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the Borrower, (ii) any natural person or (iii) any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (iii).

(iii)    Subject to Section 12.04(b)(iv) and the acceptance and recording thereof, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, 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, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption 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 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 and Section 12.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 12.04 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 12.04(c).

(iv)    The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Maximum Revolving Credit Amount of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. In connection with any changes to the Register, if necessary, the Administrative Agent will reflect the revisions on Annex  I and forward a copy of such revised Annex  I to the Borrower, the Issuing Bank and each Lender.

(v)    Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in Section 12.04(b) and any written consent to such assignment required by Section 12.04(b), the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this Section 12.04(b).

(c)    (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other Persons (other than the Borrower, any Affiliate of the Borrower or any natural person) (a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement

 

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(including all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the proviso to Section 12.02 that affects such Participant. In addition such agreement must provide that the Participant be bound by the provisions of Section 12.03. Subject to Section 12.04(c)(ii), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.01, Section 5.02 and Section 5.03 (subject to the requirements and limitations in Section 5.03, including the requirements under Section 5.03(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.03(f) and (g) and shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 12.04(b). To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 12.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 4.01(c) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(ii)    Each Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.01 or 5.03, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

(d)    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, without limitation, any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or other central bank having jurisdiction over such Lender, and this Section 12.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

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(e)    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 12.04, no transfer or assignment of the interests or obligations of any Lender or any grant of participations therein shall be permitted if such transfer, assignment or grant would require the Borrower and the Guarantors to file a registration statement with the SEC or to qualify the Loans under the “Blue Sky” laws of any state.

Section 12.05     Survival; Revival; Reinstatement .

(a)    All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Revolving Credit Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.03 and Section 12.03 and Article XI shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Revolving Credit Commitments or the termination of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

(b)    To the extent that any payments on the Indebtedness or proceeds of any collateral are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, debtor in possession, receiver or other Person under any bankruptcy law, common law or equitable cause, then to such extent, the Indebtedness so satisfied shall be revived and continue as if such payment or proceeds had not been received and the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ Liens, security interests, rights, powers and remedies under this Agreement and each Loan Document shall continue in full force and effect. In such event, each Loan Document shall be automatically reinstated and the Borrower shall take such action as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to effect such reinstatement.

Section 12.06     Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness .

(a)    This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.

 

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(b)    This Agreement, 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 thereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

(c)    Except as provided in Section 6.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by fax or other electronic transmission ( e.g. , .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 12.07     Severability . Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 12.08     Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations (of whatsoever kind, including, without limitation, obligations under Swap Agreements) at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any Subsidiary against any of and all the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary owed to such Lender now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (a) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.09 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Lenders, and (b) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender under this Section 12.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender or its Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the Issuing Bank agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

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Section 12.09     GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS .

(a)    THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT UNITED STATES FEDERAL LAW PERMITS ANY LENDER TO CONTRACT FOR, CHARGE, RECEIVE, RESERVE OR TAKE INTEREST AT THE RATE ALLOWED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE WHERE SUCH LENDER IS LOCATED.

(b)    ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, IN EITHER CASE LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. THIS SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION IS NON-EXCLUSIVE AND DOES NOT PRECLUDE A PARTY FROM OBTAINING JURISDICTION OVER ANOTHER PARTY IN ANY COURT OTHERWISE HAVING JURISDICTION.

(c)    EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO IT AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 12.01 OR SUCH OTHER ADDRESS AS IS SPECIFIED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12.01 (OR ITS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION), SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF A PARTY OR ANY HOLDER OF A NOTE TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANOTHER PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

(d)    EACH PARTY HEREBY (i) IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN; (ii) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 12.09(d)(ii) SHALL LIMIT

 

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THE BORROWER’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN SECTION 12.03 TO THE EXTENT SUCH SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE INCLUDED IN ANY THIRD PARTY CLAIM IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH SUCH INDEMNITEE IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER; (iii) CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OR COUNSEL FOR ANY PARTY HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (iv) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 12.09.

Section 12.10     Headings . Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 12.11     Confidentiality . Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (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), (b) to the extent requested or required by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 12.11, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any Swap Agreement relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower, or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 12.11 or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section 12.11, “ Information ” means all information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary and their businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or a Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 12.11 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. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, “Information” shall

 

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not include, and the Borrower, the Borrower’s Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the respective Affiliates of each of the foregoing (and the respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives of the aforementioned Persons), and any other party, may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind (A) any information with respect to the United States federal and state income tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby and any facts that may be relevant to understanding the United States federal or state income tax treatment of such transactions (“ tax structure ”), which facts shall not include for this purpose the names of the parties or any other person named herein, or information that would permit identification of the parties or such other persons, or any pricing terms or other nonpublic business or financial information that is unrelated to such tax treatment or tax structure, and (B) all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or such Lender relating to such tax treatment or tax structure.

Section 12.12     Interest Rate Limitation . It is the intention of the parties hereto that each Lender shall conform strictly to usury laws applicable to it. Accordingly, if the transactions contemplated hereby would be usurious as to any Lender under laws applicable to it (including the laws of the United States of America and any State therein or any other jurisdiction whose laws may be mandatorily applicable to such Lender notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement), then, in that event, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Loan Documents or any agreement entered into in connection with or as security for the Notes, it is agreed as follows: (a) the aggregate of all consideration which constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received by such Lender under any of the Loan Documents or agreements or otherwise in connection with the Notes shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and any excess shall be canceled automatically and if theretofore paid shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Indebtedness (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Indebtedness shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower); and (b) in the event that the maturity of the Notes is accelerated by reason of an election of the holder thereof resulting from any Event of Default under this Agreement or otherwise, or in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then such consideration that constitutes interest under law applicable to any Lender may never include more than the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law, and excess interest, if any, provided for in this Agreement or otherwise shall be canceled automatically by such Lender as of the date of such acceleration or prepayment and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited by such Lender on the principal amount of the Indebtedness (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Indebtedness shall have been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded by such Lender to the Borrower). All sums paid or agreed to be paid to any Lender for the use, forbearance or detention of sums due hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by law applicable to such Lender, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the stated term of the Loans evidenced by the Notes until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of any Loans hereunder does not exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law. If at any time and from time to time (i) the amount of interest payable to any Lender on any date shall be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender pursuant to this Section 12.12 and (ii) in respect of any subsequent interest computation period the amount of interest otherwise payable to such Lender would be less than the amount of interest payable to such Lender

 

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computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender, then the amount of interest payable to such Lender in respect of such subsequent interest computation period shall continue to be computed at the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to such Lender until the total amount of interest payable to such Lender shall equal the total amount of interest which would have been payable to such Lender if the total amount of interest had been computed without giving effect to this Section 12.12. To the extent that Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code is relevant for the purpose of determining the Highest Lawful Rate applicable to a Lender, such Lender elects to determine the applicable rate ceiling under such Chapter by the weekly ceiling from time to time in effect. Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code does not apply to the Borrower’s obligations hereunder.

Section 12.13     EXCULPATION PROVISIONS . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO SPECIFICALLY AGREES THAT IT HAS A DUTY TO READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND AGREES THAT IT IS CHARGED WITH NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; THAT IT HAS IN FACT READ THIS AGREEMENT AND IS FULLY INFORMED AND HAS FULL NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS OF THIS AGREEMENT; THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE THROUGHOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS PRECEDING ITS EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; AND HAS RECEIVED THE ADVICE OF ITS ATTORNEY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS; AND THAT IT RECOGNIZES THAT CERTAIN OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS RESULT IN ONE PARTY ASSUMING THE LIABILITY INHERENT IN SOME ASPECTS OF THE TRANSACTION AND RELIEVING THE OTHER PARTY OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH LIABILITY. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT CONTEST THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY EXCULPATORY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS ON THE BASIS THAT THE PARTY HAD NO NOTICE OR KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH PROVISION OR THAT THE PROVISION IS NOT “CONSPICUOUS.”

Section 12.14     Collateral Matters; Swap Agreements . The benefit of the Security Instruments and of the provisions of this Agreement relating to any collateral securing the Indebtedness shall also extend to and be available to the Secured Swap Providers with respect to any Swap Agreement including any Swap Agreement in existence prior to the date hereof, but excluding any additional transactions or confirmations entered into (a) after such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or (b) after assignment by a Secured Swap Provider to another Secured Swap Provider that is not a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender. No Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender shall have any voting or consent rights under any Loan Document as a result of the existence of obligations owed to it under any such Swap Agreements.

Section 12.15     No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the agreement of the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend Letters of Credit hereunder are solely for the benefit of the Borrower, and no other Person (including, without limitation, any Subsidiary of the Borrower, any obligor,

 

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contractor, subcontractor, supplier or materialsman) shall have any rights, claims, remedies or privileges hereunder or under any other Loan Document against the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender for any reason whatsoever. There are no third party beneficiaries.

Section 12.16     USA Patriot Act Notice . Each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the US Patriot Act.

Section 12.17     No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility . In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that: (a) (i) no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the Administrative Agent or any Lender is intended to be or has been created in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents, irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender has advised or is advising the Borrower or any Subsidiary on other matters; (ii) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, on the other hand; (iii) the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent that it has deemed appropriate; and (iv) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; and (b) (i) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders each is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person; (ii) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged, for their own accounts or the accounts of customers, in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

Section 12.18     Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

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(a)    the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

(b)    the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i)    a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii)    a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii)    the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

Section 12.19     Assignment and Assumption from Prepetition Borrowers to Borrower . Each of the Prepetition Borrowers hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys all of its rights, duties, liabilities and obligations under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Assigned Loan Documents to which it is a party to the Borrower, and the Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts such assignment from the Prepetition Borrowers and as of the Effective Date (a) agrees to be bound by all of the terms, conditions and provisions of, (b) assumes all of the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Prepetition Borrowers under and (c) promises to keep and perform all covenants, terms, provisions and agreements of the Prepetition Borrowers, in each case, under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Assigned Loan Documents, in each case as amended and restated (and to the extent not superseded) in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 12.20     Restatement; Prepetition Credit Agreement . The parties hereto agree that this Agreement is a restatement of, and an extension of, and amendment to, the Prepetition Credit Agreement. This Agreement does not in any way constitute a novation of the Prepetition Credit Agreement, but is an amendment and restatement of same. It is understood and agreed that, except to the extent released by the Administrative Agent as contemplated herein, the Liens securing the Indebtedness under and as defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Prepetition Borrowers (as assigned to the Borrower hereunder) under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and the Prepetition Loan Documents to which it is a party shall not be extinguished but shall be carried forward and shall secure such obligations and liabilities as amended, renewed, extended and restated by this Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, (a) each Revolving Credit Lender who holds Revolving Loans in an aggregate amount less than its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage (after giving effect to this amendment and restatement) of all Revolving Loans shall advance new Revolving Loans which shall be disbursed to the Administrative Agent and used to repay Revolving Loans outstanding to each Revolving Credit Lender who holds Revolving Loans in an aggregate amount greater than its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage of all Revolving Loans, (b) each Revolving Credit Lender’s participation in each Letter of Credit shall be automatically adjusted to equal its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage (after giving

 

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effect to this amendment and restatement), and (c) such other adjustments shall be made as the Administrative Agent shall specify so that each Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure equals its Applicable Revolving Credit Percentage (after giving effect to this amendment and restatement) of the total Revolving Credit Exposures of all of the Revolving Credit Lenders.

[SIGNATURES BEGIN NEXT PAGE]

 

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The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWER:     CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC. , a Delaware corporation
    By:  

/s/ Joseph O. Evans

    Name:   Joseph O. Evans
    Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


PREPETITION BORROWERS:

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, L.L.C. , an Oklahoma limited liability company
CHAPARRAL RESOURCES, L.L.C. , an Oklahoma limited liability company
CHAPARRAL CO2, L.L.C. , an Oklahoma limited liability company
CEI ACQUISITION, L.L.C. , a Delaware limited liability company
CEI PIPELINE, L.L.C. , a Texas limited liability company
CHAPARRAL REAL ESTATE, L.L.C. , an Oklahoma limited liability company
GREEN COUNTRY SUPPLY, INC. , an Oklahoma corporation
CHAPARRAL EXPLORATION, L.L.C. , a Delaware limited liability company
ROADRUNNER DRILLING, L.L.C. , an Oklahoma limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Joseph O. Evans

Name:   Joseph O. Evans
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT/

LENDER/ISSUING BANK:

    JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Anson Williams

    Name:   Anson Williams
    Title:   Authorized Officer


LENDER:     CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ Michael Higgins

    Name:   Michael Higgins
    Title:   Senior Director


LENDER:     ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
    By:  

/s/ Mark Lumpkin, Jr.

    Name:   Mark Lumpkin, Jr.
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


LENDER:     UBS AG, STAMFORD BRANCH
    By:  

/s/ Darlene Arias

    Name:   Darlene Arias
    Title:   Director
    By:  

/s/ Craig Pearson

    Name:   Craig Pearson
    Title:   Associate Director


LENDER:     CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK
    By:  

/s/ Ronald E. Spitzer

    Name:   Ronald E. Spitzer
    Title:   Managing Director
    By:  

/s/ Yurly A. Tayganov

    Name:   Yurly A. Tayganov
    Title:   Director


LENDER:     SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE
    By:  

/s/ Max Sonnonstine

    Name:   Max Sonnonstine
    Title:   Director


LENDER:    

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

    By:  

/s/ Stephanie Harrell

    Name:   Stephanie Harrell
    Title:   Vice President


LENDER:

   

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

    By:  

/s/ Terry Donovan

    Name:   Terry Donovan
    Title:   Managing Director


LENDER:     COMERICA BANK
    By:  

/s/ Gary Culbertson

    Name:   Gary Culbertson
    Title:   Vice President


LENDER:     NATIXIS, NEW YORK BRANCH
    By:  

/s/ Brice Le Foyer

    Name:   Brice Le Foyer
    Title:   Director
    By:  

/s/ Vikram Nath

   

Name:

 

Vikram Nath

   

Title:

 

Director


LENDER:     BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
    By:  

/s/ Tracey-Ann Scarlett

    Name:   Tracey-Ann Scarlett
    Title:   Assistant Vice President


LENDER:     COMPASS BANK
    By:  

/s/ Rachel Festervand

    Name:   Rachel Festervand
    Title:   Sr. Vice President


 

LENDER:

    CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
    By:  

/s/ Bryan J. Matthews

    Name:   Bryan J. Matthews
    Title:   Authorized Signatory
    By:  

/s/ Julia Bykhovskaia

    Name:   Julia Bykhovskaia
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


LENDER:     KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ John Dravenstott

    Name:   John Dravenstott
    Title:   Vice President


LENDER:     U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    By:  

/s/ James P. Cecil

    Name:   James P. Cecil
    Title:   Vice President


LENDER:

    GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
    By:  

/s/ Josh Rosenthal

    Name:   Josh Rosenthal
    Title:   Authorized Signatory


ANNEX I

LIST OF EFFECTIVE DATE TERM LOAN AMOUNTS AND

MAXIMUM REVOLVING CREDIT AMOUNTS

 

Name of Lender

   Applicable Term
Loan Percentage
    Term Loan
Principal Amount
as of Effective
Date
     Applicable
Revolving Credit
Percentage
    Maximum Revolving
Credit Amount
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

     11.7000000   $ 17,550,000.00        11.7000000   $ 46,800,000.00  

Capital One, National Association

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

Credit Agricole Corporate And Investment Bank

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

Royal Bank of Canada

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

Société Générale

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

UBS AG, Stamford Branch

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

     8.00000000   $ 12,000,000.00        8.00000000   $ 32,000,000.00  

The Bank of Nova Scotia

     5.70000000   $ 8,550,000.00        5.70000000   $ 22,800,000.00  

Comerica Bank

     5.70000000   $ 8,550,000.00        5.70000000   $ 22,800,000.00  

Natixis, New York Branch

     5.70000000   $ 8,550,000.00        5.70000000   $ 22,800,000.00  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     5.70000000   $ 8,550,000.00        5.70000000   $ 22,800,000.00  

Bank of America, N.A.

     3.50000000   $ 5,250,000.00        3.50000000   $ 14,000,000.00  

Compass Bank

     3.50000000   $ 5,250,000.00        3.50000000   $ 14,000,000.00  

Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch

     3.50000000   $ 5,250,000.00        3.50000000   $ 14,000,000.00  

KeyBank National Association

     3.50000000   $ 5,250,000.00        3.50000000   $ 14,000,000.00  

U.S. Bank National Association

     3.50000000   $ 5,250,000.00        3.50000000   $ 14,000,000.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

     100.00   $ 150,000,000        100.00   $ 400,000,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (including all exhibits hereto and as may be amended, supplemented or amended and restated from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), on one hand, and the other parties signatory hereto and any additional parties identified on the signature pages of any joinder agreement executed and delivered pursuant hereto, on the other hand (each a “ Holder ” and collectively, the “ Holders ”).

WHEREAS, the Company and certain affiliated debtors (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) filed a First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, on March 7, 2017 which, as amended, was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on March 10, 2017 (including all exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto and as amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”); and

WHEREAS, the Plan provides that any recipient of shares of Common Stock (as defined below) of the Company that, together with any Affiliates (as defined below) or a Related Fund (as defined below) that is a party to the Backstop Commitment Agreement will enter into a registration rights agreement substantially in the form included in the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Holders have agreed to enter into this Agreement pursuant to which the Company shall grant the Holders registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities in furtherance of the foregoing.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each of the Holders agree as follows:

1.     Definitions . Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Plan have the meanings given such terms in the Plan. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Advice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16(c) .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any person, any other person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person. The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as used in this definition means the possession, directly or indirectly (including through one or more intermediaries), of the power or authority to direct or cause the direction of management, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such definition may be amended from time to time.


Backstop Commitment Agreement ” means that certain Backstop Commitment Agreement dated as of December 15, 2016 by and among the Company and the certain commitment parties thereto.

beneficially own ” (and related terms such as “beneficial ownership” and “beneficial owner”) shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, and any Person’s beneficial ownership of securities shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of such Rule.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

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

Class  A Shares ” means shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and any securities into which such shares may hereinafter be reclassified.

Class  B Shares ” means shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and any securities into which such shares may hereinafter be reclassified.

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Stock ” means the Class A Shares and Class B Shares, collectively.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Counsel to the Holders ” means (i) with respect to any Demand Registration, the one legal counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities initially requesting such Demand Registration and (ii) with respect to any Underwritten Takedown or Piggyback Registration, the one legal counsel selected by the Majority Holders.

Demand Registration Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) .

Effective Date ” means the date that a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement is first declared effective by the Commission.

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

Form S-1 ” means form S-1 under the Securities Act, or any other form hereafter adopted by the Commission for the general registration of securities under the Securities Act.

Form S-3 ” means form S-3 under the Securities Act, or any other form hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same usage as Form S-3.

Form S-4 ” means form S-4 under the Securities Act, or any other form hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same usage as Form S-4.

 

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Form S-8 ” means form S-8 under the Securities Act, or any other form hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same usage as Form S-8.

FINRA ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10 .

Grace Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(B) .

Holder ” or “ Holders ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble. A Person shall cease to be a Holder hereunder at such time as it ceases to hold any Registrable Securities.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12(c) .

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12(c) .

Initial Registrable Securities Number ” means the aggregate number of Registrable Securities (including Warrant Shares) beneficially owned by all signatories to this Agreement other than the Company.

Initial Shelf Expiration Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(e)(ii) .

Initial Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

Lockup Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11(a).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12(a) .

Majority Holders ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering held by all Holders that have made the request requiring the Company to conduct such Underwritten Offering (but not including any Holders that have exercised “piggyback” rights hereunder to be included in such Underwritten Offering).

Other Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(b) .

Person ” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

Piggyback Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) .

Piggyback Offering ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) .

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Plan Effective Date ” shall mean the date on which the Plan becomes effective.

Proceeding ” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.

 

3


Prospectus ” means any prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Securities ” means, collectively, (a) as of the Plan Effective Date, (i) all shares of Common Stock issued to any Holder or to any Affiliate or Related Fund of any Holder, either directly or pursuant to a joinder or assignment, (ii) the Warrant Shares acquired by a Holder pursuant to the Plan, (b) any additional shares of Common Stock or Warrant Shares acquired by any Holder, Affiliate or Related Fund of any Holder in open market or other purchases after the Plan Effective Date and (c) any additional shares of Common Stock or Warrant Shares paid, issued or distributed in respect of any such shares of Common Stock or Warrants by way of a stock dividend, stock split or distribution, or in connection with a combination of shares, and any security into which such Common Stock or Warrant Shares will have been converted or exchanged in connection with a recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, exchange, distribution or otherwise; provided , however , that as to any Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to constitute Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of: (x) the date on which such securities are disposed of pursuant to an effective Registration Statement; (y) the date on which such securities are disposed of pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) promulgated under the Securities Act; and (z) the date on which such Registrable Securities cease to be outstanding.

Registration Statement ” means any one or more registration statements of the Company filed under the Securities Act that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation any Shelf Registration Statement), amendments and supplements to such Registration Statements, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Registration Statements.

Related Fund ” means, with respect to any Person: (i) any fund, account or investment vehicle that is controlled or managed by such Person, by any Affiliate of such Person, or, if applicable, such Person’s investment manager and (ii) any investment manager referred to in clause (i)  of this definition.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

Rule 158 ” means Rule 158 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

 

4


Rule 415 ” means Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

Rule 424 ” means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

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

Selling Stockholder Questionnaire ” means a questionnaire reasonably adopted by the Company from time to time.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in accordance with the Securities Act for the offer and sale of Registrable Securities by Holders on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415.

Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section  144 .

Underwritten Offering ” means an offering of Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement in which the Registrable Securities are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

Underwritten Takedown ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).

Warrants ” means the warrants to purchase Class A Shares to be issued to Mark A. Fischer, representing an aggregate total of 0.37575% of the total number of Class A Shares issuable pursuant to the Plan.

Warrant Shares ” means the Class A Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of the Warrants.

2.     Initial Shelf Registration .

(a)    The Company shall prepare a Shelf Registration Statement (the “ Initial Shelf Registration Statement ”), and shall include in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities of each Holder who shall request inclusion therein of some or all of their Registrable Securities by checking the appropriate box on the signature page of such Holder hereto or by written notice to the Company no later than forty-five (45) days after the Plan Effective Date. The Company shall file the Initial Shelf Registration Statement with the Commission as promptly as practicable and in any event not later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the Plan Effective Date.

(b)    Once in every six month period, Holders of shares of Common Stock that are Registrable Securities pursuant to clause  (b) of the definition of “Registrable Securities” may request, in writing, inclusion of such Registrable Securities in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement and upon such request, the Company shall include such Registrable Securities in the Initial Registration Statement.

 

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(c)    The Company shall include in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement all Registrable Securities whose inclusion has been timely requested as aforesaid in Sections  2(a) and (b) ; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to include an amount of Registrable Securities in excess of the amount as may be permitted to be included in such Registration Statement under the rules and regulations of the Commission and the applicable interpretations thereof by the staff of the Commission.

(d)    The Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-1; provided, however , that, if the Company becomes eligible to register the Registrable Securities for resale by the Holders on Form S-3 (including without limitation a Form S-3 filed as an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement), the Company shall be entitled to amend the Initial Shelf Registration Statement to a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 or file a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 in substitution of the Initial Shelf Registration Statement as initially filed.

(e)    The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Initial Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as practicable following filing with the Commission, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, and not subject to any stop order, injunction or other similar order or requirement of the Commission, until the earlier of (i) the date the Company (A) is eligible to register the Registrable Securities for resale by the Holders on Form S-3 and (B) has filed such Registration Statement described in Section 2(e)(i)(A) with the Commission and such Registration Statement has been declared effective; and (ii) the date that all Registrable Securities covered by the Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall cease to be Registrable Securities (such earlier date, the “ Initial Shelf Expiration Date ”). In the event of any stop order, injunction or other similar order or requirement of the Commission relating to the Initial Shelf Registration Statement, if any Registrable Securities covered by the Initial Shelf Registration Statement remain unsold, the period during which the Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall be required to remain effective will be extended by the number of days during which such stop order, injunction or similar order or requirement is in effect.

(f)    If the Initial Shelf Registration Statement is on Form S-1, then for so long as any Registrable Securities covered by the Initial Shelf Registration Statement remain unsold, the Company will file any supplements to the Prospectus contained therein or post-effective amendments required to be filed by applicable law in order to incorporate into such Prospectus any Current Reports on Form 8-K necessary or required to be filed by applicable law, any Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or any Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Commission, or any other information necessary so that (i) the Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall not include any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, and (ii) the Company complies with its obligations under Item 512(a)(1) of Regulation S-K.

3.     Subsequent Shelf Registration Statements For so long as any Registrable Securities remain outstanding, the Company shall (i) use its best efforts to become eligible and

 

6


maintain such eligibility to register the Registrable Securities on Form S-3 and meet the requirements of General Instruction VII of Form S-1 after the Initial Shelf Expiration Date, (ii) use its best efforts to cause any S-3 Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission and (iii) use its best efforts to keep such S-3 Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until all Registrable Securities covered by the S-3 Shelf Registration Statement have been sold.

4.     Demand Registration

(a)    At any time and from time to time on or following the Plan Effective Date, any Holder or group of Holders may request in writing (“ Demand Registration Request ”) that the Company effect the registration of all or part of such Holder’s or Holders’ Registrable Securities with the Commission under and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act. The Company will file a Registration Statement covering such Holder’s or Holders’ Registrable Securities requested to be registered, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective, as promptly as practicable after receipt of such request; provided , however , that the Company will not be required to file a Registration Statement pursuant to this Section  4 :

(A)    if the number of Registrable Securities requested to be registered on such Registration Statement is less than twenty percent (20%) of the Initial Registrable Securities Number;

(B)    if the Registrable Securities requested to be registered are already covered by an existing and effective Registration Statement and such Registration Statement may be utilized for the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered;

(C)    if a Registration Statement filed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall have previously been initially declared effective by the Commission within the one hundred twenty (120) days preceding the date of such Demand Registration Request is made; and

(D)    if the number of Demand Registration Requests previously made pursuant to this Section 4(a) shall equal or exceed five (5); provided, however that a Demand Registration Request shall not be considered made for purposes of this clause (D) unless the requested Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission.

(b)    A Demand Registration Request shall specify (i) the then-current name and address of such Holder or Holders, (ii) the aggregate number of Registrable Securities requested to be registered, (iii) the total number of Registrable Securities then beneficially owned by such Holder or Holders, and (iv) the intended means of distribution. If at the time the Demand Registration Request is made the Company appears, based on public information available to such Holder or Holders, eligible to use Form S-3 for the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities, the Holder or Holders making such request may request that the registration be in the form of a Shelf Registration Statement (for the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not be under the obligation to file a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 if, upon the advice of its counsel, it is not eligible to make such a filing).

 

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(c)    The Company may satisfy its obligations under Section 4(a) hereof by amending (to the extent permitted by applicable law) any Registration Statement previously filed by the Company under the Securities Act, so that such amended Registration Statement will permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods of disposition specified pursuant to Section  4(b)(iv) ) of all of the Registrable Securities for which a Demand Registration Request has been properly made under Section 4(b) . If the Company so amends a previously filed Registration Statement, the Company will be deemed to have effected a registration for purposes of Section 4(a) ; provided, however , that the Effective Date of the amended Registration Statement, as amended pursuant to this Section 4(c) shall be the “the first day of effectiveness” of such Registration Statement for purposes of determining the period during which the Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective in accordance with Section 4(e) .

(d)    Within ten (10) days after receiving a Demand Registration Request, the Company shall give written notice of such request to all other Holders of Registrable Securities and shall, subject to the provisions of Section 5(d) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, include in such registration all such Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within fifteen (15) days after the Company’s giving of such notice, provided , that such Registrable Securities are not already covered by an existing and effective Registration Statement that may be utilized for the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered in the manner so requested.

(e)    The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to keep a Registration Statement that has become effective as contemplated by this Section  4 continuously effective, and not subject to any stop order, injunction or other similar order or requirement of the Commission:

(A)    in the case of a Registration Statement other than a Shelf Registration Statement, until all Registrable Securities registered thereunder have been sold pursuant to such Registration Statement, but in no event later than two hundred seventy (270) days from the Effective Date of such Registration Statement; and

(B)    in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, until the earlier of: (x) three (3) years following the Effective Date of such Shelf Registration Statement; and (y) the date that all Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement shall cease to be Registrable Securities;

provided, however, that in the event of any stop order, injunction or other similar order or requirement of the Commission relating to any Shelf Registration Statement, if any Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement remain unsold, the period during which such Shelf Registration Statement shall be required to remain effective will be extended by the number of days during which such stop order, injunction or similar order or requirement is in effect; provided further, however , that if any Shelf Registration Statement was initially declared effective on Form S-3 and, prior to the date determined pursuant to Section  4(e)(B) , the Company becomes ineligible to use Form S-3, the period during which such Shelf Registration Statement shall be required to remain effective will be extended by the number of days during which the Company did not have an effective Registration Statement covering unsold Registrable Securities initially registered on such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

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(f)    The Holder or Holders making a Demand Registration Request may, at any time prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement relating to such Demand Registration Request, revoke such Demand Registration Request for all or part of such Holder’s or Holders’ Registrable Securities by providing a written notice to the Company. If, pursuant to the preceding sentence, the entire Demand Registration Request is revoked, then, at the option of the Holder or Holders who revoke such Demand Registration Request, either (i) such Holder or Holders shall reimburse the Company for all of its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the preparation, filing and processing of the Registration Statement, which out-of-pocket expenses, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include overhead expenses and which requested registration shall not count as one of the permitted Demand Registration Requests hereunder or (ii) the requested registration that has been revoked will be deemed to have been effected for purposes of Section  4(a) .

5.     Underwritten Offerings . The following procedures shall govern Underwritten Offerings consummated pursuant to this Agreement, whether in the case of an Underwritten Takedown or otherwise.

(a)    Upon the demand of one or more Holders holding, collectively at least twenty percent (20%) of the Initial Registrable Securities Number, the Company shall facilitate a “takedown” of Registrable Securities registered on any Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement in the form of an Underwritten Offering (each, an “ Underwritten Takedown ”), in the manner and subject to the conditions described in this Section  5 .

(b)    (i) The Majority Holders shall select one or more investment banking firm(s) of national standing to be the managing underwriter or underwriters for any Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Demand Registration Request or an Underwritten Takedown, in each case with the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and (ii) the Company shall select one or more investment banking firm(s) of national standing to be the managing underwriter or underwriters for any Piggyback Offering with the consent of the Majority Holders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(c)    All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through an Underwritten Offering, as a condition for inclusion of their Registrable Securities therein, shall agree to enter into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters; provided, however that the underwriting agreement is in customary form and reasonably acceptable to the Majority Holders and provided , further, however that no Holder of Registrable Securities included in any Underwritten Offering shall be required to make any representations or warranties to the Company or the underwriters (other than representations and warranties regarding (i) such Holder’s ownership of its Registrable Securities to be sold or transferred by such Holder, (ii) such Holder’s power and authority to effect the transfer of its Registrable Securities and (iii) such matters pertaining to compliance with securities laws as may be reasonably requested).

(d)    If the managing underwriter or underwriters for an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Demand Registration or an Underwritten Takedown advises the Holders that the total amount of Registrable Securities or other shares of Common Stock permitted to be registered is such as to materially adversely affect the success of such Underwritten Offering, the

 

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number of Registrable Securities or other shares of Common Stock to be registered on such Registration Statement will be reduced as follows: first , the Company shall reduce or eliminate the securities of the Company to be included by any Person other than a Holder or the Company; second , the Company shall reduce or eliminate any securities of the Company to be included by the Company; and third , the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included by Holders on a pro rata basis based on the total number of Registrable Securities requested by the Holders to be included in the Underwritten Offering.

(e)    Within ten (10) days after receiving a request for an Underwritten Offering constituting a “takedown” from a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall give written notice of such request to all other Holders, and subject to the provisions of Section 5(d) hereof, include in such Underwritten Offering all such Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within fifteen (15) days after the Company’s giving of such notice; provided, however that such Registrable Securities are covered by an existing and effective Shelf Registration Statement that may be utilized for the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered.

(f)    The Company will pay any underwriting fees and discounts in connection with any Underwritten Offering.

(g)    If the managing underwriter or underwriters for an Underwritten Takedown (or the Holders selling shares of Common Stock in such Underwritten Takedown on behalf of such managing underwriter or underwriters) advises the Company, in writing, that there is an insufficient number of shares of Common Stock (the “ Shortfall Number ”) being offered for sale to successfully consummate such Underwritten Takedown and/or create sufficient liquidity for optimal trading of the Class A Shares based on market conditions (including the expected average daily trading volume and the spread between the bid and ask prices of the Class A Shares), the financial condition of the Corporation and such other factors that the managing underwriter or underwriters may consider based on their experience in their sole discretion, one or more Holders holding, collectively, at least twenty percent (20%) of the Company’s total number of issued and outstanding Class B Shares may instruct the Company to issue, for sale in such Underwritten Takedown, a number of Class A Shares equal to the Shortfall Number and use the proceeds of such sales to redeem (a “ Redemption ”) a number of Class B Shares equal to the Shortfall Number in accordance with Article IV, Section 2(f) of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation at a purchase price per share equal to the public offering price per share paid by the underwriters for the shares of Common Stock in the Underwritten Takedown net any underwriting fees or discounts payable on such shares of Common Stock actually paid by any other selling Holders. The rights and obligations contained in this Section  5(g) shall become terminated and cease to have any force and effect on the earliest to occur of (i) December 15, 2018, (ii) a Redemption and (iii) the date that the Class A Shares are listed on a nationally recognized securities exchange in connection with an Underwritten Takedown or an initial public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

(h)    The Company will not be required to undertake an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 5(a) if the number of Underwritten Offerings previously made pursuant to Section 5(a) in the immediately preceding twelve (12)-month period shall exceed four (4); provided that an Underwritten Offering shall not be considered made for purposes of this Section  5(h) unless the offering has resulted in the disposition by the Holders of at least sixty percent (60)% of the amount of Registrable Securities requested to be included.

 

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6.     Grace Periods .

(a)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein:

(A)    the Company shall be entitled to postpone the filing or effectiveness of, or, at any time after a Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission suspend the use of, a Registration Statement (including the Prospectus included therein) if in the good faith judgment of the Board, such registration, offering or use would reasonably be expected to materially affect in an adverse manner or materially interfere with any bona fide material financing of the Company or any material transaction under consideration by the Company or would require the disclosure of information that has not been, and is not otherwise required to be, disclosed to the public and the premature disclosure of which would materially affect the Company in an adverse manner; provided however , that in the event such Registration Statement relates to a Demand Registration Request or an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 5(a) , then the Holders initiating such Demand Registration Request or such Underwritten Offering shall be entitled to withdraw the Demand Registration Request or request for the Underwritten Offering and, if such request is withdrawn, it shall not count against the limits imposed pursuant to Section 4(a)(D) or Section 5(h) and the Company shall pay all registration expenses in connection with such registration; and

(B)    at any time after a Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission and there is no duty to disclose under applicable law, the Company may delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company if the disclosure of such information at the time would, in the good faith judgment of the Board, adversely affect the Company (the period of a postponement or suspension as described in Section 6(a)(A) and/or a delay described in this Section 6(a)(B) , a “ Grace Period ”).

(b)    The Company shall (i) promptly notify the Holders in writing of the existence of the event or material non-public information giving rise to a Grace Period ( provided , that the Company shall not disclose the content of such material non-public information to any Holder, without the express consent of such Holder) or the need to file a post-effective amendment, as applicable, and the date on which such Grace Period will begin, (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to terminate a Grace Period as promptly as practicable and (iii) promptly notify the Holders in writing of the date on which the Grace Period ends.

(c)    The duration of any one Grace Period shall not exceed forty-five (45) days, and the aggregate of all Grace Periods in total during any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period shall not exceed sixty (60) days. For purposes of determining the length of a Grace Period, the Grace Period shall be deemed to begin on and include the date the Holders receive the notice referred to in Section 6(b)(i) and shall end on and include the later of the date the Holders receive the notice referred to in Section 6(b)(iii) and the date referred to in such notice. In the event the Company declares a Grace Period, the period during which the Company is required

 

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to maintain the effectiveness of an Initial Shelf Registration Statement or a Registration Statement filed pursuant to a Demand Registration Request shall be extended by the number of days during which such Grace Period is in effect.

7.     Piggyback Registration

(a)    If at any time, and from time to time, the Company proposes to:

(A)    file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an underwritten offering of any class of equity securities of the Company or any securities convertible or exercisable into any equity securities of the Company (other than with respect to a registration statement (i) on Form S-8 or any successor form thereto, (ii) on Form S-4 or any successor form thereto or (iii) another form not available for registering the Registrable Securities for sale to the public), whether or not for its own account; or

(B)    conduct an underwritten offering constituting a “takedown” of a class of equity securities of the Company or any securities convertible or exercisable into any equity securities of the Company registered under a shelf registration statement previously filed by the Company;

the Company shall give written notice (the “ Piggyback Notice ”) of such proposed filing or underwritten offering to the Holders at least twenty (20) Business Days before the anticipated filing date. Such notice shall include the number and class of securities proposed to be registered or offered, the proposed date of filing of such registration statement or the conduct of such underwritten offering, any proposed means of distribution of such securities, any proposed managing underwriter of such securities and a good faith estimate by the Company of the proposed maximum offering price of such securities as such price is proposed to appear on the front cover page of such registration statement (or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, would appear on the front cover page of a registration statement), and shall offer the Holders the opportunity to register such amount of Registrable Securities as each Holder may request on the same terms and conditions as the registration of the Company’s and/or the holders of other securities of the Company securities, as the case may be (a “ Piggyback Offering ”). Subject to Section 7(b) , the Company will include in each Piggyback Offering all Registrable Securities for which the Company has received written requests for inclusion within fifteen (15) Business Days after the date the Piggyback Notice is given; provided, however, that in the case of the filing of a registration statement, such Registrable Securities are not otherwise registered pursuant to an existing and effective Shelf Registration Statement under this Agreement; provided further, however that, in the case of an underwritten offering in the form of a “takedown” under a shelf registration statement, such Registrable Securities are covered by an existing and effective Shelf Registration Statement that may be utilized for the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities requested to be offered.

(b)    The Company will cause the managing underwriter or underwriters of the proposed offering to permit the Holders that have requested Registrable Securities to be included in the Piggyback Offering to include all such Registrable Securities on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities, if any, of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such underwritten offering advises

 

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the Company and the selling Holders in writing that, in its view, the total amount of securities that the Company, such Holders and any other holders entitled to participate in such offering (“ Other Holders ”) propose to include in such offering is such as to materially adversely affect the success of such underwritten offering, then:

(A)    if such Piggyback Offering is an underwritten primary offering by the Company for its own account, the Company will include in such Piggyback Offering: (i)  first , all securities to be offered by the Company; (ii)  second , up to the full amount of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Offering by the Holders; and (iii)  third , up to the full amount of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Offering by all Other Holders;

(B)    if such Piggyback Offering is an underwritten secondary offering for the account of Other Holders exercising “demand” rights (including pursuant to a Demand Registration Request), the Company will include in such registration: (i)  first , all securities of the Other Holders exercising “demand” rights (including pursuant to a Demand Registration Request) requested to be included therein; (ii)  second , up to the full amount of securities proposed to be included in the registration by the Company; and (iii)  third , up to the full amount of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Offering by the Holders and any Other Holders entitled to participate therein, allocated pro rata among such Holders and Other Holders on the basis of the amount of securities requested to be included therein by each such Holder or Other Holder;

such that, in each case, the total amount of securities to be included in such Piggyback Offering is the full amount that, in the view of such managing underwriter, can be sold without materially adversely affecting the success of such Piggyback Offering.

(c)    If at any time after giving the Piggyback Notice and prior to the time sales of securities are confirmed pursuant to the Piggyback Offering, the Company determines for any reason not to register or delay the registration of the Piggyback Offering, the Company may, at its election, give notice of its determination to all Holders, and in the case of such a determination, will be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in connection with the abandoned or delayed Piggyback Offering, without prejudice.

(d)    Any Holder of Registrable Securities requesting to be included in a Piggyback Offering may withdraw its request for inclusion by giving written notice to the Company, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated Effective Date of the Registration Statement filed in connection with such Piggyback Offering, or in the case of a Piggyback Offering constituting a “takedown” off of a shelf registration statement, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated date of the filing by the Company under Rule 424 of a prospectus supplement (which shall be the preliminary prospectus supplement, if one is used in the “takedown”) with respect to such offering, of its intention to withdraw from that registration; provided , however , that (i) the Holder’s request be made in writing and (ii) the withdrawal will be irrevocable and, after making the withdrawal, a Holder will no longer have any right to include its Registrable Securities in that Piggyback Offering.

 

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8.     Registration Procedures . If and when the Company is required to effect any registration under the Securities Act as provided in Sections 2(a) , 4(a) , 5 or 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to:

(a)    prepare and file with the Commission the requisite Registration Statement to effect such registration and thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become and remain effective, subject to the limitations contained herein;

(b)    prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange 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 method of disposition set forth in such Registration Statement, subject to the limitations contained herein;

(c)    (i) before filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, at the Company’s expense, furnish to the Holders whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement copies of all such documents, other than documents that are incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus, proposed to be filed and such other documents reasonably requested by such Holders (which may be furnished by email), and afford Counsel to the Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents; and (ii) in connection with the preparation and filing of each such Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement, (A) upon reasonable advance notice to the Company, give each of the foregoing such reasonable access to all financial and other records, corporate documents and properties of the Company as shall be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of Counsel to the Holders and such underwriters, to conduct a reasonable due diligence investigation for purposes of the Securities Act and Exchange Act, and (B) upon reasonable advance notice to the Company and during normal business hours, provide such reasonable opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers, directors, employees and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial statements as shall be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of Counsel to the Holders and such underwriters, to conduct a reasonable due diligence investigation for purposes of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act;

(d)    notify each selling Holder of Registrable Securities, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such Registration Statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any Prospectus forming a part of such Registration Statement has been filed;

(e)    with respect to any offering of Registrable Securities, furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities, and the managing underwriters for such Underwritten Offering, if any, without charge, such number of copies of the applicable Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the Prospectus included

 

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in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus, final Prospectus, and any other Prospectus (including any Prospectus filed under Rule 424, Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as such term is defined under Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act), all exhibits and other documents filed therewith and such other documents as such seller or such managing underwriters may reasonably request including in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the Commission or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(f)    (i) register or qualify all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement under such other securities or blue sky laws of such states or other jurisdictions of the United States of America as the Holders covered by such Registration Statement shall reasonably request in writing, (ii) keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and (iii) take any other action that may be necessary or reasonably advisable to enable such Holders to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities to be sold by such Holders, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the requirements of this Section 8(f) be obligated to be so qualified, to subject itself to taxation in such jurisdiction or to consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;

(g)    cause all Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other federal or state governmental agencies or authorities as necessary upon the opinion of counsel to the Company or Counsel to the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to enable such Holder or Holders thereof to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with their intended method of distribution thereof;

(h)    with respect to any Underwritten Offering, obtain and, if obtained, furnish to each Holder that is named as an underwriter in such Underwritten Offering and each other underwriter thereof, a signed:

(A)    opinion of outside counsel for the Company (including a customary 10b-5 statement), dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and addressed to the underwriters, reasonably satisfactory (based on the customary form and substance of opinions of issuers’ counsel customarily given in such an offering) in form and substance to such underwriters, if any, and

(B)    “comfort” letter, dated the date of the Underwriting Agreement and another dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and addressed to the underwriters and signed by the independent public accountants who have certified the Company’s financial statements included or incorporated by reference in such registration statement, reasonably satisfactory (based on the customary form and substance of “cold comfort” letters of issuers’ independent public accountant customarily given in such an offering) in form and substance to such Holder and such underwriters, if any,

 

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in each case, covering substantially the same matters with respect to such Registration Statement (and the Prospectus included therein) and, in the case of the accountants’ comfort letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ comfort letters delivered to underwriters in such types of offerings of securities;

(i)    notify each Holder of Registrable Securities included in such 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, the Prospectus included in such 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 light of the circumstances under which they were made and for which the Company chooses to suspend the use of the Registration Statement and Prospectus in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, at the written request of any such Holder, promptly prepare and furnish to it a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such Prospectus, as supplemented or amended, shall 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 under which they were made;

(j)    notify the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement promptly of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of such Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information;

(k)    advise the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement promptly after the Company receives notice or obtains knowledge of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities at the earliest practicable moment and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal;

(l)    otherwise comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and any other governmental agency or authority having jurisdiction over the offering of Registrable Securities, and make available to its stockholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months, but not more than eighteen (18) months, beginning with the first (1 st ) full calendar month after the Effective Date of such Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 promulgated thereunder and which requirement will be deemed satisfied if the Company timely files complete and accurate information on Form 10-Q and 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act and otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act;

 

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(m)    (i) cause all Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement to be listed on the national securities exchange(s) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed (if any) or any successor national securities exchange(s), if the listing of such Registrable Securities is then permitted under the rules of such exchange(s) and use its reasonable best efforts to maintain such listing until each Holder has sold all of its Registrable Securities, or (ii) if (x) the Company is not required pursuant to Section 8(m)(i) to list Registrable Securities on a specific national securities exchange and (y) one or more Holders holding at least twenty percent (20%) of the Initial Registrable Securities requests that the Company list such Registrable Securities on a national securities exchange in connection with an Underwritten Offering, use its reasonable best efforts to list the Registrable Securities on a national securities exchange designated by such requesting Holders;

(n)    provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for the Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement no later than the Effective Date thereof;

(o)    enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as the Holders beneficially owning a majority of the Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement or the underwriters, if any, shall reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities, including customary indemnification; and provide reasonable cooperation, including causing its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer and/or Chief Accounting Officer to attend and participate in “road shows” and other information meetings organized by the underwriters, if any, as reasonably requested; provided , however, that the Company shall have no obligation to participate in more than two (2) “road shows” in any twelve (12)-month period and such participation shall not unreasonably interfere with the business operations of the Company;

(p)    if requested by the managing underwriter(s) or the Holders beneficially owning a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold in connection with an Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information relating to the plan of distribution for such Registrable Securities provided to the Company in writing by the managing underwriters and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold and that is required to be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities, including without limitation, information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being sold to such underwriters, the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters and with respect to any other terms of the Underwritten Offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering, and make any required filings with respect to such information relating to the plan of distribution as soon as practicable after notified of the information;

(q)    cooperate with the Holders of Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement and the managing underwriter(s), if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and

 

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not bearing any restrictive legends, and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such amounts and registered in such names as the managing underwriters, or, if none, the Holders beneficially owning a majority of the Registrable Securities being offered for sale, may reasonably request at least three (3) Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities to the underwriters; and

(r)    otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities contemplated hereby.

In addition, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement for any registration under this Agreement, the Company will notify each Holder of the information the Company requires from that Holder, including any update to or confirmation of the information contained in the Selling Stockholder Questionnaire, if any, which shall be completed and delivered to the Company promptly upon request and, in any event, within five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable anticipated filing date. Each Holder further agrees that it shall not be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement or use the Prospectus for offers and resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such Holder has returned to the Company a completed and signed Selling Stockholder Questionnaire and a response to any requests for further information as described in the previous sentence and, if an Underwritten Offering, entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters in accordance with Section 5(c) . If a Holder of Registrable Securities returns a Selling Stockholder Questionnaire or a request for further information, in either case, after its respective deadline, the Company shall be permitted to exclude such Holder from being a selling security holder in the Registration Statement or any pre-effective or post-effective amendment thereto. Each Holder acknowledges and agrees that the information in the Selling Stockholder Questionnaire or request for further information as described in this Section  8 will be used by the Company in the preparation of the Registration Statement and hereby consents to the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement.

9.     Other Covenants . The Company covenants and agrees with each Holder of Registrable Securities that:

(a)    The Company shall not amend its the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational documents in any manner that has an adverse effect on the rights of Holders contained in Section 5(g) , unless the Company first obtains the consent, in writing, from Holders holding at least a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities.

(b)    Until and unless (x) the Common Stock is listed on a “national securities exchange” as defined in Rule 600(b)(45) of Regulation National Market System promulgated by the Commission, as amended or (y) the Common Stock may be sold by any and all Holders without restriction by the Commission pursuant to a Registration Statement in an at-the-market offering, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause (i) the Common Stock to be quoted on the OTCBB market as promptly as practicable after the Plan Effective Date and shall thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to maintain such quotation and (ii) at any time during which the Company is eligible to have the Common Stock quoted on the OTCQB market and/or the OTCQX market, the

 

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Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Common Stock to be quoted on the OTCQB market or the OTCQX market in lieu of the OTCBB Market as promptly as practicable, provided, that at any time the Company is no longer eligible to have the Common Stock quoted on the OTCQB market or the OTCQX market, the Company will comply with its obligations under Section 9(b)(i) .

10.     Registration Expenses . All fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement shall be borne by the Company whether or not any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement. The fees and expenses referred to in the foregoing sentence shall include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, fees and expenses (A) with respect to filings required to be made with any stock exchange on which Class A Shares or Class B Shares are then listed for trading, (B) with respect to compliance with applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company in connection with Blue Sky qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities and determination of the eligibility of the Registrable Securities for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as requested by the Holders) and (C) if not previously paid by the Company in connection with an Issuer Filing, with respect to any filing that may be required to be made by any broker through which a Holder intends to make sales of Registrable Securities with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”) pursuant to the FINRA Rule 5110, so long as the broker is receiving no more than a customary brokerage commission in connection with such sale, (ii) printing expenses (including, without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, (v) the reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with any “road show” for Underwritten Offerings, (vi) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, and (vii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, the Company will pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of one legal counsel to the Holders as well as any local counsel to the Holders (each such counsel to be selected by a majority of the Holders of Registrable Securities) retained in connection with any Demand Registration or Underwritten Offering, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any expenses of one legal counsel to the Holders in connection with the filing or amendment of any Registration Statement, Prospectus or free writing prospectus hereunder.

11.     Lockups.

(a)    In connection with any Underwritten Takedown or underwritten registration pursuant to a Demand Registration Request or other underwritten public offering of equity securities by the Company, except with the written consent of the underwriters managing such offering, no Holder (irrespective of whether such Holder participates in such Underwritten Takedown, Piggyback Offering or underwritten registration) who beneficially owns two percent (2%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at such time shall effect any public sale or distribution (including sales pursuant to Rule 144) of equity securities of the Company, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities,

 

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without prior written consent from the Company, during the seventy-five (75)-day period beginning on the date a prospectus or prospectus supplement with respect to the pricing of such offering is filed with the Commission (or such lesser period as may be required to complete the offering) (the “ Lockup Period ”), except as part of such offering, provided , that such Lockup Period restrictions are applicable on substantially similar terms to the Company and all of its and its subsidiaries’ executive officers and directors; provided , further , that nothing herein shall prevent any Holder from making a distribution of Registrable Securities to any of its partners, members or stockholders thereof or a transfer of Registrable Securities to an Affiliate or Related Fund that is otherwise in compliance with the applicable securities laws, so long as such distributees or transferees, as applicable, agree to be bound by the restrictions set forth in this Section 11(a) . Each Holder agrees to execute a lock-up agreement in favor of the Company’s underwriters to such effect and, in any event, that the Company’s underwriters in any relevant offering shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section  11(a) . The provisions of this Section  11(a) will no longer apply to a Holder once such Holder ceases to hold Registrable Securities.

(b)    In connection with any Underwritten Offering, the Company shall not effect any public sale or distribution of equity securities of the Company, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, without prior written consent from the Majority Holders, during the Lockup Period, except as part of such offering, provided , that such Lockup Period restrictions are applicable on substantially similar terms to the Majority Holders. The Company agrees to execute a lock-up agreement in favor of the Majority Holders’ underwriters to such effect and, in any event, that the Majority Holders’ underwriters in any relevant offering shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 11(b) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may effect a public sale or distribution of securities of the type described above and during the periods described above if such sale or distribution is made pursuant to registrations on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or as part of any registration of securities or offering and sale to employees, directors or consultants of the company and its subsidiaries pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit plan arrangement.

12.     Indemnification .

(a)     Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Holder, the officers, directors, agents, partners, members, managers, stockholders, Affiliates, employees and investment managers of each of them, each Person who controls any such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors, partners, members, managers, investment managers, stockholders, agents and employees of each such controlling Person, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable costs of preparation and investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) and expenses (collectively, “ Losses ”), to which any of them may become subject, that arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in

 

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the case of any Prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except to the extent, but only to the extent, that (A) such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements, omissions or alleged omissions are based solely upon information regarding such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein, or to the extent that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was provided by such Holder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (B) in the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section 8(i) , related to the use by a Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of the Advice contemplated and defined in Section 16(c) below, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the Advice the misstatement or omission giving rise to such Loss would have been corrected. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Indemnified Party (as defined in Section 12(c) ), shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Holders, and shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.

(b)     Indemnification by Holders . Each Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its respective directors, officers, agents and employees, each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling Persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, as incurred, arising out of or are based solely upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any Prospectus, or any form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading (i) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statements or omissions are based solely upon information regarding such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein or (ii) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was provided by such Holder expressly for use in a Registration Statement, such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (iii) in the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section 8(i) , to the extent, but only to the extent, related to the use by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of the Advice contemplated in Section 16(c) , but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the Advice the misstatement or omission giving rise to such Loss would have been corrected. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Indemnified Party (as defined in Section  12(c) ), shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Holders, and shall be in addition to any liability which the Holder may otherwise have.

 

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(c)     Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Person from whom indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing, and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of all reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with defense thereof; provided , that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations or liabilities pursuant to this Agreement, except (and only) to the extent that such failure shall have materially and adversely prejudiced the Indemnifying Party.

An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or Parties unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party in any such Proceeding; or (3) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that in the reasonable judgment of such counsel a conflict of interest exists if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party; provided , that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all Indemnified Parties. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding.

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, all reasonable and documented fees and expenses of the Indemnified Party (including reasonable and documented fees and expenses to the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Section 12(c) ) shall be paid to the Indemnified Party, as incurred, with reasonable promptness after receipt of written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party; provided , that the Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Party for that portion of such fees and expenses applicable to such actions for which such Indemnified Party is finally judicially determined to not be entitled to indemnification hereunder. The failure to deliver written notice to the Indemnifying Party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve such Indemnifying Party of any liability to the Indemnified Party under this Section  112 , except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially and adversely prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.

(d)     Contribution . If a claim for indemnification under Section 12(a) or (b)  is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold an Indemnified Party harmless for any Losses, then each Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such

 

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Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact, has been taken or made by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action, statement or omission.

The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 12(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 12(d) , no Holder shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds actually received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities subject to the Proceeding exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

13.     Rule  144 and Rule  144A; Other Exemptions . With a view to making available to the Holders of Registrable Securities the benefits of Rule 144 and Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act and other rules and regulations of the Commission that may at any time permit a Holder of Registrable Securities to sell securities of the Company without registration, until such time as when no Registrable Securities remain outstanding, the Company covenants that it will (i) file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required, if any, to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder and (ii) make available information necessary to comply with Rule 144 and Rule 144A, if available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, at all times, 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 and Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act (if available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities), as such rules may be amended from time to time or (y) any other rules or regulations now existing or hereafter adopted by the Commission. Upon the reasonable request of any Holder of Registrable Securities, the Company will deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such information requirements, and, if not, the specific reasons for non-compliance.

14.     Transfer of Registration Rights . Any Holder may freely assign its rights hereunder on a pro rata basis in connection with any sale, transfer, assignment, or other conveyance (any of the foregoing, a “ Transfer ”) of Registrable Securities to any transferee or assignee; provided that all of the following additional conditions are satisfied: (a) the Company is given written notice by such Holder of such Transfer, 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; (b) such transferee or assignee assumes in writing

 

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responsibility for its portion of the obligations of such original Holder under this Agreement; and (c) the transferor or assignor is not relieved of any obligations or liabilities under this Agreement arising out of events occurring prior to such Transfer; and provided , further , that (i) any rights assigned hereunder shall apply only in respect of the Registrable Securities that are Transferred and not in respect of any other securities that the transferee or assignee may hold and (ii) any Registrable Securities that are Transferred may cease to constitute Registrable Securities following such Transfer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

15.     Further Assurances . Each of the parties hereto shall execute all such further instruments and documents and take all such further action as any other party hereto may reasonably require in order to effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement. Holders will fully cooperate with the Company in connection with the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, including by providing any such information reasonably requested by the Company in connection therewith.

16.     Miscellaneous .

(a)     Remedies . Any Person having rights under any provision of this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically to recover damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by law. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that any party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) for specific performance and for other injunctive relief in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

(b)     Compliance . Each Holder covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it (unless an exemption therefrom is available) in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement and shall sell the Registrable Securities only in accordance with a method of distribution described in each Registration Statement

(c)     Discontinued Disposition . By its acquisition of Registrable Securities, each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence of a Grace Period or any event of the kind described in Section 8(i) , such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement until it is advised in writing (the “ Advice ”) by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus (as it may have been supplemented or amended) may be resumed. The Company may provide appropriate stop orders to enforce the provisions of this paragraph.

(d)     Preservation of Rights . The Company shall not grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favorable than or inconsistent with the rights granted hereunder unless any such more favorable rights are concurrently added to the rights granted hereunder.

(e)     No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company shall not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with or violates the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

 

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(f)     Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, or waived unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Company and Holders holding at least a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities; provided, however, that any party may give a waiver as to itself; provided further, however that no amendment, modification, supplement, or waiver that disproportionately and adversely affects, alters, or changes the interests of any Holder shall be effective against such Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder; and provided further that the waiver of any provision with respect to any Registration Statement or offering may be given by Holders holding at least a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities entitled to participate in such offering or, if such offering shall have been commenced, having elected to participate in such offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of certain Holders and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to which such waiver or consent relates; provided , however , that the provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified, or supplemented except in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence. No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other breach of such terms and conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof. No written waiver hereunder, unless it by its own terms explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provisions being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

(g)     Notices . Any notice or other communication required or which may be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified or regular mail, by private national courier service (return receipt requested, postage prepaid), by personal delivery, by electronic mail or by facsimile transmission. Such notice or communication shall be deemed given (i) if mailed, two days after the date of mailing, (ii) if sent by national courier service, one Business Day after being sent, (iii) if delivered personally, when so delivered, (iv) if sent by electronic mail, on the Business Day such electronic mail is transmitted, or (v) if sent by facsimile transmission, on the Business Day such facsimile is transmitted, in each case as follows:

 

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  (A) If to the Company:

Chaparral Energy, Inc.

701 Cedar Lake Boulevard

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73114

Fax:      (405) 425-3704

Attention:     K. Earl Reynolds

E-mail:      earl.reynolds@chaparralenergy.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attn: Ryan J. Maierson

811 Main Street, Suite 3700

Houston, TX 77002

Tel: (713) 546-5400

Fax: (713) 546-5401

E-mail: Ryan.Maierson@lw.com

(B)    If to the Holders (or to any of them), at their addresses as they appear in the records of the Company or the records of the transfer agent or registrar, if any, for the Registrable Securities.

If any time period for giving notice or taking action hereunder expires on a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York or the jurisdiction in which the Company’s principal office is located, the time period shall automatically be extended to the Business Day immediately following such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

(h)     Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any trustee in bankruptcy). In addition, and whether or not any express assignment shall have been made, the provisions of this Agreement which are for the benefit of the Holders of Registrable Securities (or any portion thereof) as such shall be for the benefit of and enforceable by any subsequent holder of any Registrable Securities (or of such portion thereof); provided , that such subsequent holder of Registrable Securities shall be required to execute a joinder to this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company agreeing to be bound by its terms. No assignment or delegation of this Agreement by the Company, or any of the Company’s rights, interests or obligations hereunder, shall be effective against any Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder.

(i)     Execution and Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

(j)     Delivery by Facsimile . This Agreement, the agreements referred to herein, and each other agreement or instrument entered into in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby or thereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or other electronic means, shall be treated in all

 

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manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or other electronic means to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or other electronic means as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.

(k)     Governing Law; Venue . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) to the extent such rules or provisions would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each of the parties to this Agreement consents and agrees that any action to enforce this Agreement or any dispute, whether such dispute arises in law or equity, arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any New York State Court sitting in New York City. The parties hereto consent and agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. Each of the parties to this Agreement waives and agrees not to assert in any such dispute, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claim that (i) such party and such party’s property is immune from any legal process issued by such courts or (ii) any litigation or other proceeding commenced in such courts is brought in an inconvenient forum. The parties hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding to an address provided in writing by the recipient of such mailing, or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof and hereby waive any objections to service in the manner herein provided.

(l)     Waiver of Jury Trial . Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby agrees to waive its respective rights to a jury trial of any claim or cause of action based upon or arising out of this Agreement. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all-encompassing of any and all disputes that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this Agreement, including contract claims, tort claims and all other common law and statutory claims. Each party hereto acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement to enter into this Agreement, that each has already relied on this waiver in entering into this Agreement, and that each will continue to rely on this waiver in their related future dealings. Each party hereto further warrants and represents that it has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel and that it knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION  16(l) AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

(m)     Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision

 

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of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

(n)     Descriptive Headings; Interpretation; No Strict Construction . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular forms of nouns, pronouns, and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. Reference to any agreement, document, or instrument means such agreement, document, or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and, if applicable, hereof. The words “include”, “includes” or “including” in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation”. The use of the words “or,” “either” or “any” shall not be exclusive. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. All references to laws, rules, regulations and forms in this Agreement shall be deemed to be references to such laws, rules, regulations and forms, as amended from time to time or, to the extent replaced, the comparable successor thereto in effect at the time. All references to agencies, self-regulatory organizations or governmental entities in this Agreement shall be deemed to be references to the comparable successors thereto from time to time.

(o)     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.

(p)     Limitation on Subsequent Registration Rights . The Company shall not, without prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any current or future holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such current or future holder to require the Company to include securities in any registration statement filed by the Company for a period of two (2) years from the Plan Effective Date.

(q)     Termination . The obligations of the Company and of any Holder, other than those obligations contained in Section  111 and this Section  166 , shall terminate with respect to the Company and such Holder as soon as such Holder no longer beneficially owns any Registrable Securities.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Joseph O. Evans

Name:   Joseph O. Evans
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and
  Executive Vice President
  (Principal Financial Officer and
  Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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

HOLDERS :

 

[Holder Name]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

By checking this box, the Holder signing above hereby requests the inclusion of all of its Registrable Securities in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement.

 

By checking this box, the Holder signing above hereby requests the inclusion of                              of its Registrable Securities in the Initial Shelf Registration Statement, constituting less than all of its Registrable Securities.

 

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Exhibit 10.3

WARRANT AGREEMENT

THIS WARRANT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of March 17, 2017, is by and among reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Warrant Agent ”).

WHEREAS , on May 9, 2016, the Company and its affiliated debtors (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) under the Case No. 16-11144 (LSS);

WHEREAS , on January 23, 2017, the Debtors filed the Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code D.I. 761 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Plan ”);

WHEREAS , on March 10, 2017 the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan, and the Debtors emerged from their chapter 11 cases on the date first written above (the “ Effective Date ”);

WHEREAS , pursuant to the Plan, the Company will issue or cause to be issued to Mark A. Fischer, on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, warrants (the “ Warrants ”) to purchase shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“ Class A Common Stock ”), representing an aggregate total of 0.37575% of the total number of shares of the Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Plan;

WHEREAS , the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Warrants, the terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised, and the respective rights, limitation of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent, and the holders of the Warrants;

WHEREAS , the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, call, exercise and cancellation of the Warrants; and

WHEREAS , all acts and things have been done and performed which are necessary to make the Warrants, when issued, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1    Definition of Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(a)     “ Adjustment Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 hereof.


(b)     “ Affiliate ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(c)     “ Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(d)     “ Appropriate Officer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) hereof.

(e)     “ Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532.

(f)     “ Bankruptcy Court ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(g)     “ Beneficial Holders ” means, with respect to any Warrants represented by a Global Warrant Certificate, any person or entity that “beneficially owns” (as such term is defined and determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) such Warrants.

(h)     “ Board of Directors ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(i)     “ Book-Entry Warrants ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(j)     “ Business Day ” means any day that is not (i) a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed and, (ii) in the event that the Warrants or Common Stock are listed on a national securities exchange other than the New York Stock Exchange, a day on which such national securities exchange is closed.

(k)     “ Certificated Warrant ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(l)     “ Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals, and shall include any successor security as a result of any recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification or similar transaction involving the Company.

(m)     “ Class B Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Plan, and shall include any successor security as a result of any recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification or similar transaction involving the Company.

(n)     “ Common Stock ” means the shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share, including Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, and shall include any successor security as a result of any recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification or similar transaction involving the Company.

 

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(o)     “ Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(p)     “ Convertible Securities ” means any securities (directly or indirectly) convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, but excluding Options.

(q)     “ Current Sale Price ” of the Class A Common Stock on any date of determination means:

(i)     if the Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or The NASDAQ Stock Market on such date, the average closing sale price per share of the Class A Common Stock (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and closing ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately prior to such date of determination, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange or The NASDAQ Stock Market, as applicable;

(ii)     if the Class A Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or The NASDAQ Stock Market on such date, but is listed on another U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the average closing sale price per share of the Class A Common Stock (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the high bid and low asked prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average high bid and low asked prices) for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately prior to such date of determination, as reported in composite transactions for such securities exchange (or, if more than one, the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded);

(iii)     if the Class A Common Stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the average last quoted sale price for the Class A Common Stock (or, if no sale price is reported, the average of the high bid and low asked price for such date) for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately prior to such date of determination, in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or other similar organization; or

(iv)     in all other cases, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

The Current Sale Price shall be determined without reference to early hours, after hours or extended market trading.

The Current Sale Price shall be appropriately adjusted by the Board of Directors in good faith if the “ex-date” (as hereinafter defined) for any event (other than the issuance or distribution requiring such computation) occurs during the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately prior to the day as of which the Current Sale Price is being determined.

 

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For these purposes the term “ex-date”, when used:

(i)     with respect to any issuance or distribution, means the first date on which the Class A Common Stock trades regular way on the relevant exchange or in the relevant market from which the sale price or bid and ask prices, as applicable, were obtained without the right to receive such issuance or distribution;

(ii)     with respect to any subdivision or combination of shares of Class A Common Stock, means the first date on which the Class A Common Stock trades regular way on such exchange or in such market after the time at which such subdivision or combination becomes effective; and

(iii)     with respect to any tender or exchange offer, means the first date on which the Class A Common Stock trades regular way on such exchange or in such market after the expiration time of such offer.

The foregoing adjustments shall be made to the Current Sale Price in accordance with the terms hereof, as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the intent of this Agreement and to avoid unjust or inequitable results as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

(r)     “ Date of Issuance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a) hereof.

(s)     “ Debtors ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(t)     “ Depositary ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(u)     “ Direct Registration Warrants ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(v)     “ Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(w)     “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(x)     “ Exercise Date ” means any date, on or prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period, on which the Holder exercises the right to purchase the Warrant Exercise Shares, in whole or in part, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions described herein.

(y)     “ Exercise Form ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(d) hereof.

(z)     “ Exercise Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 hereof.

(aa)     “ Exercise Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.

 

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(bb)     “ Fully Diluted ” means all Class A Common Stock outstanding as of the applicable measurement date together with all Common Stock then issuable upon (i) the conversion of Convertible Securities at the then applicable conversion rate, (ii) the exercise of any Options and (iii) the conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended; provided that, for purposes of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), all conditions to the convertibility and/or exercisability of Convertible Securities and Options of the Company, shall be deemed to have been satisfied.

(cc)     “ Funds ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14 hereof.

(dd)     “ Global Warrant Certificates ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(ee)     “ Governmental Authority ” means any (i) government, (ii) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official or entity and any court or other tribunal) or (iii) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory or taxing authority or power of any nature, in each case, whether federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, supranational or of any other jurisdiction.

(ff)     “ Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.

(gg)     “ Law ” means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, codes, injunctions, decrees, orders, ordinances, registration requirements, disclosure requirements and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States, any foreign country or any domestic or foreign state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental Authority.

(hh)     “ Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

(ii)     “ Options ” means any warrants or other rights or options to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock or Convertible Securities.

(jj)     “ Organic Change ” means any recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s equity securities or assets or other transaction, in each case which is effected in such a way that the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) cash, stock, securities or other assets or property with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, other than a transaction which triggers an adjustment pursuant to Sections 5.1 , 5.2 or  5.3 .

(kk)     “ Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, association, indenture trustee, organization, joint stock company, joint venture, estate, trust, governmental unit or any political subdivision thereof, or any other entity (as such term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code).

 

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(ll)     “ Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(mm)     “ Pro Rata Repurchase Offer ” means any offer to purchase shares of any class of Common Stock by the Company or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to (i) any tender offer or exchange offer subject to Section 13(e) or 14(e) of the Exchange Act or Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder or (ii) any other offer available to substantially all holders of any class of Common Stock to purchase or exchange their shares of Common Stock, in the case of both (i) or (ii), whether for cash, shares of capital stock of the Company, other securities of the Company, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or any other Person, or any other property (including, without limitation, shares of capital stock, other securities or evidences of indebtedness of a Subsidiary), or any combination thereof, effected while the Warrants are outstanding. The “ effective date ” of a Pro Rata Repurchase Offer shall mean the date of acceptance of shares for purchase or exchange by the Company under any tender or exchange offer which is a Pro Rata Repurchase Offer or the date of purchase with respect to any Pro Rata Repurchase Offer that is not a tender or exchange offer.

(nn)     “ Registered Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(d) hereof.

(oo)     “ Requisite Holders ” means Registered Holders of Warrants exercisable for a majority of the Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of all Warrants then outstanding.

(pp)     “ S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC or any successor thereto.

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

(rr)     “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(ss)     “ Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, limited liability company or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the partnership, limited liability company or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, limited liability company or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of partnership, limited liability company or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control the general partner, the managing member or entity performing similar functions of such partnership, limited liability company or other business entity.

 

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(tt)     “ Transfer ” means any transfer, sale, assignment or other disposition.

(uu)     “ Warrant Agent ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall include any successor to the Warrant Agent pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof.

(vv)     “ Warrant Certificates ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(ww)     “ Warrant Exercise Shares ” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issued upon the exercise of a Warrant.

(xx)     “ Warrant Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c) hereof.

(yy)     “ Warrant Restrictions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(zz)     “ Warrant Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof.

(aaa)     “ Warrants ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Section 1.2    Rules of Construction .

(a)     The singular form of any word used herein, including the terms defined in Section 1.1 hereof, shall include the plural, and vice versa. The use herein of a word of any gender shall include correlative words of all genders.

(b)     Unless otherwise specified, references to Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of this Agreement are to the designated Articles, Sections and other subdivision of this Agreement as originally executed. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole.

(c)     References to “$” are to dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.

(d)     The Exhibits attached hereto are an integral part of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

APPOINTMENT OF WARRANT AGENT

Section 2.1    Appointment . The Company hereby appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company for the Warrants in accordance with the express terms and subject to the

 

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conditions set forth in this Agreement (and no implied terms or conditions), and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the express terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

WARRANTS

Section 3.1    Issuance of Warrants .

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the terms of the Plan, on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date (such date, the “ Date of Issuance ”), the Company will issue the Warrants to Mark A. Fischer.

(b) The maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to exercise of the Warrants shall be 140,023 shares, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

(c) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Warrants (such Warrants being referred to as “ Book-Entry Warrants ”) shall be issued through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company, as depositary (the “ Depositary ”) in the form of one or more global warrant certificates (“ Global Warrant Certificates ”), duly executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned, either by manual or facsimile signature, by the Warrant Agent, in the manner set forth in Section 3.3(a) below, which the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered to the Depositary, on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Warrants shall either be (x) represented by certificates (together with the Global Warrant Certificates, “ Warrant Certificates ”; and any Warrant represented by a Warrant Certificate, other than a Global Warrant Certificate, being referred to as a “ Certificated Warrant ”) or (y) issued by electronic entry registration on the books of the Warrant Agent (“ Direct Registration Warrants ”) and shall be reflected on statements issued by the Warrant Agent from time to time to the holders thereof (the “ Warrant Statements ”); provided that any Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants that are not subject to any restriction on transfer or exercise, or are not subject to any vesting requirements (such restrictions or requirements, “ Warrant Restrictions ”), may be exchanged at any time for a corresponding number of Book-Entry Warrants, in accordance with Section 6.1(c) and the applicable procedures of the Depositary and the Warrant Agent.

Section 3.2    Form of Warrant; Execution of Warrant Certificates .

(a) Subject to Section 6.1 of this Agreement, the Global Warrant Certificates shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto. The certificates for Certificated Warrants, with the forms of election to exercise and of assignment printed on the reverse thereof, shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto. The Warrant Certificates may bear such appropriate

 

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insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Agreement, may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required by the Depositary (including as provided in Section 3.2(b) ) and as are consistent with the provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any Law or with any rules or regulations made pursuant thereto or with any rules of any securities exchange or as may be determined (in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Agreement) by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company (each, an “ Appropriate Officer ”) executing such Warrant Certificates, as evidenced by their execution of the Warrant Certificates. Such signatures may be manual or facsimile signatures of such authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant Certificates.

(b)     In case any Appropriate Officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Warrant Certificates (either manually or by facsimile signature) shall cease to be such Appropriate Officer before the Warrant Certificates so signed shall have been countersigned (either manually or by facsimile signature) by the Warrant Agent or delivered by or on behalf of the Company, such Warrant Certificates nevertheless may be countersigned and delivered with the same force and effect as though such Appropriate Officer had not ceased to be such Appropriate Officer of the Company; and any Warrant Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at the actual date of the execution of such Warrant Certificate, shall be a proper Appropriate Officer of the Company to sign such Warrant Certificate, although at the date of the execution of this Agreement any such person was not such Appropriate Officer.

(c)     The Global Warrant Certificates shall bear a legend substantially in the form indicated therefor on Exhibit A-1 . The Global Warrant Certificates shall be deposited on or after the Date of Issuance with the Warrant Agent and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as the nominee of the Depositary. Each Global Warrant Certificate shall represent such number of the outstanding Warrants as specified therein, and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Warrants from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding Warrants represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the applicable procedures of the Depositary.

(d)     A Warrant Certificate shall be, and shall remain, subject to the provisions of this Agreement until such time as all of the Warrants evidenced thereby shall have been duly exercised or shall have expired or been cancelled in accordance with the terms hereof.

Section 3.3    Registration and Countersignature .

(a)     Upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by an Appropriate Officer instructing the Warrant Agent to do so, the Warrant Agent (i) shall upon receipt of Warrant Certificates, including the Global Warrant Certificates, duly executed on behalf of the Company, countersign, either by manual or facsimile signature,

 

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such Global Warrant Certificates evidencing Warrants, and record such Warrant Certificates, including the Registered Holders thereof, in the Warrant Register, and (ii) shall register in the Warrant Register any Direct Registration Warrants in the names of the initial Registered Holders thereof. Such written order of the Company shall specifically state the number of Warrants that are to be issued as Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants and the name of the Registered Holders thereof, and the number of Warrants that are to be issued as Book-Entry Warrants, and the Warrant Agent may rely conclusively on such written order. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not instruct the Warrant Agent to register any Direct Registration Warrants unless and until the Warrant Agent shall confirm to the Company in writing that it has the capabilities to accommodate Direct Registration Warrants.

(b)     No Warrant Certificate shall be valid for any purpose, and no Warrant evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, until such Warrant Certificate has been countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of the Warrant Agent. Such signature by the Warrant Agent upon any Warrant Certificate executed by the Company shall be conclusive evidence that such Warrant Certificate so countersigned has been duly issued hereunder.

(c)     The Warrant Agent shall keep or cause to be kept, at an office designated for such purpose, books (the “ Warrant Register ”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it shall register the Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, and the Warrants represented by Global Warrant Certificates, and exercises, exchanges, cancellations and transfers of outstanding Warrants in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.1 of this Agreement, all in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent. No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of the Warrants, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other tax or other charge that may be imposed on any Registered Holder in connection with any such exchange or registration of transfer. The Warrant Agent shall have no obligation to effect an exchange or register a transfer unless and until it is satisfied that any payments required by the immediately preceding sentence have been made.

(d)     Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer or exchange of any Warrants in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Agreement, the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose name such Warrants are registered upon the Warrant Register (the “ Registered Holder ” of such Warrants) as the absolute owner of such Warrants, for all purposes including, without limitation, for the purpose of any exercise thereof (subject to Section 4.3(d)(z) ), any distribution to the Holder thereof and for all other purposes (subject to Section 4.1(ii)), and neither the Warrant Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary. Neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent will be liable or responsible for any registration or transfer of any Warrants that are registered or to be registered in the name of a fiduciary or the nominee of a fiduciary.

 

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ARTICLE IV

TERMS AND EXERCISE OF WARRANTS

Section 4.1    Exercise Price . Each Warrant shall entitle (i) in the case of the Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, the Registered Holder thereof and (ii) in the case of Book-Entry Warrants, the Beneficial Holder thereof ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “ Holder ”), subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the right to purchase from the Company one share of Class A Common Stock (subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Article V hereof), at the price of $36.78 per share (subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Article V , the “ Exercise Price ”).

Section 4.2    Exercise Period . Warrants may be exercised by the Holder thereof, in whole or in part (but not as to a fractional share of Class A Common Stock), at any time and from time to time after the Date of Issuance and prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 30, 2018 (the “ Exercise Period ”). To the extent that a Warrant or portion thereof is not exercised prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period, it shall be automatically cancelled with no action by any Person, and with no further rights thereunder, upon such expiration.

Section 4.3    Method of Exercise .

(a)     In connection with the exercise of any Warrant, (i) the Holder shall surrender such Warrant (or portion thereof) to the Warrant Agent for the number of Warrant Exercise Shares being exercised, up to the aggregate number of Warrant Exercise Shares for which the Warrants are exercisable and (ii) the Exercise Price shall be paid, at the option of the Holder, (x) in United States dollars by personal, certified or official bank check payable to the Company or by wire transfer to an account specified in writing by the Company or the Warrant Agent to such Holder, in either case in immediately available funds in an amount equal to the aggregate Exercise Price for such Warrant Exercise Shares as specified in the Exercise Form or (y) by cashless exercise as set forth in Section 4.3(b) ).

(b)     In lieu of paying the Exercise Price by personal, certified or official bank check or by wire transfer, any Holder may elect to exercise Warrants by authorizing the Company to withhold and not issue to such Holder, in payment of the Exercise Price thereof, a number of such Warrant Exercise Shares equal to (x) the number of Warrant Exercise Shares for which the Warrants are being exercised, multiplied by (y) the Exercise Price, and divided by (z) the Current Sale Price on the Exercise Date (and such withheld shares shall no longer be issuable under such Warrants, and the Holder shall not have any rights or be entitled to any payment with respect to such withheld shares).

(c)     Upon exercise of any Warrants, the Warrant Agent will as promptly as practicable, within a reasonable time period to enable the Company to meet its obligations under Section 4.4(a) , deliver written request to the Company to confirm the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable in connection with such exercise. The Company shall calculate and transmit to the Warrant Agent in a written

 

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notice, and the Warrant Agent shall have no duty, responsibility or obligation to calculate or confirm, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable in connection with any exercise. The Warrant Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on any such written notice provided by the Company, and the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with such written instructions or pursuant to this Agreement. Such written notice from the Company shall also set forth the cost basis for such shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to such exercise.

(d)     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Holder of any Warrants may exercise, in whole or in part, such Holder’s right to purchase the Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of such Warrants by: (x) in the case of Certificated Warrants, properly completing and duly executing the exercise form for the election to exercise such Warrants (including the exercise forms referred to in clauses (y) and (z) below, an “ Exercise Form ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 , (y) in the case of Direct Registration Warrants, providing an Exercise Form substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2 hereto, properly completed and duly executed by the Registered Holder thereof, to the Warrant Agent, and (z) in the case of Book-Entry Warrants, providing an Exercise Form in compliance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary and its direct and indirect participants, as applicable.

(e)     Any exercise of Warrants pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be irrevocable as of the date of delivery of the Exercise Form and shall constitute a binding agreement between the Holder and the Company, enforceable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(f)     In the case of Certificated Warrants, upon receipt of the Warrant Certificate with the properly completed and duly executed Exercise Form, or in the case of Direct Registration Warrants, upon receipt of an Exercise Form, in each case pursuant to Section 4.3(d) , the Warrant Agent shall:

(i)     examine the Exercise Form and all other documents delivered to it by or on behalf of Holders as contemplated hereunder to ascertain whether or not, on their face, such Exercise Form and any such other documents have been executed and completed in accordance with their terms and the terms hereof;

(ii)     if an Exercise Form or other document appears, on its face, to have been improperly completed or executed or some other irregularity in connection with the exercise of the Warrants exists, endeavor to inform the appropriate parties (including the person submitting such instrument) of the need for fulfillment of all requirements, specifying those requirements which appear to be unfulfilled;

(iii)     inform the Company of and reasonably cooperate with and assist the Company in resolving any reconciliation problems between the information provided on any Exercise Form received and the information on the Warrant Register;

 

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(iv)     advise the Company as soon as practicable to enable the Company to meet its obligations under Section 4.4(a) , after receipt of an Exercise Form, of (A) the receipt of such Exercise Form and the number of Warrant Exercise Shares in respect of which the Warrants are requested to be exercised in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (B) the instructions with respect to delivery of the Class A Common Stock deliverable upon such exercise, subject to timely receipt of such information by the Warrant Agent, and (C) such other information as the Company shall reasonably request; and

(v)     subject to Class A Common Stock being made available to the Warrant Agent by or on behalf of the Company, and written instructions from the Company, liaise with the transfer agent for the Class A Common Stock for the issuance and registration of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants in accordance with the Exercise Form.

The Company reserves the right to reject any and all Exercise Forms that it reasonably determines are not in proper form or for which any corresponding agreement by the Company to exchange would, in the opinion of the Company, be unlawful. Any such determination by the Company shall be final and binding on the Holders of the Warrants, absent manifest error. Moreover, the Company reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions to any particular exercise of Warrants or any defects in the Exercise Form(s) with regard to any particular exercise of Warrants. The Company shall provide prompt written notice to the Warrant Agent of any such rejection or waiver.

(g)     In the case of Book-Entry Warrants, the Company and the Warrant Agent shall cooperate with the Depositary and its direct and indirect participants in order to effectuate the exercise of such Warrants, in accordance with the reasonable and applicable practices and procedures of the Depositary and such participants, including the manner of delivery of notice of exercise by the Beneficial Holders thereof, in such form as shall be prescribed by such participants, as applicable.

(h)     The Warrant Agent shall forward funds received for warrant exercises in a given month by the fifth business day of the following month by wire transfer to an account designated by the Company.

Section 4.4    Issuance of Common Stock .

(a)     Upon the effectiveness of any exercise of any Warrants pursuant to Section 4.3 , the Company shall, subject to Section 4.6 , promptly at its expense, as soon as practicable cause to be issued as directed by the Holder of such Warrants the total number of whole shares of Class A Common Stock for which such Warrants are being exercised (as the same may be hereafter adjusted pursuant to Article V ) in such denominations as are requested by the Holder as set forth below: (i) in the case of the exercise of any Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants by the Registered Holder thereof, registered as directed by the Holder, (ii) in the case of the exercise of any Book-Entry Warrants by the Beneficial Holder thereof, by same day or next day credit to the Depositary in accordance with the practices and procedures of the Depositary and its respective participants, delivered to such account as directed by the Holder.

 

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(b)     The Warrant Exercise Shares shall be deemed to have been issued at the time at which all of the conditions to such exercise have been fulfilled, and the Holder, or other person to whom the Holder shall direct the issuance thereof, shall be deemed for all purposes to have become the holder of such Warrant Exercise Shares at such time.

Section 4.5    Reservation of Shares .

(a)     During the Exercise Period, the Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock solely for the purpose of issuance upon the exercise of the Warrants, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the aggregate Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding Warrants. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take all such actions as may be necessary to assure that all such shares of Class A Common Stock may be so issued without violating the Company’s governing documents, any agreements to which the Company is a party on the date hereof, any requirements of any national securities exchange upon which shares of Class A Common Stock may be listed or any applicable Laws. The Company shall not take any action which would cause the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock to be less than the number of such shares required to be reserved hereunder for issuance upon exercise of the Warrants. If the Class A Common Stock is listed on a national or regional securities exchange, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Warrant Exercise Shares to be so listed upon issuance.

(b)     The Company covenants that it will take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order that all Warrant Exercise Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants will, upon issuance in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, be fully paid and non-assessable and free from any and all (i) security interests created by or imposed upon the Company and (ii) taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issuance thereof. If at any time prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period the number and kind of authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s capital stock shall not be sufficient to permit exercise in full of the Warrants, the Company will promptly take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be reasonably necessary (including seeking stockholder approval, if required) to increase its authorized but unissued shares to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purposes. The Company agrees that its issuance of Warrants shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the issuance of Warrant Exercise Shares to issue Warrant Exercise Shares upon the exercise of Warrants. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will not increase the stated or par value per share, if any, of the Class A Common Stock above the Exercise Price per share in effect immediately prior to such increase in stated or par value.

(c)     The Company represents and warrants to the Holders that the issuance of the Warrants and the issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock upon

 

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exercise thereof in accordance with the terms hereof will not constitute a breach of, or a default under, any other material agreements to which the Company is a party on the date hereof.

Section 4.6    Fractional Shares . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to issue any fraction of a share of its capital stock in connection with the exercise of any Warrants, and in any case where a Holder of Warrants would, except for the provisions of this Section 4.6 , be entitled under the terms thereof to receive a fraction of a share upon the exercise of such Warrants, the Company shall, upon the exercise of such Warrants, issue or cause to be issued only the largest whole number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon such exercise (and such fraction of a share will be disregarded, and the Holder shall not have any rights or be entitled to any payment with respect to such fraction of a share); provided that the number of whole Warrant Exercise Shares which shall be issuable upon the contemporaneous exercise of any Warrants shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of all such Warrants.

Section 4.7    Close of Books; Par Value . The Company shall not close its books against the transfer of any Warrants or any Warrant Exercise Shares in any manner which interferes with the timely exercise of such Warrants. Without limiting Section 4.5(b) , the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, from time to time, take all such action as may be necessary to assure that the par value per share of the unissued shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of the Warrants is at all times equal to or less than the Exercise Price then in effect.

Section 4.8    Payment of Taxes . In connection with the exercise of any Warrants, the Company shall not be required to pay any tax or other charge imposed in respect of any transfer involved in the Company’s issuance and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock (including certificates therefor) (or any payment of cash or other property in lieu of such shares) to any recipient other than the Holder of the Warrants being exercised, and in case of any such tax or other charge, the Warrant Agent and the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any such shares (or cash or other property in lieu of such shares) until (x) such tax or charge has been paid or an amount sufficient for the payment thereof has been delivered to the Warrant Agent or the Company or (y) it has been established to the Company’s and the Warrant Agent’s satisfaction that any such tax or other charge that is or may become due has been paid. For the avoidance of doubt, the Warrant Agent shall not have any duty or obligation to take any action under any section of this Agreement that requires the payment of taxes or charges, unless and until the Warrant Agent is satisfied that all such taxes and/or charges have been paid.

ARTICLE V

ADJUSTMENT OF EXERCISE PRICE AND NUMBER OF

WARRANT EXERCISE SHARES

In order to prevent dilution of the rights granted under the Warrants, the Exercise Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Article V , and the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of each Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Article V .

 

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Section 5.1    Subdivision or Combination of Class A Common Stock . In the event that the amount of outstanding Class A Common Stock is increased or decreased by combination (by reverse stock split or reclassification) or subdivision (by any stock split or reclassification) of the Class A Common Stock or any distribution by the Company with respect to the Class A Common Stock in the form of additional Class A Common Stock, then, on the effective date of such combination, subdivision or distribution, the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable on exercise of the Warrants shall be increased or decreased, as applicable, in proportion to such increase or decrease, as applicable, in the outstanding Class A Common Stock. Whenever the number of Warrant Exercise Shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants is adjusted pursuant to this Section 5.1 , the Exercise Price shall be adjusted (to the nearest one ten-thousandth of a cent ($0.000001)) by multiplying such Exercise Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction of which (a) the numerator shall be the number of Warrant Exercise Shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment and (b) the denominator shall be the number of Warrant Exercise Shares purchasable immediately after such adjustment.

Section 5.2    Distributions . If the Company at any time after the issuance of the Warrants but prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period fixes a record date for the making of a distribution to all holders of shares of the Common Stock of securities, evidences of indebtedness, assets, cash, rights or warrants (excluding dividends or distributions referred to in Section 5.1 ), then, in each such case, the Exercise Price in effect prior to such record date shall be adjusted thereafter to the price determined by the following formula:

 

EP 1   =  EP 0   *  

(CP 0  - FV)

 

  
 

 

  
 

 

CP 0

  

where

 

EP 1    =    the Exercise Price in effect immediately following the application of the adjustments in this Section 5.2 ;
EP 0    =    the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the application of the adjustments in this Section 5.2 ;
CP 0    =    the Current Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on the last trading day preceding the first date on which the Class A Common Stock trades regular way without the right to receive such distribution; and
FV    =    the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of the securities, evidences of indebtedness, assets, rights or warrants to be so distributed in respect of one share of Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed (an “ Adjustment Event ”). In such Adjustment Event, the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon the exercise of each Warrant shall be increased to the number obtained by dividing

 

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(x) the product of (1) the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon the exercise of each Warrant before such adjustment, and (2) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the adjustment by (y) the new Exercise Price immediately following such adjustment.

In the event that such distribution is not so made, the Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants then in effect shall be readjusted, effective as of the date when the Board of Directors determines not to distribute such shares, evidences of indebtedness, assets, rights, cash or warrants, as the case may be, to the Exercise Price that would then be in effect and the number of Warrant Exercise Shares that would then be issuable upon exercise of the Warrants if such record date had not been fixed.

Section 5.3    Pro Rata Repurchase Offer of Common Stock . If at any time after the issuance of the Warrants but prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period the Company consummates a Pro Rata Repurchase Offer of Common Stock, then the Exercise Price shall be reduced to the price determined by the following formula:

 

EP 1   =  EP 0   *  

(OS 0  * CP 0 ) - AP

 

  
 

 

  
 

 

(OS 0  - SP 0 ) * CP 0

  

where

 

EP 1    =    the Exercise Price in effect immediately following the application of the adjustments in this Section 5.3 (but in no event greater than EP 0 );
EP 0    =    the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the application of the adjustments in this Section 5.3 ;
OS 0    =    the number of Fully Diluted shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately before consummation of such Pro Rata Repurchase Offer;
CP 0    =    the Current Sale Price of a share of Class A Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the first public announcement by the Company or any of its Affiliates of the intent to effect such Pro Rata Repurchase Offer;
AP    =    the aggregate purchase price (including the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, of any non-cash consideration included therein) paid for the shares of Common Stock in the Pro Rata Repurchase Offer; and
SP 0    =    the number of shares of Common Stock so repurchased in the Pro Rata Repurchase Offer.

In such event, the Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon the exercise of each Warrant shall be increased to the number obtained by dividing (x) the product of (1) the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon the exercise of each Warrant before such adjustment, and (2) the

 

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Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the adjustment by (y) the new Exercise Price immediately following such adjustment. For the avoidance of doubt, no increase to the Exercise Price or decrease in the Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants shall be made pursuant to this Section 5.3 .

Section 5.4    Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale . In connection with any Organic Change prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period, the Holders shall have the right to acquire and receive, upon exercise of such Warrants, such cash, stock, securities or other assets or property as would have been issued or payable in such Organic Change (if the Holder had exercised such Warrant immediately prior to such Organic Change) with respect to or in exchange, as applicable, for the number of Warrant Exercise Shares that would have been issued upon exercise of such Warrants, if such Warrants had been exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such Organic Change. The Company shall not effect any Organic Change unless, prior to the consummation thereof, the surviving Person (if other than the Company) resulting from such Organic Change, shall assume, by written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Agreement in all material respects (including with respect to the provisions of Article V ), the obligation to deliver to the Holders such cash, stock, securities or other assets or property which, in accordance with the foregoing provision, the Holders shall be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Warrants. The provisions of this Section 5.4 shall similarly apply to successive Organic Changes.

Section 5.5    Notice of Adjustments . Whenever the number and/or kind of Warrant Exercise Shares or the Exercise Price is adjusted as herein provided and upon any Organic Change, the Company shall (i) prepare and deliver, or cause to be prepared and delivered, forthwith to the Warrant Agent a written statement setting forth the adjusted number and/or kind of securities, cash or other assets or property issuable upon the exercise of Warrants and the Exercise Price after such adjustment, the facts requiring such adjustment and the computation by which adjustment was made, and (ii) cause the Warrant Agent to give written notice to each Registered Holder in the manner provided in Section 9.2 below, of the record date or the effective date of the event. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such event. The Warrant Agent shall be fully protected in relying upon any such written notice delivered in accordance with this Section 5.5 , and on any adjustment therein contained, and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any such adjustment unless and until it shall have received such written notice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Warrant Agent shall have no duty or obligation to investigate or confirm whether the information contained in any such written notice complies with the terms of this Agreement or any other document. The Warrant Agent shall have no duty to determine when an adjustment under this Article V should be made, how any such adjustment should be calculated, or the amount of any such adjustment.

Section 5.6    Exclusion of Certain Adjustments . Subject to Section 4.5(b) , no adjustment needs be made for a change in the par value of the shares of Class A Common Stock. All calculations under this Section shall be made to the nearest one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of one cent ($0.01) or to the nearest one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of a share, as the case may be.

Section 5.7    Calculation of Adjustments . The form of Warrant Certificate need not be changed because of any adjustments in the Exercise Price or the number and/or kind of shares

 

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issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and Warrant Certificates theretofore or thereafter issued may continue to express the same price and number and kind of shares as are stated therein, as initially issued; provided that such adjustments in the Exercise Price or the number and/or kind of shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall nonetheless have effect upon exercise of the Warrants. The Company, however, may at any time in its sole discretion make any change in the form of Warrant Certificate that it may deem appropriate to give effect to such adjustments and that does not affect the substance of the Warrant Certificate or this Agreement (including the rights, duties, liabilities or obligations of the Warrant Agent), and any Warrant Certificate thereafter issued, whether in exchange or substitution for an outstanding Warrant Certificate, may be in the form so changed.

ARTICLE VI

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF WARRANTS

Section 6.1    Registration of Transfers and Exchanges .

(a)     Transfer and Exchange of Book-Entry Warrants . The Transfer and exchange of Book-Entry Warrants shall be effected through the Depositary and its direct and indirect participants, in accordance with the applicable procedures therefor of the Depositary and such participants.

(b)     Exchange of Book-Entry Warrants for Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants . If at any time, (x) the Depositary for the Global Warrant Certificates notifies the Company that the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Warrant Certificates and a successor Depositary for the Global Warrant Certificates is not appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days after delivery of such notice or (y) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Warrant Agent in writing that it elects to exclusively cause the issuance of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants under this Agreement, then upon written instructions signed by an Appropriate Officer of the Company, the Warrant Agent shall register and issue Certificated Warrants, or shall register Direct Registration Warrants, in an aggregate number equal to the number of Book-Entry Warrants represented by the Global Warrant Certificates, in accordance with such written instructions. Such written instructions provided by the Company shall state that the Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants issued in exchange for Book-Entry Warrants pursuant to this Section 6.1(b) shall be registered in such names and in such amounts as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Warrant Agent.

(c)     Transfer and Exchange of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants . When Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants are presented to the Warrant Agent with a written request (x) to register the Transfer of such Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants or (y) to exchange such Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants for an equal number of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, respectively, of other authorized denominations, the Warrant Agent shall register the Transfer or make the exchange, and

 

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in the case of Certificated Warrants shall issue such new Warrant Certificates, as requested if its customary requirements for such transactions are met, provided , that (A) the Warrant Agent shall have received (x) a written instruction of Transfer in form satisfactory to the Warrant Agent, duly executed by the Registered Holder thereof or by his attorney, duly authorized in writing along with evidence of authority that may be required by the Warrant Agent, including but not limited to, a signature guarantee from an eligible guarantor institution participating in a signature guarantee program approved by the Securities Transfer Association, (y) a written order of the Company signed by an Appropriate Officer authorizing such exchange and (z) in the case of Certificated Warrants, surrender of the Warrant Certificate(s) representing same duly endorsed for Transfer or exchange, and (B) if reasonably requested by the Company, the Company shall have received a written opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act.

(d)     Exchange of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants for Book-Entry Warrants . Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants that are not subject to any Warrant Restrictions may be exchanged for Book-Entry Warrants upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Warrant Agent of appropriate written instruments of transfer with respect to such Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, in form satisfactory to the Warrant Agent, and in the case of Certificated Warrants, surrender of the Warrant Certificate(s) representing same duly endorsed for Transfer or exchange, together with written instructions directing the Warrant Agent to make, or to direct the Depositary to make, an endorsement on the Global Warrant Certificate to reflect an increase in the number of Warrants represented by the Global Warrant Certificate equal to the number of Warrants represented by such Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, then the Warrant Agent shall cancel such Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants on the Warrant Register and cause or direct the Depositary to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Depositary and the Warrant Agent, the number of Book-Entry Warrants represented by the Global Warrant Certificate to be increased accordingly. If no Global Warrant Certificates are then outstanding, or if the Global Warrant Certificates then outstanding cannot be used for such purposes, the Company shall issue and the Warrant Agent shall countersign (by either manual or facsimile signature), a new Global Warrant Certificate representing the appropriate number of Book-Entry Warrants. Any such Transfer shall be subject to the Company’s prior written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(e)     Restrictions on Transfer and Exchange of Global Warrant Certificates . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement (other than the provisions set forth in Section 6.1(f) ), unless and until it is exchanged in whole for Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, a Global Warrant Certificate may not be Transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

 

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(f)     Restrictions on Transfer . No Warrants or Warrant Exercise Shares shall be sold, exchanged or otherwise Transferred in violation of the Securities Act or applicable state securities Laws. If any Holder purports to Transfer Warrants to any Person in a transaction that would violate the provisions of this Section 6.1(f) , such Transfer shall be void ab initio and of no effect.

(g)     Exchange of Global Warrant Certificate . A Global Warrant Certificate may be exchanged for another Global Warrant Certificate of like or similar tenor for purposes of complying with the practices and procedures of the Depositary.

(h)     Cancellation of Global Warrant Certificate . At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Warrant Certificate have either been exchanged for Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the Global Warrant Certificate shall be returned to, or retained and cancelled pursuant to applicable Law by, the Warrant Agent, upon written instructions from the Company satisfactory to the Warrant Agent.

Section 6.2    Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Warrants .

(a)     All Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants issued upon any registration of Transfer or exchange of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, respectively, shall be the valid obligations of the Company, entitled to the same benefits under this Agreement as the Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants surrendered upon such registration of Transfer or exchange. No service charge shall be made to a Registered Holder for any registration, Transfer or exchange of any Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other tax or other charge that may be imposed on the Registered Holder, the Company or the Warrant Agent in connection with any such exchange or registration of Transfer. The Warrant Agent shall forward any such sum collected by it to the Company or to such persons as the Company specifies by written notice. The Warrant Agent shall have no obligation to effect an exchange or register a Transfer unless and until it is satisfied that all such taxes and/or charges have been paid.

(b)     So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Warrant Certificate, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, shall be considered by the Company, the Warrant Agent, and any agent of the Company or the Warrant Agent as the sole owner or holder of the Warrants represented by such Global Warrant Certificate for all purposes under this Agreement (subject to Sections 4.1(ii) and  4.3(d)(z) ). Neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent, in its capacity as registrar for such Warrants, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to beneficial interests in a Global Warrant Certificate or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Warrant Agent or any agent of the Company or the Warrant Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy, or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair the operation of customary practices of the Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Warrant Certificate.

 

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(c)     Subject to Section 6.1(c) , and this Section 6.2 , the Warrant Agent shall:

(i)     in the case of Certificated Warrants, upon receipt of all information required to be delivered hereunder, from time to time register the Transfer of any outstanding Certificated Warrants in the Warrant Register, upon delivery by the Registered Holder thereof, at the Warrant Agent’s office designated for such purpose, of the Warrant Certificate representing such Certificated Warrants, duly endorsed for transfer, by the Registered Holder thereof or by the duly appointed legal representative thereof or by a duly authorized attorney; and upon any such registration of Transfer, a new Warrant Certificate shall be issued to the transferee.

(ii)     in the case of Direct Registration Warrants, upon receipt of all information required to be delivered hereunder, from time to time register the Transfer of any outstanding Direct Registration Warrants in the Warrant Register, upon delivery by the Registered Holder thereof, at the Warrant Agent’s office designated for such purpose, of a form of assignment substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, properly completed and duly executed by the Registered Holder thereof or by the duly appointed legal representative thereof or by a duly authorized attorney; and upon any such registration of Transfer, a new Direct Registration Warrant shall be issued to the transferee.

Section 6.3    Fractional Warrants . The Warrant Agent shall not effect any registration of Transfer or exchange which will result in the issuance of a fraction of a Warrant.

ARTICLE VII

OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF WARRANTS

Section 7.1    No Rights or Liability as Stockholder . Nothing contained herein or the Warrants shall be construed as conferring upon the Holder or his, her or its transferees the right to vote or to receive dividends or to consent or to receive notice as a stockholder in respect of any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors of the Company or of any other matter, or any rights whatsoever as stockholders of the Company. The vote or consent of any Holder shall not be required with respect to any action or proceeding of the Company and no Holder shall have any right not expressly conferred hereunder or under, or by applicable Law with respect to, the Warrants held by such Holder. No Holder, by reason of the ownership or possession of a Warrant, shall have any right to receive any cash dividends, stock dividends, allotments or rights or other distributions paid, allotted or distributed or distributable to the holders of Class A Common Stock prior to, or for which the relevant record date preceded, the date of the exercise of such Warrant. No provision thereof and no mere enumeration therein of the rights or privileges of the Holder shall give rise to any liability of such Holder for the Exercise Price hereunder or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

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Section 7.2    Notice to Registered Holders . The Company shall give notice to Registered Holders by regular mail, and prompt written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, if any of the following events is proposed to occur prior to the expiration or exercise in full of the Warrants:

(a)     the payment of any dividend payable in any securities upon shares of Common Stock or the making of any distribution (other than a regular quarterly cash dividend) to all holders of Common Stock;

(b)     the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of any additional shares of Common Stock or of rights, Options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock or of any other subscription rights, Options or warrants;

(c)     the issuance of any additional Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities that would result in an adjustment to the Exercise Price under Section 5.1 ;

(d)     a Pro Rata Repurchase Offer;

(e)     an Organic Change;

(f)     a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company; or

(g)     the occurrence of any other event that would result in an adjustment to the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants under Article V .

Any such notice shall be given at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date fixed as the record date or the date of closing of the Company’s stock transfer books for the determination of the stockholders entitled to such dividend, distribution or subscription rights, or of the stockholders entitled to vote on such Organic Change, dissolution, liquidation or winding up or the proposed effective date of a Pro Rata Repurchase Offer, or any other event that would result in an adjustment to the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants under Article V . Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of closing the stock transfer books or proposed effective date, as the case may be. Failure to provide such notice shall not affect the validity of any action taken. For the avoidance of doubt, no such notice (or the failure to provide it to any Holder) shall supersede or limit any adjustment called for by Article V by reason of any event as to which notice is required by this Section 7.2 .

Section 7.3    Lost, Stolen, Mutilated or Destroyed Warrant Certificates . If any Warrant Certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, the Company may issue, and upon written request by the Company, the Warrant Agent shall countersign (either by manual or facsimile signature), and deliver, in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation of the mutilated Warrant Certificate, or in lieu of and substitution for the Warrant Certificate lost, stolen or destroyed, a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor in accordance with written instructions from the Company and subject to the terms of this Section 7.3 . In the case of Warrant Certificates other than Global Warrant Certificates, the Company or the Warrant Agent may, in its discretion, require evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction of such Warrant

 

23


Certificate, and an open penalty surety bond satisfactory to the Warrant Agent and holding it and the Company harmless, absent notice to the Warrant Agent that such replacement certificates have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser. Applicants for such substitute Warrant Certificates shall also comply with such other regulations as the Company or the Warrant Agent may reasonably require.

Section 7.4    Cancellation of Warrants . If the Company shall purchase or otherwise acquire Warrants, such Warrants shall be cancelled and retired, in the case of Certificated Warrants or Direct Registration Warrants, by appropriate notation on the Warrant Register, and, in the case of Book-Entry Warrants, in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary, including if required by such applicable procedures by appropriate notation on the applicable Global Warrant Certificate.

ARTICLE VIII

CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT AND OTHER MATTERS

Section 8.1    Resignation, Removal, Consolidation or Merger of Warrant Agent .

(a)     Appointment of Successor Warrant Agent . The Warrant Agent, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to the Company. In the event the transfer agency relationship in effect between the Company and the Warrant Agent terminates, the Warrant Agent will be deemed to have resigned automatically and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement as of the effective date of such termination. If the office of the Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise, the Company shall appoint in writing a successor Warrant Agent in place of the Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of thirty (30) days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Warrant Agent or by the Registered Holder of a Warrant, then the Registered Holder of any Warrant may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the Company’s cost. The Company may, at any time and for any reason at no cost to the Holders, remove the Warrant Agent and appoint a successor Warrant Agent by thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Warrant Agent signed by the Company and specifying such removal and the date when it is intended to become effective, one copy of which shall be delivered to the Warrant Agent being removed and one copy to the successor Warrant Agent. Any successor Warrant Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a Person organized and existing under the Laws of the United States of America, or any state thereunder, in good standing. After appointment, any successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties and obligations of its predecessor Warrant Agent with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, without any further act or deed; but if for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument transferring to such successor Warrant Agent all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties and obligations of such predecessor Warrant Agent hereunder;

 

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and upon request of any successor Warrant Agent, the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Warrant Agent all such authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties and obligations.

(b)     Notice of Successor Warrant Agent . In the event a successor Warrant Agent shall be appointed, the Company shall (i) give notice thereof to the predecessor Warrant Agent and the transfer agent for the Class A Common Stock not later than the effective date of any such appointment, and (ii) cause written notice thereof to be delivered to each Registered Holder at such Holder’s address appearing on the Warrant Register. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 8.1(b) or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of the removal of the Warrant Agent or the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent, as the case may be.

(c)      Merger , Consolidation or Name Change of Warrant Agent .

(i)     Any Person into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Agreement, without any further act or deed, if such person would be eligible for appointment as a successor Warrant Agent under the provisions of Section 8.1(a) . If any of the Warrant Certificates have been countersigned but not delivered at the time such successor to the Warrant Agent succeeds under this Agreement, any such successor to the Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature of any previous Warrant Agent; and if at that time any of the Warrant Certificates shall not have been countersigned, any successor to the Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrant Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Warrant Agent or in the name of the successor Warrant Agent; and in all such cases such Warrant Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Warrant Certificates and in this Agreement.

(ii)     If at any time the name of the Warrant Agent is changed and at such time any of the Warrant Certificates have been countersigned but not delivered, the Warrant Agent whose name has changed may adopt the countersignature under its prior name; and if at that time any of the Warrant Certificates have not been countersigned, the Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrant Certificates either in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such cases such Warrant Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Warrant Certificates and in this Agreement.

Section 8.2    Fees and Expenses of Warrant Agent .

(a)     Remuneration . The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent reasonable remuneration for its services as Warrant Agent as set forth in the fee schedule mutually agreement upon by the Company and the Warrant Agent (which is incorporated herein by reference) and will reimburse the Warrant Agent upon demand for all documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses), taxes and governmental charges and other charges of any kind and nature incurred by the Warrant Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation, delivery, administration, execution, modification, waiver, delivery, enforcement or amendment of this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder.

 

25


(b)     Further Assurances . The Company agrees to perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments, and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Warrant Agent for the carrying out or performing of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 8.3    Duties of Warrant Agent

(a)     Covered Persons . References to the Warrant Agent in this Section 8.3 shall include the Warrant Agent and its affiliates, principles, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, attorneys, accountants, advisors and other professionals.

(b)     Liability .

(i)     The Warrant Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement, the Warrant Statements or in the Warrant Certificates (except, in each case, its countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company only. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof or in respect of the validity or execution of any Warrant Certificate (except, in each case, its countersignature therefor); nor shall the Warrant Agent be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement; nor shall the Warrant Agent be responsible for the making of any adjustment in the Exercise Price or the number and/or kind of shares issuable upon the exercise of Warrants required under the provisions of  Article V or be responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such change or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such change; nor shall the Warrant Agent by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any Warrant Exercise Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any Warrant Exercise Shares will, when issued, be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable. The Warrant Agent shall not be accountable or under any duty or responsibility for the application by the Company of the proceeds of the issue and sale, or exercise, of the Warrants.

(ii)     The Warrant Agent shall have no liability under, and no duty to inquire as to, the provisions of any agreement, instrument or document other than this Agreement, as expressly provided herein.

(iii)     The Warrant Agent may rely on and shall incur no liability or responsibility to the Company, any Holder, or any other Person for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it upon any notice, instruction, request, resolution, waiver, consent, order, certificate, affidavit, statement, or other paper, document or

 

26


instrument furnished to the Warrant Agent hereunder and believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties. The Warrant Agent shall be under no duty to inquire into or investigate the validity, accuracy or content of any such notice, instruction, request, resolution, waiver, consent, order, certificate, affidavit, statement, or other paper, document or instrument. The Warrant Agent shall not take any instructions or directions except those given in accordance with this Agreement.

(iv)     The Warrant Agent shall act hereunder solely as agent for the Company and, notwithstanding anything contained herein, in a ministerial capacity and does not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any of the Holders or any other Person, and its duties shall be determined solely by the provisions hereof. The Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken in connection with this Agreement except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that its own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith (as each is determined by a final, nonappealable judgment) was the primary cause of any loss.

(v)     Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Warrant Agent be liable for any special, incidental, punitive, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Warrant Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, any liability of the Warrant Agent under this Agreement, whether in contract, or in tort, or otherwise, shall be limited in the aggregate to, and shall not exceed, an amount equal to the fees and charges, but not including reimbursable expenses, paid by the Company to the Warrant Agent hereunder during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event for which recovery from the Warrant Agent is being sought.

(vi)     All rights and obligations contained in this Section 8.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation, replacement, incapacity or removal of the Warrant Agent. All fees and expenses incurred by the Warrant Agent prior to the resignation, replacement, incapacity or removal of the Warrant Agent shall be paid by the Company in accordance with this Section 8.3 of this Agreement notwithstanding such resignation, replacement, incapacity or removal of the Warrant Agent.

(vii)     The Warrant Agent shall not be under any liability for interest on any monies at any time received by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

(viii)     In no event shall the Warrant Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services.

 

27


(ix)     In the event the Warrant Agent believes any ambiguity or uncertainty exists hereunder or in any notice, instruction, direction, request or other communication, paper or document received by the Warrant Agent hereunder, the Warrant Agent, may, in its sole discretion, refrain from taking any action, and shall be fully protected and shall not be liable in any way to the Company or any Holder or other person or entity for refraining from taking such action, unless the Warrant Agent receives written instructions signed by the Company which eliminates such ambiguity or uncertainty to the satisfaction of Warrant Agent.

(c)     Reliance on Company Statement . Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by an Appropriate Officer of the Company and delivered to the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent may rely upon such statement for any action taken or suffered by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

(d)     Indemnity . The Company agrees to indemnify, defend, protect and save the Warrant Agent and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, liabilities, penalties, judgments, settlements, actions, suits, proceedings, litigation, investigations, costs or expenses, including without limitation reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against such Person, at any time, and in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with, directly or indirectly, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, the enforcement of any rights or remedies under or in connection with this Agreement, or as may arise by reason of any act, omission or error of such Person; provided , however , that no such Person shall be entitled to be so indemnified, defended, protected, saved and kept harmless to the extent such loss was caused by its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, each as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(e)     Exclusions . The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility with respect to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution of any Warrant (except, in each case, its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement; nor shall it be responsible to make any adjustments required under the provisions of Article V hereof or responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any Class A Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any Class A Common Stock will, when issued, be valid and fully paid and non-assessable. The Warrant Agent will not be under any duty or responsibility to ensure compliance with any applicable federal or state securities Laws in connection with the issuance, transfer or exchange of Warrants.

 

28


(f)     The Warrant Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through its attorneys, agents or employees, and the Warrant Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys, agents or employees or for any loss to the Company resulting from such neglect or misconduct, provided that the Warrant Agent acts without gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith (each as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction) in connection with the selection of such attorneys, agents or employees.

(g)     The Warrant Agent may consult at any time with legal counsel satisfactory to it (who may be legal counsel for the Company) and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the Warrant Agent as to any action taken or omitted by such parties in accordance with such advice or opinion.

(h)     The Warrant Agent may buy, sell, or deal in any of the Warrants or other securities of the Company freely as though it was not Warrant Agent under this Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any other capacity for the Company or for any other Person.

(i)     The Warrant Agent shall not be required to use or risk its own funds in the performance of any of its obligations or duties or the exercise of any of its rights or powers, and shall not be required to take any action which, in the Warrant Agent’s sole and absolute judgment, could involve it in expense or liability unless furnished with security and indemnity satisfactory to it.

(j)     The Warrant Agent may rely on and be fully authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon (a) any guaranty of signature by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a member or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or other comparable “signature guarantee program” or insurance program in addition to, or in substitution for, the foregoing; or (b) any law, act, regulation or any interpretation of the same even though such law, act, or regulation may thereafter have been altered, changed, amended or repealed.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 9.1    Binding Effects; Benefits . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company, the Warrant Agent and the Holders and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall confer on any person other than the Company, the Warrant Agent and the Holders, or their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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Section 9.2    Notices . Any notice or other communication required or which may be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified or regular mail (return receipt requested, postage prepaid), by private national courier service, by personal delivery or by facsimile transmission. Such notice or communication shall be deemed given (i) if mailed, two (2) days after the date of mailing, (ii) if sent by national courier service, when sent, (iii) if delivered personally, when so delivered, or (iv) if sent by facsimile transmission, when sent, in each case as follows:

if to the Warrant Agent, to:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

Attention: Client Services

Facsimile: [●]

if to the Company, to:

Chaparral Energy, Inc.

701 Cedar Lake Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Facsimile: (405) 425-3704

Attention: K. Earl Reynolds

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attn: Ryan J. Maierson

811 Main Street, Suite 3700

Houston, TX 77002

Fax: (713) 546-5401

if to Registered Holders, at their addresses as they appear in the Warrant Register and, if different, at the addresses appearing in the records of the transfer agent or registrar for the Class A Common Stock.

Section 9.3    Persons Having Rights under this Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the Holders, any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, their successors and assigns and the Holders.

Section 9.4    Examination of this Agreement . A copy of this Agreement, and the Warrant Register relating to such Holder’s Warrants, shall be available at all reasonable times at an office designated for such purpose by the Warrant Agent, for examination by the Registered Holder of any Warrant.

 

30


Section 9.5    Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile or electronic PDF counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 9.6    Effect of Headings . The section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

Section 9.7    Amendments .

(a)     This agreement may not be amended except in writing signed by the Company and the Warrant Agent.

(b)     The Company and the Warrant Agent may from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement or the Warrants, as follows:

(i)     without the approval of any Holder in order to cure any ambiguity, manifest error or other mistake in this Agreement or the Warrants, or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in the Warrants that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein or in the Warrants, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company may deem necessary or desirable and that shall not adversely affect, alter or change the interests of the Holders in any material respect, or

(ii)     with the prior written consent of Requisite Holders; provided , however , without limitation to Section 9.7(b)(i) above, that the consent of each Holder adversely affected thereby shall be required for any amendment that (A) reduces the term of the Warrants (or otherwise modifies any provisions pursuant to which the Warrants may be terminated or cancelled), (B) increases the Exercise Price and/or decreases the number of Warrant Exercise Shares (or, as applicable, the amount of such other securities and/or assets) deliverable upon exercise of the Warrants, other than such increases and/or decreases that are made pursuant to Article V or (C) modifies the material anti-dilution provisions set forth in Article V or the provisions of this Section 9.7 or the definition of Requisite Holders.

(c)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the delivery of a certificate from an Appropriate Officer which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is in compliance with the terms of this Section 9.7 , the Warrant Agent shall execute such supplement or amendment; provided that the Warrant Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any amendment or supplement that affects Warrant Agent’s rights, duties, immunities, liabilities or obligations hereunder. Any amendment, modification or waiver effected pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9.7 shall be binding upon all Holders and upon each future Holder, the Company and the Warrant Agent. In the event of any amendment, modification or waiver, the Company shall give prompt notice thereof to all Registered Holders. Any failure of the Company to give such notice or any defect therein shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment.

 

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Section 9.8    No Inconsistent Agreements; No Impairment . The Company shall not, on or after the date hereof, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which conflicts with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or the Warrants. The Company represents and warrants to the Holders that the rights granted hereunder do not in any way conflict with the rights granted to holders of the Company’s securities under any other agreements. The Company shall not, by amendment of its articles of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Company, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of the Warrants and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary in order to preserve the exercise rights of the Holders against impairment.

Section 9.9    Integration/Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) and the fee schedule is the final, complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the Company, the Warrant Agent and the Holders in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein, with respect to the Warrants. This Agreement and the Warrants supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

Section 9.10    Governing Law, Etc . This Agreement and each Warrant issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the Laws of the State of New York and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of such State. Each party hereto consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in New York County and of the U.S. federal courts located in the Southern District of New York in connection with any action or proceeding brought against it that arises out of or in connection with, that is based upon, or that relates to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. In connection with any such action or proceeding in any such court, each party hereto hereby waives personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and hereby agrees that service thereof may be made in accordance with the procedures for giving notice set forth in Section 9.2 hereof. Each party hereto hereby waives any objection to jurisdiction or venue in any such court in any such action or proceeding and agrees not to assert any defense based on forum non conveniens or lack of jurisdiction or venue in any such court in any such action or proceeding.

Section 9.11    Termination . This Agreement will terminate on the earlier of (i) such date when all Warrants have been exercised with respect to all shares subject thereto, or (ii) the expiration of the Exercise Period. The provisions of Section 8.3 and this Article IX shall survive such termination and the resignation, replacement or removal of the Warrant Agent.

Section 9.12    Waiver of Trial by Jury . Each party hereto, including each Holder by its receipt of a Warrant, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial by jury in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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Section 9.13    Remedies . The Company hereby agrees that, in the event that the Company violates any provisions of the Warrants (including the obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock upon the exercise thereof), the remedies at law available to the Holder of such Warrant may be inadequate. In such event, the Requisite Holders and, other than in the event the Company fails to deliver Warrant Exercise Shares upon a Holder’s exercise of its Warrants (which shall not require the consent of the Requisite Holders), with the prior written consent of the Requisite Holders, the Holder of such Warrants, shall have the right, in addition to all other rights and remedies any of them may have, to specific performance of the obligations and/or injunctive or other equitable relief to enforce the obligations of the Company hereunder.

Section 9.14    Bank Accounts . All funds received by the Warrant Agent under this Agreement that are to be distributed or applied by the Warrant Agent in the performance of services (the “ Funds ”) shall be held by the Warrant Agent as agent for the Company and deposited in one or more bank accounts to be maintained by the Warrant Agent in its name as agent for the Company. Until paid pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Warrant Agent will hold the Funds through such accounts in: deposit accounts of commercial banks with Tier 1 capital exceeding $1 billion or with an average rating above investment grade by S&P (LT Local Issuer Credit Rating), Moody’s (Long Term Rating) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (LT Issuer Default Rating) (each as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P.). The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for any diminution of the Funds that may result from any deposit made by the Warrant Agent in accordance with this paragraph, including any losses resulting from a default by any bank, financial institution or other third party. The Warrant Agent may from time to time receive interest, dividends or other earnings in connection with such deposits. The Warrant Agent shall not be obligated to pay such interest, dividends or earnings to the Company, any Holder or any other party.

Section 9.15    Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in the Warrants, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provisions in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not be affected or impaired thereby; provided , however , that if any such excluded provision shall adversely affect the rights, immunities, duties or obligations of the Warrant Agent, the Warrant Agent shall be entitled to immediately resign.

Section 9.16    Confidentiality . The Warrant Agent and the Company agree that the Warrant Register and personal, non-public warrant holder information, which are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or carrying out of this Agreement, shall remain confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law, including, without limitation, pursuant to subpoenas from state or federal government authorities (e.g., in divorce and criminal actions), or pursuant to the requirements of the SEC.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the undersigned parties hereto as of the date first above written.

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Joseph O. Evans        

Name:   Joseph O. Evans        
Title:  

Chief Financial Officer and

 

Executive Vice President

 

(Principal Financial Officer and

 

Principal Accounting Officer)

 

[ Signature Page to Warrant Agreement ]


Computershare Inc., as Warrant Agent
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Warrant Agreement ]


EXHIBIT A-1

FACE OF GLOBAL WARRANT CERTIFICATE

VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 30, 2018

This Global Warrant Certificate is held by The Depository Trust Company (the “ Depositary ”) or its nominee in custody for the benefit of the beneficial owners hereof, and is not transferable to any person under any circumstances except that (i) this Global Warrant Certificate may be exchanged in whole but not in part pursuant to Section 6.1(g) of the Warrant Agreement dated as of [                      ] by and between Chaparral Energy, Inc. and Computershare Inc. (the “ Warrant Agent ”), (ii) this Global Warrant Certificate may be delivered to the Warrant Agent for cancellation pursuant to Section 6.1(h) of the Warrant Agreement and (iii) this Global Warrant Certificate may be transferred to a successor Depositary with the prior written consent of the Company.

Unless this Global Warrant Certificate is presented by an authorized representative of the Depositary to the Company or the Warrant Agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary (and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary), any transfer, pledge or other use hereof for value or otherwise by or to any person is wrongful because the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

Transfers of this Global Warrant Certificate shall be limited to transfers in whole, but not in part, to nominees of the Depositary or to a successor thereof or such successor’s nominee.

No registration or transfer of the securities issuable pursuant to the Warrant will be recorded on the books of the Company until such provisions have been complied with.


THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS GLOBAL WARRANT CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THE WARRANT) ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF [●], BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE WARRANT AGENT (AS DEFINED THEREIN) (THE “ WARRANT AGREEMENT ”).

THIS WARRANT WILL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO

5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 30, 2018

WARRANT TO PURCHASE

             SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

REORGANIZED CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC. *

CUSIP # [●]

ISSUE DATE: [ ]

No. W-[●]

This certifies that, for value received, Cede & Co. and its registered assigns (collectively, the “ Registered Holder ”), is entitled to purchase from reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at any time before 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 30, 2018, the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”) of the Company set forth above at the Exercise Price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement). The Exercise Price and the number and kind of shares purchasable hereunder are subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Article V of the Warrant Agreement. The initial Exercise Price shall be $[●].

This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid unless countersigned by the Warrant Agent.

 

* Exercisable for [●] shares of Class A Common Stock for all Warrants in the aggregate, subject to adjustment in accordance with Article V of the Warrant Agreement.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Warrant has been duly executed by the Company as of the [●] day of [●].

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

 

Print Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Attest:  

 

[●], as Warrant Agent

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Address of Registered Holder for Notices (until changed in accordance with this Warrant):

Cede & Co.

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE TO THE FURTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS GLOBAL WARRANT CERTIFICATE SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF. SUCH FURTHER PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS THOUGH FULLY SET FORTH AT THIS PLACE.


FORM OF REVERSE OF GLOBAL WARRANT CERTIFICATE

The Warrant evidenced by this Global Warrant Certificate is a part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants to purchase              shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, a copy of which may be inspected at the office of the Warrant Agent designated for such purpose. The Warrant Agreement hereby is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the Registered Holders of the Warrants. All capitalized terms used on the face of this Warrant herein but not defined that are defined in the Warrant Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them therein.

The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of Class A Common Stock or any certificates that evidence fractional Class A Common Stock.

No Warrants may be sold, exchanged or otherwise transferred in violation of the Securities Act or state securities laws.

This Warrant does not entitle the Registered Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company.

The Company and Warrant Agent may deem and treat the Registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone) for the purpose of any exercise hereof (subject to Section 4.3(d)(z) of the Warrant Agreement) and for all other purposes (subject to Section 4.1(ii)  of the Warrant Agreement), and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.


EXHIBIT A - 2

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THE WARRANT) ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JUNE 30, 2018, BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE WARRANT AGENT (AS DEFINED THEREIN) (THE “ WARRANT AGREEMENT ”).

 

Certificate Number                           Warrants                  
       CUSIP # [●]    

This certifies that

is the holder of

WARRANTS TO PURCHASE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

REORGANIZED CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.

transferable on the books of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of the certificate properly endorsed. Each Warrant entitles the holder and its registered assigns (collectively, the “ Registered Holder ”) to purchase by exercise from reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at any time before 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 30, 2018, one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”) of the Company at the Exercise Price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement). The Exercise Price and the number and kind of shares purchasable hereunder are subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Article V of the Warrant Agreement. The initial Exercise Price shall be $[●].

This certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by the Warrant Agent.

WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

     DATED

 

Authorized Officer

    
Attest:     

COUNTERSIGNED AND

REGISTERED

[WARRANT AGENT] , AS WARRANT

AGENT

 

 

     By  

 

Secretary                AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE


FORM OF REVERSE OF WARRANT

REORGANIZED CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.

The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate are a part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants to purchase [●] shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, as dated [●] between reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Warrant Agent ” and the agreement, the “ Warrant Agreement ”), a copy of which may be inspected at the office of the Warrant Agent designated for such purpose. The Warrant Agreement is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the Registered Holders of the Warrants. All capitalized terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined that are defined in the Warrant Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them therein.

The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of Class A Common Stock or any certificates that evidence fractional Class A Common Stock. No Warrants may be sold, exchanged or otherwise transferred in violation of the Securities Act or state securities laws. The Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate do not entitle the Registered Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company. The Company and Warrant Agent may deem and treat the Registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone) for the purpose of any exercise hereof and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.


EXHIBIT B - 1

EXERCISE FORM FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS HOLDING WARRANT CERTIFICATES

(To be executed upon exercise of Warrants)

The undersigned Registered Holder of this Warrant Certificate, being the holder of Warrants of reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., issued pursuant to that certain Warrant Agreement, as dated [●] (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), by and between reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the number of Warrants indicated below, for the purchase of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”) indicated below:

 

  herewith tenders payment for              of the Warrant Exercise Shares to the order of reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc. in the amount of $              in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement; or

 

  herewith tenders              Warrants pursuant to the cashless exercise provisions of Section 4.3(b) of the Warrant Agreement. This exercise and election shall ☐ be immediately effective.

The undersigned requests that the Warrant Exercise Shares, or the net number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants pursuant to the cashless exercise provisions of Section 4.3(b) of the Warrant Agreement, be issued in the name of the undersigned Holder or as otherwise indicated below:

 

Name  

 

Address  

 

 

 

If said number of Warrant Exercise Shares shall not be all the Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate representing the balance of such Warrant shall be issued in the name of the undersigned Holder or as otherwise indicated below and be delivered to the address indicated below:

 

Name  

 

Address  

 

 

 

Delivery Address (if different)
 

 

 

 

 

Dated:              , 20     

        HOLDER
        [                                               ]
    By  

 

    Name:  
    Title:  


EXHIBIT B - 2

EXERCISE FORM FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS HOLDING DIRECT REGISTERED WARRANTS

(To be executed upon exercise of Warrants)

The undersigned Holder, being the holder of Warrants of reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., issued pursuant to that certain Warrant Agreement, as dated [●] (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), by and between reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the number of Warrants indicated below, for the purchase of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”) indicated below:

 

  herewith tenders payment for              of the Warrant Exercise Shares to the order of reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc. in the amount of $              in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement; or

 

  herewith tenders              Warrants pursuant to the cashless exercise provisions of Section 4.3(b) of the Warrant Agreement. This exercise and election shall ☐ be immediately effective.

The undersigned requests that the Warrant Exercise Shares, or the net number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants pursuant to the cashless exercise provisions of Section 4.3(b) of the Warrant Agreement, be issued in the name of the undersigned Holder or as otherwise indicated below:

 

Name  

 

Address  

 

 

 

If said number of Warrant Exercise Shares shall not be all the Warrant Exercise Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant representing the balance of such Warrant shall be issued in the name of the undersigned Holder or as otherwise indicated below and that a Warrant Statement reflecting such balance be delivered to the address indicated below:

 

Name  

 

Address  

 

 

Delivery Address (if different)

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:              , 20     

        HOLDER
        [                                               ]
    By  

 

    Name:  
    Title:  


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS

HOLDING DIRECT REGISTRATION WARRANTS

(To be executed only upon assignment of Warrants)

For value received, the undersigned Holder of Warrants of reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., issued pursuant to that certain Warrant Agreement, as dated [●] (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), by and between reorganized Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Assignee(s) named below the number of Warrants listed opposite the respective name(s) of the Assignee(s) named below, and all other rights of the Holder under said Warrants, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                                                       attorney, to transfer said Warrants, as and to the extent set forth below, on the Warrant Register maintained for the purpose of registration thereof, with full power of substitution in the premises:

 

Name(s) of Assignee(s)

     Address of Assignee(s)       Number of Warrants
                                                                                                                            

 

Dated:              , 20          Signature:  

 

    Name:  

 

Note: The above signature and name should correspond exactly with the name of the Holder of the Warrants as it appears on the Warrant Register.


EXHIBIT D

Chaparral Energy, Inc.

U.S. Warrant Agent

   A. FEES FOR SERVICES

 

$ 3,500.00 Administration & Set-Up Fee

$ 2,500.00 Annual Facility Fee

$ 25.00 Account Exercise Fee

$ 3.75 Issuance & Registration of Warrant Certificate/Position, each

By Appraisal Special Services (legal fees, etc.)

Additional Out of Pocket Expenses

 

Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“Company”) acknowledges and agrees that the fees of Computershare are confidential information. As such, Company agrees not to disclose any such fees to any third party without Computershare’s prior written consent, save and except for disclosure (a) to Company professional advisors, held to strict confidence; and (b) as required or otherwise compelled by law.

 

   Submitted by      Accepted by
   Computershare Trust Company, N.A.      Chaparral Energy, Inc.
   By:      By:
   Title:      Title:
   Date:      Date:

Exhibit 10.4

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.,

AND

THE STOCKHOLDERS (AS DEFINED HEREIN)

DATED AS OF MARCH 21, 2017

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I STOCKHOLDERS   

Section 1.1

   Stockholders      1  
ARTICLE II MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF BUSINESS   

Section 2.1

   Restrictions on Authority of the Board      2  

Section 2.2

   Directors’ One-Time Transaction Bonus      4  

Section 2.3

   Directors’ Non-exclusive Services      4  

Section 2.4

   Reimbursement of Expenses      4  
ARTICLE III REPORTING; INFORMATION RIGHTS AND LISTING   
Section 3.1    Reporting      4  
Section 3.2    Information Rights of Stockholders; Records Required by the DGCL; Right of Inspection      5  
Section 3.3    Information Rights of the Company      6  
ARTICLE IV PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS   

Section 4.1

  

Preemptive Rights

     7  

Section 4.2

  

Registration Rights

     8  
ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS   
Section 5.1    Complete Agreement      9  
Section 5.2    Drag-Along Rights; Tag-Along Rights; Other Actions      9  
Section 5.3    Governing Law      9  
Section 5.4    No Assignment      9  
Section 5.5    Binding Effect      9  
Section 5.6    Severability      9  
Section 5.7    No Partition      10  
Section 5.8    Additional Documents and Acts      10  
Section 5.9    No Employment Rights      10  
Section 5.10    Amendments; Termination of Equity Rights      10  
Section 5.11    No Waiver      10  
Section 5.12    Notices      10  
Section 5.13    Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      11  
Section 5.14    No Third Party Beneficiary      12  
Section 5.15    Confidentiality      12  
Section 5.16    Business Opportunities      13  
Section 5.17    Cumulative Remedies; Specific Performance      14  
Section 5.18    Exhibits and Schedules      14  
Section 5.19    Interpretation      14  

 

- i -


Section 5.20

  

Termination

     14  

 

SCHEDULE A

   COMPETITORS   
EXHIBIT A    DEFINITIONS   
ANNEX I    CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT   

 

 

- ii -


STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Stockholders Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of March 21, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Stockholders (as defined herein). Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein have the meanings set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.

RECITALS

A.    This Agreement is being entered into in connection with the distribution of all of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (collectively, “ Company Common Stock ”) then outstanding on the Effective Date to the Stockholders pursuant to that certain First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization, dated March 7, 2017 and filed by the Company and certain other affiliated debtors (collectively, the “ Debtors ”) with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof (the “ Plan ”).

B.    As of the date hereof, the Stockholders hold in the aggregate all of the Outstanding Company Common Stock.

C.    The Plan provides that this Agreement shall be deemed to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms, and each Stockholder shall be deemed to be bound hereby, in each case without the need for execution of this Agreement by any party hereto other than the Company.

The parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to establish certain arrangements with respect to Company Common Stock and other related corporate matters of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Stockholders, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

Section  1.1      Stockholders . Except for the obligations contained in Section  5.15 , a Person shall cease to be a Stockholder for all purposes upon the disposition of all of such Person’s Company Common Stock.

 


ARTICLE II

MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF BUSINESS

Section  2.1      Restrictions on Authority of the Board .

(a)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the following actions may be taken by the Company, directly or indirectly (and the Company shall cause its Subsidiaries to refrain from taking such actions) without a Stockholder Approval:

(i)    any merger, consolidation, reorganization or equity recapitalization of the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than mergers or consolidations of a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company with another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or with the Company);

(ii)    any sale, assignment or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets or properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries (in each case, on a consolidated basis) other than (x) sales, assignments and transfers between a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company and the Company or another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or (y) a pledge of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with the new reserve-based lending facility credit agreement to be entered into by the Debtors or any of their successors on the terms set forth in the Exit Facility Term Sheet attached as Exhibit D to that certain Plan Support Agreement, dated December 15, 2016, by and among the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors (as such term is defined in the Plan);

(iii)    any acquisition (including by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets) of any entity, business or material portion of the assets of any Person except for (x) acquisitions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (y) acquisitions for considerations not exceeding one hundred twenty-five million dollars ($125,000,000) in the aggregate;

(iv)    any increase in the number of authorized shares of Company Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company or issuance of any preferred stock or other capital stock of the Company senior to Company Common Stock;

(v)    any liquidation, dissolution or winding up or consenting to the entry of a decree or order appointing a trustee, custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee or similar official, in each case, of the Company or any material Subsidiary of the Company, or any action that would cause the foregoing, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no Stockholder Approval shall be required to institute bankruptcy proceedings, consent to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, or file a petition seeking reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any similar applicable federal or state law;

(vi)    any amendment, modification or waiver of the Charter Documents of the Company or any of the Company’s material Subsidiaries other than (A) to correct any typographical or similar ministerial error, (B) to delete or add any provision required to be so deleted or added by any applicable law, (C) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision which may be inconsistent with any provision herein, and (D) to make any immaterial amendment or modification that is deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board, in

 

- 2 -


each case set forth in clauses (A) through (D) above, which does not adversely affect the rights or obligations of any Stockholder, in its capacity as a Stockholder; provided that any such amendment that reasonably would be expected to disproportionately and adversely affect any Stockholder, in its capacity as a Stockholder, as compared to the other Stockholders, shall also require the prior written consent of each Stockholder so affected;

(vii)    engagement in any material new line of business substantially unrelated to any business or activity of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries currently conducted as of the date hereof, or any business or activity that is reasonably similar thereto or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof, or is complementary, incidental, ancillary or related thereto;

(viii)    implementation of a new management Equity Incentive Plan or similar arrangement which could result, when combined with all other Equity Incentive Plans, in the aggregate issuance of more than seven percent (7%) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock;

(ix)    incurrence of any new indebtedness for borrowed money that would result in the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole exceeding six hundred fifty million dollars ($650,000,000); provided that such limitation shall not apply to capital leases, purchase money indebtedness, equipment financings, letters of credit, bank guarantees, surety bonds and local lines of credit for working capital purposes, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(x)    on or prior to December 15, 2018, any initial public offering of Company Common Stock or other class of equity securities of the Company or the entry into any other transaction or permitting the occurrence of any other event (including any Transfer) that would result in or require the Company becoming subject to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company Shares or any other class of equity securities of the Company (it being understood that, following December 15, 2018, the actions set forth in this clause (x) shall not require Stockholder Approval pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) ); provided that this  Section 2.1(a)(x) shall not apply to actions required of the Company pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(xi)    entry into any agreement, commitment or arrangement to effect, or requiring the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to effect, any of the foregoing.

(b)     Affiliate Transactions . Excluding transactions in accordance with Section  4.1 , including Section 4.1(e) , the Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, enter into, modify (including by waiver) or terminate any transaction or series of related transactions, or agreement, with any holder of Company Common Stock that (together with its Affiliates) holds at least five percent (5%) of the then Outstanding Company Common Stock or with any Director or officer of the Company, or with any Affiliate of any of the foregoing (any such transaction or series of related transactions or agreements, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless (i) a majority of the Directors then serving on the Board who are not party to, or affiliated with such holder, or Affiliate thereof, that is a party to, such Affiliate Transaction (such majority, a “ Majority of Disinterested Directors ”) reasonably determines that such Affiliate Transaction

 

- 3 -


is on terms that are at least as favorable to the Company and its Subsidiaries as could reasonably be obtained from an independent third party, (ii) such Affiliate Transaction is approved by a Majority of Disinterested Directors, and (iii) if and to the extent that an Affiliate Transaction involves the aggregate payment to or by the Company and its Subsidiaries equal to or in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000), in addition to meeting the requirements in clauses (i) and (ii), either (x) the Company has obtained an opinion from a nationally recognized accounting or investment banking firm (to be selected and paid by the Company) that is independent, with no direct or indirect financial interest in the Company or its Subsidiaries, or in the proposed Affiliate Transaction or any other party thereto, that the proposed Affiliate Transaction is fair to the Stockholders from a financial point of view or (y) Stockholder Approval is obtained with respect to such Affiliate Transaction (disregarding, for such purposes, any holder of Company Common Stock, or Affiliate thereof, that is a party to such Affiliate Transaction, and the shares of Company Common Stock held by such Persons). Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except as required by applicable law, the Company’s performance of its obligations under the Backstop Commitment Agreement (as defined in the Plan) or in connection with the consummation of the Rights Offering (as defined in the Plan), in each case in accordance with the Plan, shall not require any further consent or approval of the Board or the Stockholders.

Section  2.2      Directors One-Time Transaction Bonus . If a Qualified IPO occurs prior to December 15, 2018, the Company shall pay each Director then serving on the Board upon its consummation a one-time transaction bonus of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

Section  2.3      Directors Non-exclusive Services . No Director shall be required to manage the Company as his or her sole and exclusive function and any Director or Stockholder may have other business interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Directors who are employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall be required to have such employment as their primary business function.

Section  2.4      Reimbursement of Expenses . Each Director shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company of all expenses reasonably incurred and paid by such Director in connection with such Director’s services as a Director or otherwise incurred for the benefit of, or on behalf of, the Company. The Board may establish, from time to time, policies relating to expense reimbursement (including, what expenses, such as retained counsel or other advisors, will be reimbursable), which policies shall treat and apply to each Director (other than any employee of the Company serving as a Director) equally.

ARTICLE III

REPORTING; INFORMATION RIGHTS AND LISTING

Section  3.1      Reporting . The Company shall file reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as a voluntary filer from and after the date hereof at any time the Company is not obligated to file reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as a reporting company (whether pursuant to its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement or otherwise).

 

- 4 -


Section  3.2      Information Rights of Stockholders; Records Required by the DGCL; Right of Inspection .

(a)    At any time that the Company is not obligated to file reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and does not file reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as a voluntary filer, each Stockholder, other than any Stockholder that is a Competitor, shall have the right to receive the following information (which right the Company may satisfy by providing access to each Stockholder to a confidential website such as Intralinks and timely posting such information on such website (which website shall have a system of email notification of new postings and may require confirmation by viewers of the site of the confidentiality obligations set forth in Section  5.15 , a “ Secure Site ”)), and each Stockholder may share and discuss such information (along with any other information provided to Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise made available to Stockholders via the Secure Site) with its Affiliates, directors, officers, partners, managers, stockholders, employees, investors and advisors as well as any bona fide prospective purchaser of Company Common Stock that (x) is not a Competitor and (y) has entered into, and delivered to the Company, a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form set forth on Annex I attached hereto regarding the treatment of such information (and for the avoidance of doubt, at its election, the Company may share and discuss such information with any prospective purchaser of Company Common Stock):

(i)    within ninety (90) days of the end of each fiscal year, copies of all annual financial statements and similar information of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Form 10-K if the Company were required to file such forms, which financial statements shall (v) include a comparison to the prior fiscal year results; (w) be prepared in accordance with GAAP; (x) be audited by a nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Board and accompanied by a report and opinion thereon by such accounting firm prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards that is not subject to any qualification as to the scope of such audit or with respect to accounting principles followed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries not in accordance with GAAP; (y) be accompanied by a management discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations with respect to such financial statements (an “ MD&A ”); and (z) be certified by the chief financial officer of the Company.

(ii)    for each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, copies of all quarterly financial statements and similar information of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal quarter that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Form 10-Q if the Company were required to file such forms, which financial statements shall (w) include year-to-date results and a comparison to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year; (x) be prepared in accordance with GAAP; (y) be accompanied by an MD&A; and (z) be delivered no later than forty-five (45) days following the end of such fiscal quarter.

(iii)    all current reports that would be required to be filed with, and within the timing that would be required by, the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

 

- 5 -


(b)    The Company shall host, and each Stockholder, other than any Stockholder that is a Competitor, that (together with its Affiliates) holds at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock, shall have access to, quarterly conference calls with senior officers of the Company to discuss the status of the Company and its business and the business of its Subsidiaries (including updates to the budgets and projections of the Company and its Subsidiaries), which calls shall include a reasonable and customary question and answer session. Quarterly calls shall be hosted as promptly as reasonably practicable but in any event no later than twenty (20) Business Days after furnishing the annual and quarterly reports.

(c)    During the term of the Company’s existence there shall be maintained in the Company’s principal office or at the office of the Company’s agents and representatives all records required to be kept pursuant to the DGCL, including (whether or not so required) a current list of the names, addresses and shares of Company Common Stock held by each of the Stockholders (including the dates on which each of the Stockholders became a Stockholder), copies of federal, state and local information or income tax returns for each of the Company’s tax years, copies of this Agreement and each of the Company’s Charter Documents, including all amendments thereto and restatements thereof, and correct and complete books and records of account of the Company. Prior to any termination of the Company’s existence, the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to ensure that, for a period of six (6) years after any such termination, such information, to the extent still in existence and available, may be obtained by a Stockholder’s request in writing to a legal advisor or agent of the Company to be designated prior to any such termination, with the cost (as reasonably determined by such legal advisor or agent) of accessing and providing such information being borne by the requesting Stockholder.

(d)    On written request stating the purpose, a Stockholder that (together with its Affiliates) holds at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock may make reasonable inquiries of management and examine, at any reasonable time during business hours, for any proper purpose reasonably related to such Stockholder’s interest as a Stockholder of the Company, and at the Stockholder’s expense, records of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that the Company may limit access to certain information if the Board reasonably deems such information to be competitively sensitive with respect to the Stockholder requesting such access or if granting such access could reasonably be expected in the loss or impairment of the Company to claim attorney client privilege, work product doctrine, or a similar protective privilege or doctrine with respect to the information, or to violate applicable law ( provided that the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to allow for such access in a way that would not have any of the foregoing effects). Upon written request by any Stockholder made to the Company, the Company shall provide or make available to such Stockholder without charge true copies of this Agreement, the Company’s Charter Documents, and all amendments thereto and restatements thereof, which documents may be provided to such Stockholder by posting them on a Secure Site or on EDGAR.

Section  3.3      Information Rights of the Company . The Company may from time to time, but a Stockholder may be compelled to answer no more frequently than once per calendar quarter (unless, with respect to clause (a) hereof, required by applicable law), reasonably request of any or all Stockholders information (a) needed by the Company to comply with applicable law and/or (b) regarding such Stockholder’s “accredited investor” status (within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act).

 

- 6 -


ARTICLE IV

PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

Section  4.1      Preemptive Rights . Any issuance of New Securities by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than an issuance of Exempt Securities, shall be subject to the following provisions:

(a)     Right to Purchase New Securities . Except as otherwise provided in this Section  4.1 (including Section 4.1(e) hereof), the Company hereby grants to each Stockholder that, together with its Affiliates, holds of record as of the Preemptive Offer Record Date (as defined below) at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock (the “ Qualified Stockholder ”) the right to purchase its pro rata share of any and all issuances, sales or distributions of New Securities proposed to be made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as set forth herein.

(b)     Issuance Notice . The Company shall give each Person that on the date of an Issuance Notice is a Qualified Stockholder written notice of the Company’s intention to issue or sell New Securities (which notice may be provided by posting the requisite information on a Secure Site and notifying (or causing notification to be delivered to) each of such Qualified Stockholders of such posting in writing) (the “ Issuance Notice ”), describing the type and terms of the New Securities, the price at which such New Securities will be issued or sold and the general terms upon which the Company proposes to issue or sell the New Securities, including the anticipated date of such issuance, sale or distribution, the general use of proceeds thereof, a description of both the business purpose of the offering of such New Securities and the dilutive effects, if any, of such offering, and the record date for determining Qualified Stockholders and the pro rata share of each of them which, if not specified in the Issuance Notice, shall be the date of the Issuance Notice (the “ Preemptive Offer Record Date ”). Each Qualified Stockholder shall have ten (10) Business Days from the date the Issuance Notice is sent to deliver notice (the “ Response Notice ”) of its intention to purchase all or any portion of its pro rata share of the New Securities, based on the ratio of the shares of Company Common Stock held by such Qualified Stockholder on the Preemptive Offer Record Date to the number of shares of Company Common Stock held by all of the holders of Company Common Stock on the Preemptive Offer Record Date, and stating therein the quantity of New Securities it intends to purchase (each Qualified Stockholder who delivers a Response Notice hereunder is a “ Purchaser ” for purposes of this Section  4.1 ). Such Response Notice shall constitute the irrevocable agreement of such Purchaser to purchase the quantity of New Securities indicated in the Response Notice at the price and upon the terms stated in the Issuance Notice; provided , however , that if the Company is proposing to issue, sell or distribute securities for consideration other than all cash, and subject to the limitations on the rights set forth in this Section  4.1 , the Company shall accept from such Purchaser either non-cash consideration that is reasonably comparable to the non-cash consideration proposed by the Company or the cash value of such non-cash consideration, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board. Any purchase of New Securities by a Purchaser pursuant to this Section  4.1 shall be consummated on or prior to the later of (x) the date on which all other Offered Securities described in the applicable Issuance Notice are issued, sold or distributed and (y) the second (2nd) Business Day following delivery of the Response Notice by such Purchaser.

 

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(c)     Sale to Other Persons . The Company shall have sixty (60) days from the date of the applicable Issuance Notice to consummate an issuance, sale or distribution of any New Securities which the Qualified Stockholders have not elected to purchase pursuant to Section 4.1(b) to other Persons at a price and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Company than those contained in the Issuance Notice. In the event that the sale of New Securities is not fully consummated within such sixty (60)-day period, then the Company shall be obligated once again to offer the purchase rights set forth in this Section  4.1 before it may subsequently sell such New Securities ( provided that such sixty (60)-day period shall automatically toll, but not for longer than one-hundred and eighty (180) days to the extent regulatory approval would be required for such Person to acquire such New Securities).

(d)     Exempt Securities . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section  4.1 , Qualified Stockholders shall not have the right to participate in the issuance of any New Securities which are otherwise authorized to be issued in accordance with this Agreement (i) if such New Securities were issued as consideration in any merger, consolidation or combination with or acquisition of securities or assets of another Person in exchange for New Securities, (ii) if made upon conversion or exercise of any rights, convertible securities, options or warrants to purchase Company Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company, (iii) if made by any Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or any of its direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries, (iv) if made as securities which are the subject of a registration statement being filed under the Securities Act pursuant to a Qualified IPO, (v) if made to Directors, officers, employees or consultants as compensation pursuant to any Equity Incentive Plans approved in accordance with Section  2.1, (vi) if such New Securities were issued in connection with the Backstop Commitment Agreement (as defined in the Plan), or in connection with the consummation of the Rights Offering (as defined in the Plan) in accordance with the Plan or (vii) if such New Securities were issued pursuant to any pro rata stock split or stock dividend (the New Securities described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii), “ Exempt Securities ”).

(e)     Accelerated Buyer Transactions . Nothing in this Section  4.1 shall prevent the Company or its Subsidiaries from issuing or selling to any Person (the “ Accelerated Buyer ”) any New Securities without first complying with the provisions of this Section  4.1 ; provided that in connection with such issuance or sale (i) the Company gives reasonably prompt notice to the Qualified Stockholders of such issuance (after such issuance has occurred), which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the New Securities purchased by the Accelerated Buyer and the purchase price thereof and (ii) the Accelerated Buyer and the Company enable the Qualified Stockholders to effectively exercise their respective rights under this Section  4.1 with respect to their purchase of their pro rata share of the New Securities issued to the Accelerated Buyer within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt of the notice by the Qualified Stockholder of such issuance to the Accelerated Buyer on the terms specified in this Section  4.1 . The Preemptive Offer Record Date for such issuance shall be the date such New Securities are issued to the Accelerated Buyer.

Section  4.2      Registration Rights . The Stockholders shall have the registration rights set forth the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section  5.1      Complete Agreement . This Agreement and the other agreements expressly referenced in this Agreement constitute the complete and exclusive statement of agreement among the Stockholders with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes all prior written and oral statements by and among the Stockholders or any of them, and except as otherwise specifically contemplated by this Agreement, no representation, statement, or condition or warranty not contained in this Agreement will be binding on the Stockholders or the Company or have any force or effect whatsoever.

Section  5.2      Drag-Along Rights; Tag-Along Rights; Other Action s .

(a)    Each Stockholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that it is subject to the drag-along provisions and tag-along provisions set forth in Section 1 and Section 2 of Article V, respectively, of the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (and any successor provision thereto).

(b)    The Company by its execution hereof acknowledges that it has actual notice of the terms of this Agreement, consents hereto and hereby covenants with each of the Stockholders that it will at all times during the term of this Agreement be governed by the terms and provisions hereof in carrying out its business and affairs and, accordingly, shall give or cause to be given such notices, execute or cause to be executed such documents and do or cause to be done all such acts, matters and things as may from time to time be necessary or required to carry out the terms and intent hereof.

Section  5.3      Governing Law . This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder will be governed by, interpreted, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to conflicts of law principles.

Section  5.4      No Assignment . No party hereto may assign any of its respective rights or delegate any of its respective obligations under this Agreement, and any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void.

Section  5.5      Binding Effect . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement relating to transferability or assignment, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and each of the Stockholders, and their respective heirs, devisees, spouses, distributees, representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

Section  5.6      Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under any present or future laws applicable to the Company effective during the term of this Agreement, such provision will be fully severable; this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement.

 

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Section  5.7      No Partition . The parties acknowledge that the assets and properties of the Company are not and will not be suitable for partition. Thus, each Stockholder (on behalf of such Stockholder and their successors and assigns) hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that such Stockholder may have to maintain any action for partition of such assets and properties, if any.

Section  5.8      Additional Documents and Acts . Each party hereto agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out, and perform all of the terms, provisions, and conditions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section  5.9      No Employment Rights . Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon any Person any right to be employed or to continue employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates, or interfere in any manner with any right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate such employment at any time.

Section  5.10      Amendments; Termination of Equity Rights .

(a)    All amendments to this Agreement will be in writing and subject to receipt of Stockholder Approval and approval by any other Stockholders whose approval is required pursuant to Section 5.10(b) .

(b)    Any amendment or other modification that would adversely affect any Stockholder’s rights set forth in Section  3.2 (Information Rights of Stockholders; Records Required by Applicable Law; Right of Inspection) shall require the written consent of each such Stockholder adversely affected; provided , however , that any amendment to Section  3.2 that only provides for a reasonable extension of time for the delivery of the financial statements or the other information to be delivered pursuant thereto shall only require a Stockholder Approval. If any amendment or other modification would adversely affect the rights and obligations of any Stockholder in a manner disproportionate relative to any other Stockholder or would subject a Stockholder to any obligation or liability not shared by each of the other Stockholders, then such amendment or other modification shall not be effective without the written consent of such Stockholder.

Section  5.11      No Waiver . No delay, failure or waiver by any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement, and no partial or single exercise of any such right or remedy, will operate to limit, preclude, cancel, waive or otherwise affect such right or remedy, nor will any single or partial exercise of such right or remedy limit, preclude, impair or waive any further exercise of such right or remedy or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

Section  5.12      Notices . Except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Agreement regarding notices by electronic mail or other electronic means to Stockholders and the Board and regarding proxies, all notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered (a) by personal delivery, (b) by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, (c) by telefacsimile or electronic mail, using equipment that provides written confirmation of delivery, or (d) by deposit in the U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the

 

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Company at its principal executive office and to any Stockholder at the address then shown as the current address of such Stockholder specified on the Stockholder Registry. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date so delivered, if delivered personally, by overnight courier service or by electronic mail; or if by telefacsimile, on the first (1st) calendar day following the transmission of such facsimile; or if mailed, four (4) calendar days after mailing. Any party may, at any time by giving five (5) calendar days’ prior written notice to the Company, specify a different address (physical or electronic) or telefacsimile number for notice purposes by sending notice thereof in the foregoing manner. Any notice required to be given by the Company to Stockholders, including pursuant to Section 228(e) of the DGCL, may be given by posting to a Secure Site or on EDGAR (with email notification of such posting), and shall be deemed to be delivered on the date such posting is made.

Section  5.13      Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

(a)     Consent to Jurisdiction . The Company and each Stockholder (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state court in the State of Delaware, and the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (and the appropriate appellate courts), for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement and (ii) agrees to commence any such action, suit or proceeding either in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or if such suit, action or other proceeding may not be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, in any state court in the State of Delaware. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party hereto may commence an action, suit or proceeding with any governmental body anywhere in the world for the sole purpose of seeking recognition and enforcement of a judgment of any court referred to in the first sentence of this Section 5.13(a) . The Company and each Stockholder further (x) agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to such party’s respective address set forth on the Stockholder Registry (or in the case of the Company, at the Company’s principal office) shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding in Delaware with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction in this Section 5.13(a) and (y) irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in (A) any state court in the State of Delaware, or (B) the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

(b)     WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . THE COMPANY AND EACH STOCKHOLDER HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, INVOLVING OR OTHERWISE IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR SUCH STOCKHOLDER’S OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK. THE COMPANY AND EACH STOCKHOLDER (i) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE COMPANY OR ANY STOCKHOLDER HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE COMPANY OR SUCH STOCKHOLDER WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (ii) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE COMPANY AND EACH STOCKHOLDER HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.13(B).

 

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Section  5.14      No Third Party Beneficiary . Except as expressly provided in Section  5.5 , this Agreement is made solely and specifically among and for the benefit of the parties hereto (including each Stockholder), and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and no other Person will have any rights, interest, or claims hereunder or be entitled to any benefits under or on account of this Agreement as a third party beneficiary or otherwise.

Section  5.15      Confidentiality .

(a)    The terms of this Agreement, the identity of any Person with whom the Company may be holding discussions with respect to any investment, acquisition, disposition or other transaction, any information disclosed to or received by any Stockholder pursuant to Section  3.2 or Annex I and all other business, financial or other information relating directly to the conduct of the business and affairs of the Company or its Subsidiaries or the relative or absolute rights or interests of any of the Stockholders (collectively, the “ Confidential Information ”) that has not been publicly disclosed by the Company is confidential and proprietary information of the Company, the disclosure of which may cause irreparable harm to the Company and the Stockholders. Accordingly, each Stockholder represents that it has not and agrees that it will not and will direct its stockholders, partners, directors, officers, agents, representatives, attorneys, accountants, advisors, employees, and Affiliates (collectively, its “ Representatives ”) not to, disclose to any Person any Confidential Information or confirm any statement made by third Persons regarding Confidential Information until the Company has publicly disclosed the Confidential Information; provided , however , that any Stockholder (or its Affiliates) may disclose such Confidential Information: (i) to the extent required by law (it being specifically understood and agreed that anything required to be set forth in a registration statement or any other document required to be filed pursuant to law will be deemed required by law, so long as the requirement to file such registration statement does not arise primarily in connection with a Transfer of securities of the Company), regulation, the listing standards of any national securities exchange or required or requested by any governmental authority having applicable jurisdiction, (ii) to the extent that the Confidential Information is publicly known or subsequently becomes publicly known other than through a breach of this Section 5.15(a) by such Stockholder, (iii) to the extent that the Confidential Information is already in possession of, or is subsequently received by, a Stockholder from a third party not known by the Stockholder to be subject to an obligation of confidentiality owed to the Company, or (iv) to a prospective Transferee that (x) is not known by such Stockholder to be a Competitor and (y) has entered into reasonable confidentiality arrangements enforceable by the Company as described in  Section 3.2(a) , subject to the terms and conditions of such arrangements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Stockholder may disclose Confidential Information to its Representatives (i) who need to know such information for the sole purpose of advising such Stockholder and (ii) who are informed by such Stockholder of the confidential nature of such information; provided that each Stockholder will be responsible for any violation of this Section  5.15 by any of its Representatives as if they were parties hereto.

(b)    Each Stockholder hereby consents in advance to any motion for any protective order brought by the Company or any other Stockholder represented as being intended by the

 

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movant to implement the purposes of this Section  5.15 ; provided that, if a Stockholder receives a request to disclose any Confidential Information under the terms of a valid and effective order issued by a court or governmental agency and the order was not sought by or on behalf of or consented to by such Stockholder, then such Stockholder may disclose the Confidential Information to the extent required if the Stockholder as promptly as practicable (i) notifies the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances of the order, (ii) consults in good faith with the Company on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or to narrow the order and cooperates with the reasonable requests of the Company, at the Company’s sole cost and expense, in connection with the foregoing, and (iii) if disclosure of the Confidential Information is required, exercises its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the portion of the disclosed Confidential Information that the Company designates. The cost (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) of obtaining a protective order covering Confidential Information designated by the Company will be borne by the Company.

(c)    The covenants contained in this Section  5.15 will survive the Transfer of Company Common Stock of any Stockholder and the termination of this Agreement; provided , however , that this Section  5.15 will cease to be of any force and effect on the second (2nd) anniversary of the termination of this Agreement.

Section  5.16      Business Opportunities . To the fullest extent permitted by Section 122(17) of the DGCL (or any successor provision) and except as may be otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Company and any applicable member of the Ad Hoc Group (each, an “ Investor ” and together the “ Investors ”), the Company, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, renounces and waives any interest or expectancy of the Company and its Subsidiaries in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, directly or indirectly, any potential transactions, matters or business opportunities (including, without limitation, any business activities or lines of business that are the same as or similar to those pursued by, or competitive with, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any dealings with customers or clients of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) that are from time to time presented to any of the Investors or any of their respective Representatives even if the transaction, matter or opportunity is one that the Company or its Subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so and no such person shall be liable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or officer or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such person pursues, acquires or participates in such business opportunity, directs such business opportunity to another person or fails to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Company or its Subsidiaries. Without limiting the foregoing renunciation, the Company acknowledges that certain members of the Ad Hoc Group are in the business of making investments in, and have investments in, other businesses similar to and that may compete with the Company’s businesses (“ Competing Businesses ”), and agrees that each such applicable member of the Ad Hoc Group shall have the right to make additional investments in or have relationships with other Competing Businesses independent of its investment in the Company. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section  5.16 . Neither the alteration, amendment or repeal of this Section  5.16 , nor the adoption of any provision of this Agreement inconsistent with this Section  5.16 , nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware,

 

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any modification of law, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Section  5.16 in respect of any business opportunity first identified or any other matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Section  5.16 , would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal, adoption or modification. If any provision or provisions of this Section  5.16 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Section  5.16 (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Section  5.16 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Section  5.16 (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Section  5.16 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Company to protect its Representatives from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Section  5.16 shall not limit any protections or defenses available to, or indemnification or advancement rights of, any director or officer of the Company under this Agreement, the Charter Documents of the Company or applicable law.

Section  5.17      Cumulative Remedies; Specific Performance .

(a)    The rights and remedies of any party hereto as set forth in this Agreement are not exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies now or hereafter provided by law or at equity.

(b)    The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that, in addition to any other rights and remedies at law or in equity existing in its favor, any party hereto shall be entitled to seek specific performance and/or other injunctive relief from any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section  5.18      Exhibits and Schedules . All Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into, and made a part of, this Agreement.

Section  5.19      Interpretation . The titles and section headings set forth in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered as part of agreement of the parties hereto. When the context requires, the plural shall include the singular and the singular the plural, and any gender shall include all other genders or neuter. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed against any party because such party or its counsel was the drafter thereof. Any reference to the DGCL or other statutes or laws will include all amendments, modifications, or replacements of the specific sections and provisions concerned. Numbered or lettered articles, sections, and subsections herein contained refer to articles, sections, and subsections of this Agreement unless otherwise expressly stated.

Section  5.20      Termination . This Agreement will be automatically effective as of the Effective Date and will continue in effect thereafter until the earlier to occur of (a) its termination

 

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by the unanimous written consent of all Stockholders of the Company, (b) the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company and (c) the occurrence of a Public Listing. This Article V shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

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SCHEDULE A

COMPETITORS

None

 

Schedule A – Page 1


EXHIBIT A

DEFINITIONS

As used in this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings, and all section references shall be to sections in this Agreement unless otherwise provided:

Accelerated Buyer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(e) .

Ad Hoc Group ” means that certain former ad hoc committee defined as the “Ad Hoc Committee” in the Plan Support Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2016 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof).

Affiliate(s) ” means with respect to any Person, (i) 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 (for the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), 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 securities, by agreement or otherwise); provided , however , that neither the Company nor any of its controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of any of the Stockholders (and vice versa), (ii) if such Person is an investment fund, an Affiliate shall include any other investment fund the primary investment advisor to which, or an Affiliate of such primary investment advisor, is the primary investment advisor to such Person and (iii) if such Person is a natural Person, any Family Member of such natural Person.

Affiliate Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Backstop Commitment Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

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

Charter Documents ” means, with respect to the Company, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, as the same may be amended, supplemented, modified or restated from time to time, and with respect to any other Person, the articles of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of incorporation, certificate of formation, operating agreement, partnership agreement or any other similar incorporating or formation documents of such Person, as the same may be amended, supplemented, modified or restated from time to time.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Exhibit A – Page 1


Competing Businesses ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.16 .

Competitor ” means any of the Persons set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and any of their controlled Affiliates, which schedule may be modified by the Board in good faith from time to time.

Confidential Information ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15(a) .

Debtors ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Derivative Securities ” means direct or indirect options, rights, warrants or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, any Company Common Stock or any other capital stock of the Company.

DGCL ” means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same may be amended from time to time. All references herein to sections of the DGCL shall include any corresponding provisions of succeeding law.

Director ” means any member of the Board (other than any Person (if any) effecting observer rights on the Board).

EDGAR ” means the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System of the SEC.

Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Equity Incentive Plans ” means any equity incentive plans for officers, employees or Directors of the Company.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

Exempt Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d) .

Family Member ” means, with respect to any natural Person, such Person’s spouse and descendants (whether or not adopted) and any trust, family limited partnership or limited liability company that is and remains solely for the benefit of such Person’s spouse and/or descendants.

GAAP ” means the generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the U.S.

Investor(s) ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.16 .

IPO ” means the first public offering of the Company pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act (other than on Forms S-4, S-8 or successors to such forms), covering the offer and sale of capital stock of the Company.

Issuance Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

 

Exhibit A – Page 2


Listing ” means an OTC listing or a Public Listing.

Majority of Disinterested Directors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .

MD&A ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i) .

New Securities ” means Company Common Stock and other capital stock and rights, convertible securities, options or warrants to purchase Company Common Stock or other capital stock issued subsequent to the Effective Date, whether or not authorized as of the Effective Date.

Outstanding Company Common Stock ” means, as of any given time, the then issued and outstanding Company Common Stock, excluding (unless calculated on a fully diluted basis) any Derivative Securities and any unvested or restricted Company Common Stock issued pursuant to an Equity Incentive Plan.

OTC Listing ” means the registration of Company Common Stock under the Exchange Act and qualification for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board (or other available over the counter market).

Person ” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, trust, business trust, association, or similar entity, whether domestic or foreign, and the heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors and assigns of such entity where the context requires.

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Preemptive Offer Record Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

Public Listing ” means the listing of Company Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange registered with the SEC (whether in connection with an initial public offering of Company Common Stock or otherwise).

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

Qualified IPO ” means a bona fide , marketed underwritten IPO after which closing such capital is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market or listed or quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or other national securities exchange acceptable to the Board and meeting one of the following two criteria: (i) the aggregate cash proceeds (net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses) of such offering to the Company exceed seventy five million dollars ($75 million), or (ii) at least twenty percent (20%) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis, and for purposes of such calculation treating Company Common Stock issued in the IPO as Outstanding Company Common Stock) shall have been issued or sold to the public in connection with such IPO.

Qualified Stockholder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among the Company and the investors party thereto.

 

Exhibit A – Page 3


Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company under the Securities Act which permits the public offering of any of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), including the prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15(a) .

Response Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

Rights Offering ” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission and any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.

Secure Site ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) .

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Stockholder ” means each Person (other than the Company) who shall be a party to or bound by this Agreement, so long as such Person shall “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) any Company Common Stock.

Stockholder Approval ” means the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Company Common Stock (subject to any adjustments or limitations on voting as set forth in the Charter Documents).

Stockholder Registry ” means a register of the Company indicating: (i) with respect to each issuance of Company Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company, the date of such issuance, the number of shares issued and the Stockholder to whom such shares were issued and (ii) with respect to each transfer of Company Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company, the date of such Transfer, the number of shares Transferred and the identity of each of the transferor and the transferee(s) thereof.

Subsidiary ” means any Person the majority of the equity of which, directly, or indirectly through one or more other Persons, (a) the Company has the right to acquire or (b) is owned or controlled by the Company. As used in this definition, “control,” including, its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of equity, by contract or otherwise). For the avoidance of doubt, Subsidiary shall include any Person that is included in the Company’s consolidated group for purposes of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

Transfer ” means the sale, sale of any option or contract to purchase, purchase of any option or contract to sell, grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase, assignment, loan, offer, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any shares of Company Common Stock, whether or not for value, and whether voluntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, and includes foreclosure.

 

Exhibit A – Page 4


United States ” means any federal department, division, agency, bureau, office, branch, court, commission, or other governmental instrumentality of the U.S. or any authority acting on its behalf.

U.S. ” means the United States of America.

 

Exhibit A – Page 5


ANNEX I

FORM OF

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

Chaparral Energy, Inc.

701 Cedar Lake Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT NAME OF POTENTIAL TRANSFEREE]

[INSERT ADDRESS OF POTENTIAL TRANSFEREE]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the consideration by [INSERT NAME OF POTENTIAL TRANSFEREE] (“ you ” or “ your ”) of a potential investment in the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ” and together with you, collectively, the “ Parties ” and each individually, a “ Party ”), or other securities of the Company (the “ Transaction ”), certain affiliates or stockholders of the Company, the Company or their respective representatives have furnished or may furnish you and your Representatives (as hereinafter defined) with non-public information regarding the Company, including, without limitation, information concerning the Company’s financial and operational performance, properties, prospects, activities and plans. You recognize and acknowledge that such information furnished or to be furnished to you and/or your Representatives in the future (whether oral or written) is proprietary to the Company and may include trade secrets or other highly confidential non-public business information the disclosure of which could harm the Company. In consideration for, and as a condition of, such non-public information being furnished to you (and your agents, representatives, attorneys, accountants, advisors, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, collectively, your “ Representatives ”), you agree to treat any and all information concerning the Company or any of its subsidiaries that has been or is to be furnished to you or your Representatives (regardless of the manner in which it is furnished, including, without limitation, in written or electronic format or orally, gathered by visual inspection or otherwise) by or on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates or stockholders, together with any documents you create that contain or are based upon any such information, in whole or in part (collectively, “ Company Information ”), in accordance with the provisions of this letter agreement (this “ Agreement ”).

The term “ Company Information ” does not include information that you can demonstrate: (i) is obtained by you or your Representatives from a third party, who, after reasonable inquiry, is not known by you to be bound by any duty of confidentiality to or confidential agreement with the Company or any other Person (as defined below) with respect to Company Information or is otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to you by a contractual, legal, fiduciary or other obligation to the Company or any other Person; (ii) is or becomes part of the public domain (other than through a breach of this Agreement by you or any

 

Annex I – Page 1


of your Representatives); (iii) is independently ascertained or developed by or for you or your Representatives or any third party without use of or reference to Company Information; or (iv) is approved for public release by written authorization of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Person ” shall be broadly interpreted to include, without limitation, any individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, trust, business trust, association or similar entity, whether domestic or foreign, and the heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors and assigns of such entity where the context requires.

1.    You hereby agree that you and your Representatives will, except to the extent required by applicable law or legal process, (a) keep the Company Information strictly confidential, (b) not disclose any of the Company Information in any manner whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Company and (c) not use the Company Information for any purpose other than considering and negotiating the Transaction; provided , however , that you may disclose any of such information to your Representatives (i) who need to know such information for the sole purpose of advising you and (ii) who are informed by you of the confidential nature of such information; provided , further , that you will (x) be responsible for any violation of this Agreement by any of your Representatives as if they were parties hereto and (y) provide the Company with the names of any your Representatives that receives Company Information. You agree to promptly notify the Company in writing of any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company Information and such notice shall include a detailed description of the circumstances of the disclosure and the Persons involved.

2.    In the event that you or any of your Representatives are required by applicable law or legal process to disclose any of the Company Information, you will promptly notify (except where such notice would be legally prohibited) the Company in writing so that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and (except to the extent legally prohibited) will reasonably cooperate with the Company (at the Company’s expense) to limit the disclosure to the greatest extent possible consistent with such applicable law or legal process, including, without limitation, in appropriate circumstances, seeking reliable assurances that confidential or “attorneys eyes only” treatment shall be accorded the Company Information. Any such Company Information that is (x) not required to be disclosed or (y) accorded confidential treatment shall continue to be Company Information to which this Agreement shall continue to apply. You acknowledge and agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, there shall be no “applicable law” requiring you to disclose any Company Information solely by virtue of the fact that, absent such disclosure, you would be prohibited from purchasing, selling, or engaging in derivative transactions with respect to, any securities of the Company or otherwise proposing or making an offer to do any of the foregoing.

3.    All Company Information shall remain the property of the Company. Neither you nor any of your Representatives shall by virtue of disclosure to you or any of your Representatives, or your or any of your Representative’s use, of any Company Information acquire any rights with respect thereto, all of which rights (including, without limitation, all intellectual property rights) shall remain exclusively with the Company.

4.    If you determine that you do not wish to proceed with a Transaction, you will promptly advise the Company of that decision. As soon as possible upon the Company’s written request, you and your Representatives shall destroy (or at the Company’s option (in its sole

 

Annex I – Page 2


discretion) return to the Company) all Company Information that has been disclosed to you or any of your Representatives, except for any such Company Information stored on electronic backup media to the extent that such information cannot be expunged without unreasonable effort. Upon returning or destroying such Company Information, you shall provide written notice to the Company certifying compliance with the foregoing sentence. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, you acknowledge and agree that this Agreement will continue to apply to any returned, held, retained or destroyed Company Information on the terms set forth herein.

5.    You acknowledge and agree that all Company Information is furnished on an “AS IS” basis, without warranty of any kind. THE COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE COMPANY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

6.    You acknowledge that an award of money damages would be inadequate for any breach of this Agreement by you or any of your Representatives and would cause the Company irreparable harm. Therefore, you hereby agree that, in the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by you or any of your Representatives, the Company will be entitled to seek equitable relief, including, without limitation, injunctive relief and specific performance, as remedies for any such breach or threatened breach without the requirement of posting a bond or other security. Such remedies will not be the exclusive remedies for any breach of this Agreement, but will be in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity to the Company.

7.    This Agreement or any provision hereof may not be amended, modified or waived by course of dealing, usage in trade, conduct or any exchanges of communication, including, without limitation, e-mail or any other electronic or digital means, other than by amendment, in writing duly executed with the handwritten signatures of an authorized signatory of each of the Parties. The rights and remedies of the Parties are cumulative, and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement can be discharged by one Party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other Party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a Party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one Party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such Party or of the right of the Party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement.

8.    This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes and cancels any and all prior communications and agreements between the Parties with respect thereto. This Agreement

 

Annex I – Page 3


relates only to the subject matter hereof and shall not be construed as an agreement to agree to enter into the Transaction or any transaction by either Party. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. If any of the covenants or provisions of this Agreement are determined to be unenforceable by reason of its extent, duration, scope or otherwise, then the Parties contemplate that the court making such determination shall reduce such extent, duration, scope or other provision and enforce them in their reduced form for all purposes contemplated by this Agreement.

9.    Neither Party may assign any rights or delegate any duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall be at the other Party’s sole discretion. Any such attempted assignment or delegation without the other Party’s prior written consent will be null and void ab initio. This Agreement will be binding upon the Parties and their respective authorized successors and assigns.

10.    You acknowledge and agree that no contract or agreement providing for any Transaction shall be deemed to exist between you and the Company or any of its affiliates or stockholders unless and until a final definitive agreement has been executed and delivered, and each Party hereby waives, in advance, any claims (including, without limitation, breach of contract) in connection with any Transaction unless and until a final definitive agreement has been executed and delivered with respect thereto. The Parties also agree that unless and until a final definitive agreement regarding a Transaction has been executed and delivered, neither Party will be under any legal obligation of any kind whatsoever with respect to such a Transaction by virtue of this Agreement, except for the matters specifically agreed to herein. You acknowledge and agree that the Company and its affiliates and stockholders reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to reject any and all proposals made by you or any of your Representatives with regard to the Transaction, and to terminate discussions and negotiations with you at any time.

11.    This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made and executed in the State of Delaware, and any dispute arising hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. You and the Company (i) irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state court in the State of Delaware and the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (and the appropriate appellate courts) for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement and (ii) agree to commence any such action, suit or proceeding either in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or if such suit, action or other proceeding may not be brought in such court for jurisdictional reasons, in any state court in the State of Delaware.

12.    EACH OF THE COMPANY AND YOU HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT OR YOU MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, INVOLVING OR OTHERWISE IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Annex I – Page 4


13.    Any notice hereunder shall be made in writing by overnight courier, personal delivery, facsimile or email (if telephonically confirmed), in each case to:

If to the Company :

Chaparral Energy, Inc.

701 Cedar Lake Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (405) 425-8449

If to you :

[INSERT ADDRESS OF POTENTIAL TRANSFEREE]

 

Attention:  

 

Facsimile:  

 

Telephone:  

 

Email:  

 

14.    This Agreement shall expire on the earlier of (i) the date of the last to occur of (x) a definitive agreement relating to the Transaction is entered into by you and either the Company or any of its affiliates or stockholders and (y) you have become a party to the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [●], as amended from time to time, by and among the Company and the stockholders of the Company and (ii) the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the date hereof.

15.    This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together will be deemed to constitute this Agreement when a duly authorized representative of each Party has signed a counterpart. The Parties may sign and deliver this Agreement by facsimile or electronic (that is, .PDF) transmission. Each Party agrees that the delivery of this Agreement by facsimile or electronic transmission will have the same force and effect as delivery of original signatures.

 

Annex I – Page 5


Please confirm your agreement with the foregoing by signing and returning one copy of this Agreement to the undersigned, whereupon this letter agreement shall become a binding agreement between you and the Company.

 

Very truly yours,
CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Accepted and agreed as of the date first written above:

 

[INSERT NAME OF POTENTIAL TRANSFEREE]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Annex I – Page 6

Exhibit 10.5

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

THIA INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), effective as of March 21, 2017, is made by and between Chaparral Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation with executive offices located at 701 Cedar Lake Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73114 (the “Company”), and [                     ], Director of the Company, residing at [                     ] (the “Indemnitee”).

The Company and Indemnitee recognize the prevalent risk of corporate shareholder litigation, in general, subjecting directors to the risk of expensive litigation.

The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“Bylaws”) and the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation if Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“Certificate of Incorporation”) requires indemnification of the directors of the Company.

Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”). Section 145 of the DGCL, empowers the Company to indemnify by agreement its officers, directors, employees and agents, and persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations or enterprises, and expressly provides that the indemnification provided by Section 145 is not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board of Directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

Given the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance Expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified.

This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he or she is so indemnified.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Indemnitee’s agreement to serve as a director from and after the date hereof, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

(a) Agent . For the purposes of this Agreement, “Agent” of the Company means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company (as defined herein); or is or was serving at the request of, for the convenience of or to represent the interest of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent; or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a foreign or domestic corporation which was a predecessor corporation of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of or to represent the interests of such predecessor corporation.

 

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(b) Expenses. For purposes of this Agreement, “Expenses” includes all direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding and related disbursements, and other out-of-pocket costs actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with either the investigation, defense or appeal of a Proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement; provided, however, that Expenses shall not include any judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties or amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding.

(c) Proceeding. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, claim, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing, or any other actual or threatened or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or any other type whatsoever; provided, however, that Proceedings shall not include an action by or in the right of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

(d) Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities is owned directly or indirectly by the Company, by the Company and one or more other subsidiaries, or by one or more other subsidiaries.

2. Agreement to Serve . The Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as an Agent of the Company, in the capacity the Indemnitee currently serves, so long as he or she is duly appointed or elected and qualified in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bylaws of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or until such time as he or she tenders his resignation in writing or he or she is removed from such position, provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create any right to continued employment by the Indemnitee.

3. Maintenance of Liability Insurance.

The Company hereby covenants and agrees that, so long as the Indemnitee shall continue to serve as an Agent of the Company and thereafter so long as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee was an Agent of the Company, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain in full force and effect directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (“D&O Insurance”) in reasonable amounts from established and reputable insurers.

4. Mandatory Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee from:

(a) Third Party Actions . If the Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was an Agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by him or her in any such capacity, against any and all Expenses and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of such Proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; and

(b) Derivative Actions. If the Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was an Agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by him or her in any such capacity, against any amounts paid in settlement of any such Proceeding and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement, or appeal of such Proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; except that no indemnification under this subsection shall be

 

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made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been finally adjudged to be liable to the Company after the time for an appeal has expired by a court of competent jurisdiction due to willful misconduct of a culpable nature in the performance of his or her duty to the Company unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such amounts which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper; and

(c) Exception for Amounts Covered by Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee for Expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fees, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) which have been paid directly to Indemnitee under D&O Insurance.

5. Partial Indemnification. If the Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) incurred by him or her in the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of a Proceeding but not entitled, however, to indemnification for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for such total amount except as to the portion thereof to which the Indemnitee is not entitled.

6. Advancement of Expenses. Subject to Section 10 below, to the fullest extent to which it is permitted to do so by the DGCL or other applicable law, the Company shall, in advance of the final disposition of the matter, pay the Expenses and costs (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by any Indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any Proceeding to which the Indemnitee is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was an Agent of the Company or by reason of anything done or not done by him or her in any such capacity, and any appeal therefrom for which such Indemnitee may be entitled to such indemnification under this Agreement; provided , however , if required by the DGCL, such payment of Expenses and costs in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnitee to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such Expenses. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized hereby. The advances to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Company to the Indemnitee within twenty (20) days following delivery of a written request therefor by the Indemnitee to the Company.

7. Notice and Other Indemnification Procedures.

(a) Promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of or the threat of commencement of any Proceeding, the Indemnitee shall, if the Indemnitee believes that indemnification with respect thereto may be sought from the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement or threat of commencement thereof.

(b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of the commencement of a Proceeding pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof, the Company has D&O Insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) Any indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days, upon the written request of the Indemnitee. If a determination by the Corporation that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty (60) days to a written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have approved the request. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnification or advancement of expenses, in

 

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whole or in part, or if tender of such request is not made within thirty (30) days (or twenty (20) days in the case of a claim for advancement of expenses), the right to indemnification or advancement of expenses as granted by this Agreement shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such Indemnitee’s Expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing the right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL for the Corporation to indemnify the Indemnitee for the amount claimed, but the burden of such defense shall be on the Corporation.

(d) In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IX or otherwise, shall be on the Corporation.

(e) In the event the Company shall be obligated to advance the Expenses for any Proceeding against the Indemnitee, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding, with counsel approved by the Indemnitee, upon the delivery to the Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by the Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding, provided that (i) the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his or her counsel in any such Proceeding at the Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense or (C) the Company shall not, in fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the fees and expenses of the Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.

8. Determination of Right to Indemnification.

(a) To the extent the Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding referred to in Section 4(a), 4(b) or 4(c) of this Agreement or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter described therein, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

(b) In the event that Section 8(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee unless, and only to the extent that, the Company shall prove by clear and convincing evidence to a forum listed in Section 8(c) below that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct required to entitle the Indemnitee to such indemnification.

(c) The Indemnitee shall be entitled to select the forum in which the validity of the Company’s claim under Section 8(b) hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification will be heard from among the following:

(1) A quorum of the Board consisting of directors who are not parties to the Proceeding for which indemnification is being sought;

(2) The stockholders of the Company;

(3) Legal counsel selected by the Indemnitee and reasonably approved by the Board, which counsel shall make such determination in a written opinion;

(4) A panel of three arbitrators, one of whom is selected by the Company, another of whom is selected by the Indemnitee and the last of whom is selected by the first two arbitrators so selected.

 

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(d) As soon as practicable, and in no event later than 30 days after written notice of the Indemnitee’s choice of forum pursuant to Section 8(c) above, the Company shall, at its own expense, submit to the selected forum in such manner as the Indemnitee or the Indemnitee’s counsel may reasonably request, its claim that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification; and the Company shall act in the utmost good faith to assure the Indemnitee a complete opportunity to defend against such claim.

(e) Notwithstanding a determination by any forum listed in Section 8(c) hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific Proceeding, the Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the Court of Chancery of Delaware, the court in which that Proceeding is or was pending or any other court of competent jurisdiction, for the purpose of enforcing the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to the Agreement.

(f) The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any hearing or Proceeding under this Section 8 involving the Indemnitee and against all Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any other Proceeding between the Company and the Indemnitee involving the interpretation or enforcement of the rights of the Indemnitee under this Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that each of the material claims and/or defenses of the Indemnitee in any such Proceeding was frivolous or not made in good faith.

9. Limitation of Actions and Release of Claims. No Proceeding shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary against the Indemnitee, his or her spouse, heirs, estate, executors or administrators after the expiration of one year from the act or omission of the Indemnitee upon which such Proceeding is based; however, in a case where the Indemnitee fraudulently conceals the facts underlying such cause of action, no Proceeding shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted after the expiration of one year from the earlier of (i) the date the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company discovers such facts, or (ii) the date the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company could have discovered such facts by the exercise of reasonable diligence. Any claim or cause of action of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, including claims predicated upon the negligent act or omission of the Indemnitee, shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by filing of a legal action within such period. This Section 9 shall not apply to any cause of action which has accrued on the date hereof and of which the Indemnitee is aware on the date hereof, but as to which the Company has no actual knowledge apart from the Indemnitee’s knowledge.

10. Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. To indemnify or advance Expenses to the Indemnitee with respect to Proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by the Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under Section 145, but such indemnification or advancement of Expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the Board of Directors finds it to be appropriate; or

(b) Lack of Good Faith. To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to any Proceeding instituted by the Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by the Indemnitee in such Proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous; or

(c) Unauthorized Settlements. To indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding unless the Company consents to such settlement; or

(d) Claims by the Company for Willful Misconduct. To indemnify or advance Expenses to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to any Proceeding or claim brought by the Company against the Indemnitee for willful misconduct, unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of such claims was not made in good faith or was frivolous; or

 

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(e) Section  16(b) . To indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses and the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute; or

(f) Willful Misconduct. To indemnify the Indemnitee on account of the Indemnitee’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest, or to constitute willful misconduct; or

(g) Unlawful Indemnification. To indemnify the Indemnitee if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful; or

(h) Forfeiture of Certain Bonuses and Profits . To indemnify Indemnitee for the payment of amounts required to be reimbursed to the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

11. Nonexclusivity. The provisions for indemnification and advancement of Expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which the Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, the vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors, other agreements, or otherwise, both as to actions in his or her official capacity and to actions in another capacity while occupying his or her position as an Agent of the Company, and the Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall continue after the Indemnitee has ceased acting as an Agent of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of the Indemnitee.

12. Interpretation of Agreement. It is understood that the parties hereto intend this Agreement to be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to the Indemnitee to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law.

13. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable and to give effect to Section 12 hereof.

14. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

15. Successors and Assigns. The terms of this Agreement shall bind, and shall inure to the benefit of, the successors, heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of the parties hereto.

16. Notice. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party addressee or (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the mailing date. Addresses for notice to either party are as shown on the signature page of this Agreement, or as subsequently modified by written notice.

17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware, as applied to contracts between Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely within Delaware.

18. Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and the Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action or Proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement.

 

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The parties hereto have entered into this Indemnity Agreement effective as of the date first above written.

 

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

 

Its:  

 

INDEMNITEE:

 

 

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